Truck Accident Attorney in Florida
When a truck 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 truck crashes. At Lowman Law Firm, our Florida truck accident attorneys have spent over two decades helping crash victims secure the compensation they deserve while navigating the aftermath of serious collisions 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 truck accident victims throughout Florida. With the state ranking third nationally in fatal truck accidents with 311 fatalities annually and averaging $148,279 per injury-causing crash, skilled legal representation has never been more critical for Florida families.
Florida’s Deadly Truck Accident Statistics
Florida’s truck accident statistics reveal the devastating scope of commercial vehicle crashes throughout the state, affecting thousands of families annually.
Statewide Truck Accident Numbers
Recent data reveals Florida’s position among the nation’s most dangerous states for truck accidents:
- 311 fatal truck accidents annually – ranking Florida third in the nation behind Texas (450+ fatalities) and California (355 fatalities)
- 127 accidents resulting in incapacitating injuries in 2022 alone
- 34 truck accident 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 truck accidents occur in rural areas with limited emergency response capabilities
National Context
Florida’s truck accident crisis is part of a broader national problem:
- 5,078 fatalities nationwide from large truck crashes in 2023
- 170,716 large truck accidents reported across the United States
- 82% of truck accident fatalities are occupants of other vehicles, not the truck driver
- 52% increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks from 2010 to 2021
- 20% increase in truck accident fatalities between 2020 and 2021
Understanding Federal Truck Regulations
Truck 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 truck 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 truck 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 school buses
- Strict blood alcohol limits (0.04% vs. 0.08% for regular drivers)
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
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida
Understanding why truck 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 truck accidents. Trucking 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. Learn more about common causes of trucking accidents.
Distracted Driving
Commercial drivers face numerous distractions including GPS devices, cell phones, dispatch communications, 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 leads some truck drivers to exceed speed limits or drive aggressively. 21% of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes have at least one previous speeding conviction, indicating a pattern of risky behavior.
Impaired Driving
Although only 3% of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes test positive for alcohol, impaired driving by 80,000-pound vehicles creates devastating consequences. Substance abuse, including prescription medications, can impair commercial drivers.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Nearly one-third of truck accidents result from tire defects, brake failures, and other mechanical problems. Trucking companies that skimp on maintenance to increase profits put everyone at risk.
Improper Loading and Cargo Issues
Overloaded trucks, improperly secured cargo, and unbalanced loads can cause trucks to become unstable, tip over, or lose cargo on highways. Loading companies may share liability for accidents caused by cargo issues.
Weather and Road Conditions
Florida’s frequent thunderstorms, fog, and sudden weather changes create hazardous conditions for large trucks. Commercial drivers must adjust their driving for weather conditions and may be liable for weather-related crashes.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle
Jackknife Accidents
When truck 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 trucks prone to rollovers during sharp turns, sudden maneuvers, or when carrying unstable loads. 48% of truck occupants involved in rollover crashes die, significantly higher than car rollover fatalities.
Underride and Override Accidents
Underride accidents occur when smaller vehicles slide under truck trailers, often causing fatal injuries to car occupants. Override accidents happen when trucks ride over smaller vehicles, typically resulting in catastrophic outcomes.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Rear-end crashes often involve multiple vehicles and result in serious injuries when trucks cannot stop in time for traffic conditions.
Head-On Collisions
Among the most deadly truck accidents, head-on crashes often occur when truck drivers cross center lines due to fatigue, distraction, or medical emergencies. These crashes frequently result in fatalities.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Large trucks 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
Trucks 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 Truck Accident Victims
Truck 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 or impaired driving, punitive damages may be available to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct. Learn more about punitive damages in accident cases.
Wrongful Death Benefits
When truck 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.
Immediate Steps After a Florida Truck Accident
The actions you take immediately after a truck 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
- Do Not Approach the Truck: Commercial vehicles may have hazardous cargo or unstable loads
- Document Everything: Take extensive photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Gather Information: Collect truck driver’s CDL, company information, insurance details, and DOT numbers
- 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
- Seek Medical Attention: Get comprehensive medical evaluation even for seemingly minor injuries
- Contact Our Office Immediately: Call before speaking with trucking company representatives or their insurance companies
Learn more about 3 things to know about truck accidents and how to protect your rights after a crash.
How Lowman Law Firm Can Help You After An Accident
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck 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 truck 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.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The violent forces in truck crashes frequently damage spinal cords, potentially causing partial or complete paralysis. These catastrophic injuries require immediate medical attention and extensive rehabilitation.
Multiple Fractures and Crush Injuries
Impact with 80,000-pound trucks 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
Truck accidents often involve fires, explosions, or hazardous cargo spills that cause severe burns and lacerations requiring skin grafts and plastic surgery.
Amputations
The devastating forces involved in truck crashes can result in traumatic amputations or injuries so severe that surgical amputation becomes necessary.
Wrongful Death
Truck 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.
Parties Who May Be Liable in Truck Accidents
Truck accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, making thorough investigation crucial for maximum recovery.
Truck Driver
Drivers can be liable for speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment, or other negligent behaviors that cause accidents. We investigate driving records, HOS compliance, and medical certifications.
Trucking Company
Companies may be liable for inadequate driver training, pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules, poor maintenance, or negligent hiring practices. We examine company policies, safety records, and corporate practices.
Truck Manufacturer
Defective trucks, 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 truck accidents.
Working with Insurance Companies
Truck 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
- Expert Witness Battles: Hiring accident reconstruction experts to dispute 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 truck 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.
Understand What’s Important In Your Florida Truck Accident Case
Our Florida Offices Serving Truck Accident Victims Statewide
Brooksville Office
31 S Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601
(352) 796-0016
Get Directions
We’re Your “Florida Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me”
High-Risk Truck Accident Locations in Florida
Through years of representing truck 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
- Interstate 95 (I-95): East coast commercial route connecting ports with inland destinations
- Interstate 4 (I-4): Critical east-west route connecting Tampa, Orlando, and Daytona Beach
- Interstate 10 (I-10): Major transcontinental route through North Florida
- Florida’s Turnpike: Toll road with high-speed truck traffic
- US Highway 441: Major commercial route through Central Florida
- Port Areas: Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Port Everglades with heavy container traffic
- Agricultural Areas: Produce-hauling trucks throughout rural Florida
- Construction Zones: Ongoing infrastructure projects creating temporary hazards
- Truck Stops and Rest Areas: Fatigue-related accidents near commercial facilities
What Sets Our Truck 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, we know how to identify violations that contribute to crashes.
Immediate Evidence Preservation
Truck accident evidence disappears quickly. We immediately send preservation letters to trucking companies, secure electronic logging device data, and work with accident reconstruction specialists before critical evidence is lost or destroyed.
Industry Expert Network
We maintain relationships with former truck drivers, safety directors, and industry experts who understand commercial vehicle operations and can testify about safety violations and industry standards.
Aggressive Investigation
Our attorneys investigate every aspect of truck accidents including driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance records, cargo loading procedures, company safety policies, and corporate culture that may have contributed to crashes.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
Truck 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 Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?
Florida’s statute of limitations for truck 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 and black box information.
What if the truck driver was following all regulations?
Even if the driver followed HOS rules, other factors like mechanical failures, improper maintenance, cargo loading issues, or trucking company policies may have contributed to the accident. We investigate all potential sources of liability.
How much compensation can I receive for a truck accident?
Truck accident settlements are typically much 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. The average cost of a fatal trucking accident is $7.2 million.
What if multiple trucks or vehicles were involved?
Multi-vehicle truck 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 truck 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.
What if the trucking company claims their driver was an independent contractor?
Many trucking 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.
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.
What if the truck 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 Truck Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a truck 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
Truck accident cases require immediate action to preserve crucial evidence. We’re available around the clock to respond to serious truck 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 truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that change lives forever. We’re here to handle the complex legal battle with trucking companies 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 truck accident experience to work for you.
Don’t let trucking companies and their insurance investigators take advantage of your situation. Trust the dedicated truck 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 truck 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.
