Truck being totaled

Truck Accident Lawyer Serving Winter Haven Clients

Because of their sheer size and weight, trucks can cause devastating damage when they are involved in accidents.

As the flow of visitors to Winter Haven, FL, increases, the amount of traffic and the potential for truck accidents is also on the rise

If you are a motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian involved in a truck crash, truck accident lawyer Daniel D. Moody can help.

Winter Haven A Popular Tourist Destination That Draws in Many Motorists Each Year

Winter Haven's unique landscape and tourist attractions make it one of Central Florida's most popular destinations. According to the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, LEGOLAND Florida alone draws in around 1.5 million visitors each year. Other popular Winter Haven attractions include: 

  • Over 55 lakes (many of which are linked by canals)
  • The historic downtown business district 
  • Its many locally-owned restaurants and breweries
  • The Cypress Gardens Botanical Gardens
  • The Circle B Bar Reserve
Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
Ultrahip, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Winter Haven is also conveniently accessible from Tampa and Orlando, making it a popular stop for out-of-towners visiting these major cities. 

With 1,350 miles of coastline, Florida is an important hub for importing and exporting goods overseas. As freight trucks transport cargo from the ports to other parts of the state, they are becoming more present on roadways and more likely to cause truck accidents

More Motorists Mean More Accidents Polk County's 2018 Accident Statistics

In Polk County, car accidents of all types are on the rise. 

Category 2018 2017 2016 % Change 2017 to 2018 3-Year Average
Total Crashes 11,635 11,378 9,912 2.26% 10,975
Total Fatalities 123 112 137 9.82% 124
Total Injuries 7,819 7,555 6,804 3.49% 7,393

*According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Accidents Involving Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV)

CMV Crashes 1,541
CMV Fatalities 18
CMV Injuries 485 

Your First Steps after a Truck Accident

Keep Track of Important Documents

Hold on to any important documents related to your truck accident, including hospital bills, police reports, and contact details. These documents will play an important role in helping a truck accident lawyer build your case.

Don't Settle with the Insurance Company

Even if your initial settlement offer seems fair, do not settle with the other driver's insurance company until you have had a chance to review your case with a truck accident lawyer. A lawyer can examine all of the facts and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

Contact truck accident lawyer Daniel D. Moody as soon as possible. Mr. Moody offers free consultations for truck accident victims. During your consultation at his Bartow, FL, or Lakeland law firm, he can listen to the specifics of your case and guide you towards your next steps. 

Request a Consultation with a Distinguished Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a family member was injured in an accident with a semi-truck, garbage truck, bus, or another type of commercial truck, contact the personal injury team at Moody Law, P.A. today. Personal injury lawyer Daniel D. Moody has been representing truck accident victims for over 30 years and his primary objective is earning his clients the compensation they deserve in and out of the courtroom.

At our law firm, we represent all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning no attorney fees are charged until we have obtained a settlement or jury verdict on your behalf

To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or call the office nearest to you:

Moody Law team

Bartow: (863) 733-9090

Lakeland: (863) 284-9090

"They Are Very Professional, Personal, Dedicated, and Caring"

1

Valerie Barnett

2020

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The people at Moody Law are awesome! They are always there for YOU! They are very helpful and prompt in answering your questions and concerns. Mr. Moody is a great lawyer and he will represent you diligently and professionally.

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Brian Morgan

2020

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We are so thankful for The Moody Law Firm. They are very professional, personal, dedicated, and caring the moment you walk into the office. We received calls daily , and emails on all updates, or any concerns we might have. Mr Moody is the best negotiator, and will fight for your case till the end.  I highly recommend The Moody Law Firm.

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In 2019, large trucks accounted for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, according to the National Safety Council® Injury Facts.

Trucking Accident Risk Factors Dangers Associated With Large Trucks

There are several reasons why truck drivers must exercise extreme caution at all times behind the wheel:

Bigger Blind Spots

Commercial truck drivers have significant blind spots on all four sides.

Drivers cannot see vehicles driving directly behind or in front of them. 

Longer Stop Distance

A tractor-trailer traveling at highway speeds needs around 600 feet to come to a complete stop. A passenger vehicle traveling at the same speed needs 300 feet to completely stop. 

Wide Turn Radius

Semi-trucks need more space when making right turns. When another vehicle is between the curb and a large truck making a right turn, the incident is called a squeeze play accident. 

$2.5 MILLION RECOVERED After a Commercial Truck Driver Ran a Red Light

Mr. Moody represented an elderly woman who was driving through an intersection on a green arrow when a large commercial truck driver ran a red light and hit her vehicle in the driver's side door. Her vehicle was crushed severely. She sustained multiple brain injuries and internal injuries, resulting in astronomical medical bills and debilitating pain.

Mr. Moody was able to get the case resolved within 10 months of the accident occurring, and he successfully recovered $2.5 million for his client.

Elderly woman in the hospital

Our Law Firm Is Conveniently Located for Winter Haven Residents

Bartow Location

Google map of Bartow location

Our Bartow law firm is located next to the Polk County courthouse just 20 minutes southwest of Winter Haven via U.S. 17.

Lakeland Location

Google map of Lakeland location

Our Lakeland law firm is also located about 20 minutes west of Winter Haven. There are several possible routes if you wish to avoid tolls.

We Can Also Come to You

Car accidents and truck accidents can leave you seriously injured or disabled, making it difficult for you to travel to a law firm to review your case with an attorney. If you are unable to come to one of our offices in Bartow or Lakeland, we can also come to you

Did You Lose a Loved One In a Truck Accident?

If your loved one was killed by a truck driver in the greater Winter Haven area, Moody Law can file a wrongful death claim. Our injury lawyer can help your family recover damages for loss of income, medical bills, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Our attorneys are committed to achieving justice for bereaved family members when negligence results in the loss of a loved one.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a truck, our aggressive injury lawyers at Moody Law will fight to protect your rights. Free consultations are available. Email our firm today or give us a call.

Call

(863) 733-9090

Moody Law office exterior

We Fight For Our Clients

Our aggressive injury lawyers at Moody Law will fight to protect the rights of those injured due to the negligence of truck drivers and their employers. Free consultations are available. Reach out to our firm today. 

"This firm is outstanding."

1

Ken Carle

2019

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I’ve had several patients use Moody Law for their auto accident cases. They have been extremely helpful and they find that the Moody law firm is professional and aggressive in settling their claims. I would highly recommend using them if you’ve been involved in an accident

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Paigeann Zanay

2020

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This is one of the most beautiful, exciting and welcoming office I have ever visit. I was greeted with open arms and a smile. When you are injured and feeling uneasy, this is the response you want to aide you on you legal journey and recovery. I recommend this firm they're outstanding, with that down home feeling.

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Featured Truck Accident Case $5,600,000.00 Recovered

Mr. Moody served as the truck accident attorney for a family of four that was rear-ended by a fully loaded semi-tractor trailer on U.S. Highway 27 en route to Walt Disney World. Tragically, one family member was killed and another suffered very serious injuries as a result of the truck crash. 

During his deposition, the defendant (truck driver) admitted that he had violated the regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. After working too many hours without proper rest, the driver was sleep deprived when the accident took place. 

Mr. Moody claimed punitive damages, and he successfully recovered a $5,600,000 award for the family

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Trucking accidents can have several causes and are often complex because they can involve one or more parties when it comes to liability. 

The most common cause is driver negligence. Other leading causes of trucking accidents include:

  • Inadequate training
  • Mechanical defects
  • Driver fatigue
  • Poor road and weather conditions
  • Distracted driving
  • Reckless driving 

Having a skilled truck accident lawyer on your side is essential and will give your case the best chance for success.

We Represent All Types of Truck Accidents

As a truck accident lawyer, Mr. Moody takes on all types of cases involving large trucks and other commercial vehicles such as: 

  • Garbage Trucks 
  • Tow Trucks
  • Semi-Trucks
  • Tractor Trailers
  • Buses 
Truck types

Winter Haven Is Home to Some of the Most Dangerous Intersections in Polk County

According to an article released by News Chief, the most dangerous intersections in Polk County include: 

  1. South Florida Avenue at Lake Miriam Drive
  2. U.S. 98 at Daughtery Road
  3. U.S. 98 at Memorial Boulevard
  4. U.S. 98 at Duff Road
  5. Lakeland Hills Boulevard at Memorial Boulevard
  6. U.S. 27 at Dundee Road
  7. U.S. 27 at Cypress Gardens Road
  8. U.S. 17 at Cypress Gardens Road (Winter Haven) and U.S. 17 at Havendale (Winter Haven)
  9. U.S. 98 at Boy Scout Road, U.S. 27 at Polk City Road, and U.S. 98 at Parkview Place. 

Other Dangerous Roadways Frequented by Winter Haven Residents

Interstate 4

Interstate 4, which runs from Orlando to Tampa, is the most dangerous road in Florida (and in the entire country)

Interstate 75 

According to the publication News Chief, data shows that accidents involving large trucks have risen on I-75.

Contributing Factors in 2018 Polk County Accidents

While many truck accidents are not preventable, others are caused by negligence or wrongdoing on behalf of the driver. Aggressive driving, distracted driving, or drowsy driving are all avoidable factors in truck accidents that can lead to big collisions, serious injuries, and fatalities. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's 2017 report, 32 percent of large truck drivers who were involved in fatal crashes recorded a driver-related factor such as speeding, distraction, and impairment. 

Lastly, drug and alcohol use was also a large factor in many 2018 car accidents in Polk County.

Alcohol Confirmed Crashes 140
Drug Confirmed Crashes 24
Drug & Alcohol Confirmed Crashes 10

*According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one was recently involved in a truck accident, Daniel D. Moody wants to help you recover from your injuries and earn the restitution you deserve

Our law firm has been representing victims of car accidents and truck accidents since 1985 and we know how to pursue truck accident cases to earn the most compensation for our clients. 

To find out if you have a personal injury case, schedule a free consultation. You can request an appointment online or call the Moody Law, P.A. location closest to you: 

Bartow: (863) 733-9090

Lakeland: (863) 284-9090

Mr. Moody

A 5-Star Review

"Easily the most professional, detailed, service minded offices my family and I have ever dealt with. No questions from us were too big or small, and we were always treated as a top priority. Would recommend with no hesitation whatsoever." Michael S

Time Is Running Out: Florida's Statute of Limitations Gives You Four Years to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you believe that negligence or wrongdoing contributed to your accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. However, it is important that you pursue legal action as early as possible. Unnecessary delays or inaction could hurt your case or disqualify you from recovering any compensation

In Florida, you have four years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, there is a two-year time limit. 

The best thing you can do to protect your case and ensure the best possible outcome is to contact a truck accident attorney immediately after your accident.

Other Local Laws to Be Aware of

Driver's Duty to Stop

Following a truck accident or car accident, Florida drivers are required to stop, exchange basic information with the other driver, and provide assistance to any injured persons. Drivers who leave the scene of the accident too early could face serious charges

Driver's Duty to Report 

If you are involved in a collision against a commercial truck or if your crash resulted in injuries, inoperable vehicles, or death, you are required to report your accident to local law enforcement. 

Liability 

If the truck driver was abiding by all rules and regulations at the time of the accident, the trucking company that they are employed by may be held liable for any damages

"I Would Highly Recommend Using Them If You’ve Been Involved in an Accident"

1

Christopher Lee

2022

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I was in a car accident a year ago and it was a horrible experience and I had no idea what to do. I was recommended Moody Law and it was a great decision to contact. 

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Elizabeth Lattimore

2022

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Moody Law was wonderful in getting our case resolved. It was a relief to have such a professional, respected law office represent us during what was a challenging situation. I would definitely recommend Moody Law!

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Daniel D. Moody, J.D., B.C.S.

Moody Law, P.A.

Moody Law was founded by Daniel D. Moody for the sole and exclusive purpose of representing the injured. Our main office is centrally located next to the Polk County Courthouse in Bartow, FL, serving Lakeland, Winter Haven, and all the other communities of Polk County.  Some of Mr. Moody’s honors, memberships, and associations include:

  • The Florida Bar Board Certification – Civil Trial Specialist
  • AV PREEMINENT Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Ratings
  • Life-member Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Best Attorneys of America – Rue Rating Lifetime Charter Member
  • National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us online or call (863) 733-9090.

Contact Us Today



“Our experience with Moody Law has been awesome, from the first day of calling and talking with the front desk staff and meeting with everyone through the whole process, everyone has been helpful in helping us to resolve this matter.”

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Lakeland Office

1905 U.S. 98
Lakeland, FL 33801

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5310 N. Central Avenue
Tampa, FL 33603

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