
Florida’s Turnpike is one of the busiest toll roads in the state, stretching over 300 miles and serving as a key route for commercial vehicles and daily commuters alike.
While it’s vital to Florida’s economy and transportation system, the Turnpike also presents significant dangers, especially when it comes to large truck accidents. These crashes can lead to life-changing injuries, extensive property damage, and devastating emotional trauma.
If you’ve been hurt in a commercial vehicle collision, a skilled Florida truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Why Florida’s Turnpike is Especially Dangerous for Drivers
Florida’s Turnpike sees a high volume of traffic daily, including a steady stream of 18-wheelers, delivery trucks, construction vehicles, and buses. The combination of speed, size, and congestion significantly increases the chances of a serious accident.
Several factors contribute to the high risk of truck crashes on the Turnpike:
- Heavy Commercial Vehicle Traffic: Large trucks move goods across Florida daily, many of them using the Turnpike for faster delivery routes.
- High Speeds: Parts of the Turnpike have speed limits reaching up to 70 mph, making it more difficult for large trucks to stop in time to avoid collisions.
- Fatigued or Distracted Drivers: Long-haul truckers are often under tight deadlines, increasing the risk of fatigue and inattentive driving.
- Merging and Lane Changes: Cars and smaller vehicles often misjudge large trucks’ speed and stopping ability, leading to dangerous maneuvers and crashes.
Common Types of Truck Accidents on the Turnpike
Truck accidents can take many forms, each with its own risks and potential for severe injury. A knowledgeable Florida highway accident lawyer can help determine the cause and type of crash to build a stronger case.
The most common truck accidents on the Turnpike include:
- Rear-end collisions, often due to a truck’s longer stopping distance
- Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out from the cab
- Underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle slides under the back or side of a truck
- Rollover crashes, frequently caused by speeding or sharp turns
- Sideswipe and blind-spot collisions, often occurring during lane changes
Each of these accidents can leave victims facing long hospital stays, costly surgeries, permanent disability, and emotional distress.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a truck crash on Florida’s Turnpike, your health and legal protection should be top priorities. Knowing what to do in the aftermath can greatly impact the strength of your case.
After a crash, make sure to:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek immediate medical care, even if injuries seem minor
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
- Collect contact information from the truck driver and any witnesses
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice
It’s also important to consult with a Florida truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Evidence from truck crashes can disappear quickly, and you’ll want an experienced advocate to preserve it, investigate the facts, and fight for your recovery.
Who May Be Liable in a Truck Accident?
One of the most complex aspects of truck accident claims is determining liability. Truck crashes may involve multiple parties and insurance policies, unlike typical car accidents. A seasoned Florida highway accident lawyer can identify all potentially responsible parties, which might include:
- The truck driver, especially if speeding, distracted driving, or DUI, played a role
- The trucking company, for negligent hiring, poor training, or pushing unsafe schedules
- A third-party maintenance contractor, if mechanical failure contributed to the crash
- The cargo loader, if the truck was improperly loaded or overweight
- The truck manufacturer, in cases involving defective vehicle parts
Proving liability often requires accident reconstruction experts, as well as a review of driver logs, vehicle inspection reports, and black box data. An attorney can manage this complex process on your behalf.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Truck accident victims often find themselves up against large trucking companies and powerful insurers who work aggressively to minimize their payouts. These entities may try to shift blame, deny liability, or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement. Without strong legal representation, it’s difficult to level the playing field.
Hiring a dedicated Florida truck accident lawyer ensures that:
- Your injuries are fully documented and valued
- All liable parties are held accountable
- Important deadlines under Florida law are met
- You have a strategic advocate fighting for your rights from start to finish
Whether your case involves serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, or lost income due to time away from work, you deserve to be fairly compensated.
Get Help from an Experienced Florida Highway Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck crash on Florida’s Turnpike, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA, our experienced attorneys understand the devastating impact these accidents can have, and we’re here to help.
We’ll investigate the cause of your accident, gather strong evidence, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward with your life. Call us today at (305) 690-0617 to speak with a trusted Florida truck accident lawyer. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building your case.
Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Our dedicated team compiles accident news reports using a variety of trusted external sources, such as local news outlets, official police reports, social media updates, and eyewitness statements regarding incidents in Florida. While we strive for accuracy, the facts in this post have not been independently verified by our writers. If you identify any inaccuracies, please contact Neufeld & Kleinfeld, PA, immediately, and we will promptly address any corrections. Posts can also be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the photo accompanying this post does not depict the accident scene described in this post.