On highways and roads throughout the United States, you will see semi-tractors, dump trucks, logging trucks, cement trucks, and other commercial vehicles. These trucks and vehicles are quite large when compared to the typical passenger vehicle on the road. When there is a crash or collision with a commercial truck, the resulting personal injuries can be quite devastating.
If the truck driver is wholly or even partially at fault, there can be a case or claim for compensation or damages brought against the truck driver and commercial truck company. Some States have limitations on compensation for pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. Most do not have such limitations. A review of the applicable laws in place by a qualified and experienced Truck Accident Attorney can provide the necessary guidance a victim and family needs moving forward with a case or claim against the truck driver and the truck company.
Truck drivers have a duty to operate the commercial trucks in a reasonably safe manner and to obey all applicable traffic statutes and ordinances. Commercial truck drivers have training requirements and should understand the proper operation of the trucks. Speed limits should be obeyed and when turns are attempted – the turns should be made in a reasonably safe manner taking into account the speed limit, traffic, and road conditions.
Most truck drivers and trucking companies are well insured; however, in any given case, there may be no insurance coverage, a moderate amount of insurance, or a significant amount of liability insurance. It is important to find out and understand the available insurance when working through a truck accident personal injury case. Truck companies and the respective insurance companies are well represented by insurance adjusters, risk managers, and attorneys. In the aftermath of an accident caused in whole or in part by the driving of a commercial truck driver, contact a Truck Accident Attorney for advice, guidance, and legal representation.
In the State of Florida, there are no caps per se for cases against commercial truck drivers and commercial truck companies. However, it should be noted that just because there may be a lot of insurance coverage or a company with assets – that does not mean that the truck company or its insurance carrier will easily or quickly offer a fair and reasonable settlement for the personal injuries. It is important for the injury victim to get proper medical attention and ongoing care as needed before settling a case. The proper diagnosis and prognosis should be carefully evaluated in determining the proper and fair value for a personal injury case.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, David Wolf is a truck accident attorney with over 27 years of experience. He is the author of 11 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 at Big Trucks – Big Problems. This book has chapters on Commercial Driver’s License Requirements and Training, Truck Drive’s Logs – Weigh Stations – and Black Boxex, Rules of the Road – Safety – Negligence – and Crashes, Medical Treatment and Follow Up, Insurance Issues, Florida Truck Accidents – Types of Injuries, Wrongful Death, Settlement – Compensation – and Damages.