The preservation of evidence from the scene of the accident can be crucial to your case. Your best bet is to contact an attorney as soon as possible to assist you in the investigation. If your injuries permit after the accident, try to take photos. Do not speak to investigators or the truck driver until you speak with an attorney. The trucking company will likely have their own lawyers and investigators on the scene quickly.

The trucking companies are required by law to keep maintenance records and driver hour logs. This information is vital to your case, and you should have your attorney review it.

Do not accept any sort of settlement or compensation for the accident without first speaking with an attorney, even if it seems fair at the time. The trucking company and the insurance company are interested in protecting their bottom lines, you need a lawyer who has your best interests in mind.

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.

• Limit distractions. Many accidents involve some sort of driver distractions, and the number continues to rise each year. Do not use your cell phone (even if it is hands-free), do not adjust your makeup, eat, mess with your GPS, etc. All of these distractions greatly increase your chance of being in a wreck.
• Do not speed. Drive at or under the speed limit. Limits are set on certain roads for a reason, and keeping within the speed limit keeps you and other motorists safe. Sometimes it can be difficult to not go slightly above the posted speed limit, but by staying at it you greatly reduce your risk.
• Do not drink and drive. This may seem like an obvious one, but it cannot be stated enough. Never under any circumstances operate a vehicle while intoxicated or get in the car with someone who has been drinking.
• Wear your seat belt. Even after following all of these safety tips there is still a chance you may be involved in a crash. You cannot account for the actions of other motorists. Better safe than sorry.

Do you have any questions about a car accident you were involved in?

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• Keep still. If you are injured—even if it seems minor at the time—remain still until paramedics arrive to assist you.
• Call 911. This should be the first thing you do if you are involved, or simply witness the accident.
• Remain silent. Say as little as possible, even saying something simple like “sorry” or “I’m fine” can have repercussions that you may not even consider at the time. It is best not to even speak to the truck driver or other drivers, speak only to the arriving police officers.
• Pay attention to details. Try to remember everything about the crash. Write things down so you don’t forget them, including anything you noticed before or after the accident.
• Take pictures. Take pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, the truck and debris or injured parties.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a truck accident? Would you be able to remember these tips if you found yourself in an accident? It is important to remain calm to protect yourself and your rights as well.

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.

The logging truck initially lost control on the highway and overturned, spilling logs onto the road. A car wrecked into the logs and then was rear-ended by a mail truck. The driver of the chemical truck died and four others suffered injuries. The trucks caught fire after the collision. The FHP described the blaze as “intense.” Injured partied were flown to nearby hospitals.

Hazardous-materials crews responded to the accident as well. The chemical truck was carrying methyl bromide, an odorless gas that is flammable. The accident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a truck accident?

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando wrongful death attorneys.

Thomas James Smith, 28, died at Health Central hospitals from his injuries. Smith was riding in a Toyota Camry. The driver, Lakeisha Oglesby, 23, suffered injuries. Witnesses saw the Camaro run the red light, according to police reports. Both vehicles spun around in the intersection before striking a concrete wall. Two other passengers in the Camry, Patrick Chambers, 25, and Gabrielle Swann, 18, suffered minor injuries. The driver of the Camaro fled the scene on foot. Police are searching for a man with black dreadlocks.

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in car accident when someone else was at fault?

Wooten, Kimrbough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando wrongful death attorneys.

The Miami-Dade jury awarded the family of the victim $8.8 million. Police originally charged Cruz-Govin with reckless driving and speeding. He was driving at 69 mph in a 40 mph zone. Phone records later showed that he was likely texting while driving prior to the collision. Police also found marijuana, cocaine and cough syrup in his vehicle.

Florida has no criminal law against private citizens using phones while driving, but a jury still found Gruz-Govin responsible for the wrongful death. Have you or a loved one been hurt or killed in a car accident where someone else is at fault?

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Tippins ran a red light in his 2003 Hummer and collided with two other vehicles. 61-year-old Linda Fessell, driver of one of the vehicles, died instantly. Consuelo Cassagne, 55 and Felicia Rhodes, 35 were seriously injured.  Tippins fled the scene and returned to the Hard Rock, according to reports. Witnesses followed his vehicle back.

“At the time he was followed by two men, Good Samaritans,” says Sgt. Steve Gaskins of the Florida Highway Patrol. “And they followed him to Hard Rock Casino, called 911, the sheriff’s office responded, located the gentleman with his vehicle, and detained him until FHP investigators could arrive.”

Tippins is charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, DUI manslaughter, DUI with serious injury and DUI causing property damage. Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a car accident?

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“I pulled out of the entrance [of his neighborhood] and I saw this car upside down and smoking,” Buck told the Palm Beach Post. “I kind of saw a hand pulling at the window.”

Buck ran to pull the two women out of the car. A bus driver who saw the wreck also stopped to offer assistance. Others gathered shortly after.

“I didn’t do a whole lot of talking—everyone was speaking Spanish around me,” Buck said. “I pulled them out, then the police came, I gave my report and was like ‘Guess my job’s over.’ So I took off.”

The women suffered minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital. The driver appeared to be in ‘good condition’ and the passenger may have suffered a broken leg.

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando personal injury attorneys.

“Just so hard right now,” said Sherley Mathieu, Kimora’s mother. “Real hard.”

Police and the victim’s family are asking anyone with information to come forward. The same vehicle also struck Richecar Polinice, Kimora’s 15-year-old aunt. She suffered a broken collarbone. Police are searching for a dark green vehicle with damage to the left front end.

“What happened was cowardly, and it was a significant enough impact, to where they know they hit somebody, they decided to leave the scene,” said Manatee County Police Lieutenant Chris Miller. “And when they did that, they committed a felony.”

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A.—Orlando wrongful death attorneys.

Fisher died on February 4 when a Ford truck hit her as she was crossing the street. The driver then took off, and police had no initial leads. Police discovered the vehicle after arresting another man who was borrowing it from the suspect to purchase marijuana. They were able to determine it was the same vehicle from the hit-and-run.

“We will never really have closure, because nothing is ever going to bring Jeannie back,” said Pat Haley. “But it is good to see the person who did this get punished.”

“I was in shock at first, but now everything is starting to settle in,” she continued. “It’s the last step and now we all have to move on. It’s sad that it has lasted so long.”

Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in a car accident?

Wooten, Kimbrough, & Normand, P.A.—Orlando wrongful death attorneys.