Truck Accidents
recently Injured in a Truck Accident in Florida?
Contact Elle Rudisill Law Firm today and speak with an attorney who will focus on your unique case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is a Truck Accident (Personal Injury)?
A truck accident is a collision involving a commercial truck, semi-truck, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, box truck, or other large commercial vehicle that results in injuries, property damage, or death. Because commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, these crashes often cause catastrophic injuries and involve multiple potentially liable parties.
Common causes of truck accidents
Truck accidents may occur due to:
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Improper lane changes
- Following too closely
- Failure to yield
- Improperly secured or overloaded cargo
- Brake or tire failures
- Mechanical defects
- Poor truck maintenance
- Inadequate driver training
- Violations of federal trucking regulations
- Dangerous road or weather conditions
Common types of truck accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Underride accidents
- Override accidents
- Wide-turn accidents
- Blind spot (No-Zone) accidents
- Cargo spill accidents
- Tire blowout accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Highway trucking accidents
Common injuries
Truck accident victims frequently suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Crush injuries
- Severe burns
- Amputations
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Who may be liable?
Unlike many car accidents, truck accident claims often involve multiple responsible parties, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck owner
- The cargo loading company
- A maintenance or repair contractor
- The truck or parts manufacturer
- A freight broker or logistics company (in some circumstances)
- Another negligent motorist
- A government entity responsible for unsafe roadway conditions
Compensation available
An injured victim may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
- Permanent disability
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages
Evidence commonly used
Truck accident claims often require extensive evidence, including:
- Police crash reports
- Driver logbooks and hours-of-service records
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
- Electronic Control Module (ECM) or black box data
- Driver qualification and employment records
- Drug and alcohol testing results
- Truck maintenance and inspection records
- Cargo loading documentation
- Surveillance and dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Medical records
Florida truck accident claims
Commercial trucking companies and drivers must comply with federal regulations, including many established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in addition to Florida law. Violations of these regulations may serve as important evidence in a truck accident claim.
Because trucking companies and insurers often begin investigating immediately after a crash, preserving evidence quickly is critical. Important records such as electronic logging data, maintenance logs, and onboard electronic data may not be retained indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a truck accident?
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
- Photograph the accident scene, vehicles, and injuries if possible.
- Obtain contact information for witnesses.
- Request a copy of the police report.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies.
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney promptly to help preserve evidence.
Why are truck accident cases more complicated?
Truck accident claims often involve multiple defendants, commercial insurance policies, federal safety regulations, and extensive evidence, making them significantly more complex than most passenger vehicle accident cases.
Who can be held responsible for a truck accident?
Depending on the facts, liability may extend beyond the truck driver to the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, manufacturers, brokers, or other negligent parties.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida?
The filing deadline depends on the specific facts of the case and applicable Florida law. Consulting an attorney as soon as possible helps preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
contact elle rudisill Law firm
We Put Your Recovery & Compensation First
Elle Rudisill Law Firm represents individuals and families who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Our practice focuses exclusively on personal injury law, allowing us to provide knowledgeable, strategic, and client-focused representation in matters including:
✔ Car Accidents
✔ Truck Accidents
✔ Bus Accidents
Each case is handled with personalized attention, a thorough investigation, and a results-driven approach to pursuing the maximum compensation available under the law.