South Florida Injury Attorney Blog

A man is hospitalized in critical condition after his SUV was broadsided by a semi truck in Polk County. The News-Sun reports that a truck carrying boxed oranges failed to stop for a traffic signal around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 10, hitting the man's SUV. The man was airlifted to a hospital and his passenger was treated for minor injuries and released. The semi's driver and his six passengers, including four minors, were unharmed or sustained only minor injuries. The accident also scattered oranges across the highway, closing it for six hours.

As a Florida trucking accident attorney, I know that large trucks like this one crash rarely -- but when they do, it is likely to be fatal for the people in the other vehicles. Statistics from a 2007 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that large trucks were involved in just 3.9% of all crashes but 8.2% of fatal crashes -- and 77% of those killed in trucking accidents were people outside the truck. The problem is the huge difference in size and weight between a ten-ton tractor-trailer or Mack truck and a passenger vehicle -- even a 4,500-pound SUV, as in this case. When the vehicles collide, that weight difference translates to a crushing difference in force, leading to wrongful deaths, brain damage, paralysis and other life-changing injuries.

Unfortunately, the deadliness of trucking accidents means that trucking companies move quickly to limit their liability. Even when the truck driver is clearly responsible, the trucking company may take quick action that eliminates or reduces the victims' ability to get fair compensation for their injuries. That's why it is essential for Florida truck accident victims and their loved ones to consult an attorney before signing anything, agreeing to be recorded or taking any money offered by the trucking company's representative.

At Cohn, Smith & Cohn, our experienced Aventura truck accident lawyers help trucking accident victims focus on their own recovery by helping them understand their rights, explaining their legal options and protecting them from insurance companies' hassles and tricks. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a semi truck accident in Florida, we would like to help. To speak with us about your injuries and your options at a free consultation, please contact us through our Web site or call (954) 431-8100.