Interstate 10 is a major highway in the United States, stretching from California to Florida. It is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the country, and unfortunately, truck accidents are not uncommon. This route passes through some major areas in Northern Florida and is a popular route for commercial shipping and private travelers alike. If you or someone you love has been injured in an I-10 truck accident, it’s important to know your rights and find an experienced I-10 truck accident lawyer to help you seek justice.
1-800-Injured is a lawyer and medical referral service that connects accident victims with experienced attorneys in their area. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash with a commercial truck like an 18-wheeler, you may already realize that the commercial insurance claims process is incredibly complex. An experienced I-10 truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the insurance and legal system so that you can get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Areas Interstate 10 Passes Through In Florida
I-10 in Florida is a busy interstate, passing through some major cities and towns on its way across the state. The I-10 corridor is a popular route for commercial trucks transporting goods across the country. The following are some of the major cities and townships that I-10 passes through. Whether or not your accident took place in any of the following locations, contact 1-800-Injured as soon as possible to be connected with a lawyer for a free case evaluation.
- Pensacola
- Crestview
- Defuniak Springs
- Tallahassee
- Marianna
- Chipley
- Blountstown
- Madison
- Perry
- Live Oak
- Lake City
- Baldwin
- Jacksonville
- St. Augustine
- Daytona Beach
What Is Different Between a Passenger Vehicle Accident and an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Physically, the difference between a crash between two passenger vehicles and a crash between a semi-truck and passenger vehicle is clear: the size and weight of the 18-wheeler will always be much greater than any other vehicle on the road. But there are several legal distinctions that come into play when an 18-wheeler is involved in a crash.
First, the driver of an 18-wheeler is required to hold a commercial license and must be trained to adhere to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines. This means that a truck driver is held to a higher standard than other drivers on the road, which may make the matter of fault clearer.
Second, most commercial trucks carry special insurance policies that may provide additional compensation for an injured party. Due to the increased risk of causing catastrophic injuries to others with an enormous vehicle, 18-wheelers often have liability insurance policies with limits in excess of $1 million. While this means there is certainly the possibility for a higher settlement, it does not mean that the process of getting a fair settlement will be any easier.
An 18-wheeler accident insurance claim is far more complex than a passenger vehicle crash. It involves commercial carrier insurance, state and federal regulations, and other factors that a passenger car crash does not include. An experienced I-10 truck accident lawyer can help you understand these complexities and make sure your rights are being represented throughout the process of seeking compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
The following are just a few examples of how a truck driver may be liable for an accident. The most important factor when determining whether or not you have a case for compensation is the matter of liability — if the other driver acted in a way that was negligent, reckless, or malicious, your attorney will fight to recover compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers must adhere to the FMCSA Hours of Service, which strictly limit how long a truck driver can be on the road in any given period. While they help limit work-related fatigue, they have no impact on whether or not a driver is tired due to other factors.
Improper Loading
Improperly loaded trailers can lead to dangerous swaying and instability when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds, causing major accidents. Depending on the shipping contract, the driver may or may not be responsible for loading and securing their cargo, so a victim will need to have an experienced lawyer to determine who is liable in the case of improperly loaded cargo.
Mechanical Defects
When a truck’s brakes fail, when its tires blow out, or when anything else goes wrong on these massive machines, it can cause catastrophic damage and injuries. Depending on whether the driver is an owner-operator that owns their vehicle or if they work for a trucking company (among many other factors, such as contractual agreements), the driver may or may not be responsible for the mechanical defects and routine maintenance of their vehicle.
Driver Error
Drivers of commercial trucks may be overly fatigued due to long hours and tight deadlines, or they may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Distracted driving and poor decision-making also contribute to many truck accidents every year. While truckers are some of the most experienced and qualified drivers on the road, they are humans who are as prone to error as the rest of us, and their mistakes can have devastating consequences.
Foul Weather
Many I-10 truck accidents are caused by unfavorable weather conditions such as fog, rain, or wind. Some areas of the Florida Panhandle are prone to flooding, which can make driving large trucks even more dangerous. Nobody can control the weather, but many of us can decide to stay home in dangerous conditions. This may not always be an option for a trucker running against tight deadlines.
Federal regulations may require a commercial driver to slow down or pull over in extreme cases for the safety of everyone on the road. Your attorney will be able to determine whether or not the truck driver acted responsibly at the time of your accident.
Contact 1-800-Injured Today
No matter what caused your I-10 truck accident, it is important to have an experienced attorney by your side who knows how to navigate these complex claims and help you get the compensation you deserve. The team at 1-800-Injured can connect you with an attorney in your area who has successfully represented many truck accident victims that will fight hard to ensure that your case is successful. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.