Miami Accident Lawyer for Heavy Cargo Transport Vehicles Accidents and Trucking Company Negligence

The Perazzo Law Firm shares advice for those individuals that have been hurt, suffered property damage or losses as a result of negligent truck operators, owners, lessors of vehicles that transport heavy cargo on Miami roadways, avenues, or streets. Every year, thousands of cargo and transportation accidents occur on U.S. highways, avenues and streets. 

Trucks that carry heavy cargo are subject to much more than the risk of unqualified or negligent operators. Trucks that carry heavy cargo must be properly equipped and guaranteed to receive regular maintenance checks by the vehicle owners, leasers, as well as carry insurance policies that cover innocent parties in the event of an accident that results in serious personal injury, severe property damage, or even wrongful death in Miami.

Trucking companies, truck owners or lessors are legally bound to guarantee that the vehicles used to transport heavy cargo are in proper operating condition when taking to Miami roadways, avenues, and streets. Furthermore, trucking companies, truck owners or lessors are responsible to make sure that the heavy cargo truck drivers that are hired to operate these vehicles, are properly trained and legitimately qualified to operate them safely among other motorists; not only by abiding by traffic laws, but also respecting and adapting to any adverse roadway conditions. Adverse roadway conditions may involve bad weather, sharp curves, distracted motorists, emergency rescue units, personal fatigue, mental state or physical state, and many other factors which may complicate an already difficult task. Not only are the vehicles expected to properly maintained and drivers well trained, but their loads must be adequately secured by qualified loading crews and cargo securing equipment like ropes, straps, harnesses, etc. Failure to abide by and meet any of the set standards for heavy cargo vehicles on behalf of the driver or third parties, can lead to successful compensation claims presented by our clients that have suffered injury, damage, or loss as a result of an accident involving a heavy cargo vehicle in Miami.

First and foremost, it is the responsibility of our Personal Injury Litigation Staff of Attorney that specialize in Trucking Accidents in Miami to determine fault or negligence on behalf of the truck involved in the accident. Once negligence is proven, our firm determines the compensation to be awarded to the victims of the trucking accident, to cover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and funeral expenses in the event of wrongful death from the truck accident. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requires trucking companies to have Public Liability Insurance which includes Bodily Injury and Property Damage. (see Top 10 Best Insurance Policies).

It is mandatory, according to the FMCSA, for interstate trucking companies and privately owned truckers to meet coverage limits in the event of a trucking accident where the truck driver, owner, or lessor is at fault. The minimum required depends heavily on the type of cargo that the truck transports on interstate highways, Miami avenues and streets.

Trucking Companies are abide by law to meet insurance coverage minimum according to the type of freight they transport. Some of these may include:

• Non-hazardous cargo for vehicles weighing less than 10001 lbs. with a minimum coverage limit of $300,000
• Non-hazardous cargo for vehicles weighing more than 10001 lbs. with a minimum coverage limit of $750,000
• Oil transported by public or private transporters with a minimum coverage of $1,000,000
• Other hazardous materials by private operators or companies with a minimum coverage of $5,000,000

• Primary Liability which may cost $5,000 - $7000 and protect operators/owners when at fault for an accident.
• General Liability which may cost $400 - $600 and protects against non-collision when found liable.
• Umbrella Policy which may cost $500-$700 and provide added coverage when the policy has gaps.
• Physical Damage which may cost $2500-$3000, depending on the value of cargo and vehicle. This policy covers repairs to the owner's truck as a result of a collision, theft, vandalism, etc.
• Bobtail Insurance Coverage may cost $375-$600 and covers the owners tractor when not hitched to the trailer.
• Uninsured Motorist can cost from $75-$100 and covers damages when the truck is involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist.
• Occupational Accident (cost TBD) covers independent contractors and serves to provide workers with compensation for accidents taking place while on the job.
• Vehicle Cargo Coverage (cost TBD) covers the value of the cargo if damaged or lost as a result of an accident.
• Terminal Coverage serves to cover loss or damage to cargo at terminals within a set time-frame for specific loads.
• Warehouse Legal coverage helps to protect goods stored while awaiting to be transported.

Trucking Accident Injuries

Injuries sustained as a result of a trucking accident will vary according to where the accident took place. A trucking accident that occurs on a Florida Interstate will most likely have devastating effects on the victims on the receiving end of the impact from a heavy cargo truck. At high speeds, a truck carrying a heavy load will most likely propel any other vehicle across an interstate or over a guard rail. A collision may include several vehicles and the result can be even more devastating. Trucks that collide head-on with passenger vehicles are perhaps the most tragic and life ending. The chances of surviving a head-on collision with a large cargo truck are very slim. Normally, these injuries, if not life ending, will require serious medical attention and long periods of rehabilitation. Many times, accident victims that survive head-on collisions with trucks, spend the rest of their days confined to a wheelchair or on crutches. Head and neck injuries from collisions with trucks on Miami highways are very common. Head and neck injuries from car accidents that involve trucks on Miami streets are not as severe as on Miami highways and avenues as a result of lower speed limits. However, that does not mean that a truck driver isn't operating a truck at high speeds or negligently. Even at low speeds, impact with a truck can lead to serious results and medical consequences. 

If you, a family member or love-one has suffered personal injury, property damage, loss, or wrongful death as a result of an accident involving a heavy cargo vehicle, the Perazzo Law Firm urges you to contact our Miami or North Miami Beach office ONLINE for a FREE initial consultation to discuss a possible Truck Accident Compensation Claim in Miami.

THE PERAZZO LAW FIRM - DEDICATED TO PUTTING YOUR INTERESTS FIRST!