Gainesville Truck Accident Attorneys
Experienced Legal Help for Commercial Truck Accidents in Gainesville, FL
If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident with a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or another large commercial vehicle, you are likely dealing with significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. These types of accidents tend to be extremely devastating, often leading to catastrophic injury and death. Getting back on your feet after a large truck accident can be difficult, but having an attorney by your side can make all the difference.
At Schackow & Mercadante, our Gainesville truck accident attorneys have more than 126 years of collective experience. We have successfully represented clients throughout North Central Florida in all types of complex motor vehicle accident claims, including those involving semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. We understand the ins and outs of the legal system, as well as how to protect your rights and the full, fair compensation you are owed.
Contact our firm today at (352) 261-6767 or use our secure online submission form to request a free initial consultation with a member of our team.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
A truck accident refers to any collision involving a large commercial truck, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig. These accidents can cause significant damage to vehicles, property, and, unfortunately, often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles on the road.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction times. Regulations exist to limit the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can operate, but violations still occur.
- Speeding: Trucks traveling at excessive speeds have longer stopping distances and are more difficult to control, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially on highways and curves.
- Distracted Driving: Just like any other driver, truck drivers can become distracted by using mobile phones, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other activities while driving, diverting their attention from the road.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, and high winds can all contribute to hazardous driving conditions, reducing visibility and making roads slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Mechanical Failure: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other mechanical issues can cause accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for preventing such failures.
- Improper Loading or Cargo Securement: If cargo is not loaded properly or secured adequately, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced or spill its load, leading to accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Operating a truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and significantly impairs a driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely.
- Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and other aggressive behaviors increase the risk of accidents, especially when combined with the size and weight of trucks.
- Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of experience or inadequate training can lead to errors in judgment or improper handling of the vehicle, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, construction zones, and other road hazards can pose challenges for truck drivers and increase the risk of accidents.
Awarded & Recognized What Our Clients Are Saying
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I met with Marie Banks to go over Car Accident Preparedness. She was awesome and so full of knowledge. Patient with all my questions and I left her office feeling good about the insurance I had and felt prepared if an accident were to happen. She treated me like family. Thank you! 10 out of 10 would definitely recommend.- Pranish Sharma
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“Marie was able to explain my coverage in a way that made it digestible and understandable. With Marie's help I was able to fix my insurance coverage to a policy that included the best protection and I now also rest easier knowing I'm in good hands if I eve”- Josh Talmore
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I'm a UF student who got injured on campus. Schackow & Mercadante handled my case extremely well. Everything was settled in about a year. I highly recommend them for any personal injury case.- Jenny Haber
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“The lawyers and staff at Schackow & Mercadante are professional, courteous and above all treat you like the person you are. You are not a number, you are not just a paycheck, but you are a friend, a guest, dare I even say, a family member.”- Ashley Wilson
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I would absolutely trust Schackow & Mercadante to handle any injury claim. After several meetings with their staff, I'm 100% comfortable with their positive outlook and trust they want what's best for their clients.- Rob Matthews
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They treated me with great respect and negotiated a settlement for me far beyond my expectations. They answered my calls promptly and were available each time I needed them throughout my case. I have recommended this law firm to others I know because I trust the attorneys and staff here immensely.- T Harrison
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I highly recommend Schackow & Mercadante, P.A.!!! The office staff is very polite and professional. Attorneys were great and treated me like a family member.- Kevin Drye
Understanding FMSCA Regulations
Federal trucking regulations are a set of rules established by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern various aspects of commercial trucking operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and fairness in the industry.
Here's an overview of some main areas covered by federal trucking regulations:
- Hours of Service (HOS): HOS regulations dictate the maximum amount of time that commercial truck drivers can spend behind the wheel within specific periods to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents. These regulations include limits on daily driving hours, mandatory rest breaks, and weekly maximums. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are often used to track and enforce compliance with HOS regulations.
- Licensing and Qualifications: Federal regulations establish minimum requirements for obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), including written tests, skills tests, and medical examinations. Additionally, certain endorsements may be required for specialized types of commercial driving, such as transporting hazardous materials or operating double/triple trailers.
- Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections: Trucking regulations mandate regular inspections and maintenance of commercial vehicles to ensure they are safe for operation. This includes requirements for brake systems, tires, lights, steering, suspension, and other critical components. Inspections may be conducted by drivers themselves, as well as by certified inspectors and enforcement agencies.
- Cargo Securement: Regulations govern how cargo must be loaded, secured, and transported to prevent shifting, spillage, or loss during transit. Proper cargo securement is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and preventing accidents.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Federal regulations require commercial truck drivers to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of pre-employment screening, random testing, post-accident testing, and reasonable suspicion testing. These measures are designed to detect and deter substance abuse among drivers, which can impair their ability to operate vehicles safely.
- Weight Limits and Load Restrictions: Regulations establish maximum weight limits for commercial vehicles and their cargo to prevent overloading, which can compromise vehicle stability, increase braking distances, and cause damage to roads and infrastructure.
- Insurance Requirements: Trucking companies are required to maintain minimum levels of liability insurance coverage to protect against potential damages and injuries resulting from accidents involving their vehicles.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): ELDs are electronic devices installed in commercial vehicles to automatically record driving hours and duty status information, replacing traditional paper logbooks. Federal regulations mandate the use of ELDs to improve accuracy in tracking drivers' compliance with HOS regulations.
Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?
It is not unusual for a trucking company or its insurance company to offer a quick settlement that may be well below your financial needs. Never rush to settle with a defendant's adjuster following a collision with a commercial vehicle—but don't compromise your rights to seek compensation by waiting too long to act.
Our lawyers can help you obtain the immediate medical care you need, as well as seek compensation for lost wages, long-term rehabilitation, permanent disabilities, and more. If you've been involved in a crash with any commercial vehicle, our truck accident lawyer can meet with you in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, or any of the surrounding areas to discuss the specifics of your claim.
Contact us online or call (352) 261-6767 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Clients Trust Us
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Personalized Advice & Concierge Level Experience
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Direct Communication With Your Attorney
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Over 125 Years of Combined Experience
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Practicing in The Gainesville Area 55+ Years