Truck Accident Injury Insurance Claims
Trucking companies and their drivers are subject to state and federal regulations, which include stipulations regarding insurance coverage requirements. Victims of truck accidents often rely on these policies to recover benefits necessary to cover the costs of serious injuries caused by a collision. Unfortunately, receiving compensation in truck accident injury insurance claims is not always an easy task, since victims sometimes face teams made up of insurance adjusters and lawyers who have the trucking and insurance companies’ interests to protect. The Miami truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are dedicated to making sure that victims’ best interests are protected throughout the duration of the insurance claims process. Our firm offers knowledgeable and experienced legal representation to clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as across South Florida. If you have questions about your truck accident injury insurance claim, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation to find out more about how we can assist you.
Pursuing a Truck Accident Injury Insurance ClaimTruck accidents often leave victims with some of the most serious, life-altering injuries that can happen to a person, such as paralysis and traumatic brain injuries. These victims often face lengthy, sometimes permanent recovery efforts, as well as rehabilitative treatments and adjustments to a new way of living. Given the severity of these injuries, truck accident victims rely on insurance claim settlements to aid in covering the costs incurred.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires interstate trucking companies to obtain public liability insurance, which contains both bodily injury and property damage coverage, before they are allowed to receive their operating authority and MC number. Minimum requirements imposed on trucks are based on the type of freight that is being transported. For instance, hazardous materials require coverage of at least $5 million, while carriers of non-hazardous freight in vehicles weighing less than 10,001 pounds are only required to obtain coverage of at least $300,000.
Truck accident injury insurance claims are more complicated than filing general car accident claims, and the question of liability and which insurance policy applies often becomes more complex. There are often multiple parties involved in the aftermath of a truck accident, including a driver, their employer trucking company, and any licensees or other third parties. Other issues also may arise in truck accident cases. For instance, spoliation of evidence is more likely as more parties become involved, attempting to serve their own interests. Spoliation occurs when one party intentionally destroys, loses, or alters key evidence in an effort to avoid legal consequences. When this occurs, courts can impose strict sanctions against offending parties that may also affect any insurance claim negotiations or settlements.
Florida is a no-fault state, which means that, regardless of who is found liable for an accident, insurers must pay a policyholder’s legitimate claim for benefits. This includes paying for reasonable medical expenses as well as other costs covered under a policy. When the insurance limits are not enough to cover the expenses of a truck accident victim’s injuries, they may pursue a personal injury case against any negligent parties. Consulting a seasoned insurance attorney who can help you determine which actions are appropriate for your situation is important in ensuring that your legal rights are protected and advanced.
Contact a Motor Vehicle Collision Lawyer in Miami or Surrounding CitiesMany questions may arise following a truck accident. As victims focus on healing, the Miami attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon devote their efforts to ensuring that they have the resources to afford their treatment. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a severe truck accident, and you need assistance in filing an insurance claim or in another legal matter, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your options. Our trucking accident lawyers represent people in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, and other South Florida cities.