Florida Truck Accident Lawyer
Over 35 Years Experience

Experienced Florida Truck Accident Lawyer

Holding Negligent Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Accountable for Catastrophic Harm.

  • Over 35 Years Handling Complex Florida Accident Claims
  • In-Depth Knowledge of Trucking Regulations (FMCSR)
  • Fighting for Maximum Compensation for Severe Injuries
  • No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
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The Devastating Consequences of a Truck Accident

Florida’s highways are filled with 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and other large commercial vehicles. While essential for our economy, the sheer size and weight of these trucks mean that any accident involving a passenger car can be catastrophic. A momentary lapse in judgment or a violation of safety rules by a truck driver can lead to life-altering injuries, permanent disability, and tragic loss of life.

Victims of truck accidents often face a difficult road to recovery, with overwhelming medical bills and an uncertain future. Even worse, they are often up against powerful trucking companies and their aggressive insurance carriers who will fight to minimize their liability.

You do not have to face this battle alone. Our personal injury attorney Lisa S. Levine, P.A., is an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer. Lisa Levine has the experience, resources, and determination to take on these complex cases and fight for the justice and full compensation you deserve.

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How Truck Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents

18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Florida

A collision with a semi-truck is not just a bigger car accident; it’s a fundamentally different type of legal case. Key differences include:

  • Catastrophic Injuries: The immense size and weight of a commercial truck often lead to severe and life-altering injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.
  • Multiple Liable Parties: Unlike a typical car crash, liability can extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, the truck’s owner, the cargo loader, or even the manufacturer of a faulty part.
  • Complex Federal & State Regulations: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Florida state laws. Violations of these rules (e.g., hours-of-service, maintenance, cargo limits) can be powerful evidence of negligence.
  • Aggressive Defense: Trucking companies and their insurers often deploy rapid response teams to the accident scene to manage evidence and protect their interests. It is crucial for victims to have their own experienced attorney immediately.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Truck Accidents

Many truck accidents are preventable and result from negligence on the part of the driver or trucking company. We investigate all potential causes, including:

  • Driver Fatigue: Violating federal hours-of-service rules and driving without sufficient rest.
  • Distracted Driving: Texting, using a dispatch device, eating, or other distractions.
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Operating a commercial vehicle while impaired by alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription stimulants.
  • Speeding and Reckless Driving: Driving too fast for conditions, aggressive lane changes, and tailgating.
  • Improper Cargo Loading: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can shift, causing the driver to lose control or creating road hazards.
  • Inadequate Maintenance: Failure by the trucking company to properly inspect and maintain brakes, tires, lights, and other critical components.
  • Poor Driver Training or Hiring: Trucking companies hiring unqualified drivers or failing to provide adequate training.
  • Violating Traffic Laws: Failing to yield, running red lights, and other common traffic violations.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

A thorough investigation is key to identifying all responsible parties in a truck accident claim. Depending on the facts, liability may rest with:

  • The Truck Driver: For their direct negligence in operating the vehicle.
  • The Cargo Shipper or Loader: If improperly loaded cargo caused the accident.
  • A Maintenance or Repair Company: If negligent repairs led to mechanical failure.
  • The Manufacturer: If a defective truck part (like brakes or tires) caused the crash.
  • The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): For negligent hiring, poor training, encouraging drivers to violate safety rules, or failing to maintain their fleet.
  • The Owner of the Truck or Trailer: For negligent maintenance, leasing an unsafe vehicle, or failing to ensure the truck met safety standards.

A thorough investigation is necessary to identify all potentially liable parties to ensure you can pursue full compensation.

Critical Evidence in a Truck Accident Claim

Preserving evidence immediately after a truck accident is vital. We act quickly to secure and analyze:

  • The Truck’s “Black Box” (ECU/EDR): This device records crucial data like speed, braking, and hours of operation just before a crash.
  • Driver’s Logs: Both electronic and paper logs that track compliance with hours-of-service rules.
  • Maintenance and Inspection Records: For the truck and trailer involved.
  • Post-Accident Test Results: Such as drug and alcohol Tests.
  • Driver’s Qualification File: Including driving history, training, and medical certificates.
  • Accident Scene Documentation: Including police reports, witness statements, and scene photos.

Why Choose Our Florida Truck Accident Attorney?

  • Over 35 Years of Florida Trial Experience: Lisa Levine is a seasoned trial lawyer who is not intimidated by the aggressive tactics of trucking companies and their insurers.
  • Knowledge of Trucking Regulations: We understand the complex state and federal laws that govern the trucking industry and know how to use violations as evidence of negligence.
  • A Proven Record of Success: Our firm has a history of securing substantial case results for victims of catastrophic accidents.
  • Resources to Build a Strong Case: We have the resources to hire accident reconstructionists, trucking industry experts, and medical specialists to prove your case.
  • Personalized, Client-First Approach: We provide direct attorney access and compassionate guidance. (Read Our Client Reviews).
  • No Upfront Fees – Our Promise: We handle all truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no fees unless we win a recovery for you. (Our Fee Commitment)
Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit FL

Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

Due to the severity of these crashes, compensation in a truck accident claim is often substantial and must account for lifelong needs. Damages may include:

Past and Future Medical Expenses

– Including hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and lifelong care needs.

Pain and Suffering

– For severe physical pain, emotional trauma, and mental anguish.

Permanent Disability and Disfigurement

Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity

– For time missed from work and a permanent inability to return to your previous career.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

For the inability to participate in daily activities and hobbies.

Wrongful Death Damages

– If you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident.

Proven Results in Personal Injury Cases

$2,500,000

jane doe
v. surgeon and hospital

Following a laminectomy where she sustained an intraoperative injury, Jane Doe (66) developed immediate CES signs. A hematoma was untimely diagnosed, and surgery to evacuate it occurred 4 days post-op, leaving her with permanent severe pain, gait issues, saddle anesthesia, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

$2,500,000

estate of john doe
v. hospital

Our client, a 40-year-old father of 2 minor children, entered the hospital for pain management because of kidney stones. He was given Demerol for pain management. Demerol is a respiratory suppressant and the patient needs to be monitored closely. He died within 24 hours due to hospital’s failure to monitor the patient.

See More Case Results

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.

Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident FAQs

Yes. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim based on negligence in Florida is generally 2 years from the date of the accident. It is vital to contact an attorney well before this deadline to allow time for a thorough investigation.

It is strongly recommended that you do not give a recorded statement or sign any documents from the trucking company’s insurer before speaking with your own attorney. Their goal is to protect their company, not to ensure you are fairly compensated.

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free.

Do not accept their version of events as fact. Truck drivers and their companies will often try to shift blame. A detailed investigation by an experienced attorney can uncover the truth, using evidence from the black box, driver logs, and witness statements.

Speak With an Experienced Florida Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in an accident involving an 18-wheeler or commercial truck, it is crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Contact Lisa S. Levine, P.A. today for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to the details of your accident and explain how we can fight to hold all negligent parties accountable.

Schedule Your Free Personal Injury Case Review