Orlando Truck Accident Lawyers
Did you or a loved one suffer injuries after a commercial trucking accident in Orlando? You shouldn’t be left to shoulder the financial burdens that were caused by someone else’s negligence.
Our Orlando truck accident lawyers can help you recover damages from the trucker, the trucking company, the employer, and other parties who contributed to your crash.
Not all truck crashes involve semi-tractor trailers or “18-wheelers.” Some other examples of trucks involved in crashes are:
- Commercial/Work Pick-Up Truck
- Commercial/Work Van
- Box Trucks
- Flat Bed Trucks
- Dump Trucks
- Garbage Trucks
- Auto Transport Vehicles
If you have been involved in a truck crash with any of these vehicles, call our experienced truck accident lawyers at Todd E. Copeland & Associates to get started with your recovery.
Why Hire Our Truck Accident Attorneys?
We’re not your typical Orlando accident attorneys, we’re YOUR attorneys. Our passion to help injured victims make the most of their recovery is fueled by our desire to put the needs of the people first. When you hire our truck accident lawyers, we’ll be by your side, fighting for your rights with the same dedication and care we would introduce if you were a member of our own family.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Trucking Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention. If possible, document as much as possible through photos and written notes at the scene, just as you would if involved in a typical auto accident. While on the scene, get the truck driver’s insurance information and the contact information of the company he/she works for. Do not discuss anything else related to the accident until you secure legal representation from our Orlando truck accident attorneys.
We're Here for You
You have enough on your plate after suffering injuries in a truck crash. We know how stressful it can be to face mounting medical bills and a substantial loss of income after an accident. The last thing you need to be worried about is negotiating with powerful trucking companies and their teams of attorneys, navigating the claims process on your own, or trying to decipher documentation requirements or strict deadlines.
When you hire our trucking lawyers, we’ll take those worries off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing. If the trucking company or insurer refuses to offer you what your injury case is worth, however, make no mistake. Our truck accident attorneys are more than prepared to fight for your rights in court.
We Won't Charge Upfront Fees
The cost to hire a truck accident attorney in Orlando should be the least of your concerns as you struggle to heal. When you hire our law firm to handle your truck injury case, we do not charge you any upfront fees or costs, so you won’t need to worry about out-of-pocket expenses to start your case. We don’t charge you any fees, unless we recover for you.
We Will Maximize Your Recovery
Oftentimes trucking crashes are document intensive, and the trucking company tries to bog you down with paperwork hoping you won’t look through each and every piece of evidence. Details matter to our attorneys, and oftentimes the details about what caused the crash are hidden in the documents.
At Todd. E. Copeland & Associates, rest assured that we will uncover all the details and pursue compensation against all liable parties to help you maximize the results of your case after a trucking accident.
Our truck accident law firm is located in the Orlando Central Business District, and we’re easily accessible from I-4, HWY 408, and E, Colonial Dr. We understand, however, that you might not have access to transportation after you crash, or be able to travel because of your truck accident injuries. To ensure everyone has access to top-quality legal representation, our attorneys will meet with you at a location that is convenient for you.
Call a truck accident lawyer at Todd E. Copeland & Associates to get started with your recovery. (407) 999-8995.
Meet Our Orlando Truck Accident Lawyers
- Se Habla Español
- Risk-Free Consultations
- 30+ Years of Combined Experience
- Millions Recovered for Injury Victims
Orlando personal injury attorney Todd Copeland is the Founder and Managing Partner of Todd E. Copeland & Associates, P.A. He is a former President of the Florida Justice Association, a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen and uphold Florida’s civil justice system and protect the rights of its citizens and consumers. With over 30 years of experience in Florida personal injury law, Todd is committed to helping injured victims in our community recover maximum compensation for the losses they’ve endured.
Education: JD – Mercer University – Walter F. George Law School, 1992
Experience: More than 30 years
Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Florida Bar
Southern District of Florida
Middle District of Florida
Northern District of Florida
338 North Magnolia Avenue Suite B
Orlando, FL 32801
- Local: (407) 999-8995
Client Testimonials
Mr. Todd Copeland was able to take the most tragic experience of my life and bring joy from it and faith back in people! Mr. Todd went above and beyond what most people would have done to go after the insurance company responsible! But my surviving the accident was only the first blessing I was to receive thanks to Mr. Todd! People hardly ever hear anything good about attorneys so I can personally attest to only Todd Copeland who proved he was a special person !
FANTASTIC LAWYER & FIRM! In a world of so many lawyers, it’s hard to know who to trust… I picked Todd Copeland to represent me after doing a few hours of research. I didn’t want to risk being lost or shuffled around in a firm with hundreds of lawyers. I believe that personal connections make for the best results. I wanted a law firm who would know who I was when I called.
Todd is quick to respond to any questions or concerns you may have. An overall nice guy that truly cares about his clients. I wish I could give ten stars – he’s that’s much of a rock star!
I was represented by Todd Copeland for my first car accident ever. I was very pleased with the great service I received from this office. My case manager was available 24/7, so communication was excellent. Mr. Copeland was very professional and took the time to make sure I understood what was going on with my case. I have recommended this law firm to my family and friends.
Understanding the Unique Challenges of Orlando Truck Accident Claims
Collisions involving large commercial trucks present a distinct set of challenges for victims in Orlando. The massive size of commercial trucks increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries, and damages frequently soar into the millions. Companies and their attorneys will usually fight harder to defend injury claims when such enormous amounts of money are involved. Additionally, federal and state trucking regulations may play a role in determining fault in these crashes, so familiarity with these laws is crucial in a truck accident case.
Massive Truck Size and Weight Increases Injury and Death Risk
A fully-loaded 18-wheeler weighs approximately 80,000 pounds. When a collision occurs with a small, 2,500-pound passenger car, a 3,500-pound medium-sized car, or even a large, 6,000-pound SUV, the force of impact often causes catastrophic injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and severe burns from explosions. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, leading to significant financial burdens on victims. In the worst wrecks, passenger car victims lose their lives.
Powerful Trucking Companies and Their Insurers
Although commercial trucks are required to maintain insurance policies with significantly higher coverages, getting fair compensation after an accident is not guaranteed. With such a large amount of money on the line, it’s not surprising that trucking companies and their insurers use extreme, and even unethical tactics to minimize payouts on injury claims. They are notorious for showing up at the hospital and pressuring victims to accept lowball settlement offers before the true impact of the injury sets in.
Federal Trucking Regulations
Beyond standard traffic laws, truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to strict federal regulations governing their driving hours, maintenance schedules, and cargo loading procedures. Violations of these regulations can be grounds for increased liability in an accident. Determining if these regulations were violated, however, requires specific legal knowledge about the laws that apply to commercial trucks.
Complicated Web of Liability
Determining fault in a truck accident can be multifaceted. Beyond the truck driver, liable parties may include:
- The Trucking Company: If the driver was negligent due to fatigue, inadequate training, or pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines, the trucking company could be held responsible.
- Maintenance Companies: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues can contribute to accidents. If these issues stem from improper maintenance, the maintenance company may be liable.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly secured cargo that falls from a truck can cause catastrophic accidents. The company responsible for loading the cargo could be held accountable.
Types of Truck Accident Cases Our Lawyers Handle
Commercial trucks are a constant presence on Florida’s roads and highways as they transport goods across the state and throughout the nation. Unfortunately, the risk of getting injured in an accident with a big rig is increased in Orlando, where commercial trucks travel along our already-congested highways, and deliver goods and supplies to downtown businesses.
At our law firm, our truck accident lawyers have decades of experience successfully representing clients who have suffered harm in all types of truck crash scenarios.
Rear-End Collisions
One of the most common types of truck accidents, rear-end collisions frequently occur due to truck driver distraction, fatigue, failure to maintain a safe following distance, or equipment failure like brake issues. When a fully-loaded semi-truck rear-ends a passenger car, the forces involved can cause catastrophic injuries.
Head-On Crashes
Among the deadliest truck accident types, head-on collisions are violent events resulting from trucks crossing a median, drifting into oncoming traffic, or the truck driver falling asleep at the wheel. These powerful impacts put occupants in passenger cars at extreme risk of traumatic injuries or death.
T-Bone/Side Impact Collisions
When the side of a passenger vehicle is struck by a semi-truck, the damage can be catastrophic. Truck drivers who run red lights, fail to yield, or make unsafe lane changes commonly cause these right-angle T-bone crashes.
Jackknife Accidents
If a truck’s trailer becomes unhitched, the heavy cargo can cause the trailer to swing out wildly in a jackknife motion, striking other vehicles. Loss of control due to improper loading, equipment failure, or poor road conditions can trigger deadly jackknife incidents.
Rollover Accidents
Improperly loaded trailers, speeding around curves, tire blowouts, or brake failures can cause tractor-trailers to roll over, crushing any cars in their path. Truck driver error is the usual cause of these rollover wrecks.
Underride/Override Collisions
With their high ground clearance, trucks pose a risk of override or underride crashes where vehicles slide beneath the trailer or are overridden by the tractor portion. Surviving these crashes is extremely difficult for passenger vehicle occupants.
We handle claims against trucking companies, truck owners, drivers, mechanics, manufacturers, shippers, and any other responsible parties.
If you or a loved one were recently injured in any type of commercial truck crash in Orlando, contact our truck accident lawyers immediately. The sooner we can get to work reviewing your case and gathering evidence, the better your chances of recovering the significant damages you are owed.
Common Causes of Florida Truck Accidents
While truck accidents can occur for many reasons, some causes tend to be more prevalent than others in Florida. At our firm, we have extensive experience investigating and litigating truck crash cases stemming from:
- Driver Fatigue/Overwork: Truck drivers operating under extreme fatigue due to long hours, inadequate breaks, or violating hours-of-service rules put everyone on the road at risk. Fatigued driving causes slowed reaction times and can easily lead to catastrophic crashes.
- Distracted Driving: Any activity that diverts a truck driver’s attention from the road, such as texting, operating a GPS, eating, or changing radio stations, poses serious dangers due to the size of the truck. Even a few seconds of distraction can have disastrous consequences.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or certain medications severely impairs judgment, motor skills, and reaction times for truckers. Impaired commercial drivers cause many preventable injuries and deaths annually.
- Excessive Speeding: Trucks require much greater stopping distances, have a higher center of gravity, and can be difficult to control, especially when entering curves at excessive speeds. Speeding exponentially increases crash risks.
- Equipment Failure: Truck accidents can result from brake failures, tire blowouts, lighting/signal issues, cargo load issues, mechanical defects, and other equipment problems stemming from improper maintenance or manufacture.
- Hazardous Driving Conditions: Factors like heavy rain, high winds, fog, ice, and debris in the road present added challenges for operating large trucks safely. Truck drivers must adjust for adverse conditions.
Our legal team meticulously investigates all causes to establish liability for truck accident injuries, whether stemming from truck driver negligence, trucking company failures in training/vetting, or other third parties involved. This comprehensive approach maximizes your recovery.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Truck Accident Injuries in Florida?
Unlike a typical passenger vehicle crash, there are usually multiple liable parties in a commercial truck accident case. Depending on the specific circumstances, our truck accident lawyers may pursue damages from some or all of the following:
The Truck Driver
If the trucking accident was caused by driver error like speeding, distracted driving, impaired operation, or violating hours-of-service rules, the truck driver can be held directly liable. We gather evidence of any driver behaviors that may have contributed to the crash.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are liable for their drivers’ negligence under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior.” They can also be held responsible for improper maintenance, inadequate driver vetting/training, and violating trucking regulations.
The Truck Owner
If the trucking company leases or contracts with independent owner-operators, the truck owner may share liability for accidents caused by improper truck maintenance or oversight of their drivers
Third-Party Cargo Loaders
Improper loading, overloading, or failure to properly secure cargo can cause devastating loss-of-control and jackknife truck accidents. The third-party cargo loading company can be sued for these lapses.
The Truck Manufacturer
In some cases, truck crashes happen due to mechanical failures or defective vehicle components. If a defective part like brakes, tires or the engine system caused the wreck, we can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Insurance Companies
Trucking companies, haulers, truck owners and more carry multiple insurance policies. We ensure all applicable liability policies are identified to maximize your compensation.
With so many potential defendants, your legal team’s ability to properly investigate the truck accident’s cause is critical. At our firm, we have the resources and experience to determine all sources of liability and build a strong case against each one to recover the full damages you are entitled to receive.
How to Recover Compensation After a Truck Accident in Orlando
Suffering injuries in a serious truck accident sets off a complicated legal process, and several avenues to pursue compensation may exist. An experienced truck accident attorney at our law firm will identify all paths to financial compensation in your situation, and fight to maximize your recovery.
File a PIP Claim
As Florida is a no-fault state, the first course of action is filing a claim with your own personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance policy. PIP covers a portion of your initial medical bills and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the crash, up to your policy limits.
File a Third-Party Claim
Once PIP maximums are reached, your attorney will file a third-party insurance claim against the at-fault truck driver’s or trucking company’s liability insurance carrier. This claim demands compensation for damages not covered by PIP such as future costs, disability accommodations, pain and suffering, and more.
Sue the Trucking Company
When insurance settlements do not provide enough compensation, the next step is filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit directly against the trucking company and any other liable parties like brokers or shippers. Trucking companies often have higher insurance policy limits and must be held accountable.
Sue the Truck Manufacturer
In certain truck accidents caused by vehicle defects or faulty components like brake failure or tire blowouts, the truck’s manufacturer may be liable. Our truck accident lawyers will investigate to determine if a product liability claim should be filed against the manufacturer.
Whichever path is taken, building a strong case requires an exhaustive investigation, including:
- Obtaining all relevant driver logs, inspection reports, and trucking company records
- Reviewing truck black box data and engine control modules
- Surveying the accident scene
- Interviewing eyewitnesses
- Consulting accident reconstruction experts
- Calculating damages with input from vocational and medical specialists
The defendants and their insurers will have teams working aggressively to limit their liability. Getting our truck accident attorneys on your side from the start levels the playing field and maximizes your chances of recovering fair
Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Truck Accident
Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries suffered in a truck accident are often catastrophic or even fatal. To account for this severity, truck accident victims are often entitled to substantial compensation. In Florida, you may be able to recover several types of damages.
Economic Damages
These are objectively calculated financial costs like:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Household out-of-pocket expenses
- Home modifications for disabilities
Noneconomic Damages
Noneconomic damages provide money for immeasurable losses, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and mental trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium for spouses
Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver or trucking company showed a conscious disregard for public safety, punitive damages may be awarded. These punish the defendant for egregious negligence or intentional misconduct beyond just compensating the victim.
- Win Maximum Compensation.Call (407) 999-8995.
Why You Shouldn’t Accept a Settlement Offer Without Speaking With Our Truck Accident Attorneys
Soon after your truck accident, you will probably receive a settlement offer from the trucking company’s insurer. While this initial offer may seem substantial, it is almost always a lowball amount that fails to adequately compensate you for the full extent of your damages.
Insurance companies are motivated to protect their own profits, not your best interests. Their goal is to resolve your case as cheaply as possible. They may rush to get you to accept a settlement before the true costs of your injuries have been calculated and properly valued.
By speaking with our experienced truck accident attorneys before accepting any offer, you avoid getting taken advantage of during this vulnerable time. Our legal team understands how to accurately determine the monetary value of your current and future medical needs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We also have the skill set to effectively negotiate for the full and fair settlement amount you deserve. If the trucking company refuses to extend a reasonable offer, we will not hesitate to take them to court and fight for your rightful compensation at trial.
Don’t put your health, well-being, and financial future at risk by accepting an insurance company’s inadequate settlement. Let our truck accident lawyers protect your right to a full and fair recovery.
Time Is Running Out: Don’t Wait to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida
If you were injured in a collision with a commercial truck, taking prompt legal action is crucial. In Florida, there are strict time limits for filing a truck accident lawsuit – and letting that window close could permanently bar your ability to recover compensation.
The statute of limitations gives truck accident victims just two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent parties. For fatal truck accidents, grieving families have only two years from the date the victim died to pursue a wrongful death claim.
Even if your truck accident happened just a few months ago, or last year, the clock is ticking. The sooner you have our experienced truck accident attorneys reviewing your case, the better. A truck accident investigation takes time, as does building a strong claim and negotiating with trucking companies. They are notorious for refusing to pay full settlements.
Ensure your legal rights are protected, and you have the best chance at maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our Orlando truck accident lawyers immediately before it’s too late to file. The initial consultation is free and there is no obligation.
- Se Habla Español
- Risk-Free Consultations
- 30+ Years of Combined Experience
- Millions Recovered for Injury Victims
Orlando personal injury attorney Todd Copeland is the Founder and Managing Partner of Todd E. Copeland & Associates, P.A. He is currently the Vice President of the Florida Justice Association, a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen and uphold Florida’s civil justice system and protect the rights of its citizens and consumers. With over 30 years of experience in Florida personal injury law, Todd is committed to helping injured victims in our community recover maximum compensation for the losses they’ve endured.
Education: JD – Mercer University – Walter F. George Law School, 1992
Experience: More than 30 years
Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: The Florida Bar, Florida Justice Association
338 North Magnolia Avenue Suite B
Orlando, FL 32801
- Local: (407) 999-8995