Why Commercial Truck Accidents Cases are Different than Car Accident Cases
Hurt in a truck accident in Florida? You need an experienced attorney on your side. Tractor trailer crash claims are extremely complicated. There are a number of differences between truck wrecks and car wrecks. At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we know the law of truck accident injury cases in Florida. Here, our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer explains why tractor trailer crashes are different from passenger car crashes in Florida.
Truck Accidents are More Likely to Cause Severe Injuries
Eighteen wheelers are massive. In South Florida, a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law. For reference, that compares to about 3,000 pounds for an average passenger vehicle. The difference in mass and momentum creates far greater impact forces during a collision. Florida crash data consistently show higher rates of catastrophic injury and fatality in truck accidents. Victims often suffer spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or multiple fractures requiring long-term care.
Truck Accidents Often Involve Federal Safety Regulations
Commercial trucking is regulated at the federal level. Truck crash cases require knowledge of federal transportation law in addition to Florida negligence standards. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation and enforced through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), govern nearly every aspect of trucking operations. Among other things, these regulations for driver qualification, hours-of-service (HOS) limits, vehicle inspection, maintenance records, and cargo securement.
Truck Accidents May Have Larger Insurance Policies (and More Aggressive Insurers)
Commercial motor carriers must maintain higher liability coverage under federal and state law. For example, 49 C.F.R. § 387.9 requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance for most interstate carriers. There are even higher limits for hazardous materials. Because of the financial exposure, insurers defending trucking companies tend to use specialized claims teams and experienced defense counsel. They may dispatch rapid-response investigators to the crash scene within hours to preserve evidence favorable to the carrier.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Hurt in a truck wreck in Florida? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages. These crashes can cause catastrophic injuries. Do not rely on any insurance company to look out for your best interests. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Medical expenses;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death.
Call Our West Palm Beach Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach truck accident attorneys fight aggressively for justice for the people who need help the most. If you have any questions about a truck wreck claim, we can help. Call us today for a free case review. With an office in West Palm Beach, our team fights for justice for truck accident victims throughout South Florida.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/387.9
