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Fighting for Florida Car Accident Victims Since 1977

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December 31, 2012

Earlier this month on Dec. 3, two people were killed and two more injured in south Florida when a truck collided with a passenger car, causing it to burst into flames. This trucking accident exemplifies the potential dangers of passenger cars sharing the road with huge trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds. The truck driver was cited for making an improper lane change and operating a vehicle in an unsafe condition after the accident.

Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham has helped many truck accident victims since he began his law practice in 1977 and would like to share some tips with readers that could prevent them or their loved ones from becoming trucking accident statistics. These tips include the following:

  • Observe the blind spots on big rigs, which are large and include most of both sides of the trailer. As a rule of thumb, if you can’t see the side mirrors on the cab, the truck driver can’t see you.
  • When passing a tractor-trailer, maintain and even speed, and make sure that you are well ahead of the truck before you attempt to merge into the right-hand lane.
  • Always let a truck have the right of way whether they have it or not.
  • Be mindful not to drive too close to a trailer when passing a truck, as a gust of wind could cause it to drift into your lane.
  • Make sure to maintain at least a four-second distance when following a big rig so you leave yourself enough space to take evasive action if the truck makes and emergency stop.
  • Never try to pass a truck when it is making a turn. You will be driving right into the blind spot, and the trailer could roll right over you as it completes the turn.
  • If you are behind a truck on an incline at a red light or stop sign, make sure to leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the truck. Trucks on an incline often roll back a few feet before the transmission engages and moves them forward.
  • When following trucks on rainy or snowy roads, please leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the truck so that you are out of the spray that the big rigs create in their wake.

Here’s one more tip: if you are injured in a trucking accident and need to speak with an Orlando trucking accident lawyer, call James O. Cunningham at 888-FLA-AUTO (888-352-2886). Mr. Cunningham will answer all your questions and advise you of your legal options in plain language so you and your family can make informed decisions about which course of action will be best for you.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.

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If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident, call toll-free at 1-888-FLA-Auto (1-888-352-2886).

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  • Rear End Car Accident:
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  • Semi-Truck Accident:
    $1.5 Million Recovery
  • Van Rollover:
    $1.2 Million Wrongful Death Recovery
  • Rear End Bus Accident:
    $775,000.00 Recovery
  • Truck Collides with Cow:
    $500,000.00 Recovery

Our Florida Offices

We have 15 convenient office locations around Central Florida to better serve our auto accident clients.

15 Florida Locations

Orange County:
Orlando, FL

500 Delaney Avenue #404
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407-425-2000

Seminole County:
Lake Mary, FL

300 International Parkway #100
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: 407-487-4408

Osceola County:
Kissimmee, FL

17 S. Orlando Ave.
Kissimmee, FL 34741
Phone: 407-966-4408

Volusia County:
Daytona Beach, FL

1301 Beville Rd., Suite 8
Daytona Beach, FL 32119
Phone: 386-243-4994

Volusia County:
DeBary, FL

465 Summerhaven Drive, Suite C
DeBary, FL 32713
Phone: 386-320-3911

Volusia County:
Deland, FL

120 South Woodland Blvd.
Deland, FL 32720
Phone: 386-206-1264

Citrus County:
Inverness, FL

110 North Apopka Ave.
Inverness, FL 34453
Phone: 352-205-4341

Polk County:
Lakeland, FL

1102 S. Florida Ave., Suite 104
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-968-7551

Polk County:
Winter Haven, FL

325 Avenue A, N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-968-7173

Hillsborough County:
Tampa, FL

100 S. Edison St. Suite D
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-355-9772

Marion-Sumter Counties:
The Villages, FL

3420 U.S. Hwy. 27/441
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
Phone: 352-419-0825

Lake County:
Mt. Dora, FL

Mt. Dora, FL
Phone: 352-436-4696

Lake County:
Clermont, FL

3721 S Hwy 27, Suite A
Clermont, FL 34711
Phone: 352-503-4674

Brevard County:
Titusville, FL

506 S. Palm Ave.
Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: 321-222-7300

Brevard County:
Cocoa, FL

96 Willard Street, Suite 206
Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: 321-757-1373

Client Reviews

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  • I was involved in a motor vehicle accident where the other driver ran a red light and my car was a total loss. I was referred to James Cunningham due to the fact that our attorney’s have been very impressed with James Cunningham’s work. This fact turned out to be very true… A Personal Injury Client
  • My car accident case was handled by Mr Cunningham and I was very pleased with how everything was done. He handles his own cases and his staff is top notch. He got me a very nice settlement without going to court. Derek
  • We contacted Jim Cunningham to help guide us through the "maize" of possible outcomes in settling with insurance companies, medical bills, and even police investigation with the accident. David
  • Cunningham worked hard was professional, supportive, diligent and always maintained contact. I am very satisfied with the service that him and his team provided. Mr Cunningham is a lawyer that will work for you. Dezhaun
  • I consulted with several attorneys, but as soon as I met James Cunningham, I knew he was the right attorney for me. He immediately expressed concern for my well-being, and his compassionate, professional manner put me at ease. Diane