Truck crashes can cause serious harm in an instant. When we’re involved in a collision with a large commercial vehicle, we need to know how the law applies. Florida has specific rules that influence how responsibility is determined and how compensation works. Whether we’re behind the wheel or affected in another way, being familiar with these rules helps us protect ourselves.
Laws involving truck crashes aren’t the same as regular auto accidents. From insurance coverage to liability rules, there are several key differences that can impact how we move forward after a crash. The more we know about how these laws work, the better prepared we’ll be if something goes wrong on the road.
Fault Rules Differ From Other States
Florida uses a no-fault system for car accidents, but serious truck accidents often fall outside that system. If we suffer serious injuries or damages, we can step outside the no-fault rules and pursue a claim directly against the at-fault party. This applies when medical costs are high or permanent injuries occur. In those cases, fault becomes a key factor in a truck accident claim.
Commercial Trucks Must Meet Safety Standards
Trucking companies and drivers must follow both federal and state safety rules. These include vehicle inspections, load weight limits, driving hour restrictions, and proper licensing. When these rules are not followed, it can lead to liability in a crash. If a truck driver violates service hour rules or skips maintenance checks, it often becomes important evidence in a claim.
There Are Time Limits For Filing A Claim
After a truck crash, we don’t have unlimited time to take legal action. In most cases in Florida, we have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If we miss this window, we could lose our right to recover compensation. It’s important to start gathering information and assessing our legal options early.
Multiple Parties May Be Held Responsible
Truck crash cases often involve more than just the driver. The trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, cargo loaders, and even maintenance providers could share liability. If we want to hold all responsible parties accountable, we need to look beyond just the driver and examine the full picture.
Insurance Coverage Is Higher For Trucks
Florida requires commercial trucks to carry much larger insurance policies than standard passenger vehicles. These policies are designed to cover serious injuries and damage. This can help provide more compensation in a severe crash, but it also means insurance companies may push back harder. We need to be ready with solid evidence and a strong claim.
Key Records Can Make A Difference
Evidence matters, especially in truck accident cases. Records like driver logs, GPS data, black box information, and maintenance reports can all support a claim. These items can show whether rules were broken or if there were prior safety issues. Collecting these records early is often critical for building a case.
Getting The Right Support Matters
Truck accident claims can involve several moving parts, and it’s important to have the right legal support to guide the process. At Truck Law, we work to connect individuals and families who have been impacted by commercial truck crashes with the right attorneys for their case. We know how to approach each step so nothing important gets missed.
If we’ve been involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle, it’s important to act quickly. Florida Truck accident laws can be difficult to follow without the right information. Taking the right steps early can help us recover damages and focus on healing. Don’t wait to start the conversation—reach out today and get the support you need.