Understanding Florida Truck Accident Laws

Trying to navigate Florida truck accident laws can be daunting, especially if you do not have experience working with the local court system. No auto accident is a pleasant experience, but damages can be much worse when an accident involves a semi or other large commercial truck. For large truck accidents, the consequences can be particularly devastating, often with long-term injuries and enormous costs to victims.

If you are looking for a truck accident attorney, Paul Figueroa Law is here to help alleviate stress. Our firm is ready to assist you from the moment you file your Florida truck accident claim. When you contact us, we can discuss your case in more detail to explore your options.

Sustaining injuries due to a commercial trucking accident means someone made a mistake. According to state and federal regulations, truck drivers must show an even higher duty of care on the road because they have applied for and obtained a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Unlike a regular license, CDL carriers must adhere to even stricter driving laws.

How Paul Figueroa Law Can Help

Big truck accidents happen every day. In 2023, Florida was one of the top three states with the most deaths resulting from large truck crashes, with 341 deaths reported that year. If you or a loved one has faced life-threatening injuries in a commercial truck accident, Paul Figueroa Law has the experience to work on your truck accident case and protect your rights.

Hiring a truck accident lawyer is a major decision. At Paul Figueroa Law, we prioritize your interests and protect your rights while fighting hard for you in the courtroom. You can rest easy knowing our firm has covered thousands of cases.

What Is a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents include any auto accident involving a commercial truck. They often come with more liability costs to consider than smaller vehicles. These types of accidents are common. In 2022, police reported approximately 503,000 auto crashes involving large trucks across the United States. If you have experienced a truck accident, you are not alone.

Higher Costs

Truck accidents differ from other auto accidents because they often include higher costs. For example, many large truck accidents involve:

• Fatalities
• Lifelong disabling injuries
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Lifelong trauma

Calculating damages is something that you can discuss with your attorney. Together, you can figure out a fair settlement that protects your rights and compensates you for the damages you have incurred.

Understanding Liability

Determining fault and liability is an important step in the truck accident claims process. Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents, which means drivers must first file a claim with their own insurance company before filing any personal injury claims. Based on Florida truck accident laws, truck drivers face more liability on the roads than everyday non-commercial drivers.

There are many potential contributors to a trucking accident, including negligent actions by the driver. The trucking company, loaders, or manufacturers can also be liable. With the help of an experienced truck accident attorney, you can gather evidence to prove liability in a truck accident.

In some cases, the truck driver is driving while distracted and does not notice the accident in time to prevent it from happening. If they were intoxicated at the wheel, this could partly be the driver’s fault. However, the trucking company also played a role in hiring and screening the driver, so they might be somewhat at fault as well.

If the truck malfunctioned in a way that caused the accident to happen, then the manufacturer or mechanic for the truck could be liable. There are often many different parties at fault for one accident.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a truck accident lawyer because they can do things like:

• Navigate complex trucking laws.
• Handle aggressive insurance companies.
• Gather evidence
• Determine liable parties
• Manage paperwork
• Fight for maximum compensation.

Recovering after a truck accident is never easy, but you do not have to do it alone. Let our firm fight for you while you focus on healing.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Most truck accident settlements are worth more than traditional car accident settlements. This is because the damages are typically far greater after a trucking accident. You may be able to recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and emotional distress. When you contact our firm, we can discuss your case to figure out what kind of compensation you can receive.

Q: What is the 51% Rule in Florida?

A: Florida’s 51% Rule is part of a modified comparative negligence law for personal injury cases. According to the law, you cannot recover any damages if the court finds you to be 51% or more at fault for an accident or injury. If you are 50% or less at fault, the court will reduce your compensation by your percentage of fault.

Q: What Evidence Is Needed for Pain Claims?

A: The evidence needed for pain claims after a trucking accident includes things like:

• Medical records
• Doctors’ notes
• Therapy records
• Your own pain journal
• Witness statements

This evidence will help the judge decide on a fair settlement. When you contact a truck accident attorney, they will work to prove your pain claim with strong documentation linking the incident to your suffering.

Q: What Is a Reasonable Amount to Ask for Pain and Suffering?

A: In a truck accident case, a reasonable amount for pain and suffering is not fixed. Generally, it ranges from a few thousand for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands or more for severe and permanent injuries. Typically, you should ask for more than you expect, because insurance companies try to negotiate for a lower settlement offer. A truck accident attorney can assist with settlement negotiations with an insurance company.

Secure a Fair Settlement Today

Trying to navigate complicated Florida truck accident laws on your own can be exhausting, especially if you are trying to recover from severe injuries. If you are looking to hire a truck accident lawyer and file your claim, look no further than Paul Figueroa Law. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and secure the fair settlement you deserve.