Jacksonville Truck Accident Attorney

What not to do when driving close to trucks

The vantage point of the driver in an 18-wheeler is hard to imagine. Many people assume truck drivers can see better due to the height — but that actually works against drivers in many situations. Visibility is only one concern for truck drivers, and every driver needs to understand how to safely share the road with these large vehicles. Jacksonville truck accident attorney Charlie J. Gillette, Jr. offers some important tips.

Tips for staying safe around trucks in Florida — and throughout the country

You can often avoid the need for trucking accident attorneys by understanding a little about the nature of trucks and how to drive near them through safe driving practices such as the following:

Avoid sudden stops in front of large commercial vehicles. At 55 miles per hour, a typical car can stop within 225 feet — but that truck behind the car may take 335 feet to stop. When a large truck is driving even several car lengths behind you, a controlled stop on your part helps avoid a rear-end collision.
Avoid driving next to a truck. Truck drivers may not be able to see your vehicle unless it is directly to the left of the cab. And trailers can sway unexpectedly from side to side. When you need to pass, make sure you can get past the truck quickly and safely on the left without remaining out of sight at the side of the truck.
Avoid unsafe passing. Passing directly to the right of trucks is risky and should be avoided whenever possible. On two-lane roads, keep in mind that your own visibility is blocked by the truck. Many truck drivers politely signal when the oncoming traffic lane is clear for you to pass, but carefully confirm your safety before proceeding.

A typical tractor-trailer accident injury is serious and identifying all negligent parties can be challenging — even for an experienced semi-truck accident attorney. Put safety first on the road. And if you are involved in an accident, Jacksonville personal injury attorney Charlie J. Gillette, Jr. has the specialized skills and the compassion to provide the legal support you need.

Experienced semi-truck accident attorney in Jacksonville

Whether you need an experienced attorney to help pursue compensation for a truck accident or for any type of accidental injury anywhere in Florida or in Georgia, Gillette Law, P.A. has represented thousands of clients and offers a contingency fee structure so you pay on a percentage basis only when we win your personal injury case.

Advocating for victims of 18-wheeler accidents

It can be difficult to prove liability in a truck accident case involving an oversize load. Your attorney must have an extensive knowledge of the commercial trucking business to fully identify all potential responsible parties. At Gillette Law, P.A., clients benefit from working with an attorney who is well versed in personal injury law, including cases involving trucking accidents.

What is an oversize load?

It is common to think of an oversize load as wide. In fact, it means any load that is wider, taller, or heavier than is common for a tractor-trailer. Many drivers are unaware of the dangers posed when a truck is carrying an oversize load. Oversize loads are more difficult to control and pose a greater risk of accidents to other vehicles on the road. That is why one or more escort vehicles — sometimes carrying law enforcement personnel — accompany so many of these trucks.

An oversize load truck accident can involve multiple parties — adding additional complications when it comes to determining exactly what happened and who was at fault. Our Jacksonville personal injury law firm understands the dynamics of the commercial trucking business and has the resources needed to unravel even the most complex cases — including accidents involving oversize loads.

Safe driving tips when following a truck carrying an oversize load

Keep a close eye on the escort vehicle. Generally, if the escort vehicle does not make any moves as you approach, it is a sign you are safe to pass the truck — but do so as quickly and completely as possible.

Be watchful for the following:

The escort vehicle slows down to widen the distance behind the truck. The escort has observed your vehicle approaching at a faster speed than the truck is driving and does not want to be pushed into the truck. Slow down, and maintain a safe distance.
The escort vehicle suddenly moves to an adjacent lane. This is another move an escort vehicle may make when you are approaching too quickly.
A red flag may appear on the side of the escort vehicle’s window. Chances are there is a risk ahead that you cannot see for yourself. Apply your brakes to carefully increase your distance from the truck as quickly as you can do safely.

A Jacksonville attorney experienced in oversize load trucking accidents

If you are injured in an accident with a commercial truck, you need representation from a Jacksonville accident law firm with extensive experience dealing with the added complexities of the factors exclusive to trucking operations in Florida. Gillette Law, P.A. has helped thousands of clients injured in trucking accidents — and offers a contingency fee structure so you pay on a percentage basis only when we win your case.

Making sure your interests are protected after a serious accident

The combination of high center of gravity and the weight and type of load are two main contributing factors to truck rollovers. But the details behind the causes make a major difference in how injury lawyers pursue compensation for clients injured in these serious accidents — and Gillette Law, P.A. is equipped to handle all trucking collision cases.

Common causes of truck rollovers and other accidents

Attorney Charlie J. Gillette, Jr. has found the following to be some of the most common causes of rollover and semi-truck accidents:

Speed. Driving too fast for road and weather conditions is one common cause. While a driver is typically at fault, a lawyer from a Jacksonville truck accident law firm also needs to determine if part of the fault lies with a commercial trucking company that sets unreasonable delivery schedules for its drivers.
Load shifts. Liquid loads — such as those in tanker trucks — or any improperly secured load can cause trailers to lean, particularly during turns. This may point to negligence on the part of the individuals who loaded the truck.
Improper maintenance. Under-inflated tires, poor brake performance or a damaged suspension — which all could be identified by a routine pre-trip inspection — can all contribute to a rollover. A semi-truck accident attorney must typically identify a number of different parties who share responsibility for this type of accident.
Road conditions. Sharp curves, steep downhill grades and uneven road surfaces are just a few examples of conditions that can lead to a rollover.
Driver training and experience. Many drivers may not have the experience needed to handle the numerous conditions that can cause rollovers. And other drivers are so experienced that they can become complacent when it comes to watching for potential hazards.

An experienced semi-truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville

If you are injured in an accident with a commercial truck, you need a car accident attorney with extensive experience dealing with the added complexities of the factors exclusive to trucking operations. Gillette Law, P.A. has helped thousands of clients injured in trucking accidents — and we offer a contingency fee structure so you pay on a percentage basis only when we win your case.

An experienced Jacksonville truck accident attorney who can get you the compensation you deserve

Gillette Law, P.A. is centrally located to serve clients in Florida and Georgia. The helpful professional staff is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at other times by appointment. Contact us online or call us at 904-600-4758. If you are unable to visit one of our offices, we can meet with you in your home or hospital room. We offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay on a percentage basis only when we win your case.

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