Truck crashes can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether you’re driving your own car, walking nearby, or running a local business, getting into a crash with a large commercial truck often means serious injuries, medical bills, and a lot of legal questions.
At William W. Price P.A., we know how overwhelming this can feel. That’s why we want to help you understand what causes truck crashes, who may be responsible, and what steps to take if you’ve been in an accident with a truck.
Why Do Truck Crashes Happen?
Trucks are a big part of our economy, moving goods all over Florida and the country. But because they’re so large and heavy, even a small mistake can lead to major accidents. Here are some of the most common reasons truck crashes happen:
1. Tired Drivers
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road. Even though there are rules in place to limit driving time, drivers still get tired. Fatigue slows down reaction time and can even cause someone to fall asleep at the wheel.
2. Distracted Driving
Distractions like texting, using a GPS, eating, or handling paperwork can pull a driver’s attention off the road. In a big truck, even a few seconds of distraction can lead to disaster.
3. Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Some drivers feel pressure to meet tight deadlines and end up speeding or driving recklessly. Trucks take longer to stop than regular cars, so driving too fast is extra dangerous.
4. Poor Maintenance
Trucks need regular checkups just like people do. Bad brakes, worn-out tires, and broken lights are all problems that can cause crashes. If a company skips regular maintenance, they could be held responsible.
5. Unsecured or Overloaded Cargo
If a truck’s load isn’t packed right, it can shift during the drive and cause the truck to tip or jackknife. These crashes can involve multiple vehicles and lead to serious damage.
6. Bad Weather or Road Conditions
Rain, fog, potholes, and poor signage all make driving harder. Even though truck drivers can’t control the weather, they’re expected to adjust their driving to stay safe. If they don’t, they could still be at fault.
Accident with Trucks: Who’s Liable?
Figuring out who’s to blame after an accident with trucks can be tricky. Unlike a regular car crash, several people or companies might share responsibility. Let’s look at some of the possible parties:
The Truck Driver
If the driver was tired, distracted, speeding, or breaking any safety laws, they might be directly responsible for the crash.
The Trucking Company
Companies can be held liable if they push drivers to work long hours, skip background checks, or don’t keep their trucks in good shape.
Cargo Loaders
If the crash happened because the cargo was loaded improperly, the people who packed the truck may be responsible.
Truck or Parts Manufacturers
If a part of the truck, like the brakes or tires, was defective, the manufacturer or supplier might be held accountable.
Maintenance Companies
Sometimes, outside companies are hired to service trucks. If they missed something important during a repair, they could be partly at fault.
Local or State Governments
If poor road conditions contributed to the crash, the city or state in charge of the road might share the blame.
What to Do After a Truck Crash
Being in a truck crash is scary and stressful. Here’s what to do right away to protect your health and your rights:
- Get Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, some injuries take time to show up. See a doctor as soon as possible.
- Call the Police – A police report is an important part of your case.
- Take Photos and Collect Info – If you can, take pictures of the crash scene and get contact information from witnesses.
- Don’t Admit Fault – Don’t say anything about who caused the crash until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
- Talk to a Lawyer – Truck crashes are complicated. An experienced lawyer can guide you, deal with insurance companies, and fight for what you deserve.
Why Having a Lawyer Helps
After a truck crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re trying to heal, deal with insurance companies, and figure out who’s responsible. These cases are very different from regular car accidents. They often involve big trucking companies, multiple parties, and complicated state and federal laws. That’s why having an experienced lawyer on your side isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Trucking companies and their insurance teams usually have one goal: to protect themselves and pay out as little as possible. They move fast to build their case and may pressure you into accepting a low settlement before you fully understand your injuries or rights. If you don’t have someone fighting for you, it’s easy to get taken advantage of.
That’s where we come in. At William W. Price P.A., we handle truck crash cases from start to finish with the care and attention you deserve. You won’t be passed off to a paralegal or call center. Instead, you’ll work directly with one of our attorneys who takes the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and build a strong case on your behalf.
Our lead attorney, William Price, is a board-certified civil trial lawyer, an achievement that reflects years of courtroom experience and proven skill. He’s built a reputation for being thorough, honest, and aggressive when it counts. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, we’re prepared to stand up to powerful insurance companies and fight for the compensation you’re owed.
When you work with us, you get more than legal help, you get personal support from a team that truly cares. We know how to deal with the legal system, but more importantly, we know how to support people through one of the toughest times in their lives. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Truck Crashes in Florida: What You Should Know
Whether you’re heading to work in West Palm Beach or running errands in Boynton Beach, truck crashes can happen anywhere. Florida’s major highways, like I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, see a lot of heavy truck traffic, and unfortunately, a lot of accidents.
That’s why it helps to have a local legal team that knows the roads, the courts, and the community. William W. Price P.A. proudly serves clients in Boca, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach.
FAQs About Truck Crashes – What You Need to Know
If you’ve been involved in a truck crash, or you’re helping someone who has, it’s completely normal to have questions. Truck accidents are different from regular car crashes. They often involve serious injuries, multiple people or companies, and confusing legal rules. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from people in your shoes, using straightforward language and advice you can trust.
1. How often do truck crashes happen in Florida?
Truck crashes happen more often than most people think. Each year, thousands of these accidents are reported across Florida. Because trucks are so large and heavy, these crashes often lead to serious injuries or even death. Highways like I-95, the Turnpike, and local routes in Boca, West Palm Beach, and Boynton Beach see a lot of truck traffic, and a lot of risk.
2. What should I do right after a crash?
Your health and safety come first. Call 911 so help can arrive quickly. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries don’t show up right away. If you’re able, take photos of the scene, get contact information from witnesses, and collect the truck driver’s details. And before you talk to an insurance company, speak to a lawyer who can guide you through your next steps.
3. Can I sue the trucking company?
Yes, you can, especially if the trucking company did something wrong that led to the crash. This might include poor maintenance, pushing drivers to break safety rules, or failing to properly train their drivers. A lawyer can look into the company’s actions and help figure out if they share responsibility.
4. How long do I have to file a claim?
In Florida, the deadline to file a personal injury claim is typically two years from the date of the accident. That might sound like plenty of time, but gathering evidence, reviewing reports, and building a strong case takes time. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
5. What can I get compensation for?
If the crash wasn’t your fault, you may be able to get compensation for a variety of damages, such as:
- Medical bills (including future treatment)
- Lost wages from missing work
- Damage to your car or other property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Every case is different, so your total compensation will depend on how the crash impacted your life.
6. What if I’m partly at fault?
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule. That means if you were less than 50% at fault, you may still recover money, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you can’t collect damages under current Florida law.
7. Will I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. A lot of truck crash cases settle outside of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, going to court may be the best way to get what you deserve. At William W. Price P.A., we’re always prepared to go to trial, but we’ll never push you unless it’s the right move for your case.
8. What if the truck driver was working for someone else?
Many truck drivers work for trucking companies or as independent contractors. In these cases, more than one party might be involved. Our team will dig into the details to figure out who hired the driver, who owned the truck, and who was responsible for maintaining it. We’ll make sure all the right people are held accountable.
9. How do you prove who’s at fault?
We use every tool available to uncover the truth. This includes:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness accounts
- Photos and videos from the crash scene
- Black box data from the truck (which records speed, braking, and more)
- Expert analysis from accident reconstruction specialists
Our job is to build a strong, clear case that shows what happened and who was responsible.
10. Do I need a lawyer for a truck crash?
Yes, you do. Truck crash cases are way more complicated than a typical fender-bender. There are more people involved, more paperwork, and more chances for insurance companies to take advantage of you. A skilled lawyer will make sure your rights are protected, your case is handled properly, and you get every dollar you’re entitled to.
Let Us Help After a Truck Crash
Truck crashes can change everything in a moment. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a commercial truck, don’t wait. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
At William W. Price P.A., we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process. We offer modern legal solutions with old-school personal service, because you deserve both.
Contact us today to talk with an attorney and find out how we can help after an accident with a truck.
