Motor vehicle collisions are a daily risk for commuters. People never know when they might end up affected by a collision. Even those who prioritize safe driving habits could end up involved in major collisions.
Some people sustain injuries in crashes caused by other people. Others may experience long-term setbacks because of a loved one’s involvement in a recent wreck. Few things are more shocking than learning about a family member’s involvement in a major motor vehicle collision. If the other vehicle involved was a semi-truck, the occupants of the passenger vehicle are at elevated risk of severe injury or death.
People who have recently lost a loved one to a tragic crash caused by a commercial truck may want justice but may feel unsure about their rights. How do Florida state regulations protect those who have recently lost a loved one in a semi-truck collision?
Families can file wrongful death lawsuits
Typically, commercial vehicles have large insurance policies attached to them. Owner-operators and trucking companies typically need to carry at least $750,000 of liability coverage or more on a semi-truck for it to comply with federal statutes. That is several times higher than the minimum amount required for passenger vehicles.
Unfortunately, even with a six-figure insurance policy, a commercial vehicle collision that causes a fatality could produce expenses beyond what insurance covers. Insurance professionals often tend to negotiate quite aggressively when there is a large policy in play. As such, wrongful death litigation is often necessary after a fatal collision.
Provided that the surviving family members can show that either negligence or wrongful acts caused the fatal crash, they may be able to request compensation by filing a lawsuit. If a truck driver engaged in unsafe behavior or violated any traffic statutes, the people who lost a family member may have the legal grounds necessary to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Misconduct on the part of the company could also justify litigation.
Wrongful death litigation allows grieving families an opportunity to request compensation for their losses. They can seek reimbursement for medical and funeral expenses. They can hold the driver or their employer accountable for years of lost income. Families may also feel a sense of closure if the courts agree with their claim that a driver was negligent or violated the law prior to the wreck.
Litigation is a complex matter
Even in a straightforward scenario involving a drunk driver, wrongful death lawsuits are complicated. Grieving individuals generally require assistance gathering evidence, handling paperwork and preparing to present a case in front of the civil courts. They may also need assistance during pretrial negotiations, as the trucking company or its insurance company may try to resolve the matter before the case goes to trial.
Families hoping to seek justice through the civil courts may need support learning about their options, and that’s okay. Filing a wrongful death lawsuit can potentially provide families with a sense of justice and financial compensation after a deadly commercial truck crash.