Do All Florida Truck Accidents Have To Be Reported?

June 30, 2020 / 12:32 pm

The last thing that any driver wants to think about when they are on the roadways in Florida is that they may be involved in an accident with a large commercial truck. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and reach lengths of 75 feet. When a tractor-trailer collides with a traditional passenger vehicle, drivers and passengers can sustain serious injuries. However, do all truck accidents in Florida have to be reported?

When A Truck Crash Has To Be Reported In Florida

Whether you are a semi-truck driver or a passenger in a traditional vehicle on the roadway, you need to know that the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles mandates that an accident must be reported under the following conditions:

  • The accident resulted in an injury to anybody involved
  • The accident resulted in a fatality
  • The accident caused property damage
  • The accident resulted in a vehicle becoming inoperable

Due to the size and weight of a tractor-trailer, it is very unlikely that an accident involving these vehicles will not contain at least one of those elements. Even if the accident seems minor, it is still advisable to call the police so a written report can be created.

These reporting requirements are in addition to guidelines set forth by the insurance carrier of a commercial trucking company truck driver. There are strict insurance reporting requirements concerning these accidents that all truck drivers and companies need to be aware of.

Truck Accident Injuries Can Be Severe

Florida truck accident injuries are often severe. It is not uncommon in these incidents to sustain the following:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken or dislocated bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Internal organ damage
  • Crush injuries
  • Amputations

Unfortunately, Florida truck accidents are more likely to result in a fatality than accidents involving only traditional passenger vehicles. In these cases, family members of the deceased may be able to recover compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit against a truck driver or trucking company.

What Is The Timeline To File A Lawsuit?

Anyone injured in Florida due to the negligent actions of a commercial truck driver has a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for their losses. The personal injury statute of limitations in Florida is four years. Failing to file a lawsuit against an alleged negligent party within this four-year window will likely result in a victim being unable to recover any compensation for their losses.

Our Team Is Ready To Help You Today

If you or somebody you love has been injured in an accident caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company, you may be eligible for significant compensation. The qualified and experienced truck accident attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson pledge to conduct a full investigation into your case. Our nationally recognized team has extensive experience recovering the following compensation for truck accident victims:

  • Coverage of all medical bills related to the truck accident
  • Lost wages and benefits if a victim cannot work
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Loss of personal enjoyment damages
  • Possible punitive damages against a negligent trucking company or truck driver

If you need Miami truck accident attorneys in Florida, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.

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Click here to read the full guide on Lawdragon.

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About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of over 50 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

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