Truck Accident Lawyer Florida | Juan Cordero Lawyers

Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Lawyer Florida

Truck accidents cause catastrophic injuries. We take on trucking companies and their powerful insurers to get you what you deserve.

Taking on the Trucking Industry

Accidents involving commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and semi-trucks are among the most devastating on Florida's roads. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles means that collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or death.

Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers and investigators who respond to accidents immediately to protect their interests. You need an equally aggressive legal team on your side from day one.

Our attorneys have the resources and experience to investigate truck accidents thoroughly — obtaining black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and other critical evidence before it disappears.

We secured a $3.5 Million settlement for a teen riding a bike who was hit by a commercial pickup truck.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

  • Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Improper loading / overloaded trucks
  • Brake failure and mechanical defects
  • Inadequate driver training
  • Driving under the influence
  • Failure to yield or check blind spots

Notable Result

$3.5 Million

Teen riding a bike hit by commercial pickup truck

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Multiple Parties May Be Liable

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The cargo loading company
  • The truck manufacturer
  • Maintenance contractors

Florida Truck Accident Law Explained

Truck accident cases involve a layer of federal regulations on top of Florida law. Understanding both is essential to building a winning case.

Statute of Limitations

Florida's 2023 tort reform reduced the statute of limitations for negligence claims to 2 years from the date of the accident (§95.11(3)(a) as amended). Critically, trucking companies are required to preserve black box (ECM) data and driver logs — but only if placed on notice quickly. Contact us immediately after any truck accident.

Federal FMCSA Regulations

Commercial trucks operating in Florida are governed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including hours-of-service limits (11 hours driving / 14-hour window), mandatory rest periods, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle inspection requirements, and cargo securement rules. Violations of these regulations are powerful evidence of negligence.

Vicarious Liability & Respondeat Superior

Under Florida law, a trucking company is vicariously liable for the negligent acts of its employee-drivers under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Even when a driver is classified as an independent contractor, the company may still be liable if it controlled the driver's work. We investigate all potential defendants — driver, company, cargo loader, and manufacturer — to maximize your recovery.

Injured? Call Now for a Free Consultation.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We come to you — home, hospital, or our offices.

Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Truck Accident Cases

Who can be held liable in a Florida truck accident?

Multiple parties may be liable — including the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the truck manufacturer, and maintenance contractors. Under Florida's respondeat superior doctrine, a trucking company is vicariously liable for its employee-drivers. Even independent contractors may create company liability if the company controlled their work. An experienced attorney will investigate all potential defendants to maximize your recovery.

What evidence is critical in a truck accident case?

The most important evidence includes the truck's black box (ECM data), electronic logging device (ELD) records, driver hours-of-service logs, maintenance and inspection records, cargo manifests, surveillance footage, and the driver's employment and training history. This evidence must be preserved immediately — trucking companies are required to retain it, but only if placed on legal notice quickly. Call 305-525-8957 the moment of the accident.

Are truck accident cases different from regular car accident cases?

Yes — significantly. Truck accidents involve federal FMCSA regulations (hours-of-service, drug testing, cargo securement), multiple potentially liable parties, commercial insurance policies with much higher limits, and complex electronic evidence like black box data and ELD records. You need an attorney with specific trucking litigation experience, not just a general personal injury lawyer.

How much compensation can I get for a truck accident injury in Florida?

Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries that result in substantial compensation. Recoverable damages include all medical expenses, future care costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and — in wrongful death cases — damages for surviving family members. Juan Cordero Lawyers secured a $3.5 million settlement for a teen struck by a commercial pickup truck.

What FMCSA violations are most common in Florida truck accidents?

The most frequently cited violations include hours-of-service violations (fatigued driving), failure to conduct pre-trip inspections, improper cargo securement, driving with a suspended or invalid CDL, and failure to maintain required drug and alcohol testing records. Each violation is powerful evidence of negligence that can significantly strengthen your case.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Florida?

Florida's 2023 tort reform reduced the statute of limitations for negligence claims to 2 years from the date of the accident. However, trucking companies begin investigating immediately — and critical evidence like black box data can be overwritten or destroyed. Do not wait. Contact Juan Cordero Lawyers as soon as possible after any truck accident.

Watch: Florida Truck Accident Law Explained

Attorney Juan Cordero explains how trucking company liability works in Florida and what evidence wins these cases.

Watch: Attorney Juan Cordero

Video coming soon — visit our YouTube channel for the latest legal guides

Subscribe

Suing a Trucking Company in Florida

How federal FMCSA regulations, black box data, and driver logs build a winning truck accident case.

More videos on our channel
Watch: Attorney Juan Cordero

Video coming soon — visit our YouTube channel for the latest legal guides

Subscribe

Florida Truck Accident Settlements — What to Expect

Why truck accident cases settle for more than car accidents — and how we maximize your recovery.

More videos on our channel