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Unique Complications in Florida Truck Accident Cases

On Behalf of | Oct 5, 2018 | Personal Injury Law |

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The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently released its 2015 crash facts for large trucks and the statistics reveal the shocking frequency of these deadly incidents.

  • There were just over 4,300 fatal crashes, which represents an eight percent increase over 2014. Still, this figure is 18 percent lower than the highest year since 2000, which was 5,231 in 2005.
  • The lowest period of fatal crashes involving trucks in the 21st Century was 2005-2009, which was followed by a 20 percent increase in the deadly collisions from 2009-2015.
  • There was a decrease in injury-causing truck accidents from 2005 to 2009, but this period was followed by a whopping 62 percent increase from 2009-2015.

If you have been in a car accident before, you may be familiar with your right to recover compensation from the responsible driver. The process of filing a claim is very similar to typical car crash cases, but there are a number of ways these incidents are far more complicated. You should discuss your case with a Florida truck accidents lawyer regarding the specifics. Please read on for information on some factors unique to semi collisions.

  1. Your Injuries Will Be More Severe, with Higher Medical Costs

A truck outweighs a light truck or passenger vehicle by up to 20 times, depending on the cargo and configuration. Because of this size differential, injuries tend to be devastating and often life-threatening. The risk of trauma to the head, neck, spinal cord, and internal organs tends is extreme.

Of course, victims who suffer more severe injuries will also require more extensive, intense medical care. Emergency treatment, medevac, longer hospital stays, visits to specialists, surgery, and other medical attention is common – and these services come at a price. Long-term treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitative care lengthen the recovery time for a truck accident victim.

  1. There are Larger Stakes in Filing with an Insurance Company

Truck operators carry higher levels of insurance because of legal requirements, but also due to the potential for catastrophic injuries they can cause in the event of an accident. Policies can run in the millions, so insurers protect their own interests by assigning their most experienced, knowledgeable representatives to truck accident claims. You can expect these employees to contest your version of how the crash happened and the severity of your injuries.

  1. You Will Face Multiple Responsible Parties

Unlike car collisions where you pursue the responsible driver through his or her insurance company, there may be several parties involved with a truck accident claim. Beyond the driver and insurer, there could be other entities, including a trucking company, principal, partner, and other entities having an agency or employment relationship.

Set up a Free Consultation with a Skilled Truck Accidents Attorney in Florida 

Filing a claim after a car collision can be relatively straightforward, but the legal issues are far more complex in Florida truck accidents. When the stakes are high, you need an experienced, dedicated truck crash lawyer to fight for your rights. For more information, please contact Piccin & Glynn, Attorneys at Law, to schedule a free consultation. You can reach our Ocala, FL office at 352-558-8480 or via our website.

Resource:

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2015

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