The Unique Elements Of A Personal Injury Case Involving Trucks
Florida ranks third in the United States when it comes to fatal truck crashes. Not only are 18-wheelers and semi-trucks 20-30 times larger than a typical personal vehicle, but they carry hazardous materials, oversized loads (e.g., homes), and flammable materials such as oil and gas. Getting into an accident with one can be catastrophic, and it can drastically alter your ability to work and enjoy your life. When this happens, you may be entitled to significant damages.
Due to how potentially dangerous they can be, they must carry more insurance than a typical motor vehicle. Trucks carrying the hazardous materials mentioned earlier must have a minimum of $5,000,000 in coverage when driving in Florida.
The Challenges You May Face
Although trucks have robust insurance policies, there are extensive hurdles to cross before you can obtain a settlement. Having a personal injury attorney is paramount to navigating these issues. Truck accidents are complicated because there are potentially more parties involved, which makes proving fault harder—but by no means impossible. For example, when two cars are in an accident, you are most likely dealing with two drivers.
With trucks, there are more people to consider other than the driver.
Did the trucking company force the driver to work long hours?
Was the driver on an approved route?
Did one of the truck’s mechanics act negligently?
Were parts of the truck defective?
The answers to these questions point to who is at fault. If the truck had been overloaded before it departed, the driver might not be the at-fault party. In Florida, the statute of limitations for initiating litigation regarding a trucking accident is four years, and the clock starts on the date of the accident. However, it is essential not to wait because you need to prove your injuries are a result of the accident. By contacting an attorney immediately, you can better document what happened and why.
In terms of evidence, there will likely be an abundance of it. In every accident, you have witnesses to corroborate your version of events along with police and medical reports. Trucks have unique regulatory considerations requiring drivers to log their driving hours, locations, and stops. Most trucks do this digitally, and your attorney can gather this evidence to help you get the settlement you need.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Who Understands Trucking Accidents
The Law Offices of William C. Robinson understand how drastically a trucking accident will impact your life. We take the time to learn the facts surrounding your accident, gather appropriate evidence, and create an argument for you. Start the process for obtaining a settlement by contacting us today to set up a free consultation.
