Daytona Beach Legal News - Truck Accidents And Fatalities

Auto accident, car accident, automobile accident, collision, car wreck, car crash -
no matter what you call it, the end result can change your life forever.

We are more distracted than ever before when we drive; by our cell phones, texting, radios (most new cars display artist and song title), GPSs, and all the new technology at our fingertips. We’re so used to multi-tasking, we can’t even stop when we get behind the wheel!

The National Safety Council estimates that 38,300 people were killed and 4.4 million injured on U.S. roads in 2015, which is the largest one-year percentage increase in since 1965. Surprisingly, according to Newsweek* magazine, “One of the strongest correlations tends to be between the economy and traffic fatalities.” That makes perfect sense: more jobs, more cars on the road and more people hurrying to get to those jobs. Also, more jobs, more money for more vacation trips – on the road.Accident and death rates always increase over the summer months.

Please take your driving safety seriously. It’s a lot more risky than ever before. And since about 40% of accidents are caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists, make sure you have uninsured motorist coverage. But if you’ve been injured in a car accident, or if a loved one has been in a fatal motor vehicle accident, please call us at 386-258-3453 as soon as possible. We’ll make sure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. The consultation is always free.

*Newsweek, “2015 Brought Biggest Percent Increase in U.S. Traffic Deaths in 50 Years” by Stav Ziv, 2/17/16

Trucks seem to rule the road these days, and, due in part to the Florida tourist industry, our roads have a higher number of trucks than other states. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Florida has the third highest fatal truck accident record in the nation, behind Texas and California. Trucks have many rules and regulations to adhere to regarding training, time off, background checks, legal and illegal substance use, maintenance, licenses, and much more. Therefore, confronting these giants requires a specialized knowledge of the industry, unlike an accident caused by a personal vehicle.

According to the latest report for 2013 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 2015 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics, there were an estimated 327,000 crashes involving trucks (here defined as over 10,000 lbs); 3,541 of them with one or more fatalities.

Because a loss can represent tens of millions of dollars for trucking companies, large insurance companies are in their employ to fight a lawsuit. The adjusters and attorneys have negotiated hundreds of truck accident cases and work only in their employer’s interest, no matter how sincere they sound about yours.

After seeking immediate medical attention, the first thing you must do is consult an experienced truck accident attorney. At Bernardini Law, we’ve spent years fighting these cases. You’ll have a dedicated team that will protect your rights and look out for your best interests.

Frequently, an action can be brought against both the driver and the insurance company. In the meantime, never – under any circumstances – discuss matters concerning your injuries or your loved one’s death with the at-fault driver, trucking company, or insurance company. Never give them anything in writing or sign anything before contacting us at 386-258-3453. Your consultation is always free.