Victims of 18-wheeler accidents in Florida have the right to seek fair compensation for their injuries and losses. With a clear understanding of the factors that influence settlement amounts in these cases, you can estimate how much your claim may be worth. An experienced truck accident attorney can collect evidence and prove liability of the at-fault truck driver and the trucking company to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
Let us look at the average commercial truck accident settlements in Florida based on the cause and circumstances of the accident.
Truck Driver’s Fault in an 18-wheeler Accident
- Average Settlement Range: $50,000 to $500,000
- Factors influencing settlement: Severity of injuries, degree of driver negligence, impact on victim’s life, and extent of damages.
Common examples of fault of truck drivers in 18-wheeler accidents in Florida include speeding, distracted driving (such as texting or using a cell phone), fatigue, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failure to obey traffic laws or regulations. Experienced attorneys can help you obtain maximum truck accident settlement, including medical attention expenses and ensure that negligent drivers are held liable for their actions.
Your insurance company may initially try to offer a low amount for your semi truck accidents. It may not cover your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Aggressive representation from a Florida truck accident lawyer will help you obtain maximum compensation for your severe injuries through a personal injury claim.
Trucking Company’s Fault in an 18-wheeler Accident
- Semi Truck Accident Case Settlement Range: $100,000 to $1,000,000+
- Factors influencing settlement: Degree of trucking company’s negligence, evidence of FMCSA safety violations, severity of injuries, and impact on the victim’s life.
One common scenario where the trucking company may be at fault is if they failed to properly maintain their fleet. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, which significantly increase the risk of accidents. In such cases, the trucking company may be held accountable for not adhering to industry safety standards and regulations.
Another aspect where a trucking company may bear responsibility is in their hiring and training practices. If they employ drivers with a history of reckless driving or fail to adequately train them in safety protocols, they could be liable for any accidents caused by their employees’ negligence.
If the trucking company pressures drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, leading them to violate driving hour regulations or drive fatigued, the company may be held accountable for resulting accidents under the legal principle of vicarious liability.
Overall, when pursuing a settlement for truck accident injuries, it is essential to thoroughly assess the role of the trucking company’s actions or oversights in the incident to determine their liability. Choose a proven Florida 18-wheeler accident lawyer to hold the trucking companies responsible for your tractor trailer accident and injuries.
Cargo Loader’s Fault in an 18-wheeler Accident
- Average Settlement Value: $50,000 to $500,000+
- Factors influencing settlement: Extent of the cargo-related negligence, the severity of injuries, property damage, and the impact on the victim’s life.
Improper loading or poor cargo handling can lead to accidents such as cargo shifting, dangerous spills, or unsecured loads falling onto the roadway. Accidents caused by improper car loading can result in serious injuries, particularly if the cargo is hazardous or heavy.
Component Manufacturer’s Fault in an 18-wheeler Accident
- Florida Truck Accident Settlement Range: $100,000 to $1,000,000+
- Factors influencing settlement: Severity of injuries, extent of manufacturer defect, evidence of prior incidents, and liability of manufacturer or other parties in the supply chain.
These accidents often involve defects or malfunctions in the truck’s components or systems. These defects may stem from errors in design, manufacturing, or assembly, resulting in equipment failures or safety hazards while the truck is in operation. Common examples of manufacturer faults in 18-wheelers include brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or issues with the truck’s engine or transmission.
Accidents involving truck manufacturers require aggressive legal representation because the circumstances surrounding the accident can be a significant factor. This is especially important if you have suffered permanent injury requiring extensive medical treatment. In exceptional cases, your attorney may help you get punitive damages too for permanent injuries arising from egregious misconduct.
Third Party’s Fault in an 18-wheeler Accident
- Truck Accident Settlement Range: $50,000 to $500,000+
- Factors influencing settlement: Degree of third-party negligence, contribution to the accident, extent of injuries and damages, and liability of multiple parties involved.
Accidents caused by third parties in 18-wheeler incidents can stem from various factors, including negligent maintenance practices, road hazards, or the actions of other drivers on the road. Negligent maintenance companies may fail to properly inspect or repair key components of the truck, leading to equipment failures or malfunctions while in operation.
A skilled Florida trucking accident attorney can help you recover the largest possible settlement in your 18-wheeler accident claim or a wrongful death case involving an 18-wheeler.
Get the Leading Florida Truck Accident Attorney on Your Side to Maximize Your Settlement
Larry Moskowitz, PA is a highly rated law firm in Florida with over 35 years of proven success in handling a diverse range of cases from car accidents and truck accidents to wrongful death. Led by experienced Florida truck accident lawyer Larry Moskowitz, our legal team has a track record of achieving millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients in an 18-wheeler related personal injury and wrongful death claim.
Whether he is negotiating a settlement or litigating in court, attorney Moskowitz’s background as a former prosecutor gives him a competitive edge and allows him to anticipate the opposition’s moves. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. Let us fight for you and help you recover much more than the average truck accident settlement in Florida.
Call us today at 866-312-0708 to schedule your free case evaluation.