When a commercial vehicle accident devastates your life anywhere in Florida, you need legal advocates who understand both the complex federal regulations governing commercial vehicles and the unique challenges facing victims of catastrophic crashes involving delivery trucks, freight haulers, and large commercial carriers. At Lowman Law Firm, our Florida commercial vehicle accident attorneys have spent over two decades helping crash victims secure the compensation they deserve while navigating the aftermath of serious collisions involving Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other commercial delivery vehicles with skill and compassion.
Operating from our conveniently located offices throughout Central Florida, including Brooksville at 31 S Main St, Spring Hill at 11029 Spring Hill Dr, Dade City at 14233 7th St, Crystal River at 600 SE US Hwy 19, and Inverness at 508 W Main St, we serve commercial vehicle accident victims throughout Florida. With Florida ranking third nationally in commercial vehicle accidents and over 32,000 commercial truck accidents occurring annually in the state, skilled legal representation has never been more critical for Florida families navigating the complex intersection of federal regulations and state law.
Florida’s Commercial Vehicle Accident Crisis
Florida’s commercial vehicle accident statistics reveal the devastating scope of crashes throughout the state, affecting thousands of families annually and creating significant public safety concerns.
Statewide Commercial Vehicle Numbers
Recent data reveals Florida’s position among the nation’s most dangerous states for commercial vehicle accidents:
- Over 32,000 commercial truck accidents occur annually in Florida
- 266 fatalities resulting from large truck crashes in 2024 alone
- 127 accidents resulting in incapacitating injuries in 2022
- 34 commercial vehicle fatalities recorded by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in 2022
- 12% of all roadway fatalities in Florida involve commercial trucks, higher than the national average
- $148,279 average cost per commercial truck accident with injuries
- 60% of fatal commercial vehicle accidents occur in rural areas with limited emergency response capabilities
- 71% of people killed in commercial vehicle accidents were driving passenger vehicles, not the trucks themselves
The E-Commerce Delivery Explosion
The dramatic rise of e-commerce has fundamentally transformed Florida’s commercial vehicle landscape, creating unprecedented delivery traffic throughout residential and commercial areas:
- Amazon delivers 4.6 billion packages annually across the United States
- UPS delivers approximately 5.2 billion packages yearly
- FedEx delivers over 3 billion packages annually
- Delivery vehicles now operate under tight schedules serving Florida’s rapidly growing population
- Gig economy drivers using personal vehicles for commercial deliveries create complex insurance scenarios
- Amazon Flex, FedEx Ground contractors, and UPS Personal Vehicle Delivery drivers navigate residential neighborhoods not designed for commercial traffic
National Context
Florida’s commercial vehicle accident crisis is part of a broader national problem:
- 5,078 fatalities nationwide from large truck crashes in 2023
- 76,682 large truck and bus crashes reported across the United States as of June 2024
- 388,000 truck crashes occur annually, making up 6.5% of all vehicle accidents
- 82% of commercial vehicle accident fatalities are occupants of other vehicles, not truck drivers
- 52% increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks from 2010 to 2021
- 20% increase in commercial vehicle accident fatalities between 2020 and 2021
Understanding Federal Commercial Vehicle Regulations
Commercial vehicle accidents involve complex federal regulations that differ significantly from standard car accident cases. Our attorneys understand these intricate rules and how violations contribute to crashes.
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict limits on commercial driver work hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers can drive maximum 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-Hour Workday Limit: Cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after starting shift, even with breaks
- 30-Minute Break Rule: Required break after 8 consecutive hours of driving
- 60/70 Hour Rule: Maximum 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days on duty
- 34-Hour Restart: Required consecutive off-duty time to reset weekly limits
- Fatigue contributes to 13% of commercial vehicle crashes, with experts believing the real number is higher
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements
Commercial drivers must maintain valid CDLs with proper endorsements:
- Special licensing for vehicles over 26,001 pounds
- Regular medical examinations and certifications
- Endorsements for hazardous materials, passenger transport, or specific cargo types
- Strict blood alcohol limits (0.04% vs. 0.08% for regular drivers)
- Background checks and driving record reviews
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
FMCSA mandates rigorous maintenance standards:
- Daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Regular preventive maintenance schedules
- Brake system inspections and certifications
- Tire condition and tread depth requirements
- Weight and load distribution limits
- Electronic logging device (ELD) compliance
Gig Economy and Flex Driver Regulations
The modern delivery landscape increasingly relies on gig economy drivers who work as independent contractors rather than traditional employees. These “flex” drivers use their personal vehicles or rent company vehicles to make deliveries on flexible schedules, creating unique legal challenges:
- Amazon Flex allows drivers to use personal vehicles to deliver packages during chosen time blocks
- FedEx Ground operates primarily through independent contractors who own their routes and vehicles
- UPS has expanded into gig work through services like UPS Personal Vehicle Delivery
- This employment model creates complex insurance and liability issues when accidents occur
- Determining which insurance coverage applies—the driver’s personal policy, the company’s commercial coverage, or gaps between both—requires thorough legal investigation
- These employment structures are often designed to limit corporate liability, making skilled legal representation essential
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Florida
Understanding why commercial vehicle accidents occur helps build stronger cases and identify all liable parties involved in crashes.
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Despite federal regulations, driver fatigue remains a leading cause of commercial vehicle accidents. Delivery companies sometimes pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to HOS violations. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and may fall asleep at the wheel.
Distracted Driving
Commercial drivers face numerous distractions including GPS devices, cell phones, delivery notifications, route planning apps, eating, and adjusting controls. Given the size and weight of commercial vehicles, even momentary inattention can result in catastrophic crashes.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Pressure to meet delivery deadlines and complete maximum deliveries per hour leads some commercial drivers to exceed speed limits or drive aggressively. 21% of commercial drivers involved in fatal crashes have at least one previous speeding conviction, indicating a pattern of risky behavior.
Impaired Driving
Although only 3% of commercial drivers involved in fatal crashes test positive for alcohol, impaired driving by commercial vehicles creates devastating consequences. Substance abuse, including prescription medications, can impair commercial drivers making deliveries throughout Florida communities.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Nearly one-third of commercial vehicle accidents result from tire defects, brake failures, and other mechanical problems. Companies that skimp on maintenance to increase profits or maximize delivery vehicle uptime put everyone at risk.
Improper Loading and Cargo Issues
Overloaded vehicles, improperly secured cargo, and unbalanced loads can cause commercial vehicles to become unstable, tip over, or lose cargo on highways. Delivery companies may share liability for accidents caused by improper loading procedures.
Weather and Road Conditions
Florida’s frequent thunderstorms, fog, and sudden weather changes create hazardous conditions for commercial vehicles. Drivers must adjust their driving for weather conditions and may be liable for weather-related crashes when they fail to exercise proper caution.
Inexperienced Gig Economy Drivers
The rise of gig economy delivery drivers has introduced thousands of inexperienced commercial operators to Florida roads. These drivers often lack the training traditional commercial drivers receive, don’t understand the challenges of operating larger vehicles, and may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns while rushing to complete deliveries.
Residential Area Delivery Challenges
Modern delivery vehicles frequently navigate residential neighborhoods not designed for commercial traffic. Tight streets, limited visibility, backing maneuvers, and interactions with pedestrians and cyclists create unique accident risks throughout Florida communities.
Read about leading causes of car crashes and the most common causes of auto accidents.
Types of Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle
Delivery Truck Accidents
Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other delivery vehicle accidents have increased dramatically with the growth of e-commerce. These vehicles make frequent stops in residential areas, often operated by gig economy drivers under tight time pressures.
Box Truck and Straight Truck Accidents
Box trucks and straight trucks used for deliveries and moving services create unique hazards when operated by inexperienced drivers or rushed delivery schedules.
Tractor-Trailer and Semi-Truck Accidents
Large tractor-trailers and eighteen-wheelers carrying freight throughout Florida create catastrophic accidents when they collide with passenger vehicles.
Jackknife Accidents
When commercial vehicle trailers swing out at 90-degree angles to the cab, creating jackknife formations that block multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents often result from sudden braking, poor road conditions, or equipment failures.
Rollover Accidents
High center of gravity makes commercial vehicles prone to rollovers during sharp turns, sudden maneuvers, or when carrying unstable loads. 48% of commercial vehicle occupants involved in rollover crashes die, significantly higher than car rollover fatalities.
Underride and Override Accidents
Underride accidents occur when smaller vehicles slide under commercial vehicle trailers, often causing fatal injuries to car occupants. Override accidents happen when commercial vehicles ride over smaller vehicles, typically resulting in catastrophic outcomes.
Rear-End Collisions
Commercial vehicles require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Rear-end crashes often involve multiple vehicles and result in serious injuries when commercial drivers cannot stop in time for traffic conditions.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Large commercial vehicles often trigger chain-reaction crashes involving multiple vehicles. These complex accidents require thorough investigation to determine liability among various parties.
Hazmat and Chemical Spill Accidents
Commercial vehicles carrying hazardous materials create additional dangers including fires, explosions, chemical burns, and environmental contamination. These cases require specialized knowledge of federal hazmat regulations.
Compensation Available for Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims
Commercial vehicle accident victims often face catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical care and long-term support. Compensation in these cases is typically much higher than standard car accidents due to the severity of injuries and commercial insurance coverage.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: Emergency trauma care, surgery, ICU stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity
- Future Medical Care: Long-term treatment, therapy, prosthetics, and assistive devices
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Training for new careers when injuries prevent returning to previous work
- Home Modifications: Wheelchair accessibility and adaptive equipment for disabled victims
- Property Damage: Vehicle replacement and personal belongings destroyed in crashes
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from catastrophic injuries and medical procedures
- Emotional Distress: PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma from life-changing accidents
- Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities and hobbies
- Permanent Disability: Compensation for paralysis, amputations, and other permanent impairments
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent changes to appearance from burns and lacerations
- Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships and family life
Punitive Damages
In cases involving gross negligence, such as Hours of Service violations, impaired driving, or deliberately ignoring safety regulations, punitive damages may be available to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. Learn more about punitive damages in accident cases.
Wrongful Death Benefits
When commercial vehicle accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members can pursue comprehensive wrongful death claims including funeral expenses, lost support, and loss of companionship. Visit our wrongful death lawyer page for more information.
Learn more about types of damages you can recover in a personal injury case.
Immediate Steps After a Florida Commercial Vehicle Accident
The actions you take immediately after a commercial vehicle accident can significantly impact your safety, medical outcomes, and ability to recover compensation.
- Ensure Safety: Move to safety if possible and activate hazard lights
- Call 911: Request immediate medical attention and law enforcement response
- Document Everything: Take extensive photos of vehicles, damage, company logos, road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Gather Information: Collect driver’s license, CDL (if applicable), company information, insurance details, DOT numbers, and delivery information
- Identify Witnesses: Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident
- Preserve Evidence: Don’t allow vehicles to be moved until police complete their investigation
- Note Company Details: Document which company the commercial vehicle represents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, etc.)
- Seek Medical Attention: Get comprehensive medical evaluation even for seemingly minor injuries
- Contact Our Office Immediately: Call before speaking with commercial vehicle company representatives or their insurance companies
Learn more about 7 things to do immediately following an auto accident and what to do if you witness a car accident.
How Lowman Law Firm Can Help You After An Accident
Common Commercial Vehicle Accident Injuries
Commercial vehicle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight differences between commercial vehicles and passenger cars.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head trauma from commercial vehicle accidents can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and cognitive impairments requiring lifelong care. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have devastating long-term consequences affecting memory, concentration, and personality.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The violent forces in commercial vehicle crashes frequently damage spinal cords, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. These catastrophic injuries require immediate medical attention, emergency surgery, and extensive rehabilitation.
Multiple Fractures and Crush Injuries
Impact with commercial vehicles commonly causes multiple broken bones, crush injuries, and complex fractures requiring surgical repair with plates, rods, and extensive rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries and Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening injuries that may not be immediately apparent but require emergency surgery.
Severe Lacerations and Burns
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve fires, fuel spills, or hazardous cargo that cause severe burns and lacerations requiring skin grafts and plastic surgery.
Amputations
The devastating forces involved in commercial vehicle crashes can result in traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that surgical amputation becomes necessary.
Psychological Trauma
The traumatic nature of commercial vehicle accidents often results in post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety about driving, depression, and other psychological injuries requiring ongoing counseling.
Wrongful Death
Commercial vehicle accidents have higher fatality rates than other vehicle crashes due to the size and weight disparities involved. When fatalities occur, families need compassionate legal support.
Read about what is the average settlement for car accident back and neck injury and most common injuries from a car accident in Florida.
Parties Who May Be Liable in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, making thorough investigation crucial for maximum recovery.
Commercial Driver
Drivers can be liable for speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment, or other negligent behaviors that cause accidents. We investigate driving records, HOS compliance, medical certifications, and training.
Delivery Companies (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, etc.)
Major delivery companies may be liable for inadequate driver training, pressuring drivers to complete unrealistic delivery schedules, poor vehicle maintenance, or negligent hiring practices. We examine company policies, safety records, and corporate practices.
Gig Economy Platform Companies
When accidents involve gig economy drivers, platform companies like Amazon Flex may share liability depending on the level of control they exercise over drivers and the insurance coverage provided.
Trucking and Transportation Companies
Traditional trucking companies can be liable for Hours of Service violations, inadequate training, poor maintenance, or creating conditions that lead to driver fatigue and accidents.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective commercial vehicles, brakes, tires, or other components can cause accidents. Product liability claims may be available against manufacturers when mechanical failures contribute to crashes.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance companies can be liable when poor repairs or inadequate maintenance cause mechanical failures leading to accidents.
Cargo Loading Companies
Companies responsible for loading cargo can be liable when improper loading, overloading, or unsecured cargo contributes to accidents.
Government Entities
Government agencies may be liable when dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, or poor construction zone management contribute to commercial vehicle accidents.
Learn about who is liable in a car accident.
Working with Insurance Companies
Commercial vehicle accident cases involve multiple insurance companies with teams of investigators and attorneys working to minimize payouts. Having skilled legal representation is crucial for protecting your rights.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
- Rapid Response Teams: Insurance investigators often arrive at crash scenes before victims receive medical care
- Quick Settlement Offers: Low initial offers before injury extent is fully known
- Surveillance: Following victims to find evidence contradicting injury claims
- Contractor Status Arguments: Claiming drivers are independent contractors to limit company liability
- Blame Shifting: Attempting to place fault on victim or other drivers
- Delay Tactics: Prolonging claims to pressure victims into low settlements
How Our Attorneys Protect You
Our commercial vehicle accident attorneys level the playing field by conducting independent investigations, preserving crucial evidence, and negotiating aggressively with insurance companies. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and industry professionals to build compelling cases that demonstrate the true value of your claim.
Understanding Commercial Delivery Company Liability
Different commercial delivery companies have varying liability structures and insurance coverage:
- Amazon: Uses a complex network of contractors, delivery service partners, and Amazon Flex gig economy drivers with varying insurance coverage
- FedEx: Operates through both corporate employees and independent contractors with different liability structures
- UPS: Primarily uses employee drivers with comprehensive commercial insurance coverage
- Understanding these different business models is crucial for determining liability and pursuing maximum compensation
What’s Important In Your Florida Commercial Vehicle Accident Case
Our Florida Offices Serving Commercial Vehicle Accident Victims Statewide
Brooksville Office
31 S Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 796-0016
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We’re Your “Florida Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Near Me”
High-Risk Commercial Vehicle Accident Locations in Florida
Through years of representing commercial vehicle accident victims, we’ve identified locations where commercial vehicle crashes occur frequently throughout the state:
- Interstate 75 (I-75): Major north-south freight corridor with heavy commercial traffic connecting Tampa to northern Florida
- Interstate 95 (I-95): East coast commercial route connecting ports with inland destinations and heavy delivery traffic
- Interstate 4 (I-4): Critical east-west route connecting Tampa, Orlando, and Daytona Beach with notorious accident rates
- Interstate 10 (I-10): Major transcontinental route through North Florida carrying cross-country freight
- Florida’s Turnpike: Toll road with high-speed commercial traffic and delivery vehicles
- US Highway 441: Major commercial route through Central Florida with frequent delivery traffic
- Port Areas: Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Port Everglades with heavy container and delivery traffic
- Residential Neighborhoods: Increasing delivery vehicle traffic in areas not designed for commercial operations
- Urban Commercial Districts: High-density delivery zones with frequent stops and complex traffic patterns
- Construction Zones: Ongoing infrastructure projects creating temporary hazards for commercial vehicles
What Sets Our Commercial Vehicle Accident Practice Apart
Federal Regulation Expertise
Unlike general personal injury lawyers, we understand the complex web of federal regulations governing commercial vehicles. From FMCSA Hours of Service rules to DOT maintenance requirements and gig economy employment classifications, we know how to identify violations that contribute to crashes.
Immediate Evidence Preservation
Commercial vehicle accident evidence disappears quickly. We immediately send preservation letters to delivery companies, secure electronic logging device data, delivery records, and route information, and work with accident reconstruction specialists before critical evidence is lost or destroyed.
Delivery Industry Knowledge
We understand the unique pressures facing modern delivery drivers, the business models of major companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, and the complex insurance structures that govern gig economy deliveries.
Aggressive Investigation
Our attorneys investigate every aspect of commercial vehicle accidents including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance records, delivery schedules, company safety policies, and corporate culture that may have contributed to crashes.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
Commercial vehicle accident cases often result in larger settlements and verdicts due to commercial insurance coverage and the severity of injuries involved. We have the resources and experience to pursue maximum compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Commercial Vehicle Accidents
How long do I have to file a commercial vehicle accident lawsuit?
Florida’s statute of limitations for commercial vehicle accident claims is two years from the accident date (reduced from four years in March 2023). However, evidence preservation must begin immediately to protect crucial data like electronic logs, delivery records, and GPS information.
What if the accident involved an Amazon, FedEx, or UPS delivery driver?
Accidents involving major delivery companies require specialized knowledge of each company’s liability structure, insurance coverage, and contractor relationships. We understand the unique challenges of pursuing compensation from these corporations.
What if the driver claims they were an independent contractor?
Many delivery companies try to avoid liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors. We investigate the true relationship between companies and drivers to determine if the company exercised control that creates liability.
How much compensation can I receive for a commercial vehicle accident?
Commercial vehicle accident settlements are typically higher than car accidents due to commercial insurance coverage and injury severity. Awards can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars depending on circumstances.
What if multiple commercial vehicles or regular vehicles were involved?
Multi-vehicle commercial vehicle accidents create complex liability scenarios involving multiple insurance companies and potentially liable parties. We have the expertise to navigate these complicated cases and identify all sources of compensation.
How much will hiring a commercial vehicle accident attorney cost?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case. This ensures access to top-tier legal representation regardless of your financial situation. Learn about 5 reasons you need to hire a personal injury attorney.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Florida’s comparative negligence law allows partial recovery even if you bear some responsibility, as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. We work to minimize assigned fault and maximize your compensation. Read about how partial fault works in Florida.
What if the commercial vehicle was carrying hazardous materials?
Hazmat accidents involve additional federal regulations and potential liability for chemical exposure, environmental damage, and evacuation costs. These complex cases require specialized knowledge of hazardous materials transportation rules.
Why Florida Residents Trust Lowman
- Statewide Knowledge, Local Expertise – With offices throughout Central Florida, we understand the unique challenges facing drivers across the Sunshine State. From I-4’s notorious reputation as one of America’s deadliest highways to the tourist-heavy corridors of US-19 and the rural dangers of State Road 60, our attorneys know where accidents happen and why. Florida’s population of over 22 million residents, combined with millions of annual visitors, creates a complex driving environment that requires local legal knowledge. Our understanding of Florida’s diverse geography, from urban Miami-Dade County’s 59,978 annual crashes to the rural highways of North Florida, helps us build stronger cases and achieve better outcomes for our clients.
- Two Decades of Excellence – Our firm’s commitment to car accident victims spans more than 20 years, during which we’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured drivers and passengers throughout Florida. We’ve helped families rebuild their lives after devastating crashes, ensuring they receive the medical care and financial support they need during recovery. With Florida experiencing over 331,000 crashes annually and ranking third nationally for accident frequency, our track record of success provides the advocacy you need.
- Personalized, Compassionate Representation – At Lowman Law Firm, we believe every client deserves individual attention and respect. We take the time to understand your unique situation, explain your legal options clearly, and keep you informed throughout every step of the legal process. Whether you’re a longtime Florida resident or a visitor injured while enjoying our state’s attractions, you’ll never feel like just another case number with our team.
Contact Our Florida Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident anywhere in Florida, don’t delay seeking legal representation. The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence, protecting your rights, and building your case for maximum compensation.
Available 24/7 for Emergency Response
Commercial vehicle accident cases require immediate action to preserve crucial evidence including delivery records, GPS data, and electronic logging information. We’re available around the clock to respond to serious commercial vehicle crashes and provide the skilled legal representation you deserve. Contact us today for your FREE consultation – remember, you pay nothing unless WE WIN your case.
At Lowman Law Firm, we understand that commercial vehicle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that change lives forever. The sudden transformation from a routine day to a life-altering collision with a delivery truck or commercial vehicle requires both legal expertise and personal sensitivity. We’re here to handle the complex legal battle with delivery companies, trucking corporations, and their insurance teams while you focus on healing and recovery. Contact one of our convenient Florida offices today and let us put our decades of commercial vehicle accident experience to work for you.
Don’t let major delivery companies and their insurance investigators take advantage of your situation. Trust the dedicated commercial vehicle accident attorneys at Lowman Law Firm to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call any of our offices now or visit one of our convenient locations to get started with your free case evaluation.
For additional information about commercial vehicle accident law and safety, visit our personal injury resources page or read our blog for helpful articles. You can also learn more about should I get a personal injury attorney and review our frequently asked questions.
