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Understanding Truck Accident Laws by State

Protecting Your Rights After a Collision

Truck accident laws vary widely across the United States, affecting your legal rights and potential compensation after a collision. When a trucking accident occurs, understanding these differences can help you seek justice and proper compensation.

As an experienced truck accident law firm, we specialize in providing legal assistance to victims across the country. This guide breaks down the key differences in trucking accident laws across several states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, reaching out to one of our truck accident lawyers can make a significant difference in your case.

What Do We Mean by “Trucking”?

When we talk about “trucking” in this context, we’re referring to large commercial vehicles—typically tractor-trailers or “big rigs” that haul goods across long distances. These vehicles are much larger and heavier than typical delivery vans or small trucks. Accidents involving these massive trucks can cause serious injuries or damage, which is why there are special laws and regulations governing their operation.

Federal and State Trucking Regulations

Both federal and state governments play a critical role in ensuring safety on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict regulations for the trucking industry, including mandatory insurance requirements and safety standards for drivers, vehicles, and companies. State laws add another layer of protection, ensuring that truck drivers and companies adhere to additional local requirements. These multiple layers of regulation help protect the public, and when an accident occurs, they provide victims with the legal means to seek justice. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating both federal and state laws to help you secure the compensation you deserve after a trucking accident.

Arizona provides strong protections for truck accident victims, with no caps on compensatory or punitive damages. Trucking companies in Arizona must meet specific insurance minimums, which vary depending on the type of cargo and vehicle size. For instance, hazardous materials carriers are required to carry $5 million in coverage. The statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Arizona is two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to act quickly to preserve your legal rights. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Arizona, we can connect you with the right resources to help pursue your case.

California’s trucking accident laws are designed to hold negligent parties accountable and protect the rights of victims. As in other states, truck accident victims may be entitled to compensatory and punitive damages, depending on the severity of the case. There is no cap on compensatory or punitive damages in California, allowing victims to seek full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help victims recover the maximum amount of damages.

Regarding insurance, California requires:

  • Trucks involved in oil transportation to carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance
  • Trucks transporting hazardous materials to carry $5,000,000, and
  • Those moving household goods to have $300,000 in liability coverage.

Additionally, victims must file their lawsuit within the statute of limitations, which is two years, although exceptions may apply. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in California, a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer can provide the legal representation you need.

Florida’s truck accident laws also offer significant protections for victims. Like California, there is no cap on compensatory or punitive damages. Victims can pursue full compensation for their injuries and related expenses. However, Florida imposes strict insurance requirements on trucking companies. Florida follows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) guidelines for liability insurance, which vary depending on the truck’s weight and cargo.

The statute of limitations in Florida gives truck accident victims four years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Navigating these complex rules can be challenging, which is why truck accident legal help is crucial. Contacting a truck accident attorney can help ensure your case is handled properly and you receive the compensation you deserve.

In Georgia, truck accident victims can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, with no cap on either. This allows victims to seek full justice for their injuries. Georgia follows the FMCSA’s requirements for liability insurance coverage, which mandates that trucks carry a minimum level of insurance depending on the type of cargo and weight of the vehicle.

The statute of limitations in Georgia is two years, meaning victims must act quickly to secure legal representation after a truck accident. A truck accident attorney can help victims navigate the complexities of their case, ensuring their rights are protected and their interests are represented.

Illinois offers comprehensive protections for truck accident victims, with no cap on compensatory or punitive damages. This allows victims to seek maximum compensation for their injuries and suffering. The state has varying requirements for liability insurance based on the type and size of the vehicle size.

Illinois enforces a two-year statute of limitations for truck accident claims, meaning victims must file their lawsuit within two years of the accident to preserve their rights. A truck accident attorney can provide the legal support needed to navigate these deadlines and insurance complexities.

In New Mexico, truck accident victims can recover both compensatory and punitive damages, as there are no caps on either. Trucking companies must adhere to federal insurance minimums, and New Mexico follows these federal guidelines for trucks operating within the state. For general accidents involving non-hazardous materials, the minimum liability is $750,000, with higher requirements for hazardous materials. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Mexico is three years from the date of the accident. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, our team can provide the legal guidance you need to protect your rights.

In Pennsylvania, compensatory and punitive damages for truck accident victims are not capped, allowing full recovery for injuries. Trucking companies must carry substantial liability insurance, especially when transporting passengers or hazardous materials. For example, vehicles with more than 28 passengers must carry $5,000,000 in coverage for bodily injury or death in a single accident.

The statute of limitations for general personal injury claims in Pennsylvania is two years. However, for injuries related to vehicles, there is a four-year limit if no benefits have been paid, or four years after the last benefit payment if benefits were paid. Contacting a truck accident lawyer in Pennsylvania ensures your case is handled properly and your legal rights are protected.

Texas offers robust protections for truck accident victims. While there is no cap on economic damages, punitive damages are limited to the greater of $200,000 or two times the amount of economic damages plus up to $750,000 in noneconomic damages. Liability insurance requirements for trucks operating in Texas are set by both state and federal laws.

The statute of limitations in Texas for truck accident claims is two years. A Dallas truck accident lawyer can provide the legal representation needed to navigate the state’s complex trucking laws, ensuring victims receive fair compensation.

How Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel helps Truck Accident Victims

Navigating the complex landscape of trucking accident laws across various states can be overwhelming for victims. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact the experienced truck accident lawyers at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel today. We understand the ins and outs of these difficult matters and are prepared to provide swift and effective counsel for your case and help you get the results you deserve.

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