Gainesville Truck Accident Attorneys - Jimenez Law Firm, P.A.

Understanding Truck Accidents and Liability in Florida

Truck accident cases are more complex than regular car crashes because they often involve multiple parties. Florida’s comparative negligence laws and federal trucking regulations make identifying responsibility critical. Potentially liable parties may include:

• The truck driver is being investigated for negligent or impaired driving.
• The trucking company for hiring unqualified drivers or overworking employees.
• Maintenance contractors for failing to inspect or repair vehicles.
• Cargo loaders for improperly securing freight.
• Manufacturers of defective truck components.

Under Florida Statute §316.302, commercial drivers must adhere to strict safety and maintenance standards. Violations of these laws can directly establish liability.

Common Causes of Gainesville Truck Accidents

Many Gainesville truck accidents occur because of preventable mistakes. The most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations.
• Distracted or impaired truck operation.
• Overloaded or unsecured cargo.
• Speeding on highways like I-75 and State Road 24.
• Equipment failure or tire blowouts.
• Poor road conditions or inadequate signage.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue is responsible for 13% of large-truck crashes nationwide. Our team investigates all contributing factors to build a strong negligence claim.

Typical Truck Accident Injuries and Medical Consequences

The force of a truck collision can cause serious and long-term injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Fractures and internal bleeding
• Burns from vehicle fires
• Amputation and crush injuries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that traffic crashes involving large trucks lead to higher hospitalization and fatality rates than standard passenger car accidents. Victims often need long-term care, rehabilitation, and psychological support, which our legal team ensures are fully factored into compensation demands.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Truck crashes often involve multiple layers of responsibility. Our attorneys meticulously examine the relationship between drivers, companies, and insurers to determine liability. We gather:

• Driver logs and GPS data to track violations.
• Black box (ECM) recordings for speed and braking data.
• Truck maintenance and inspection records.
• Employment and training documentation from the trucking company.

If a defective part caused the crash, we can also pursue claims against vehicle or parts manufacturers under Florida product liability law.