When you’ve been in a commercial truck accident, it’s not just another collision—it’s a life-changing event. The physical injuries can be more severe, property damage can be extensive, and the legal details to a claim can be complex and intimidating.
Unlike a regular car accident claim, a truck collision case can mean dealing with multiple liable parties and aggressive trucking company insurers pushing back against paying you anything. To secure the compensation you deserve after being injured by a truck, work with Aigen Injury Law to investigate the incident and file a well-supported claim.
Magnitude of Injuries
Truck accidents can cause more severe injuries than regular car collisions. Passenger cars typically weigh about 4,000 pounds, while commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.
This weight difference translates to a substantial force of impact on the smaller vehicle, resulting in more catastrophic injuries. These can include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, loss of limbs, and fatalities. In 2021, 72% of deaths in large-truck collisions were the occupants of other vehicles.
Extent of Property Damage
The size and weight of commercial trucks also lead to extensive property damage in accidents. Due to their sheer mass, trucks require significantly more stopping distance than smaller vehicles.
When a truck collides with a car, the force of impact can cause devastating damage to the smaller vehicle. Property damage in truck accidents often includes:
- Total vehicle destruction
- Crushed and mangled cars
- Damage to infrastructure (guardrails, signs, etc.)
- Collateral damage to nearby vehicles
- Cargo spills
This level of property damage often means a higher settlement than in a typical car accident claim. Compensation for multiple victims can include vehicle repair or replacement, rental car expenses, and other associated costs for damaged items that may have been in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Higher Settlements Due to Comprehensive Damages
Truck accidents frequently lead to larger settlement amounts than regular car accidents. Along with medical costs and property damage, victims may require medication, physical therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications to accommodate disabilities caused by their injuries.
The injuries caused by semi-truck accidents often meet Florida’s serious injury threshold. This law allows people with permanent or significant loss of an essential bodily function to seek non-economic damages from the at-fault parties. Truck accident victims can seek a higher settlement that includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Trucking Company Insurance Limits
Commercial trucking companies are subject to specific insurance requirements set by the FMCSA. Minimums vary depending on the type of cargo transported but can range from $750,000 to $5,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage.
For regular vehicles, Florida’s minimum insurance requirements are:
- $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage for medical expenses and lost wages
- $10,000 for property damage liability coverage
Although many drivers carry more than these minimums, they are unlikely to offer as much compensation as a trucking company policy.
Multiple Liable Parties
Truck accidents often have more complex liability than standard car collisions, involving multiple parties who share fault. This can include the following entities:
- The truck driver. The truck driver’s actions, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or driving under the influence, may indicate liability in the accident.
- The trucking company. The trucking company that owns or operates the vehicle may be responsible for injuries in a crash due to negligence regarding vehicle maintenance, driver training, or adherence to regulations like Hours of Service and log books.
- The manufacturer of the truck may be liable if a defective truck part or component contributed to the accident. For instance, the tire manufacturer may be responsible if a flawed tire blows out and causes a crash.
- Loading companies. Companies responsible for loading cargo onto trucks may be liable if improper loading or securing of the cargo leads to an accident. This extends to drivers, third-party loaders, or the trucking company who loaded the shipment.
- Maintenance contractors. Third-party contractors hired to maintain the truck may be held accountable for negligent maintenance practices in a personal injury claim.
How Can a Truck Crash Lawyer Help with Your Case?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, seeking legal representation from an experienced truck crash lawyer is crucial. At Aigen Injury Law, our Florida truck crash lawyers can do the following to represent your interests against aggressive trucking company insurers and help you win fair compensation:
- Specialized expertise. Our truck crash lawyers are experienced in handling cases involving commercial trucks. We understand the unique complexities, regulations, and laws governing these accidents, which helps us build a strong, well-supported case.
- Investigation and evidence gathering. Truck accident cases require a detailed investigation to establish liability. Our lawyers work with accident reconstruction experts, review electronic logging device data, interview witnesses, and gather crucial evidence to prove your claim.
- Identifying liable parties. Determining liability in truck accidents with multiple parties involved can be challenging. Our truck crash lawyers use their expertise to identify and hold all responsible parties accountable.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. Trucking companies typically have well-funded insurance policies. Our skilled negotiators can advocate for your rights and help you receive a fair settlement that accounts for your current and future needs.
- Litigation, if necessary. If negotiations fail to secure a just settlement, our truck crash lawyers can take your case to court. We can consult medical professionals, call expert witnesses, and present your case to the judge and jury to get you the compensation you deserve.
Secure Compensation After a Truck Accident in Florida
In the aftermath of a truck accident, understanding the unique challenges and complexities is essential for securing the settlement you deserve. Our Florida truck crash lawyers at Aigen Injury Law can stand up for your rights and help you win your case against a negligent trucking company or driver.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your claim and learn your potential avenues to compensation.