Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
Regarding road accidents, there’s a significant difference between a collision involving two cars and one involving a commercial semi-truck. For residents of Lakeland and across Central Florida, understanding these differences can be crucial if you ever find yourself involved in an accident with a truck. Not only are the potential injuries and damages far more severe, but the legal processes for handling these cases are much more complex. This is why having a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer on your side is essential.
At Lopez & Humphries, we’ve spent years helping victims of truck and car accidents seek compensation. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key differences between semi-truck and car accidents, shedding light on why the legal process for each is so unique.
The Severity of Injuries and Damages in Truck Accidents
One of the most apparent differences between semi-truck accidents and car accidents is the magnitude of the damage. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, whereas a typical passenger car weighs around 3,000 pounds. This stark difference in weight often leads to devastating outcomes in truck accidents, with passenger vehicles suffering the brunt of the damage.
Victims in car accidents may sustain injuries such as whiplash or minor fractures, but truck accidents often result in far more serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even death. Medical bills from these injuries can pile up quickly, and the recovery process can be long and difficult. This makes securing compensation even more critical in truck accident cases.
Investigations: A More Complex Process
Investigating a truck accident requires much more than a standard car accident investigation. Commercial trucks are heavily regulated by both state and federal laws, adding layers of complexity to the process. Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that govern everything from driving hours to vehicle maintenance.
An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to navigate these regulations and gather essential evidence. For instance, electronic logging devices (ELDs) in trucks track the driver’s hours, speed, and braking patterns, providing critical information about whether driver fatigue or improper handling contributed to the accident. Additionally, attorneys may examine maintenance records and even black box data from the truck to uncover hidden details.
Insurance Policies: Higher Limits and Greater Challenges
Commercial trucks carry much higher insurance policies than personal vehicles due to the potential for extensive damage and injury. While this may seem like a good thing for victims, it also means that insurance companies will fight harder to minimize their payouts. These large policies mean there’s more money on the line, and insurance companies will use every tactic at their disposal to protect their interests.
Having an experienced truck accident lawyer is vital. An attorney will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring they don’t take advantage of you during the process. Truck accident victims are often entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, obtaining this compensation requires a lawyer skilled in handling high-stakes negotiations.
More Potential Defendants in Truck Accidents
In a typical car accident, there are usually only two parties involved: the drivers of each vehicle. However, in a truck accident, there could be multiple defendants. These may include:
- The Truck Driver: The person operating the vehicle at the time of the crash.
- The Trucking Company: The employer responsible for hiring, training, and maintaining the driver’s compliance with regulations.
- Manufacturers: The company that made the truck or its parts, especially if a mechanical defect contributed to the accident.
- Maintenance Providers: If improper maintenance caused the crash, the service provider could also be held accountable.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate each party’s potential liability, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
The Legal Complexity of Truck Accidents
Due to the intricate nature of truck accident cases, litigation often becomes more complex and drawn out compared to car accident cases. Federal regulations play a key role and navigating both state and federal laws requires an attorney who is well-versed in these areas.
During litigation, expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, may be needed to explain the technical details of the crash. Additionally, truck accident cases often involve extensive discovery, where attorneys request documents and information from the trucking company, such as safety records, maintenance logs, and driver logs.
Settlements: Longer Negotiations and Higher Stakes
Because of the higher insurance limits and the involvement of multiple defendants, truck accident cases often require longer, more intense settlement negotiations. Insurance companies are typically reluctant to offer fair settlements due to the large amounts of money involved.
A skilled truck accident lawyer knows how to build a strong case with solid evidence, expert testimony, and compelling arguments. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney can take the case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Lakeland or Central Florida, it’s essential to seek legal help right away. The complexities of truck accident cases require specialized knowledge and experience to navigate the legal process successfully.
At Lopez & Humphries, we have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and understand the unique challenges they present. We’ll stand by your side, handle the negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure that all liable parties are held accountable. Our goal is to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, don’t wait—contact Lopez & Humphries today for a free consultation. Let us guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
