Due to the size and weight of trucks, specific Florida regulations affect them while sharing the road with other drivers. Due to the increased risk of catastrophic injury to other drivers if an accident should occur, truck drivers must always be aware of the number of hours behind the wheel, specific maintenance requirements, up-to-date licensing, and other requirements to keep others safe. If a truck driver was negligent in following safety regulations, they may be held liable for any injuries sustained in a truck accident.
Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law understands the severity of these types of accidents and the lasting impact they may have on truck collision victims. We offer high-quality, honest representation that addresses your specific legal needs and prioritizes personal attention to the investigation, gathering evidence, and implementing trial strategies to bolster your chances of success so you may secure the monetary compensation you are owed for your significant losses.
3 Florida Trucking Regulations That May Impact Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents may be one of the most catastrophic types of accidents you may experience due to the significant weight and size of the vehicle. Multiple parties may be liable in a Florida trucking accident, which may include the driver, the trucking company, the freight company, a part or trailer manufacturer, a mechanic, or others.
Government regulations may also add to the complexity of these types of cases. If any of the involved parties violate set safety regulations, they may be liable for the truck accident.
The following are Florida trucking regulations that may impact your truck accident case:
1. Number of Working Hours
Drowsy and fatigued driving is similar to drunk driving and is one of the most common causes of truck accidents in the US. Over 6,000 fatal crashes may be attributed to drowsy driving annually. Truck drivers are more likely to engage in drowsy driving due to the long hours they work to meet delivery deadlines. Section 316.302, Florida Statutes specifies hours of service regulations that are put in place to ensure that drivers are getting enough sleep between shifts and limit the number of hours they may drive consecutively.
Truck drivers are allotted an 11-hour daily driving window if they are carrying cargo and a 10-hour daily limit if they have passengers. Under Florida law, semi-truck drivers who carry belongings may drive for 12 hours. They must also log hours spent driving in a logging device to ensure they are following state and federal regulations.
If a truck driver fails to follow hours of service regulations and causes an accident, they may be held liable for the compensatory damages they cause. Speak with an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer for an assessment of your case to evaluate whether a truck driver violated hours of service regulations.
2. Maintenance Requirements
Larger vehicles, such as semi-trucks and big rigs, may be more susceptible to causing an accident due to mechanical issues due to their large size and heavy cargo putting pressure on various mechanisms.
Suppose a trucking company or truck driver was not adequately maintaining or servicing their truck, leading to a mechanical failure that caused a severe accident. In that case, numerous parties may be held liable for the significant economic and non-economic losses you sustained. Regulations require regular maintenance and inspections of commercial tractor-trailers to help ensure that dangerous malfunctions and defects are minimized.
Maintenance companies and mechanics may also be held liable for defective parts or repairs. Speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer to conduct an extensive investigation into the cause of the accident and obtain evidence that may determine one or more liable parties for your injuries and other losses.
3. Weight and Freight Requirements
Weighing stations for semi-trucks are enforced in Florida to impose cargo limits and to ensure that these enormous vehicles comply with regulations on size and weight to reduce the risk of losing control of their truck and causing catastrophic accidents. Semi-trucks are permitted to weigh 80,000 pounds on the interstate and have additional sizing requirements to keep other vehicles safe.
Evidence You May Need in a Florida Truck Accident Case
Working with an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer can help you investigate the cause of your accidents and gather evidence of any broken regulations. As a truck accident victim, you hold a burden of proof to establish negligence.
The following are examples of evidence needed to prove a Florida truck regulation violation:
- Accident report;
- Photos and videos of the accident;
- Witness statements;
- Alcohol and drug testing;
- Evaluating electronic logs of working hours;
- Maintenance and service documents;
- Weight logs;
To obtain the necessary evidence and information required to bolster your chances of a successful claim, seek the knowledgeable legal guidance of an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer at Marsalisi Law. We are well-versed in the complexities of truck accident cases and the legal strategies required to determine truck regulation violations.
Speak With an Experienced Florida Truck Accident Lawyer at Marsalisi Law
Truck accidents may be complex and require extensive knowledge of Florida laws and regulations regarding the safety of this industry. We have helped countless truck accident victims secure the monetary compensation they deserve through settlements and verdicts and are here to help you with compassionate and high-quality legal services.
Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law utilizes an array of strategic resources to protect your legal rights so you may recover the monetary compensation you deserve for the suffering you have endured. Schedule a no-cost consultation in English or Spanish at (727) 800-5052, or fill out our contact form today. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal!
