Truck Accident Lawyer Sanford

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Sanford, you may be facing significant medical bills, time away from work, and emotional stress. Truck accident cases often involve complex regulations and aggressive insurance companies, making it challenging to secure the compensation you deserve. The experienced team at Donaldson & Weston understands the unique challenges of these claims and is ready to advocate for your rights. Call 866-382-1494 to speak with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

How Truck Accident Claims Differ From Car Accident Claims

Accidents involving large trucks differ in significant ways from those that only involve passenger cars. While both types of accidents can result in serious injuries, the legal processes and complexities surrounding each case vary. If you have been involved in a truck accident in Sanford, it is important to understand how the claim process for a truck accident differs from that of a typical car accident. Knowing these differences can help you navigate your claim more effectively and increase your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

The Complexity of Truck Accident Cases

When it comes to truck accidents, one of the most significant differences from car accidents is the complexity of the case. Trucks are subject to a wide range of regulations, including federal laws that govern commercial vehicle operation. The driver of a commercial vehicle, such as a truck, is required to follow strict rules regarding hours of service, maintenance requirements, and safety inspections. These regulations are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and apply to all trucks operating in the United States.

In contrast, car accidents are generally governed by state traffic laws, and while there are some rules that apply to all vehicles, the legal landscape is much simpler. The presence of these complex regulations means that investigating a truck accident often involves more paperwork and more parties than a typical car accident. Trucking companies may have multiple layers of liability, such as the driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the truck or its parts.

Liability in Truck Accidents vs. Car Accidents

Liability is another key area where truck accidents differ from car accidents. In a car accident, liability often rests solely with the driver of the vehicle at fault. If a driver runs a red light or makes an unsafe lane change, their insurance is usually responsible for covering damages. In some cases, the driver’s personal liability insurance might not be enough to cover all the costs if the injuries or property damage are significant.

However, when a truck accident occurs, determining liability can be more complicated. Often, multiple parties are involved in a truck accident case. In addition to the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck’s maintenance crew, and even the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be liable. For example, if the truck was improperly loaded or the brakes were faulty, the trucking company or parts manufacturer might be responsible.

Investigating Truck Accidents

The investigation process is usually more involved in truck accident cases. After a truck accident in Sanford, a thorough investigation is necessary to determine how the accident happened and who is responsible. This may include reviewing hours-of-service logs, maintenance records, and data from the truck’s black box (similar to an airplane’s black box) to track the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and other factors leading up to the accident. Additionally, it’s essential to gather witness statements, obtain traffic camera footage, and consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish the cause.

On the other hand, car accident investigations are typically simpler. While there may still be a need for witness statements and a review of the police report, car accidents don’t involve the same level of data analysis or multiple parties that trucking accidents do.

Insurance Coverage in Trucking Accidents

Another major difference between truck accidents and car accidents is the amount of insurance coverage involved. A car accident typically involves the driver’s personal insurance policy, which has set limits for liability. In contrast, commercial truck drivers are required by law to carry higher amounts of insurance coverage because of the potential for more severe damage and injuries in a truck accident.

For example, the minimum insurance requirement for a passenger car in Florida is typically $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL), while the minimum insurance requirement for a commercial truck is much higher, usually starting at $750,000. In some cases, depending on the type of truck and cargo, the minimum coverage could be even higher. This higher insurance coverage means that victims in truck accidents may have access to more compensation for their injuries and damages, although it is still necessary to go through the legal process to recover those funds.

Severity of Injuries and Damages

Truck accidents typically result in more severe injuries and damages than car accidents. The sheer size and weight of a truck compared to a passenger vehicle create a much greater force of impact in the event of a crash. This often leads to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and multiple fractures, as well as the potential for death.

In contrast, car accidents, while they can certainly be serious, usually result in less severe injuries than those caused by truck accidents. However, this does not mean that car accident victims should underestimate the importance of having proper legal representation. In either case, seeking the help of an experienced lawyer is essential to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Another difference between truck accidents and car accidents involves dealing with insurance companies. In a car accident claim, it’s usually just you and the other driver’s insurance company. In truck accident claims, however, it’s often necessary to deal with the insurance companies of multiple parties. The trucking company’s insurance, the truck driver’s insurance, and possibly even the manufacturer’s insurance may all be involved in a claim.

This can make negotiating and settling the claim more difficult. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize the payout or deny liability, especially when dealing with large trucking companies. Working with a skilled truck accident lawyer in Sanford who understands how to handle these complex cases is crucial to protecting your interests and ensuring that you receive a fair settlement.

The Role of an Attorney

Due to the complexities involved in truck accident cases, hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer is highly recommended. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, investigate the accident thoroughly, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure that all parties responsible for your injuries are held accountable.

For those involved in car accidents, legal representation is still important, but the process is typically less complicated. Whether you are dealing with a car accident or a truck accident in Sanford, contacting a personal injury lawyer is essential to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the differences between truck accident and car accident claims can help you prepare for the legal process and make informed decisions. Truck accident cases tend to be more complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, regulations, and larger insurance policies. In either case, working with an experienced lawyer will give you the best chance at recovering compensation for your injuries and damages. 

Sanford Truck Accident Attorney You Can Rely On

Recovering from a truck accident in Sanford can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The experienced attorneys at Donaldson & Weston are dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Don’t wait to take action—call 866-382-1494 today to schedule your free consultation with a skilled truck accident attorney who will fight for your rights.