When you are involved in a collision with a massive commercial vehicle your life can change in an instant. The sheer size and weight of a semi-truck often lead to catastrophic results that a standard passenger car simply cannot withstand. After the initial shock wears off many victims find themselves facing a mountain of medical debt and the inability to return to work.
It is only natural to ask if a million-dollar settlement is a realistic possibility. At The Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco we have seen firsthand how these cases unfold in Miami and across South Florida. While no truck accident attorney can guarantee a specific number it is entirely possible to reach or exceed the $1,000,000 mark depending on the specific facts of your case.
Why Truck Accidents Are Valued Differently
A truck accident is not just a large car accident. These cases are handled differently by the legal system and insurance companies for several reasons.
Higher Insurance Policy Limits
Most personal car insurance policies in Florida have relatively low limits. However commercial trucking companies are required by law to carry much higher liability insurance. Many of these policies start at $750,000 and frequently go up to $5,000,000 or more. This means the money is actually available to pay out a large settlement if the damages justify it.
Catastrophic Injury Threshold
To reach a seven-figure settlement the injuries are typically severe. We often see these values in cases involving traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage. Because these injuries require a lifetime of care the value of the case must cover decades of future medical expenses.
The Components of a Million-Dollar Claim
To build a case worth $1,000,000 or more we have to prove that your losses are truly significant. We break these down into two categories.
Economic Damages
This is the math you can see on paper. If you were a high earner and can no longer work your lost earning capacity over the next twenty years could easily exceed $1,000,000 on its own. When you add in hospital stays and specialized rehabilitation the economic costs climb rapidly.
Non-Economic Damages
This covers your pain and suffering. In Miami juries understand that being unable to enjoy your hobbies or keep up with your kids has a real value. The more your daily life has been disrupted the higher this portion of the claim becomes.
Navigating Florida Law
A critical factor in Florida is the modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident your total compensation is reduced by that percentage. For example if your case is worth $1,000,000 but you are 20% at fault you would receive $800,000.
Crucially if you are found to be more than 50% at fault you cannot recover any money at all. This is why having an experienced Miami truck accident attorney is essential. The trucking company’s lawyers will do everything possible to shift the blame onto you to avoid paying a large settlement.
Why Professional Investigation Matters
Evidence in truck accidents is complex. We look at black box data from the truck and driver logbooks. Was the driver fatigued? Was the truck overloaded? Uncovering these violations can transform a standard claim into a high-value case.
At The Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco we have a history of holding these companies accountable. We have successfully secured significant settlements for clients with life-altering injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Miami?
In Florida you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Because evidence like GPS data and driver logs can be deleted you should contact an attorney immediately.
Can I sue the trucking company or just the driver?
In most cases you can sue both. The employer is often responsible for the actions of the driver while they are on the job. We also investigate if the company was negligent in its hiring or training practices.
What if the truck was from out of state?
Many trucks traveling through Miami are from out-of-state companies. These cases involve specific regulations but we can still pursue them in Florida courts if the accident happened here.
Do most million-dollar cases go to trial?
Actually many high-value cases settle before trial. Once we present a demand package with overwhelming evidence of medical necessity insurance companies often choose to settle rather than risk a jury verdict.
Why Truck Accident Settlements Are Usually Much Bigger Than Car Crashes