Miami Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Around 164,500 total crashes involving semis, 18-wheelers, and other large trucks occur every year, and the casualties are considerable. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports around 4,500 fatalities and 86,000 injuries annually, causing significant losses for victims. While Florida law provides remedies, commercial vehicle collisions bring complications you might not expect.
Trust the legal details to your Miami truck accident lawyer; you might be interested to know some important differences between these cases and other vehicle crash claims.
Comparing Truck Accident vs. Car Crash Claims
Truck accident claims in Miami are more complex than car crash claims. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so crashes cause more severe injuries and higher damages. Truck cases also involve factors that car cases rarely include, such as:
- Federal safety rules
- Company records
- Electronic data from recording devices
Another issue is that several parties may share fault, which means more insurance policies and more disputes. These claims usually take longer to investigate and resolve than a typical fender bender.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Miami Truck Accident?
The driver may be liable for speeding, fatigue, or distraction, but other parties play a part in putting a semi on the road. For instance, the trucking company may be responsible for poor hiring, weak training, or skipped maintenance. Cargo loaders, repair shops, and parts makers can also share blame. Identifying every possible party is key because it can increase the compensation available to you.
How Trucking Companies and Insurers in Miami Fight Truck Accident Claims
Trucking companies often send rapid response teams to crash scenes within hours. These teams are dedicated to protecting the company, so they will:
- Capture photos and video
- Take witness statements
- Access black box data, driver logs, and surveillance video
Insurers may offer a quick, low settlement before you know the full cost of your injuries. They may also request a recorded statement and use your words to shift blame. Do not sign anything or speak to adjusters without legal advice.
Common Truck Accident Injuries and Damages in Miami
Because of a truck’s size and weight, victims often suffer serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal bleeding
Damages for victims may cover medical bills, lost income, future care, and pain and suffering. In Florida, you may also seek compensation for reduced earning ability. You should keep all medical records and receipts, and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. This documentation helps show the true cost of your injuries.
Our Miami Truck Accident Attorneys are Ready to Support You
Your losses from these extreme injuries can be devastating, so it is critical to work with a legal team that will aggressively pursue all potential parties. Gerson & Schwartz, PA has extensive experience standing up to large trucking companies on behalf of injured South Florida families. To learn more about our team, please call (305) 371-6000 or visit us online. We can schedule a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.
