Truck Accident Attorney in Tallahassee

Injured in a Semi-Truck Accident in Tallahassee? Call Us

Interstate 10 runs through Tallahassee, Florida. Mr. Milles has represented those injured in trucking accidents on I-10. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 5,472 people died in collisions with large trucks in 2023. Mr. Milles has been a lawyer for over 25 years. As a Tallahassee truck accident attorney, Mr. Milles has experience in holding negligent trucking companies accountable. Distracted driving, following too close, texting while driving, and driving while talking on a cell phone all contribute to avoidable traffic accidents.

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles compared to passenger cars. Victims of truck accidents might experience extended recovery times or permanent disabilities, impacting their personal and professional lives. Understanding your rights is crucial, and having a dedicated attorney means that your interests can be fully represented. Our team at Milles Law provides comprehensive legal support, from investigating the circumstances of the accident to gathering evidence critical to strengthening your case.

Contact us to get started on your case. Our truck accident lawyer in Tallahassee, FL, can guide you each step of the way.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims may involve one or more defendants. In many cases, the driver is responsible for causing a truck accident. 

However, additional defendants in a case might include:

• The Trucking Company. Trucking companies can be responsible for an accident if they fail to properly train drivers or hire drivers who are not qualified to operate a commercial vehicle. Other ways trucking companies can be responsible for a wreck include poor maintenance practices or operating commercial vehicles that are not safe for use.
• Loading Companies. Commercial trucks can experience rollover accidents when loads shift in transit. Cargo loading companies must load these multi-ton vehicles very carefully and within certain guidelines.
• Auto Parts Manufacturers. Like regular passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles can suffer from dangerous defects. If a commercial auto parts manufacturer releases a dangerous product, they can be liable for damages caused by that product.
• Government Entities. Government agencies may move supplies and materials in large vehicles. These entities may cause accidents for many of the same reasons private entities cause accidents.

Whether you can seek compensation against a trucking company depends on the circumstances. Our Tallahassee truck accident attorney can help you review your situation after an accident. 

Trucking Laws & Regulations 

Hours of Service Regulations

The hours of service regulations are a set of laws that seek to prevent fatigued driving by ensuring that truck drivers are not overworked and get an adequate amount of sleep and rest each day. According to this law:

• Truck drivers can work a maximum of 14 hours a day. Of these 14 hours, truckers can only drive for 11 hours, with the remaining time spent on rest or meal breaks.
• Truck drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before starting a new workday.
• Truck drivers are required to take days off work at regular intervals.

While laws can be put in place, people can, of course, break them. Unfortunately, whether due to truck driver negligence or pressure from the trucking companies, these rules are not always followed, which can lead to accidents on the road. Our firm can conduct a thorough investigation into your case to see if any of these regulations were broken at the time of the accident. 

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Tallahassee, with its bustling highways and intersections, such as the I-10 and U.S. Highway 27, presents unique challenges for motorists. The increased traffic, combined with construction zones and seasonal weather conditions, can contribute to a higher likelihood of truck accidents. Knowing what steps to take immediately after a crash can help guard your health and your legal rights.

Steps to take include:

• Call 911 immediately: Report the accident and request law enforcement and emergency medical assistance.
• Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated promptly for your safety and to document your condition.
• Document the scene: Take photos of vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. Collect names, insurance information, contact information, driver's license numbers, and the trucking company name from the driver. Be sure to also get names and contact information from witnesses.
• Notify your insurance company: Report the accident promptly, but avoid giving recorded statements before speaking with a Tallahassee truck accident lawyer.

Our semi-truck accident attorney in Tallahassee can help you understand every step of the process, from effectively managing interactions with insurance companies to preserving vital evidence. We prioritize swift action to guard your legal rights and pursue a favorable outcome.