There are several key differences between car and truck accidents in Florida. The potential causes of truck accidents and the potential complexity of resulting claims and lawsuits are two of those key differences.
The differences between truck and car accidents are important to those injured in such accidents. As you review these key differences between car and truck accidents, you may understand the value of hiring a truck accident lawyer or car accident attorney for your case.
Seven Common Differences Between Car and Truck Accidents in Florida
Each car and truck accident is unique, so it is important to have a personal injury lawyer evaluate your circumstances and fight for the compensation you deserve. That said, some of the common (and key) differences between Florida car and truck accidents include:
1. The Severity of Property Damage Is Usually Greater in Truck Accidents
According to the Federal Highway Administration, the maximum weight limit for large trucks in the United States is 80,000 pounds. This weight is far greater than the typical passenger vehicle, which means:
- The weight gap between a truck and another vehicle can be tens of thousands of pounds.
- A commercial truck has a far greater capacity to crush objects than smaller, lighter vehicles (like cars).
- The force a truck imposes on another vehicle can be immense and enough to cause extensive property damage.
Of course, severe property damage is synonymous with a high risk for injuries.
2. The Severity of Injuries Is Often Greater in Truck Accidents
The National Safety Council (NSC) explains that large trucks are overrepresented in fatal traffic accidents. This finding also suggests that large trucks, due in part to their weight, have a heightened capacity to cause severe injuries.
Large trucks’ potential to cause severe injuries means truck accident cases often involve larger potential settlements and verdicts than car accident cases, though each case is unique.
3. Truck Owners Generally Have Higher Insurance Policy Limits
Trucking companies often own the trucks their employees operate, though the operator can also own the truck (or they can rent one). In any case, the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) explains that truck owners must generally have high insurance coverage limits.
These coverage limits are far higher than the typical limit on policies held by owners of passenger vehicles, and they reflect the potential for great damage that semi-trucks possess.
4. The Number of Potential Causes of Truck Accidents Is Typically Greater
Large commercial vehicles carrying cargo are more complex than passenger vehicles, as they have more complicated controls and often carry trailers behind them. There are many potential causes of commercial truck accidents, including:
- Truck driver impairment
- A defect in the truck cab (including the engine block)
- A defect in a trailer or other cargo-transporting device
- Truck driver error
- Dangerous road conditions
- Violation of hours of service regulations
- Poor weather conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
These are just some of the potential causes of truck accidents. Due to the complicated nature of large trucks and the introduction of trailers into the equation, determining the cause of a truck accident may be more complicated than with other motor vehicle accidents.
5. Truck Accidents May Involve Multiple Liable Parties
Trucking companies are often financially liable for the actions of their employees. If a commercial truck driver causes a collision through negligence, both the driver and their employer may share liability for the victim’s damages.
6. The Defendant in a Truck Accident Case Often Has Valuable Evidence
In most insurance claims and lawsuits, evidence is up for grabs. In truck accident cases, a liable trucking company often has valuable evidence that the plaintiff’s trucking accident lawyer must obtain.
Such evidence can include:
- Data from the truck’s black box
- Video footage from the truck’s inward- or outward-facing cameras
- Employment records relevant to the accident
- Employee health records relevant to the accident
Your legal counsel will secure all relevant evidence for your case, regardless of who possesses that evidence.
7. Truck Accident Claims and Lawsuits Tend to Be More Complex
Because truck accidents are often complicated by nature and can cause severe injuries, related insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits can be similarly complicated.
A truck crash lawyer can navigate the complex fight for justice by:
- Obtaining all relevant evidence
- Hiring experts who have insight into truck accidents, injuries, and other aspects of your case
- Calculating a fair value for your present and future damages
- Negotiating for a settlement with the liable party’s insurance company
- Representing you in court, if necessary
Focus on healing while a truck accident attorney from our team pursues justice for you.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Today for Your Free Car or Truck Accident Consultation
Per Florida Statutes § 95.11, our personal injury attorneys may not have much time to file a truck accident claim or lawsuit on your behalf. Do not wait any longer to speak with our team. We are always available to discuss your case.
Contact the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today by calling (954) 633-8270 for your free, no-risk consultation. We only receive a fee if we win for you.
