Why Florida Trucking Accidents are Different

Any accident involving a vehicle can be catastrophic, and commercial trucks comprise a relatively high number of accidents and fatalities compared to passenger vehicles.

There are several variables that make trucking accident cases different from other personal injury cases involving cars and motorcycles, including the following:

• Size of the vehicle: Semi-trucks carrying cargo can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle is approximately 4,000 pounds. This massive weight differential can result in more serious crashes.
• Stopping distance: Because of the weight of commercial vehicles, they require more time to stop than the average car. This requires drivers to exercise caution, but fatigue, deadlines, and distractions can compromise safety.
• Blind spots: All vehicles have blind spots, but commercial trucks have a larger blind spot than other vehicles. Other cars are at risk when they travel within a truck’s blind spot.
• Liability: In accidents with passenger vehicles, the driver is typically liable for your injuries (beyond your personal injury protection coverage under Florida’s no-fault insurance system). However, with commercial vehicles, additional parties can be held liable for your injuries, including the trucking company, vendors, and others.

Who Can Be Held Financially Responsible for a Trucking Accident in Florida?

Experienced personal injury lawyers will explore multiple avenues when seeking to recover compensation for your injuries.

When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, attorney Shannon Sagan will thoroughly investigate the circumstances to determine if someone other than the driver could be at fault. Potential parties include:

• The truck driver’s employer: Under the concept of respondeat superior, an employer can be held liable for an employee’s actions
• The trucking company: Also referred to as the carrier, the trucking company may be held accountable for what happens to the trucks and drivers it is responsible for putting on the road, especially if there is a maintenance issue
• Truck or parts manufacturers: If the truck or one of its parts is defective, the company responsible for manufacturing that item could be held liable
• Other vendors: Third parties, including companies that hire or train drivers, may share blame for an accident
• State or local governments: Governments have a duty to maintain safe roadways. A state or local government could be liable if a hazardous road condition contributed to the accident

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Belle Glade, FL

Dealing with a serious trucking accident is stressful, especially when injuries are involved. Contact The Dash Cam Lawyer®. at 561-DASHCAM to explore your legal options.