Miami Truck Accident Attorney — Taking on Big Trucking Companies

Commercial trucks traveling on I-95, the Palmetto Expressway, and the major arteries of Miami-Dade and Broward counties represent a significant danger to passenger vehicle drivers. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the approximately 4,000 pounds of an average car. This size difference makes truck accidents exponentially more dangerous.

Truck drivers are subject to strict federal regulations from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), including hours-of-service limits, maintenance requirements, and driver qualification standards. When these regulations are violated, the consequences can be fatal.

If you were involved in an accident with a commercial truck:

1. Get to safety and call 911. Truck accidents frequently involve multiple vehicles, fuel spills, and hazardous conditions. Move away from the scene if possible and wait for emergency services.
2. Document everything you can. Photograph the trucking company name on the vehicle, the DOT number, license plate, road conditions, and any evidence of spilled cargo or defective equipment.
3. Do not give statements to the trucking company insurers. Trucking company representatives may arrive at the scene quickly with the goal of gathering information that protects the company, not you.
4. Contact an attorney immediately. Critical evidence like the truck black box data and driver logs can be destroyed quickly. Your attorney can send an evidence preservation letter the same day.

Truck accidents typically result in significantly higher value claims than typical car accidents for several reasons. The injuries are more severe, commercial truck insurance policies are much larger (typically $1 million or more), and multiple parties can be held responsible.

Economic damages include emergency medical expenses, surgeries, hospitalization, long-term rehabilitation, medical equipment, home modifications for disability, past and future lost wages, and complete loss of earning capacity in cases of permanent disability.

Non-economic damages compensate for chronic physical pain, emotional trauma and PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, the inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed, and the impact on family relationships.

Multiple defendants: Unlike simple car accidents, truck cases can involve claims against the driver, the trucking company, the truck owner, the cargo company, parts manufacturers, and maintenance companies. Each responsible party has its own insurance policy, which increases the total available compensation.