Large trucks travel Florida roads every day. Because trucks are heavy and hard to stop, the law imposes higher safety standards on them. State and federal trucking regulations in Florida control how trucks are driven, inspected, and loaded. When a truck accident happens in Fort Lauderdale, FL, these rules often decide who is at fault.
If you were in a truck accident, Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you. We have 22 years of combined experience handling personal injury claims just like yours. With over $40 million recovered, we have a proven track record of success.
Call our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers at (954) 361-3997 for a free consultation.
How Can Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Help Me After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Truck accident cases in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, move quickly and involve technical safety rules. If you are unsure of where to turn after your accident, look no further than Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers.
Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers can
- Investigate the crash and identify everyone who may be liable
- Preserve trucking evidence (logs/ELD, black box data, maintenance records)
- Handle the insurance company and fight for full compensation
- Take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered
We offer a free consultation. Contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers today.
Federal Trucking Regulations That Apply in Florida
Most commercial trucks in Florida must follow federal safety rules. These rules are known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, as enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Federal rules cover basic safety issues. They control who can drive a truck, how long drivers can stay on the road, and how trucks must be maintained. These rules are meant to reduce crashes caused by tired drivers and unsafe vehicles.
Federal regulations require truck drivers to take mandatory rest breaks and limit driving hours to prevent fatigue. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) track a driver’s time, which can show if a driver was too tired to drive safely.
Florida Trucking Laws and State Rules
Florida follows many federal trucking rules but also has its own laws covering truck registration, road use, and weight limits.
Some trucking companies only operate within Florida. These companies may still have to follow many federal safety rules, and Florida law also affects what happens after a truck crash. Accident reports and inspections can influence how an injury claim moves forward.
Commercial Driver License and Driver Rules
Truck drivers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The type of CDL depends on the size of the truck and the cargo being carried. Some drivers need additional approval to haul hazardous materials.
Drivers must also meet health standards. Federal rules require medical exams to make sure drivers can safely operate a truck. Trucking companies can be held responsible for accidents if they allow drivers who are medically unfit—due to poor vision, illnesses, or certain medications—to drive, as these conditions should disqualify them.
Driving records and safety history must be reviewed. Ignoring repeated problems can support claims of careless hiring.
Truck Inspection and Maintenance Rules
Trucking companies must keep their trucks in a safe condition. Federal rules require regular inspections and repairs. Drivers must check their trucks before and after each trip and report any safety issues.
Brake issues, tire failures, and broken lights are common causes of truck crashes. In Florida truck accident cases, maintenance records are important evidence, as they often show whether a company ignored known problems.
Florida also conducts roadside inspections. A history of failed inspections can show unsafe practices.
Cargo Loading and Weight Limits
Improper cargo loading makes trucks dangerous. Federal rules require cargo to be secured so it does not shift or fall. Different rules apply to oversized loads and hazardous materials.
Florida strictly enforces weight limits because overloaded trucks take longer to stop and put extra stress on brakes and tires. When loading rules are broken, responsibility may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company or loading crew.
How Trucking Rule Violations Affect Injury Claims
Trucking safety rules often shape truck accident claims. A violation can show that a driver or company failed to act safely, and repeated violations can increase liability.
Investigations often review driver logs, inspection reports, and maintenance files. Federal and Florida safety records can show patterns of unsafe behavior. These details often affect settlement talks and lawsuits.
Call Our Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Following a serious truck accident, state and federal trucking regulations in Florida can play a major role. Evidence tied to these rules can be lost quickly. Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers helps injured clients in Fort Lauderdale, FL by identifying safety violations and pursuing accountability.
If a trucking company or driver failed to follow the rules, a Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney can help you seek compensation.
