Truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on Florida’s roads. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, substantial medical bills, and complex legal claims. Many accident victims are left wondering if they can handle the process on their own or whether they should hire a truck accident lawyer.
Attorneys who handle these cases agree: while not every truck accident requires immediate legal representation, there are clear situations where hiring an attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
When You Should Consider Hiring a Lawyer
Attorneys generally recommend hiring a truck accident lawyer if any of the following apply:
- Severe or catastrophic injuries: If you or a loved one suffered broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death, a lawyer can help you pursue full compensation.
- Disputed liability: If the trucking company or its insurer claims you caused the accident, you need an advocate to protect your interests.
- Multiple parties involved: When several companies are responsible, such as freight contractors or maintenance providers, a lawyer can sort out liability.
- Insurance company challenges: If the insurer delays, denies, or undervalues your claim, legal representation is essential.
- Commercial trucking regulations: A lawyer familiar with federal and Florida trucking laws can identify violations that strengthen your case.
If none of these apply and your damages are minor, you can handle the claim directly with the insurance company. But once serious injuries or disputes arise, legal representation becomes far more valuable.
What a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
Truck accident attorneys provide services that go beyond filing paperwork. They can:
- Investigate the crash: Lawyers can gather black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records to uncover the cause.
- Preserve evidence: Attorneys send letters to prevent trucking companies from destroying critical documents.
- Work with experts: Accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economists help prove damages.
- Negotiate with insurers: Lawyers are familiar with the tactics insurers employ and can effectively advocate for a fair settlement.
- Take the case to court: If negotiations fail, an attorney can file a lawsuit and present your case before a jury.
These steps often lead to higher compensation than victims can obtain on their own.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Truck accidents are more complex than typical car crashes. Multiple parties may be responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, or even the manufacturer of defective parts. Federal and state regulations also apply, such as limits on driver hours and requirements for vehicle maintenance.
The size of the damages also makes these cases more contentious. Insurance companies know the stakes are high, so they often fight harder to minimize payouts. Having a lawyer who understands the unique challenges of truck accidents can protect your rights from the start.
Florida Laws That Apply to Truck Accidents
Truck accident claims in Florida are governed by both traffic laws and personal injury statutes. For example, under Florida Statutes § 316.302, commercial motor vehicles must comply with specific safety regulations, including requirements for equipment, driver qualifications, and hours of service. A violation of these rules can help establish negligence if it contributed to an accident.
Additionally, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system as outlined in Florida Statutes § 768.81. This means your recovery may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the crash, and you cannot recover damages if you are found more than 50 percent responsible. Understanding these laws is crucial when evaluating your rights after a truck accident.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Whether or not you hire an attorney immediately, there are actions you should take to protect your rights after a truck accident in Florida:
- Call the police and get an official accident report.
- Seek medical treatment and follow all care instructions.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and your injuries if you can.
- Collect contact details for witnesses and other drivers.
- Notify your insurance company, but avoid giving detailed statements without legal advice.
Taking these steps creates a strong foundation for any claim, and a truck accident lawyer can build on this evidence to maximize your recovery.
Contact Shaked Law Firm, P.A. for a Free Consultation With a Florida Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident claims are complex—and when serious injuries, multiple parties, or insurance disputes are involved, having the right legal team can make all the difference. Shaked Law Firm, P.A. focuses exclusively on trucking cases and understands the federal and Florida laws that govern them.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a truck accident attorney.
If you’ve been injured in a truck collision in Florida and need legal help, contact a Florida 18-wheelers attorney at Shaked Law Firm, P.A.
Shaked Law Firm, P.A.
20900 NE 30th Ave STE 705
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191
*Relocated across the street from Aventura Hospital.
Available 24/7