Tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks are vital to Florida’s economy, but as these monstrous vehicles can transport up to 80,000 pounds of cargo, any accident may result in unimaginable physical injury and property damage. At the Shiner Law Group, we understand trucking accidents involve more than just the driver in the victim; the trucking company, leasing company, equipment owners, loading companies and employees, and even equipment manufacturers can be held liable for your injuries—to name a few.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a Florida truck accident and believe you are entitled to financial compensation, our award-winning law firm is standing by to help you obtain the recovery you deserve. We navigate our clients through Florida’s complex legal system, provide victims with expert knowledge of the trucking industry’s standards and practices, and invest resources to help you build a compelling personal injury claim.
Contact us by phone or visit us online to review your legal rights and options in a free consultation. We customize our legal services on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay us nothing unless we get you a recovery.
Why a Truck Accident Attorney Is Important
Most work trucks and other commercial vehicles used in Florida are owned by third-party companies operating on the national stage, which means accident victims are tasked with pursuing damages for economic and non-economic losses against legally sound defendants and large insurance chains that have years of litigation experience.
With the benefit of a seasoned truck accident attorney, you will gain the advantage of collecting critical evidence that can substantiate your claim and prove culpability. Unfortunately, insurance companies, even in disastrous truck accidents, are primarily concerned with retaining profits and paying out as little as possible to satisfy your claim. A truck accident attorney can aggressively safeguard your legal and financial interests by pushing against efforts to minimize, stall, or deny your case.
Truck drivers are required to maintain logs that document all trucking activities relating to inspections and hours of service; however, these logs are often altered in incidents of negligence. Your experienced truck accident attorney can use the discovery process to obtain video footage and relevant documentation (police, medical, and accident reports) that may reveal inconsistencies in the driver’s logs.
How Florida’s Commercial Liability Coverage Affects Your Claim
If you or your loved one has sustained a physical injury in a Florida truck accident, the truck company may offer different coverage options that separate physical injury from property damage. Other policies may combine both damages under a single coverage policy: combined single limit coverage (CSL). Separate coverage for personal injury is referred to as commercial liability coverage, which permits victims to recover medical expenses not insured through personal injury protection (PIP) if negligence is shown.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents Involving Work Trucks and Vehicles
While most truck drivers operating in Florida are well-trained, those who violate state and federal regulations, or otherwise engage in negligible behavior, significantly exacerbate the risk of personal injury for drivers and passengers of other vehicles sharing the roadway. Overloaded or unsecured cargo, improper vehicle maintenance, driving under the influence, inflated schedules, prolonged service hours (fatigue), and inadequate training are all leading causes of truck accidents that can result in severe and life-threatening injuries.
