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Seven people were injured, three critically, on Saturday, August 17, 2013, in a truck accident involving a semi and eleven other vehicles on I75 and Route 60 in Brandon, FL.

"Accident cases involving an 18-wheeler, also known as a big rig tractor-trailer or semi, are very different from cases involving smaller vehicles," said Truck Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Because of its size, an 18-wheeler, has a compressed air braking system.  This means that if an 18-wheeler  is travelling 55 mph it will take a distance of approximately 300 feet before it will be able to stop. That is the distance longer than a football field. Other smaller motor vehicles have a much shorter braking distance.  Also, weighing over 80,000 pounds, compared to 3,000 pounds for a passenger car, the injuries and damage may have catastrophic consequences.

Accident cases involving commercial or private 18-wheelers can be more complex and complicated. 

• There may be multiple parties involved such as owners, drivers, supervisors, mechanics, loaders, instructors, and truck part manufacturers should it be determined that a defective truck part was involved. Some commercial trucking companies employ their own drivers; others hire outside drivers.  The relationship between the driver and the truck owner must be explored. 

• With the potential of more serious injuries or even death when in a crash, big-truck carriers are required to carry higher levels of insurance which may come from multiple insurance companies. Therefore, legal cases involving accidents with big trucks may have complex insurance issues.  Investigators from the trucking company, the insurance company(s), and even third-party investigators may become involved.

• Commercial insurance policies are more complex than standard auto policies. They may allot specific liability coverage for damage to property versus injury to people, or they may combine damage and injury into a Combined Single Limit (CSL) Policy.

• Another layer of complexity is added because interstate trucking is regulated by State and Federal laws.  Often many experts and engineers are needed to evaluate accidents and determine responsibility. 

• Potentially life-change injuries sustained in accidents with 18-wheelers, can involve major surgeries, lengthy hospital stays and rehabilitative therapy for months, years or a lifetime. 

"Seeking expert legal advice is imperative when involved in any accident, especially an accident involving an 18-wheeler.  Our Florida Truck Accident Injury Team has the experience to handle these difficult cases," said Attorney Spivey.

Lee, Collier, Charlotte County Truck Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just1percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.