Gainesville, FL Truck Accident Lawyers

Have you been in a truck accident in Gainesville recently? Do you think you might need a lawyer?

You’re not alone.

In Florida, 340,472 crashes were reported in 2020. Of these, 212,115 resulted in injury and 3,318 resulted in fatalities, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

In Alachua county alone, 4,560 accidents occurred with 3,264 injuries.

Especially in large sports towns like Gainesville, crashes and truck accidents are a common occurrence when the town is packed and more vehicles are on the roads.

During COVID-19, even though the roads have been emptier, more drivers have indulged in risky behavior that leads to accidents, including:

• Driving faster
• Driving without seat belts
• Driving while distracted
• Driving while impaired

No matter your situation, if you’ve been in an auto accident and need help sorting out the legal aspects, you’ve come to the right place.

Our Gainesville truck accident attorneys have decades of experience. Let us help. Reach out to our attorneys now, or keep reading to learn more.

Gainesville Truck Accident Laws, Statistics, and General Information on Florida Crashes

Did you know there were 1,085 hit and run crashes in Alachua County in 2020? That’s 23.7% of all crashes in the area.

On top of that, 47% of all Alachua County accidents resulted in injury.

In other words, there were a lot of cases where someone was involved in a crash and may not have been at fault, but the other party ran. In cases where injury occurred, one of the parties involved was probably left in the lurch with hospital bills to pay and vehicle repairs to finance.

In situations like these and so many others, it’s essential to know what your legal options are, and which steps to take first.

Here’s some important information to understand if you or someone you know has been in an accident.

For more information and a free consultation, reach out to our trusted attorneys at Whittel & Melton.

What are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Alachua County?

The most common causes of truck accidents in Gainesville and Alachua County range from drunk/impaired driving to distracted driving, speeding/reckless driving, and disobeying traffic laws and signs.

4,119 people died in large truck accidents across the U.S. in 2019. Of those deaths, 67% were the occupants of cars and passenger vehicles. 15% were motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. Only 16% were truck occupants.

Here are the most common causes for accidents with fatalities, according to statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI):

• Not wearing seat belts. Drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts are more likely to be fatally injured in a motor vehicle accident than those who wear them.
• Speeding and reckless driving. Speeding is a factor for 26% of all crash deaths in the U.S., especially on minor roads with speed limits lower than 55 mph. In 2020, reckless driving was a key factor in accidents resulting in fatalities. Because of the pandemic, far fewer cars were on the roads, and many drivers took advantage by increasing their speeds.
• Distracted driving. 62% of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes were simply “daydreaming.”
• Of note: more males died in car crashes than females per capita in 2019. Males 85+ had the highest rate of death by auto accident.

Some other statistics of note for automobile crashes:

• The riskiest year for crashes is the first year a driver is licensed.
• Rear-end collisions are the most common type of auto accident.
• Driver errors and failures to obey traffic signs increase your risk of crashing hundreds of times.
• 22% of crashes that occur in the U.S. every year are weather-related.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Truck Accident in Gainesville/Alachua County?

If you have been involved in a car or truck accident in the Gainesville area, here’s a quick list of action steps to take to make sure you cover your bases:

1. Stay calm. Assess the situation. Is anyone hurt? Check in with passengers.
2. Call 911 for medical and police assistance.
3. Assess if you’re in a safe place. If you can, move your car off the main roadway, out of traffic. If you can’t move your car, get yourself and any passengers to a place of safety.
4. Once in a safe place, exchange information with all parties involved in the crash. This includes witnesses to the crash, if any exist. (Don’t discuss the crash, but do be a good listener if anyone says anything.) The information you share should include:
   • Names
   • Phone numbers
   • License plate numbers
   • Driver’s license numbers
   • Insurance information
5. To avoid affecting your insurance claim negatively, avoid discussions with other parties in the crash beyond the information exchange.
6. When the police arrive, answer their questions honestly and calmly. You don’t need to provide more details other than what is asked.
7. Take pictures of the scene of the accident. Include as much detail as possible of all cars involved, all injuries, and the scene as a whole.

What Steps Should I Take After the Accident?

After the accident, there are a few steps to take to follow up and get your insurance claim in order. You might need to take legal steps, too.

Here’s what to do:

1. Call your insurance company and report the accident. Don’t make any statements or provide written accounts – just let them know the crash occurred and which law enforcement agency responded.
2. Call your Gainesville auto and truck accident attorneys as soon as possible for a free consultation and case review.
3. Injuries from car and truck accidents can show up later, after the accident has occurred. Make sure to follow up with a doctor and let them know you were in a motor vehicle accident.
4. Keep a careful record of all important documents related to your accident. Save medical bills, repair bills, insurance filings, and any other related paperwork. If you sustained any injuries, keep a daily log of your treatment and recovery.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Even in the case of minor auto accidents, a truck accident lawyer can help you sort out your case and determine whether you’re entitled to any damages.

With an attorney as your advocate, you won’t have to deal with communications with the insurance companies, billing offices, or even the other parties involved.

Finally, in tricky cases, a lawyer will set up an investigation of the accident and take care of information-gathering and interviewing witnesses.

At Whittel & Melton, we don’t charge you for an initial consultation. Instead, we will help you on a contingency fee basis. This means your legal fees are contingent on us securing financial compensation on your behalf. If we don’t recover a financial award, compensation, or damages on your behalf, you owe us nothing.

Gainesville Truck Accident Lawyer Quick FAQ

Have more questions for our Florida truck accident lawyers? We’ve got answers.

Should I Get a Lawyer After a Minor Truck Accident?

When Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

Contact a lawyer after you have received medical attention for any injuries sustained during the accident, and after you have notified your insurance company that the accident occurred.

Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi-Truck?

Yes. If you were hit by a semi-truck and the accident wasn’t your fault, you’re due financial compensation for any pain and suffering you endured as a result, as well as damages for medical bills and vehicle repairs.

How Do I File a Gainesville Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Start by contacting a Gainesville truck accident attorney. We’ll review your case and guide you through the process step by step. We’ll take the stressful parts out of your hands so you can rest easier.

How Much Do You Usually Get for a Truck Accident Settlement?

The amount of compensation you receive for a truck accident settlement largely depends on the situation.

Remember: A truck accident lawyer can help you determine what you’re owed in a settlement and help you get maximum compensation.

How Do You Respond to a Low Settlement Offer?

If your insurance company offers you a settlement, often it will be much lower than what you’re entitled to receive. Before you agree to any amount of money, it’s best to consult with experienced Gainesville attorneys. We will fully assess your case and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Don’t sign any documents, make any statements, or provide written accounts without first talking to your lawyer – your best advocate in the whole messy process.

Trust Whittel & Melton, Your Truck Accident Attorneys in Alachua County

At Whittel & Melton, we have experience with all forms of auto accident and personal injury cases across the state of Florida.

We represent people just like you who are looking for compensation from accidents in Gainesville and greater Alachua County.

We’ve been doing this successfully for decades with the track record to prove it. We help our clients get maximum compensation while providing caring and trustworthy services in the following areas:

• Car and truck accidents and injuries
• Careless driving accidents and injuries
• Side-swipe car accidents
• Side impact and T-bone car crashes
• Head-on crash injuries
• Fog-related accidents and pileups
• And more

If you’ve been in a car or truck accident in Gainesville, you can count on our legal team to help you navigate the legal and insurance hurdles to get the compensation you deserve. We understand what you’re going through and will answer all of your questions while guiding you through your options and your chosen legal path.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us so we can get started reviewing your case right away. There’s no cost involved unless we recover a financial award or settlement on your behalf.

Don’t wait! We’re here to help you. Call Whittel & Melton at 866-608-5529.

Contact us to get started.