How are truck accidents different from car accidents?

While truck and car accidents may unfold on the same stretches of road, the legal landscapes they inhabit are worlds apart. Understanding these differences is important when you are thrust into the aftermath of a truck accident, particularly in Florida, where specific statutes and regulations can greatly influence your case.

If you were hurt in a truck crash that wasn’t your fault, you need a skilled Orlando truck accident lawyer by your side to prove your case and recover compensation. Trust the top-rated attorneys with DWK Law to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. Call (407) 244-3000 to schedule your free consultation today.

Truck accidents are more complex due to licensing regulations

Strict regulatory environment

Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to many federal and state regulations that do not apply to most private car drivers. These include regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which set standards regarding hours of service, maintenance, and parts needed for safe operation. Non-compliance with these standards can be a significant factor in truck accident cases.

Licensing requirements

Truck drivers must have commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and undergo specific training, which is not true for most car drivers. Violations of licensing requirements can also affect liability in truck accident cases.

Truck accidents typically have more severe injuries and damages

Due to their massive size and weight, trucks can cause significantly more severe injuries and damage than cars. This often results in higher medical bills, longer recovery periods, and more substantial compensation claims. Severe injuries can also lead to greater non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which must be accurately quantified in truck accident cases.

Multiple parties are usually involved in truck accidents

In car accidents, the parties typically involved are the drivers of the vehicles. However, truck accidents often involve several parties:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Cargo loaders
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers

Determining liability can be complex as multiple parties could be responsible. For instance, the trucking company could be held liable under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior” if the truck driver acted within the scope of employment at the time of the accident.

How Florida’s comparative negligence system affects truck accident cases

Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, if a victim is found partially at fault in an accident, the compensation can be reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault. This concept is known as “comparative fault.” Understanding how these laws apply in the context of a truck accident, where multiple parties may share liability, is crucial for effectively managing your case.

Truck collisions have more complex insurance coverage issues

Truck drivers and trucking companies generally have much larger insurance policies than typical car drivers because of the potential for substantial damages in accidents. Navigating these policies, often worth millions of dollars, involves complex negotiations that can significantly influence the settlement process.

Truck accident investigations are usually more involved

The investigation into a truck accident is typically more involved than that of a car accident. It may include reviewing:

• Logbooks
• Black box recorder data
• Truck maintenance records
• Employment history of the driver
• The trucking company’s history of accidents and compliance issues

Preserving this evidence is crucial and requires immediate and specific actions following the accident, often necessitating the expertise of an attorney experienced in truck accidents.

Don’t go it alone – Work with the trusted attorneys at DWK Law

If you’re involved in a truck accident in Florida, partnering with DWK Law can provide the specialized knowledge and experienced advocacy needed to navigate legal complexities effectively.

Our expertise ensures that all aspects of the case are meticulously handled, from evidence gathering to intricate negotiations with multiple parties, maximizing your chances for a favorable outcome. Contact us online or call (407) 244-3000 to schedule your free consultation today.