Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. When a fully loaded semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the impact is severe, often leading to life-altering injuries or wrongful death. These accidents commonly occur on Florida highways, where higher speeds make crashes even more dangerous.
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs. At Fogg Law Group, we hold truck drivers, trucking companies, and other responsible parties accountable for negligence.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Truck accidents differ from standard car crashes due to the greater force of impact, higher injury risks, and complex liability issues. Several factors make them particularly dangerous:
- Size and weight – An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it difficult to stop quickly.
- Highway speeds – Most truck accidents happen at high speeds, increasing the severity of injuries.
- Blind spots – Large trucks have significant no-visibility zones, making lane changes and turns hazardous.
- Driver fatigue – Federal law limits truckers’ driving hours, but many ignore these rules, leading to drowsy driving.
- Cargo shifts – Improperly loaded trucks can become unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers and jackknife accidents.
- Longer stopping distances – Trucks need 40% more distance to stop than a passenger vehicle.
Types of Truck Accidents
- Jackknife Accidents – Occur when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle, blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
- Underride Collisions – Happen when a smaller vehicle gets trapped beneath the truck’s trailer, often leading to fatal injuries.
- Rollover Crashes – Caused by sharp turns, tire blowouts, or shifting cargo, often crushing nearby vehicles.
- Rear-End Collisions – Occur when a truck fails to stop in time, causing severe injuries to occupants in smaller vehicles.
- Wide-Turn Accidents – Happen when a truck swings into another lane while making a turn, trapping cars in its path.
- Lost Load Accidents – Occur when improperly secured cargo spills onto the roadway, leading to dangerous obstacles.
How Location Affects Your Case (In-State vs. Out-of-State Trucks)
Truck accidents in Florida can involve local trucking companies or out-of-state carriers, which affects legal procedures and liability.
- In-State Truck Accidents – Governed by Florida law, these cases involve local drivers, companies, and insurance policies.
- Out-of-State Truck Accidents – Trucks traveling interstate fall under federal trucking laws and may require legal action in multiple jurisdictions.
Jurisdictional issues can impact where a lawsuit is filed and which laws apply. Fogg Law Group has extensive experience handling both in-state and interstate truck accident claims.
Federal Trucking Regulations and Liability
Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with federal safety standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of these rules can be used as evidence of negligence in your case.
- Hours of Service (HOS) Limits – Drivers can only operate for 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty to prevent fatigue.
- Truck Weight Limits – The legal limit for commercial trucks is 80,000 pounds to reduce stopping distances and prevent rollovers.
- Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing – Truckers must undergo random drug tests, and the legal BAC limit for truck drivers is 0.04%.
- Vehicle Maintenance Requirements – Trucking companies must inspect and repair their vehicles regularly to prevent mechanical failures.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) – Drivers are required to use electronic logs to track driving hours and prevent record falsification.
If a trucking company or driver violated federal regulations, it strengthens your case for negligence and increases your chances of securing compensation.
How the Discovery Process Strengthens a Truck Accident Case
Building a strong case requires uncovering critical evidence during the discovery phase. Our firm collects:
- Black Box Data – Logs speed, braking patterns, and driving hours to detect reckless behavior.
- Truck Maintenance Records – Reveals whether mechanical failures contributed to the crash.
- Driver Employment and Training Records – Determines if the driver was properly trained and licensed.
- GPS and Route Logs – Shows whether the driver exceeded hours-of-service limits.
- Cell Phone Records – Can prove whether the driver was distracted at the time of the crash.
Our team uses this evidence to hold trucking companies accountable and maximize your compensation.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims
Under Florida law:
- Personal Injury Claims – Must be filed within two years from the accident date (Florida Statutes § 95.11).
- Wrongful Death Claims – Must be filed within two years from the date of death.
- Claims Against Government Entities – May have additional restrictions and shorter deadlines.
Failing to file within these time limits can bar you from seeking compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Truck accident victims may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
Trucking companies and insurance carriers often try to minimize payouts. Our firm fights for maximum compensation to cover the full extent of your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
Liability may fall on the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or even the truck manufacturer.
What should I do after a truck accident?
Seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect witness statements, and contact a truck accident lawyer immediately.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often offer less than what your case is worth.
How long does a truck accident lawsuit take?
Some cases settle within months, while others require years of litigation depending on the complexity.
What does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Fogg Law Group Today
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, our firm is ready to fight for maximum compensation. Call 1-561-616-3000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.