Schrier Law Group logo
Our Law Firm is
Celebrating 36 Years!
Spain Flag
Espanol
Russia Flag
Russian
Creole Flag
Creole
Call Us For A Free Evaluation

Ask a Truck Accident Lawyer: What Damages Can I Collect After a Florida Truck Accident?

by

A semi-truck accident wreckage after a vehicle collision.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Sunshine State experiences the most truck crashes out of the majority of the other states in the country. Sadly, many of these have been caused by negligence and safety lapses, which means they were preventable.

Fortunately, you can seek damages for your injuries and losses if you are a victim of a Florida truck accident. The amount of the damages you are entitled to will depend entirely on the specific circumstances of your case, but with the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer, you can recover maximum compensation for your claim.

PIP and Truck Accident Damages

In a truck accident, you must initially pursue compensation from your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage, regardless of who is at fault. However, the damages you are entitled to under that coverage are limited.

Limited Medical Coverage

Victims of truck accidents routinely face serious injuries that need extensive medical attention and treatment. PIP insurance will provide some coverage for medical expenses related to the accident but not a full range of benefits. PIP only covers 80% of medical costs of up to $10,000 in the event of a medical emergency. If there is no immediate medical emergency, PIP medical coverage benefits are capped at $2,500.

Limited Wage Replacement

Injuries sustained in trucking accidents are often severe enough to prevent victims from engaging in temporary or permanent gainful employment. In such cases, PIP coverage allows accident victims to seek compensation for 60% of their lost wages.

However, as with medical coverage, PIP wage replacement benefits are capped at $10,000.

If you were to lose $25,000 in income because of your accident-related injuries, you would not receive anywhere near that amount in PIP compensation.

Household Services

If a truck accident prevents a victim from accomplishing basic household tasks, such as grocery shopping, cleaning, and laundry, PIP will cover the costs of substitution services up to a specified limit.

Limited Death Benefits

PIP also pays a limited death benefit to the family members of victims involved in fatal truck crashes. However, the benefit is only $5,000, typically paid to the decedent’s relatives or executor.

Liability Claims and Truck Accident Damages

Because PIP coverage is limited and Florida truck accidents are often serious, victims usually experience losses far more significant than what is covered by PIP insurance.

Thankfully, they may be able to file a claim against the truck driver’s insurance company, in which case the victim can seek various damages not covered by PIP.

Full Economic Damages

PIP covers limited economic damages, but a claim against an at-fault trucker allows a victim to seek full economic damages, including medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses related to the accident.

For example, if you are in a Florida truck accident and accumulate $50,000 in medical bills and $25,000 in lost wages, you can seek to recover the full amount of these losses from the driver’s liability insurance, not just a percentage.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are forms of compensation that deal with non-monetary losses. They are unavailable through PIP insurance coverage, but if you file a claim against the truck driver’s insurance company or a lawsuit, you may pursue them.

Together with full economic damages, non-economic damages can provide Florida truck accident victims with significant compensation to cover their losses.

In particular, non-economic damages include any of the following:

  • Emotional distress and
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Loss of companionship and sexual function
  • Permanent disfigurement

Additionally, some truck accident cases are eligible for punitive damages, which are not a form of compensation but instead punishment for grossly negligent or intentional misconduct. They are meant to send a message of deterrence to the driver and other responsible individuals.

Proving Fault in Truck Accident Cases

Regarding PIP insurance coverage, the question of fault does not come up. Policies pay out no matter who caused the accident. However, the opposite is true when seeking damages outside of PIP coverage.

Victims of truck accidents must prove that someone else was at least partially responsible for their accident. In truck driving cases, the responsible parties may include the following:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company that employed the truck driver
  • A shipping company
  • A mechanic or auto shop that serviced the truck
  • A truck or parts maker, or distributor

If you have been in a truck accident, you deserve to know the full extent of the damages you are entitled to. For this reason, it is important to reach out to an experienced truck accident attorney to learn your options for compensation. Contact the Schrier Law Group for more information and a complimentary case review today.

Read Our Reviews

Schrier Law Group is rated 5 out of 5.0 stars based on 21 review(s).

---

The firm is super professional and handled my husbands vas amazingly. I should refer them to some in need of an attitude.

- Isabel Sabrina De Ramirez

---

The Schrier Law Group are hands down the best and should be your go to for all your legal troubles. They are such professionals; efficient, persistent and don’t take no for an answer. Thank you so much Chatriece, Geissie, Paul & everyone at Schrier Law Group for your patience and making my win possible!

- Marika Ford

---

Shrier Law Group extremely thorough. A really caring Law Firm. My previous lawyer sat on my case for 2 years did nothing with it by chance came across Mr Paul schreier firm and explaining my case he noticed I was not hopeful but he was able to encoirage me and was able to resolve my case within a year I'm so grateful for Mr Paul Schrier and Mrs Chatrice. They go above and beyond. 20⭐

- West Jean

---

I must say that Mr. Schrier was there when we needed immediate advice after my wife got rear-ended by an unlicensed speeding lunatic. We called a handful of attorneys in our area, but after waiting 2- 5 days they would drop her case. We found Mr Schrier online and he explained the pros/cons and he took the case. We waited patiently, and in time he was able to tracked down the actual owners of the car and get their auto insurance info!

- Gerard Avalos

---

The firm pays close attention to locating every possible insurer liable for my injuries. They return my calls in 24-48 hours. Friendly staff who care.

- Mr K

---

Attention to detail with the different insurance coverages. Returned my phone calls, which is very important.

- David Kuczenski

---

Mr. Paul Schrier is by far the best attorney for the job! He is very responsive, knowledgeable, and very efficient. Despite my very busy schedule, he kept me informed throughout the process. I am very please with the outcome of my case. The customer service I received from the entire team has been amazing! Thank you all so much!

- Ms. Jean

---

Not only did I get a phenomenal attorney to represent me in my case, but I also got a step by step education on how the legal process actually worked. I was encouraged to ask questions and be an informed client. I was never treated like a case. I truly felt like the advice and recommendations he gave to me would have been the same he would have pursued if he were the client. That was important to me. I needed to work with an attorney I could trust with my best interest in mind...and that is what I got with Paul Schrier.

- Juan Rodriquez

---

I was involved in an auto accident in January 2016. We decided to contact Paul K. Schrier, PLLC for legal advice. He never got annoyed with me calling to ask questions, which was quite often. We have finally reached the final stages of this case, which they handled very well, and have come to a settlement. I highly recommend the Florida personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Paul K. Schrier, PLLC, especially Paul K. Schrier to any one who needs a personal injury attorney. Thank you very much Paul for everything you have done do me.

- Martin Tyler

---

I called to ask some question about a car accident I was in. I spoke to Paul who was very helpful, honest and professional. It seems that he really care about clients. I appreciate all that Paul did and would certainly recommend to anyone who needs an attorney.

- Mark Anderson

---

Best attorney around , I went through a lot of different ones before finding his law firm very professional and they make sure you get paid what you deserve, highly recommend.

- Braulio Duran

---

Thank Paul for everything your personal injury law firm has done for my case as well as my daughter. Thanks for all the hard work and attention. Thanks again!

- Maria Jaz

---

This is one of the best law office in Miami come in and check them out great people

- Rowdy Martinez

---

Best attorney in South Florida

- Fefe Alex

---

Was a wonderful experience getting through a tough process!

- Edward Pawley

---

Both my wife and I feel grateful for the treatment and the professionalism of the staff. Maritza is great doing her job. It is the second time that I request your services and we are pleased and grateful. Many blessings to this Law Firm

- Reynier Perez

---

Awesome wonderful patient Intelligent thoughtful Paul is the best

- Theresa Caprice Caprioli

---

Thank you so much for going above and beyond what I had ever anticipated. It was truly a pleasure to work with you all, especially Chatrice. I will most definitely refer The Schrier Law Group to my family and friends.

- Cat Breen

---

The Schrier LG is an excellent firm! They accepted my case, provided me with all the procedural information, maintained a high level of professionalism while showing kindness and care. The doctor's office that they suggested is another group of kind and considerate individuals, dedicated to my full recovery. I would recommend the Schrier Group to friends, just as they were recommended to me. I am happy with my settlement and very pleased with the attention and diligence of the group as a whole. Thank you again!

- Michaela Davis

---

Schrier Law Group is the best.

- Chatrice Telfort

---

Great job! I loved working with Paul.

- Paige