If you are rear-ended by a sedan in traffic on US-1, it’s stressful. But if you are hit by an 18-wheeler on I-95 or the Palmetto, it is often catastrophic.
The sheer weight and size of commercial trucks mean the injuries they cause are almost always severe and life-altering. Because the stakes are so much higher, these cases are handled very differently than standard car crashes. This is why hiring a generalist often isn’t enough—you need an experienced truck accident attorney in Miami who understands the specific laws governing the trucking industry.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a large commercial truck, you need to know that these are not “standard” traffic accidents. Here is why these cases usually involve much more money.
It’s Not Just a Bigger Vehicle; It’s a Bigger Insurance Policy
In Florida, a regular driver might only carry minimum insurance coverage ($10,000 to $25,000 is common). If you have severe injuries, that money runs out instantly.
Commercial trucking companies are different. They are required by both state and federal law to carry massive insurance policies.
- Florida Statute § 627.7415 mandates high liability limits for commercial vehicles based on their weight. For the heaviest trucks (over 44,000 lbs), the absolute minimum is $300,000.
- However, for trucks crossing state lines (Interstate commerce), Federal Regulation 49 CFR Part 387 usually requires a minimum of $750,000 to $1,000,000 in coverage.
- If the truck is hauling hazardous materials, that minimum can jump to $5,000,000.
When serious injuries occur, these large corporate policies exist to ensure there is enough money to cover long-term medical care. However, accessing those limits requires a Miami truck accident lawyer who knows how to trigger these policies.
Proving Negligence – The “Black Box” and Driver Logs
Trucking companies don’t hand over these large settlements easily. They have teams of aggressive lawyers whose job is to deny liability.
To get you paid, we have to prove the truck driver or the company was negligent. Fortunately, because commercial trucks are heavily regulated, there is much more evidence available than in a normal car crash.
At The Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco, we move quickly to secure evidence such as:
- The Truck’s “Black Box” (ECU) Data: This can tell us the truck’s speed before impact and if the driver ever hit the brakes.
- Hours of Service Logs: Federal laws limit how many hours a driver can be on the road without rest. We check these logs to see if the driver was fatigued and violating safety rules.
- Maintenance Records: We investigate if the trucking company ignored bald tires or faulty brakes to save money.
Finding violations of these safety rules significantly increases the value of your case, but this evidence can disappear if your attorney doesn’t act fast.
Don’t Let the Trucking Company Intimidate You
Trucking companies have rapid response teams that arrive at crash scenes quickly to gather evidence and try to minimize their payout. You need a legal team that is just as aggressive.
If a commercial truck wrecked your vehicle and injured you, do not speak to their insurance adjusters. Their only goal is to protect their million-dollar policy.
Contact The Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco immediately. As trusted truck accident attorneys in Miami, we have the experience to take on large trucking corporations and fight for the money you need to rebuild your life. Call us today for a free consultation.