Hollywood, FL Truck Accident Lawyer
As a Hollywood, FL truck accident lawyer knows, every driver in the state of Florida is required to have automobile liability insurance. This insurance provides protection should the driver of the vehicle be involved in a crash where there is injury and/or property damage sustained.
When it comes to commercial trucks, both the state and the federal government mandate that all vehicles carry liability insurance. Under Florida law, commercial trucks that only operate within the state are required to carry the following:
- Transport of general freight with no hazardous material – minimum requirement is $750,000
- Transport of household items – minimum requirement is $300,000
- Transport of oil and oil-related substances – minimum requirement is $1 million
- Transport of hazardous materials – minimum requirement is $5 million
If the truck will be transporting any materials across state lines, then it must meet the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements of between $750,000 and $1 million, depending on the type of goods being transported.
Why So Much Liability Coverage?
The minimum requirements for commercial trucks are much higher than for passenger vehicles because the damage and injuries that result from crashes are often much more devastating than with other types of vehicles. Injuries are often fatal and if the victim does survive, they can be left with long-term or permanent disabilities and health issues.
As a Hollywood truck accident lawyer can explain, the financial compensation required by victims for their ongoing medical care, loss of earning capacity, and other damages is often astronomical due to the extent of the injuries sustained. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:
- Brain injuries – It is not uncommon for truck accident victims to suffer serious brain injuries from the violent impact of the crash. These injuries can leave a person suffering from memory loss, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and long-term cognitive impairments. In some cases, the victim is left permanently disabled.
- Spinal cord injuries – Injuries to the spinal cord are often sustained in truck crashes. Any injury to the spinal cord can leave a victim suffering from partial or complete paralysis. This includes monoplegia (one limb), hemiplegia (one side of the body), paraplegia (from the waist down), and quadriplegia (from the neck down).
- Amputation – Traumatic amputations are another frequent truck accident injury. Arms or legs can be partially or wholly severed in the crash, impacting the victim’s physical abilities.
- Burn injuries – Truck accident explosions are another real danger, especially with the different types of hazardous substances many commercial trucks transport. Severe burns require extensive – often life-long – medical treatment and leave the victim suffering from severe pain, as well as significant scarring and disfigurement.
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need an aggressive Hollywood truck accident lawyer advocating for you against the trucking company and their insurance company. These cases are often complex due to the potential of multiple liable parties and the often high cost of damages the victim requires. Call Newman Injury Law today to schedule a free case evaluation.