If you’ve been involved in a collision with a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or any large commercial vehicle, the steps you take immediately following the accident can significantly affect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our experienced truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville urge all accident victims to follow a few critical steps, if physically able to protect themselves and strengthen their potential injury claim.

First and foremost, call 911 to report the accident immediately. Police presence at the scene ensures that an official accident report is created, which will be a vital piece of evidence later. All individuals involved, drivers and passengers should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If emergency treatment is not required on site, it’s still crucial to be examined by a physician within 14 days of the accident. Under Florida law, failing to do so could result in the denial of your medical claims, even if injuries appear later. It is not uncommon for symptoms such as whiplash, internal injuries, or back trauma to emerge days after the incident. Regardless of how you feel, getting checked by a doctor is a critical legal and medical precaution.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Truck Accidents.

Truck accidents are significantly more complex than typical motor vehicle collisions, largely because they often involve multiple parties and are governed by a strict set of federal and state regulations. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our experienced truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville conduct comprehensive investigations to determine exactly who is at fault. Establishing liability in these cases is rarely straightforward, and several entities may be responsible for the accident and the resulting damages.

The truck driver is typically the first party considered for liability. In most truck accident cases, the driver holds at least some degree of responsibility, whether due to speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or failure to follow safety protocols. However, liability often extends beyond the driver alone.

The driver’s employer is also a major focus in truck accident litigation. Any company, public or private that employs the driver can potentially be held liable, especially if the company failed to properly train the driver, allowed them to exceed hours-of-service limits, or ignored red flags in their driving history. Our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville regularly examine employer practices to uncover violations that contribute to accidents.

Liability can also fall on the owner of the truck or the trailer involved in the accident. In many cases, the truck and trailer are owned by different entities. Both owners have a responsibility to ensure their equipment is regularly maintained and safe for operation. If a mechanical failure such as brake failure or tire blowout contributed to the crash, the owner may be held accountable for negligence in maintenance or inspection.

In addition, the party responsible for loading the truck’s cargo can also be liable. If freight is improperly loaded, unsecured, or if the truck was overloaded in violation of regulations, the company or individuals who handled the cargo may share responsibility. A sudden shift in weight can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, or spilled cargo, all of which create serious hazards.

Our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville also investigate whether maintenance providers such as repair shops or truck service centers played a role. If the truck was recently serviced and a negligent repair contributed to the accident, those service providers may be held liable for their role in the crash.

Lastly, in certain cases, government entities may bear some responsibility. Poorly maintained roads, unsafe construction zones, or a lack of proper signage can create dangerous conditions for large trucks. If it is determined that a state, county, or city agency failed in its duty to maintain safe roadways, they too may be held liable.

At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, we leave no stone unturned. Our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville are skilled at identifying every potentially liable party to maximize the compensation available to our clients. These cases demand extensive investigation, access to industry experts, and in-depth knowledge of both state and federal regulations which is exactly what we provide.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville today for a free consultation. We will help you understand your legal rights, investigate every avenue of liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. There are no out-of-pocket costs, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements in Florida.

A fully loaded commercial truck or big rig can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds and has the potential to cause catastrophic damage, serious injuries, and even fatalities, even when moving at relatively low speeds. Due to the immense risk these vehicles pose on public roadways, both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, (FMCSA) and the State of Florida have established strict minimum liability insurance requirements for commercial trucking operations.

In addition to meeting these minimum insurance thresholds, many commercial trucking companies carry high-limit or excess liability insurance policies. These are designed to cover the extensive property damage, medical expenses, and wrongful death claims that can arise after a collision with a large truck. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville use this knowledge to your advantage, ensuring that every available source of compensation is identified and pursued on your behalf.

When we represent clients involved in truck accidents, one of our first priorities is determining how much insurance coverage is available. This information helps us evaluate the potential value of your case and develop a strategy to pursue the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, lost income, property damage, and long-term care needs.

What many people don’t realize is that Florida’s minimum liability coverage requirements for commercial trucks actually exceed federal standards, and they vary depending on the type of cargo being transported. The current Florida minimums are as follows:

Trucks transporting household goods are required to carry a minimum of $300,000 in liability coverage.
Trucks carrying general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage.
Trucks that transport oil must carry no less than $1,000,000 in liability coverage.
Trucks hauling hazardous materials must be covered by a minimum of $5,000,000 in liability insurance.

In addition, Florida follows a “No-Fault” insurance system, which requires all drivers, including truck drivers and operators of personal vehicles to carry a Personal Injury Protection, (PIP) policy with a minimum of $10,000 or more in coverage. Under this system, your medical expenses and certain other damages must first be claimed through your own PIP insurance, regardless of who was at fault. However, in serious truck accident cases, the costs of treatment and recovery typically exceed PIP limits.

That’s where the experience of our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville becomes essential. Once your PIP coverage is exhausted, we pursue additional compensation from all liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and in some cases, third-party contractors or cargo loaders who may also share responsibility. We ensure that no liable party or policy is overlooked.

Truck accident claims require a deep understanding of both state and federal laws, as well as a strong ability to navigate complex insurance negotiations. At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our Jacksonville truck accident lawyers have decades of experience in holding trucking companies and their insurers accountable. We are relentless in pursuing every dollar our clients deserve, through settlement or trial so they can focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville today for a free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win your case.

How Long Does It Take To Receive Compensation After a Truck Accident?

One of the most common questions we hear from clients at McGRATH GIBSON LAW is: “How long will it take to receive compensation?” The answer can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of your injuries, and how cooperative the insurance company is during the negotiation process. However, our experienced truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville always work diligently to resolve claims efficiently while ensuring that our clients receive the full compensation they deserve.

In many cases, the fastest path to compensation is through a negotiated settlement. When liability is clear and both parties are motivated to resolve the claim, a fair settlement can often be reached within 60 to 90 days. Once the settlement is agreed upon, the final documentation is completed, the necessary releases are signed, and payment is typically issued within a few weeks.

However, cases involving serious injuries, long-term medical care, or high-value claims are often more complex. Insurance companies facing large payouts may attempt to delay or dispute the claim in an effort to reduce their financial exposure. When this happens, our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville will not hesitate to escalate the matter by filing a lawsuit on your behalf.

Filing a lawsuit can significantly extend the timeline of your case. Litigation introduces a formal legal process that includes the exchange of evidence, depositions, expert testimony, and pretrial motions. Courts are also bound by crowded dockets and procedural timelines, meaning your case may not even reach trial for many months, or even years. Additionally, after a verdict is reached, the losing party has up to nine weeks to file post-trial motions, and either side can request a new trial or file an appeal to a higher court.

While going to court can result in a higher compensation award, especially when the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, it is often a lengthy and unpredictable process. That’s why our legal team works tirelessly during the initial negotiation phase to secure a full and fair resolution without the need for prolonged litigation whenever possible.

At McGRATH GIBSON LAW, our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville understand the urgency of your situation. Medical bills, lost income, and physical pain can quickly take a toll. Our goal is always to pursue the maximum compensation available as efficiently as possible, whether through settlement or trial. Throughout the process, we keep you informed, prepared, and protected.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to get answers. Contact our truck accident lawyers in Jacksonville for a free consultation. There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if you get paid.