If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Florida, you might assume the process is just like any other car crash. But that’s not the case. Truck accidents are very different—both in terms of the damage they cause and how the legal system treats them.
From more severe injuries to complex insurance and liability issues, these differences can impact your claim in big ways. Understanding them is essential if you want to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.
Key Takeaways
- Truck accidents often cause more serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles
- Multiple parties, including the trucking company, may be legally responsible
- Commercial trucking is heavily regulated at both the state and federal levels
- Evidence like black box data and driver logs plays a key role in proving fault
- Florida’s statute of limitations for injury claims is 2 years, so don’t delay
- A truck accident lawyer is critical for navigating complex legal issues
1. The Injuries Are Often Much Worse
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 20–30 times more than a typical passenger car. When these two collide, it’s not a fair fight. The result? Serious injuries like brain trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and sometimes even fatalities.
2. More Than One Party Can Be Liable
In a regular car accident, the blame usually falls on one or two drivers. In a truck accident, liability could extend to the trucking company, the truck’s maintenance provider, the cargo loader, or even the manufacturer of a defective truck part.
3. Commercial Trucks Are Heavily Regulated
Truck drivers and companies must follow strict rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover everything from how long a driver can stay on the road to how a truck must be loaded and maintained. If any of these are violated, it could change the outcome of your case.
4. Evidence Must Be Preserved Quickly
Truck accident cases rely on unique types of evidence—like electronic logging devices, GPS data, maintenance records, and the truck’s black box. These records can disappear fast, which is why contacting an attorney early is so important.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are truck accident claims harder to win than car accident cases?
Yes, because they involve more parties, more regulations, and higher financial stakes.
2. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Florida?
You have 2 years from the date of the accident.
3. What kind of compensation can I expect after a truck crash?
It depends on your injuries, but it may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
4. Do trucking companies fight claims aggressively?
Yes. Their insurers often have teams of lawyers ready to minimize or deny claims.
5. Why should I hire a lawyer for a truck accident case?
Because these cases are complex and require immediate legal action to preserve critical evidence.
This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your zephyrhills truck accident lawyer and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims that have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accident, slip and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.