In order to obtain a commercial driver’s license and legally drive an 18-wheeler truck in the state of Florida, a driver must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid Florida driver’s license; pass vision and knowledge tests; get a conditional learner’s permit; go through a 14-day waiting period; and pass a driving skills test at a certified testing site. But even with all these prerequisites, it is still an unfortunate reality that truck drivers may make mistakes on the road that land them in devastating accidents. With that being said, follow along to find out how truck accidents typically arise and how a proficient Panama City truck accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you recover after yours.
How do truck accidents typically come about?
More often than not, a truck driver’s plain negligence is the catalyst of a truck accident. After an accident event, a truck driver may be threatened with the loss of their employment or the temporary suspension or permanent revocation of their commercial driver’s license. Even with knowing these potential consequences, a truck driver may sadly act negligently in the following ways:
- A truck driver may not keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of them and then not brake on time.
- A truck driver may not have locked the trailer doors before driving and then its contents spill onto the road.
- A truck driver may not brake enough before making a sharp right turn and then rolls the truck over on its side.
- A truck driver may not check their blind spots before changing lanes and then collides with a neighboring vehicle.
- A truck driver may ignore traffic signs warning them not to enter certain roads with low clearances or narrow lanes.
How much can I collect in damages after a truck accident?
On average, it is reported that the typical settlement amount for truck accident claims in the state of Florida is anywhere between $150,000 to $1 million. This is in stark comparison to the average amount for car accident claims, which is $5,000 to $30,000. This is mainly because the injuries and damages you incur in the aftermath of your truck accident may have, unfortunately, been more than if it had been a standard motor vehicle crash.
In the end, though, the amount you may successfully collect in damages depends on the unique circumstances of your case. In other words, just how catastrophic your truck accident was, how responsible you and the defendant were for its occurrence, etc.
It should go without saying that collecting damages is unachievable if you do not file your claim on time. That is, in Florida, the statute of limitations for this claim type is two years from your accident date.
To conclude, you should know that a talented Panama City auto accident attorney is here to assist you with whatever your legal issue may be. So please reach out to us at Manuel & Thompson, PA today.
