If you’ve ever seen a big truck crash on the highway, you know it’s not like a regular fender bender. A commercial truck accident can turn someone’s life upside down in seconds. These crashes often lead to serious injuries, high medical bills, and a complicated legal process. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this.
At William W. Price P.A., we’ve been helping people across Boca, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and Jupiter since 1995. We combine personal, one-on-one legal care with the kind of experience you need to get real results. In this post, we’ll explain why commercial truck accidents are different from other crashes, and how we handle them to protect your rights.
What Is a Commercial Truck Accident?
A commercial truck accident is any crash involving a large truck used for business. These include:
- 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers
- Delivery trucks (like FedEx or Amazon)
- Dump trucks and construction vehicles
- Tanker trucks
- Box trucks (like U-Haul or moving trucks)
These trucks are a lot bigger and heavier than regular cars. When they’re involved in a crash, the damage is usually much worse. That’s why handling these types of accidents takes extra skill and attention to detail.
Why Commercial Truck Accidents Are So Complicated
Most people think a traffic accident is just one driver against another. But when a commercial truck accident happens, the situation becomes a lot more complicated. These aren’t simple fender benders, they involve large vehicles, multiple companies, strict federal rules, and injuries that are often life-changing. Here’s why these types of accidents are so complex, and why working with an experienced truck accident lawyer really matters.
1. More Than One Person Might Be at Fault
In a normal car accident, you’re usually dealing with two drivers and maybe their insurance companies. But in a commercial truck accident, there could be several people or businesses involved, and they don’t always work together.
Who could be responsible for the accident?
- The truck driver – Maybe they were speeding, distracted, or driving while tired.
- The trucking company – They might have hired an inexperienced driver or pushed them to skip rest breaks to meet deadlines.
- The truck owner – Sometimes the company that owns the truck is different from the one operating it. If they didn’t keep it in safe condition, they could be at fault.
- The cargo loading company – If the load wasn’t secured properly or was too heavy, it could cause the truck to tip over or lose control.
- The maintenance shop – If a recent repair was done wrong, that could lead to brake failure or other problems.
- The parts or truck manufacturer – Sometimes the accident is caused by a defect in the truck itself, like faulty tires or a bad braking system.
Why does this matter? Because figuring out who’s responsible can impact how much compensation you get, and from whom. It also affects what kind of evidence is needed. A lawyer who knows how to investigate these situations can make sure no stone is left unturned.
What if more than one party is at fault? That’s common. In many commercial truck accident cases, multiple parties share the blame. Your attorney can help sort that out and pursue claims against each one.
2. Trucking Companies Follow Special Rules
Commercial trucks are a lot bigger and more dangerous than regular cars. Because of that, truck drivers and their companies must follow very specific rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other government agencies.
What are these rules?
Some of the most important ones include:
- Hours-of-Service limits – These rules control how long a truck driver can be on the road before taking a break or getting sleep. If drivers don’t rest, they become a danger to others.
- Vehicle inspections and maintenance – Trucks must be inspected regularly to make sure brakes, tires, lights, and other parts are in working order.
- Weight limits – Trucks can only carry so much cargo. If a truck is too heavy, it’s harder to control and more likely to roll over.
- Driver qualifications – Drivers must pass tests, have the right licenses, and complete proper training.
- Drug and alcohol testing – Trucking companies are required to test drivers for drug or alcohol use under certain conditions.
What happens if these rules are broken? If the trucking company or driver didn’t follow these laws, and that led to the accident, it can be used as strong evidence in your case. But these rules can be hard to understand unless you’ve dealt with them before. That’s why it helps to have a lawyer who knows the FMCSA regulations inside and out.
How can a lawyer find out if rules were broken? Truck accident lawyers often request company records, logbooks, black box data, maintenance reports, and more. These documents can show if a driver was on the road too long or if the truck was unsafe. Without that evidence, it’s easy for important details to go unnoticed.
3. The Injuries Are Often More Serious
Because commercial trucks are so much larger than regular vehicles, the impact of a crash is much greater. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so even a minor collision can cause major damage.
What kinds of injuries are common?
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – These can cause memory loss, confusion, or permanent brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries – A damaged spine can lead to paralysis or chronic pain.
- Broken bones – Multiple fractures are common and can take months to heal.
- Internal bleeding – This isn’t always visible right away but can be life-threatening.
- Severe burns – Fuel from trucks can cause fires, leading to painful and disfiguring burns.
- Permanent disability – Some injuries never fully heal and may prevent a person from returning to work or daily life.
Why does this matter for your case? Because these injuries often lead to long-term care, lost wages, and emotional trauma. That means the compensation needed is usually much higher than in other types of crashes. But insurance companies don’t always want to pay what victims truly need. An experienced lawyer can help fight for the full amount you deserve.
How long does it take to recover from a commercial truck accident? That depends on the injury. Some people recover in a few weeks, while others may need years, or may never fully recover. The legal process takes this into account when calculating future medical needs and lost income.
A commercial truck accident is much more than just a bad day on the road. These crashes involve big vehicles, serious injuries, and a lot of legal red tape. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But when you have a team like William W. Price P.A. on your side, you’re not facing it alone. We know how to handle these tough cases, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
You might be wondering, how can a truck accident lawyer help in a situation like this? Here’s what we do:
We Investigate Right Away
We don’t wait. Our team starts collecting important evidence right after the crash, like:
- Truck driver logs
- Black box data (from the truck’s onboard computer)
- Maintenance records
- Police reports
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
Getting the right evidence early can make a huge difference in your case.
We Figure Out Who’s Responsible
We dig into every detail to figure out who caused the crash. Sometimes it’s more than one person or company. We make sure no one slips through the cracks.
We Handle the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies want to settle fast, and for as little money as possible. We make sure you don’t get pressured into a lowball offer. You focus on healing while we deal with the back-and-forth.
We Bring in Experts
We work with experts who can help prove your case, including:
- Doctors and medical specialists
- Accident reconstruction pros
- Financial experts who can explain your future costs
This helps us paint a clear picture of what you’ve been through, and what you’ll need to move forward.
We’re Ready for Court
While many cases settle, we prepare every case like it’s going to trial. William W. Price is a board-certified civil trial lawyer, which means he’s ready to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to win.
Common Reasons Commercial Truck Accidents Happen
Every commercial truck accident has a cause, and knowing what went wrong is the first step to building a strong legal case. These crashes don’t just happen by chance. In fact, many of them could have been prevented if someone had followed the rules or taken proper safety steps.
Here are some of the most common reasons these accidents happen, and how we investigate them:
1. Tired Drivers Who Work Too Many Hours
Truck drivers often work long shifts, and sometimes they push past their legal driving limits just to meet tight deadlines. Even though the law sets limits on how many hours a driver can be on the road, not every company or driver follows those rules.
Why is driver fatigue so dangerous? When a truck driver is tired, they’re more likely to make mistakes, fall asleep at the wheel, or have slower reaction times. A sleepy driver in a huge vehicle is a serious threat to everyone on the road.
How do we prove fatigue was a factor? We check driver logs, GPS records, and black box data to see how long the driver was on the road and whether they took breaks as required.
2. Texting or Distracted Driving
Even though it’s illegal in many states, some truck drivers still text, eat, use GPS, or handle paperwork while driving. These distractions pull their attention away from the road.
How big of a problem is distracted driving for truckers? With large trucks, even a few seconds of distraction can lead to devastating crashes. A fully loaded truck can take the length of a football field to come to a complete stop.
Can we find proof of distraction? Yes. We can request phone records, dash cam footage, and witness statements to confirm if the driver was distracted at the time of the crash.
3. Speeding
Speeding is one of the top causes of truck crashes. The faster a truck goes, the longer it takes to stop, and the worse the damage if it crashes.
Why do truckers speed? Many drivers are under pressure to make deliveries on time. But rushing puts everyone in danger, especially when a heavy truck is involved.
4. Bad Weather or Poor Road Conditions
Rain, fog, wind, and even poorly maintained roads can make driving a truck much more dangerous. Truck drivers are supposed to slow down or pull over in bad conditions, but not all of them do.
Can truckers still be at fault in bad weather? Yes. If the driver didn’t adjust their speed or driving style for the weather, they can still be held responsible.
5. Poor Maintenance or Faulty Brakes
Commercial trucks require regular maintenance, including brake checks, tire replacements, and engine inspections. If a company skips routine service to save time or money, it could lead to brake failure or tire blowouts on the road.
What if the truck had a mechanical issue? We investigate maintenance records and repair history. If a mechanical problem caused the crash, the repair shop, trucking company, or manufacturer could be to blame.
6. Improperly Loaded or Overweight Trucks
A truck that’s too heavy or unevenly loaded can tip over, jackknife, or become harder to stop. Cargo that shifts during a turn can also throw off the truck’s balance.
Who’s responsible for this? The company that loaded the cargo may be responsible, or the trucking company itself if they failed to check the load properly.
7. Driving Under the Influence
Unfortunately, there are still cases where truck drivers use alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel. This can include illegal substances, prescription medications, or even over-the-counter drugs that cause drowsiness.
How do we prove substance use? We obtain toxicology reports, police records, and company drug testing history to support your claim.
How We Use This Information to Help You
Once we understand the root cause of the crash, we use that information to build your case. This helps us show who was responsible and why you deserve full compensation. It also makes it harder for insurance companies or the trucking company to deny your claim or reduce your payout.
What You Can Get Compensation For
If you were hurt in a commercial truck accident, you may be dealing with more than just physical injuries. Your life might be turned upside down, physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why it’s so important to know what types of compensation you may be entitled to.
Here’s what you can potentially recover in a truck accident case:
1. Medical Bills
This includes hospital stays, emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and future medical care you might need. If you have to see a specialist or continue care long-term, we make sure that’s included in your claim.
2. Physical Therapy or Rehab
After a serious injury, rehab can be a long process. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and even mental health care are all part of your recovery, and should be part of your compensation.
3. Lost Wages
If you missed work because of the accident or can’t return to your job, you can claim lost income. We also factor in future lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working in the same way again.
4. Pain and Suffering
This covers the physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve gone through. Even if there’s no medical bill attached to it, your pain matters, and it should be taken seriously in your case.
5. Property Damage
Was your car totaled or seriously damaged? You can be reimbursed for repairs or the value of your vehicle if it was destroyed.
6. Emotional Distress
An accident like this can cause anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional impacts. These effects are real and can be included in your claim.
7. Funeral Costs or Wrongful Death
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, lost future income, and more.
Why Compensation Amounts Are Often Higher in Truck Accident Cases
Because commercial truck accidents often cause more serious injuries, the settlements tend to be much higher than in standard car accidents. You’re not just dealing with a sprain or a dented bumper, you may be facing years of recovery or permanent changes to your life.
That’s why having a legal team that knows how to handle these complex claims is so important. At William W. Price P.A., we don’t just aim for a quick settlement, we fight for everything you’re owed.
How We Handle Truck Accident Cases at William W. Price P.A.
At our firm, we treat every case with personal care. When you call us, you talk directly with an attorney, not just a paralegal or assistant. We keep you informed and involved at every step.
We’ve been handling tough liability and injury cases across South Florida since 1995. We’re proud to offer a mix of old-school personal service and modern legal strategy. That’s what makes us different, and why our clients trust us when the stakes are high.
Let Us Help With Your Commercial Truck Accident Case
If you or someone you love has been in a commercial truck accident, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process, fight for the compensation you deserve, and make sure you’re treated fairly from start to finish.
Want to learn more about how we handle injury and liability claims? Click here to explore our services, or contact us today for a free consultation.
