Trucking in Tampa, FL, can come with certain risks. If you have questions about Florida’s trucking regulations or have been in an accident with a large truck, contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers at (813) 800-0810.
A fully loaded semi truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when this massive vehicle hits an automobile, it can cause catastrophic injuries. Moreover, trucks often carry hazardous cargo, including dangerous chemicals or flammable materials. As a result, truck companies must comply with state and federal trucking regulations.
These rules are meant to maintain public safety by reducing the risk of truck accidents. If you do suffer a crash with a semi truck, a Tampa truck accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
How Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Truck Accident in Tampa, FL
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers has secured millions of dollars in settlements and court awards for injured people throughout Tampa, Florida. Our founding attorney has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including work as a former insurance defense lawyer.
When you suffer an injury in a truck accident, our law firm can help in these vital ways:
- Analyzing your situation and explaining your options
- Gathering evidence for your case
- Filing a claim with the trucking company’s insurers
- Negotiating to settle your case
- Filing a lawsuit if we cannot reach a settlement
Proving liability for a truck accident requires deep knowledge of state and federal trucking regulations. Contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Tampa personal injury attorney from our skilled team.
Trucking Industry Regulations
The U.S. Constitution generally gives the federal government authority over matters that affect the entire nation, including interstate and international commerce. It leaves the remaining powers to the states. When applied to trucking, this means that Florida shares jurisdiction with the federal government over commercial motor vehicles, trucking companies, and truck drivers.
Areas Regulated by Federal Law
The scope of the federal commercial motor vehicle regulations depends on two definitions. First, commercial vehicles covered by federal regulations must fall into one of the following categories:
- Weigh at least 10,001 pounds
- Carry hazardous material
- Have the ability to carry at least nine people for compensation or 15 people regardless of compensation
Thus, a semi truck or hotel shuttle would typically qualify as a commercial motor vehicle, while a pizza delivery car would not.
The vehicle must also operate in interstate commerce. This means the vehicle must travel in any of these key ways:
- Between one state and another state
- Between the U.S. and another nation
- Between destinations while carrying cargo that traveled between states or nations
For example, a truck operates in interstate commerce when it picks up cargo imported into the U.S. at the Port of Miami, even if it only travels from Miami to Tampa.
Some of the areas covered by federal regulations include the following:
Insurance Requirements
Federal regulations define the amount of financial responsibility a truck operator must have. This ensures that crash victims will have the same access to resources after a crash, whether it occurred in Florida or another state.
Under this law, trucking companies must carry at least $750,000 in financial responsibility. Those that carry hazardous material must carry at least $1 million, although this could go up to $5 million, depending on the volume.
Trucking companies can meet these financial responsibility requirements with insurance policies or surety bonds. Many companies use a mix of both. The difference between insurance and bonds is that the trucking company must repay sureties after they pay personal injury claims, while they do not need to repay insurers.
Equipment Safety
Federal law also outlines when commercial motor vehicles must be inspected and sets the maintenance schedule. By regulating equipment at a federal level, the government ensures that vehicles meet the same standards whether the trucking company is located in Arizona or Florida.
Hours of Service
The U.S. government has complicated hours of service limits that cap the number of hours a driver can work without a sleep break. They also determine how long a driver can drive before getting a day off. These rules are supposed to prevent drowsy driving accidents by ensuring that drivers receive at least a minimum amount of rest.
Areas Regulated by Florida Law
Florida law covers all trucking that occurs entirely within the state. Some areas that fall within the state’s jurisdiction include:
Traffic Laws
Truck drivers must follow Florida traffic laws on the road. When a driver violates traffic laws by speeding, tailgating, or making unsafe lane changes, local law enforcement officers can issue a citation.
Commercial Driver’s Licenses
Florida issues commercial driver’s licenses and determines when they should be suspended or revoked. Some areas of commercial driver’s license enforcement are shared federally, though.
For example, federal regulations determine when and how trucking companies administer drug and alcohol tests. However, a failed test is reported to both state and federal agencies for enforcement.
Contact Our Tampa, FL, Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were in an accident with a semi truck in Tampa, Florida, violations of trucking laws and regulations could be to blame. The experienced team at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers can examine your case and determine your best next steps.
Contact us for a free consultation with a Tampa truck accident lawyer today.
