Is hiring an attorney actually necessary after a truck accident in Florida? For most accident victims, the answer is “yes.” Truck accidents often involve unique challenges—such as trucking company negligence and multiple parties—that make legal representation particularly valuable. Having a lawyer on your side provides crucial protection and can dramatically improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
This article discusses why hiring an attorney after a truck accident in Florida is highly recommended to help victims navigate the legal system and protect their rights.
The High Stakes of Truck Accident Claims
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, often making collisions far more devastating than crashes involving smaller vehicles. The severity of injuries and losses caused in these accidents typically justifies higher compensation demands.
Insurance policies for commercial trucks carry coverage limits ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. These high policy limits make cases more valuable but also more contested. Trucking companies and their insurers fight aggressively to minimize payouts.
Insurance companies know that unrepresented victims lack knowledge of their rights and case value. Without legal representation, you’re unlikely to recover the full value of your claim.
Truck Accident Investigation Requirements
Truck accident cases require a thorough investigation that goes far beyond typical accident claims.
Evidence must be gathered quickly before it’s lost or destroyed, such as:
- Electronic logging device data
- Black box recordings that capture speed, braking, and vehicle operation
- Driver logs, qualification files, and employment records
- Truck maintenance records and inspection reports
- Cargo loading documents
- Company safety policies and training materials
Federal regulations require trucking companies to preserve certain records after accidents. Attorneys can send demand letters to request evidence preservation. Without an attorney, crucial evidence may be destroyed before you even know it exists.
Trucking companies often employ teams to investigate accidents immediately. Their goal is to protect the company’s interests. Having your own legal team levels the playing field.
Multiple Defendants and Liability
Determining liability in truck accident cases often involves multiple defendants with overlapping responsibilities. Each defendant typically has separate insurance coverage and legal representation.
The truck driver may be liable for negligent operation, fatigue, or traffic violations. Drivers often work as employees or independent contractors, creating questions about employer liability.
Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees. They may also face direct liability for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations.
Maintenance contractors may bear responsibility if poor truck maintenance caused the accident. Cargo loading companies may be liable if improper loading contributed to the crash. Parts manufacturers could face liability for defective components.
An experienced attorney can investigate all potential defendants to maximize your compensation sources.
Insurance Company Tactics
Trucking company insurers use sophisticated strategies to minimize claim payouts. They have experienced adjusters and legal teams working against your interests.
Insurance company tactics include:
- Contacting you quickly to get recorded statements
- Offering fast, lowball settlements before you know your damages
- Disputing the severity of your injuries
- Claiming you contributed to causing the accident
- Delaying the claims process, hoping you’ll give up
- Using surveillance to catch you doing activities they say prove you’re not injured
Insurance adjusters seem friendly and helpful, but they work for the insurance company. Everything you tell them can be used to deny or minimize your claim. Attorneys protect you from these tactics by handling all communications.
Dealing With Federal Trucking Regulations
The trucking industry operates under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations. These regulations create opportunities to prove negligence that wouldn’t exist in car accident cases.
Hours-of-service regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest. Violations of these rules could indicate driver fatigue, which commonly causes accidents. Electronic logging devices track compliance, but companies sometimes manipulate or ignore the data.
Vehicle maintenance standards require regular inspections and repairs. Inadequate maintenance leading to brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical problems could establish clear liability.
Attorneys who specialize in truck accident cases understand these regulations thoroughly. They know how to obtain evidence of violations and use it to prove negligence.
What Attorneys Can Do for Truck Accident Victims
Hiring an attorney provides numerous benefits beyond simply filing paperwork.
A Florida truck accident attorney can help by:
- Conducting thorough accident investigations
- Obtaining and analyzing evidence
- Hiring expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists
- Handling communications with insurance companies
- Negotiating settlements
- Filing lawsuits and representing you in court if necessary
Many accident victims worry about the cost of hiring an attorney. However, most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, making representation affordable for everyone.
Contact Shaked Law Firm, P.A. Today to Speak With a Florida Truck Accident Attorney
If you’ve suffered serious injuries, if the truck driver or company disputes fault, or if insurance companies have contacted you, reach out to Shaked Law Firm, P.A. for guidance.
The sooner you contact our attorneys after a truck accident, the better. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence and protect your rights from the beginning.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Florida truck accident lawyer.
Shaked Law Firm, P.A.
20900 NE 30th Ave STE 705
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191
*Relocated across the street from Aventura Hospital.
Available 24/7