From the serene Siesta key to the unique Everglades ecosystem to the amazing weather, Florida has many qualities that make it a top destination for many Americans. But, as they say, every silver lining has a cloud, and the Sunshine State is no exception. The rise in truck accidents over the past few years has become a source of concern for residents and transport system stakeholders. This begs the question: What factors are responsible for the rise of truck accidents in Orange state?

This short read sheds light on the factors precipitating truck accidents in Florida. Have a read below.

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The Dangers Behind Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are more dangerous than regular accidents, and if you’ve been involved in one, seeking guidance from a personal injury attorney Christopher Largey, can help you navigate the complexities of your case. It’s a matter of physics: a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, which is 20 times the weight of a typical passenger vehicle, weighing between 3,000 to 4,000 pounds.

That said, when the differences mentioned are taken into account in an accident involving a regular vehicle and a truck, the repercussions can be dire, especially for the passenger vehicle occupants.

The sheer weight difference equates to greater impact, and this is why the truck driver is least likely to die in the event of a collision with a passenger vehicle.

So, why are we seeing increased accident rates in Florida?

Why Florida?

After the COVID-19 pandemic, we started seeing more and more truck accident victims coming through our doors. The reasons behind this sudden increase are multifaceted and systemic.

Florida has gradually become a hub for construction and manufacturing. As more people move to the Sunshine State in search of jobs, the result is a strain on our local roads, which have not been expanded for decades.

True to the fact, Florida has become a center for logistics, warehousing, and trucking. For instance, the Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center, now rebranded as Florida’s gateway, underpins the state’s integral role as a distribution center.

Steps to Take if You’re a Victim of a Truck Accident

So, what happens if you find yourself a victim of a truck accident? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Call 911

The first course of action is to call 911 for medical assistance and law enforcement. As you wait for help to arrive, take matters into your own hands. Capture visual evidence of the scene of the crash, the weather conditions at the time of the incident, your injuries, and the surroundings.

Safety first

Adrenaline may be running high, but the next step should be to check yourself for injuries and seek medical attention. Some injuries may take time to manifest either due to their underlying nature or the adrenaline pumping through your veins after impact.

Call your attorney

Next up, you should call your car accident attorney. Make the call immediately when you are in a position to do so, whether it is after the crash or after regaining consciousness. Time is of the essence as evidence fades by the day. As such, you must contact your attorney as soon as possible, as this gives them enough time to start pursuing the claim and collect evidence while it is still fresh.

Conclusion

Suffering a truck accident can be an unforgettable experience plagued with trauma that affects your physical, mental, and even financial health. All of a sudden, your life is thrown into disarray. You have to plan for frequent doctor visits and take countless pills to tone down the pain.

But with compensation, you can breathe a sigh of relief as it attempts to restore you to normalcy by alleviating the financial burden that comes with the injury. A Florida personal injury attorney can help your case by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and negotiating with insurance agents on your behalf, ensuring you get the maximum compensation.