Miami Truck Accident Lawyer

When a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or commercial vehicle crash leaves you with catastrophic injuries on Miami's busy highways, you need a truck accident attorney who understands federal trucking regulations, PortMiami freight operations, and has the resources to take on massive trucking companies. Cardinal Law fights for maximum compensation in Miami-Dade County.

(305) 359-6724 844-874-PAIN

Free Consultation | No Fees Unless We Win | Available 24/7

848 Brickell Avenue, Suite PH5, Miami, FL 33131

Miami Truck Traffic Facts

1 Million+

Annual Truck Trips from PortMiami

15,000+

Daily Trucks on I-95 Through Miami

$43 Billion

Annual Cargo Value Through PortMiami

80,000 lbs

Maximum Loaded Semi-Truck Weight

Miami's Unique Truck Accident Challenges

Miami is one of the nation's largest freight hubs, with PortMiami serving as the "Cargo Gateway of the Americas." This creates unique truck accident risks that require specialized legal expertise.

PortMiami Freight Traffic

PortMiami is the busiest container port in Florida and one of the largest cruise and cargo ports in the United States. The port handles over 1.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of cargo annually, generating massive commercial truck traffic throughout Miami-Dade County.

Port cargo haulers operate under intense time pressure to meet shipping deadlines, often leading to hours of service violations, fatigued driving, and accidents. These cases often involve complex international shipping liability issues.

I-95 Corridor: Florida's Deadliest Highway

Interstate 95 through Miami is consistently ranked among the most dangerous highways in America for truck accidents. Over 15,000 commercial trucks travel this corridor daily, connecting PortMiami to destinations throughout the East Coast.

The combination of high speeds, heavy traffic, frequent lane changes, and construction zones creates dangerous conditions. Multi-vehicle pile-ups involving semi-trucks are tragically common on this vital freight corridor.

Distribution Center Density

Miami-Dade County hosts hundreds of distribution centers, warehouses, and logistics facilities concentrated in areas like Doral, Hialeah, and Medley. These facilities generate constant truck traffic on local roads not designed for heavy commercial vehicles.

Delivery trucks, including Amazon, FedEx, and UPS vehicles, operate throughout residential neighborhoods, creating collision risks with passenger vehicles and pedestrians.

International Trade Hub

Miami serves as the primary gateway for trade with Latin America and the Caribbean. This international focus means truck accident cases may involve foreign shipping companies, international cargo handlers, and complex cross-border liability issues.

Cardinal Law has experience navigating the unique legal complexities of truck accidents involving international trade operations and identifying all liable parties across multiple jurisdictions.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Miami

From PortMiami cargo haulers to I-95 semi-trucks to neighborhood delivery vehicles, Cardinal Law handles all types of commercial truck accident cases throughout Miami-Dade County.

18-Wheeler & Semi-Truck Crashes

Delivery Truck Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)

Port Cargo Hauler Collisions

Fuel Tanker & Hazmat Accidents

Moving Truck & Box Truck Crashes

Jackknife & Rollover Accidents

Underride & Override Collisions

Construction & Dump Truck Accidents

Common Causes of Miami Truck Accidents

Understanding what causes truck accidents is essential for establishing liability and recovering fair compensation for victims.

Driver Fatigue

Hours of Service Violations: Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving per day within a 14-hour duty window. Miami's port operations and tight delivery schedules often pressure drivers to violate these critical safety rules.

Fatigued truck drivers have reaction times comparable to drunk drivers. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data can prove hours of service violations in your case.

Overloaded & Improperly Secured Cargo

Weight & Securement Violations: Overweight trucks take longer to stop and are more likely to rollover. Cargo loaded at ports or distribution centers may shift during transport, causing sudden loss of control.

Federal regulations limit gross vehicle weight to 80,000 pounds and require proper cargo securement. Violations make cargo loading companies and trucking companies liable.

Maintenance Failures

Brake Failures & Tire Blowouts: Commercial trucks require rigorous inspections and maintenance. Cost-cutting trucking companies often defer critical maintenance, leading to preventable mechanical failures.

Maintenance records, inspection reports, and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) can reveal whether negligent maintenance contributed to your accident.

Distracted Driving

Cell Phones, GPS & Dispatch Systems: Despite federal bans on handheld cell phone use by commercial drivers, distracted driving remains a leading cause of truck accidents on Miami's highways.

Truck drivers distracted by phones, dispatching systems, or eating while navigating heavy Miami traffic create deadly collision risks.

Inadequate Training

Inexperienced & Unqualified Drivers: Trucking companies facing driver shortages sometimes hire unqualified drivers or rush training to meet delivery demands.

Driver qualification files, training records, and CDL history can reveal whether a trucking company negligently hired or inadequately trained the driver who caused your accident.

Speeding & Aggressive Driving

Time Pressure & Unrealistic Deadlines: Trucking companies that impose unrealistic delivery schedules incentivize dangerous speeding. A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at highway speeds needs nearly twice the stopping distance of a car.

GPS tracking data and black box information can prove speeding in truck accident cases.

Federal Trucking Regulations (FMCSA)

Commercial trucking is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of these regulations are powerful evidence of negligence in truck accident cases.

Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
Maximum 14-hour on-duty window
Required 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
Maximum 60/70 hours in 7/8 consecutive days
34-hour restart provision for weekly limits

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate

ELDs required for all commercial motor vehicles
Automatic recording of driving time and duty status
GPS tracking of vehicle location and movements
Data must be retained for 6 months minimum
Tampering or falsification is a federal violation

Weight & Cargo Limits

Maximum gross vehicle weight: 80,000 pounds
Single axle limit: 20,000 pounds
Tandem axle limit: 34,000 pounds
Cargo securement standards for all load types
Hazardous materials special requirements

Driver Qualification Requirements

Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with proper endorsements
Medical certification every 24 months
Drug and alcohol testing program compliance
Background check and driving record verification
Minimum age of 21 for interstate commerce

Multiple Liable Parties in Miami Truck Accidents

Unlike car accidents that typically involve one or two drivers, truck accidents can involve numerous liable parties. Cardinal Law investigates all potential defendants to maximize your compensation recovery.

Truck Driver

Personal negligence including speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, hours of service violations, or driving under the influence

Trucking Company

Negligent hiring practices, inadequate driver training, pressure to violate safety regulations, or failure to maintain vehicles

Cargo Loading Company

Improper loading, overloading beyond weight limits, failure to secure cargo, or unbalanced load distribution causing rollovers

Truck Manufacturer

Defective brakes, steering systems, tires, coupling devices, or other mechanical components that contribute to accidents

Maintenance Provider

Negligent repairs, failure to identify safety issues during inspections, or improper maintenance of critical systems

Government Entities

Dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, improper highway design, or failure to maintain port access roads

High Insurance Coverage Means Higher Compensation Potential

Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry minimum insurance coverage of $750,000 to $5 million or more, depending on the type of cargo and operation. This is dramatically higher than Florida's minimum auto insurance requirement of $10,000 PIP.

Additionally, each liable party may have separate insurance coverage, dramatically increasing potential compensation. Cardinal Law knows how to identify all insurance policies and pursue maximum recovery from every available source.

Critical Evidence Preservation in Truck Accident Cases

Time is critical in truck accident cases. Evidence can be destroyed or lost within days. Cardinal Law acts immediately to preserve crucial evidence.

Evidence We Preserve & Investigate

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: Hours of service records, duty status changes, and driving time
Event Data Recorder (Black Box): Speed, braking, steering inputs, and crash data
Driver Logs & Qualification Files: Training records, CDL status, and employment history
Maintenance & Inspection Records: Service history, defect reports, and repair logs
Drug & Alcohol Testing Results: Pre-employment and post-accident testing
Cargo Documentation: Bills of lading, weight tickets, and loading records

Why Immediate Action Matters

6 Months

ELD data retention requirement - can be deleted after this period

30 Days

Black box data may be overwritten without preservation

Hours

Trucking companies deploy investigators immediately after crashes

Cardinal Law sends spoliation letters immediately to demand preservation of all evidence. We deploy accident reconstruction experts and investigators to document the scene before critical evidence disappears.

Miami's Most Dangerous Roads for Truck Accidents

Miami's role as a major freight hub creates dangerous conditions on highways and roads throughout Miami-Dade County. These are the most hazardous routes for truck accidents.

I-95 Corridor

Florida's deadliest highway runs through Miami with massive truck traffic. Over 15,000 trucks daily travel this critical freight corridor connecting PortMiami to destinations across the East Coast.

Palmetto Expressway (SR 826)

Heavy commercial traffic, tight interchanges, and frequent congestion create dangerous conditions for large trucks navigating between I-95, Turnpike, and distribution centers.

US-1 (Dixie Highway)

Mixed commercial and residential traffic, numerous intersections, and delivery truck congestion create high accident rates, especially near downtown Miami.

Port of Miami Access Roads

PortMiami generates over 1 million truck trips annually. Port Boulevard, MacArthur Causeway, and connecting roads see constant heavy truck traffic.

I-75 / SR 836 (Dolphin Expressway)

Major east-west truck route connecting to distribution centers in Doral and Hialeah. High-speed merging and congestion cause frequent truck accidents.

Florida Turnpike

Critical north-south trucking route through Miami-Dade. Long-haul truckers frequently exceed hours of service limits, leading to fatigue-related crashes.

What To Do After a Miami Truck Accident

The actions you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Truck accident injuries are often severe and life-threatening. Call 911 and request emergency medical response. Even if you don't think you're seriously injured, see a doctor immediately. Internal injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage may not show symptoms for hours or days.

Document Everything at the Scene

Take extensive photos: all vehicles, the truck's DOT number and company name, license plates, cargo, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, your injuries, and any visible truck defects. Get witness contact information. Request a copy of the police crash report.

Do NOT Give Statements to Trucking Company

Trucking companies deploy teams of investigators and lawyers within hours of a crash. Do not give recorded statements to anyone except the police. Do not admit fault. Do not sign any documents from the trucking company or their insurance adjusters.

Contact Cardinal Law Immediately

Time is critical in truck accident cases. Evidence can disappear within days. Trucking companies may destroy logs, ELD data, and maintenance records. Call (305) 359-6724 immediately so we can send spoliation letters, deploy investigators, and protect your rights before evidence is lost.

Compensation Available in Miami Truck Accident Cases

Due to the catastrophic nature of truck accident injuries and the high insurance coverage carried by commercial trucks, compensation in these cases is typically substantial.

Economic Damages

Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
Surgery, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
Future medical care and long-term treatment
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Property damage (vehicle total loss)
Home and vehicle modifications for disabilities
In-home care and assistance
Lifetime care costs for permanent injuries

Non-Economic & Punitive Damages

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress and mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability and disfigurement
Loss of consortium (family impacts)
Punitive damages for gross negligence
Wrongful death damages for surviving family
PTSD and psychological treatment costs

No Fees Unless We Win Your Miami Truck Accident Case

Cardinal Law works exclusively on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. If we don't recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Call (305) 359-6724 for Your Free Consultation

Serving Truck Accident Victims Throughout Miami-Dade County

Cardinal Law represents truck accident victims throughout Miami and all of Miami-Dade County.

Downtown Miami

Brickell

Coral Gables

Hialeah

Doral

Kendall

Aventura

Miami Beach

Homestead

Miami Gardens

North Miami

Wynwood

Miami Truck Accident FAQs

How much is a truck accident case worth in Miami?

Miami truck accident cases typically result in higher settlements than car accidents due to severe injuries and high insurance coverage. Minor injury cases may settle for $75,000-$200,000, moderate injury cases for $200,000-$750,000, and severe injury cases involving permanent disability, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries can be worth $1 million to $15 million or more. Commercial trucks carry insurance policies of $750,000 to $5 million or higher. Cardinal Law thoroughly investigates all liable parties and insurance coverage to maximize your compensation.

Who can be held liable in a Miami truck accident?

Multiple parties can be held liable in Miami truck accidents: the truck driver (for negligent driving, hours of service violations, DUI), the trucking company (for negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressure to violate safety rules), the cargo loading company (for improper loading or overweight cargo), the truck manufacturer (for defective parts or design flaws), the maintenance company (for failure to properly maintain the vehicle), and third-party contractors. Cardinal Law investigates all potential defendants to ensure maximum compensation recovery.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Miami?

After a Miami truck accident: (1) Call 911 immediately for police and medical response; (2) Seek medical attention even if you feel fine - truck accident injuries often have delayed symptoms; (3) Document everything with photos of all vehicles, the truck's DOT number, license plates, road conditions, skid marks, and cargo; (4) Get witness contact information; (5) Request a copy of the police report; (6) Do NOT give recorded statements to the trucking company's insurance adjusters; (7) Preserve all evidence; (8) Contact Cardinal Law at (305) 359-6724 immediately. Trucking companies deploy accident investigators within hours - you need legal protection immediately.

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

In Florida, you generally have 2 years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Florida Statute 95.11). However, evidence preservation is critical in truck accident cases. Federal regulations require trucking companies to preserve electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data for only 6 months to 1 year. Waiting too long can result in crucial evidence being destroyed or lost. Contact Cardinal Law immediately after your accident to ensure all evidence is preserved and all deadlines are met.

What evidence is important in Miami truck accident cases?

Critical evidence in truck accident cases includes: (1) Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data showing hours of service; (2) Truck "black box" event data recorder information; (3) Driver qualification files and training records; (4) Drug and alcohol testing results; (5) Vehicle maintenance and inspection records; (6) Cargo loading documentation and weight tickets; (7) GPS tracking data; (8) Dashcam and surveillance footage; (9) Police crash reports; (10) Witness statements. Cardinal Law immediately sends spoliation letters to preserve this evidence before it can be destroyed.

Why are PortMiami truck accidents particularly complex?

PortMiami is the busiest container port in Florida and generates over 1 million truck trips annually. Truck accidents involving port cargo haulers are complex because they may involve international shipping companies, multiple cargo handlers, customs brokers, and logistics companies. Cargo from international vessels may have been improperly loaded overseas. Additionally, port truck drivers often work under intense time pressure, leading to fatigue and safety violations. Cardinal Law has experience navigating the complex liability issues in PortMiami truck accident cases.