Have you or someone you know been involved in a logging accident?
The timber industry is still alive and well in the United States, so you can frequently see logs being transported on the roadways. In fact, driving behind a log truck can be one of the most terrifying experiences of your life. Are the logs secured? Is a dip in the road going to cause the truck to lose its load? Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers understands the damages that are involved with any log truck accident. As Pensacola FL log truck accident lawyers, we have handled many cases, filed lawsuits and recovered money for victims. You need someone on your side that will get you an appropriate recovery for your damages and injuries.
What are some issues that logging trucks have on the road?
Like any accident involving a tractor-trailer, the damages are going to be more severe. These trucks weigh thousands of pounds, and the lumber is a safety hazard if it’s unsecured. However, log trucks have many unique problems that make them dangerous on the road.
- Driving in the middle of the night: Log trucks need to get to mills that open really early in the morning. So, log trucks will travel in the middle of the night to make sure that they arrive on time. This is one way that logging companies save money, but at what cost? Many log trucks are involved in accidents because of the low visibility that they have at night.
- Log trucks have less lighting: Florida has different laws for log trucks than for other tractor trailers. Log trucks are not required to have all of the safety lightings that other trucks must have. So, log trucks aren’t as safe on the road.
- Log trucks travel on backroads: When you think of backroads, you think of two-lane roads with poor lighting and lots of twists and turns. Log trucks specifically take backroads, so they don’t have to worry about weigh stations. When a truck weighs too much the driver can receive a fine.
- Loose logs are dangerous: Regular trucks outweigh cars by thousands of pounds, but at least these vehicles have enclosed cargo. Log trucks have logs that can collide with other vehicles. This idea is so terrifying that horror movies have relied on this scene for several films. Logs coming through the windshield of a car can cause serious injuries and fatalities.
- Drivers with poor training: Log trucks are not treated the same as tractor trailers and their safety standards are lower. These drivers aren’t required to have the same training as other commercial drivers on the road. Since these drivers are lacking in experience, they are responsible for more accidents.
If you’ve been injured by a logging truck, the time to act is now.
Car accidents involving commercial trucks are complicated, and you need a professional to guide you through the process. Yes, you can file claims on your own behalf, but it can be confusing. You are gambling the success of your settlement by taking your case in your own hands. We recommend that you obtain legal counsel as soon as possible. Investigations can take a long time, and there is a statute of limitations with every claim in Florida. Logging companies want to keep you tied up with paperwork for years.
We have represented many victims of log truck accidents, so we know what it takes to win. You should focus on your recovery instead of worrying about how you will pay all of your medical bills. We will investigate your case to create the strongest claim possible. Our mission is to get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact our injury law firm today to evaluate your claim.