Florida and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have specific liability requirements depending on the weight of the load (freight) and the type of the freight hauled or carried. There is a difference as to the requirements for Intrastate trucks (those trucks that only pull freight within the State of Florida) and Interstate trucks (those trucks that pull freight across state lines).
In the aftermath of a truck accident, the injury victim and family should secure legal representation early in the process prior to giving statements to the truck company or the applicable insurance companies. It should be noted that some insurance companies are quite aggressive in try to lock an injury victim into a statement or position that can affect the pursuit of the case down the line. In some instances, a release is signed early in the process that in essence waives the important legal rights of the injury victim. As such, it is important to speak with a Duval County truck accident attorney for guidance, direction, advice, and legal representation. David Wolf only represents personal injury victims and is proud to do so. He has handled personal injury cases from Key West to Jacksonville to Pensacola and most other parts of the State of Florida. David Wolf will be your attorney to serve and protect your legal rights in the aftermath of a truck accident.
For Intrastate trucks, the truck carrier or owner must obtain an Intrastate Only United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Number. For trucks that weigh over 26,000 GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight), the following liability insurance requirements apply:
With respect to Interstate Commerce and Federal Regulations, most of these regulations require semi-tractor trailers and commercial trucks to have liability limits between $750,000 (Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand) and $1,000,000 (One Million Dollars).
It should be noted that except for government entities - there are not any caps as to damages in the State of Florida for claims and cases involving personal injuries related to a truck accident. As such, a truck owner or truck carrier can be held liable for the damages associated with personal injuries that exceed the available liability insurance coverage. The pursuit of a personal injury case beyond the applicable liability insurance coverage limits will depend on the size of the company and the assets of the trucking company. Prior to any settlement, a thorough investigation should be conducted as to all available insurance coverages and assets of the trucking company.
There are a number of challenges, issues, and stresses that result from a truck accident to the personal injury victim and the family. Figuring out the available liability insurance is just one of the many questions to answer and consider when handling a truck accident case. Insurance companies and trucking companies are well represented by investigators, adjusters, risk managers, management, and, yes, attorneys. The injury victim and family should be well represented as well from an experienced Duval County truck accident attorney.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, David Wolf handles truck accident cases across the State of Florida. He has over 30 years of experience in representing real people with real injuries. David Wolf firmly believes in Giving a Voice to Injury Victims and Their Families. He is the author of 12 books including the book titled - Big Trucks - Big Problems - When a Truck Driver Wrecks Your Day and Life - Legal Rights of the Injury Victim and Family. You can get this book for free by completing the form on the Contact Us Page of this website. Get D Wolf On Your Side - At Your Side.