When a motor vehicle accident happens in Florida, the steps to seek compensation can vary greatly depending on whether the crash involved two passenger cars or a large commercial truck. While both types of accidents can cause serious injuries, truck crash cases are often more complex, higher stakes, and governed by additional rules. Understanding these differences can make a critical impact on the outcome of your personal injury claim.
1. Size and Severity of Impact
The most obvious difference is physics:
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Passenger cars typically weigh 3,000–4,000 pounds.
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Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.
This difference in size means truck crashes often cause more catastrophic injuries, higher medical costs, and greater property damage.
2. Different Defendants and Parties Involved
In a car accident, the parties are usually limited to:
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The drivers involved
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Their insurance companies
In a truck accident, multiple parties may share liability, including:
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The truck driver
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The trucking company
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The company that loaded the cargo
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Maintenance contractors
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Vehicle or parts manufacturers
Identifying all liable parties is crucial in maximizing compensation.
3. Insurance Policy Limits
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Car accident cases in Florida often involve insurance policies with lower coverage limits, sometimes as low as $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) under Florida’s no-fault system.
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Truck accident cases usually involve commercial policies with much higher coverage limits, sometimes in the millions. This creates a higher likelihood of full recovery for severe injuries—but also means the insurer will fight harder to minimize payouts.
4. Regulations and Compliance Issues
Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with state laws and federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), covering:
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Hours-of-service limits (to prevent driver fatigue)
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Vehicle maintenance schedules
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Weight restrictions
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Driver qualification standards
Violations of these regulations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence.
5. Evidence Collection
Truck accident cases involve more complex evidence, such as:
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Driver logs and electronic logging device (ELD) data
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GPS and black box (event data recorder) information
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Cargo loading records
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Maintenance and inspection reports
Preserving this evidence quickly is critical, as trucking companies may only keep certain records for short periods.
6. Damages and Compensation
While both types of accidents can involve medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, truck accident claims tend to result in larger settlements or verdicts due to the severity of injuries and the higher policy limits available.
7. Litigation Strategy
Truck accident litigation often requires:
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Accident reconstruction experts
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Industry safety experts
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Aggressive discovery to uncover hidden violations or safety shortcuts
Car crash cases, while still serious, typically do not require as many specialized experts.
Bottom Line
In Florida, truck crash cases are generally more complex than car crash cases because they involve more severe injuries, more parties, larger insurance policies, and strict federal regulations. If you’ve been injured in either type of accident, working with an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer can help ensure evidence is preserved, all liable parties are identified, and you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of a truck crash? Contact Florida Personal Injury Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
