Truck accidents are generally more dangerous than car accidents and can lead to severe, long-term injuries that can drastically alter a person’s life. They are also more legally complex.
More Severe Damages
Commercial trucks, weighing up to 30 times more than cars, can cause far more damage in collisions. Injuries from truck accidents are often much more severe or fatal, especially compared to accidents involving only cars. Florida ranks third in the U.S. for fatal truck accidents, and calculating compensation without a knowledgeable attorney can be challenging.
Higher Insurance Requirements
In Florida, the minimum liability insurance for truckers depends on their cargo:
- Household goods: $300,000
- General freight: $750,000
- Oil transport: $1,000,000
- Hazardous materials: $5,000,000
These figures increase for interstate transportation due to federal regulations.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck drivers face unique risks due to their vehicle’s size and job demands. Common causes include:
- Speeding: Trucks need more distance to stop, requiring drivers to stay highly alert.
- Poor Maintenance: These complex vehicles require meticulous care, and mistakes can lead to accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Paid by the mile, truckers often push their limits, leading to fatigue and accidents.
- Inadequate Training: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring drivers have proper training.
- Faulty Parts: Mechanical issues, such as brake failures or dropped trailers, can lead to accidents.
Multiple Liable Parties
Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents may involve several responsible parties, including the driver, trucking company, mechanic, or manufacturer. This complicates determining who is liable for compensation.
Complex Evidence
Truck accident investigations require reviewing extensive documentation, such as cargo manifests, black box data, maintenance reports, and driver logs. If the case isn’t handled swiftly, this evidence may be altered or destroyed.
Damages
Truck accident victims can seek the same types of compensation as car accident victims, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
Seeking Compensation After a Truck Accident?
Due to the legal complexities and aggressive tactics of trucking companies, having an experienced truck accident attorney on your side is critical. Our personal injury team has helped many victims secure fair compensation. Call attorney Christopher Frey today at 813-222-8210 for assistance.
The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact a licensed attorney to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case