Florida Truck Accident Lawyer
Expert Legal Representation for 18-Wheeler, Semi-Truck & Commercial Vehicle Crashes
Experienced attorneys recovering maximum compensation for catastrophic truck accident injuries along I-75 and throughout Southwest Florida
Free Case Review: 239-610-0845Why Truck Accidents Require Specialized Legal Representation
Truck accidents involving 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and commercial vehicles are fundamentally different from regular car accidents. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks (up to 80,000 pounds) create devastating, life-altering injuries when collisions occur.
Moreover, truck accident cases involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, corporate trucking companies, and aggressive insurance defense teams. You need a truck accident lawyer who understands FMCSA regulations, commercial driver requirements, and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
At Cardinal Law, our truck accident attorneys have successfully recovered millions for victims of semi-truck crashes throughout Southwest Florida, including serious accidents along the I-75 corridor and major highways in Naples, Fort Myers, and Lee County.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck's trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle, creating a devastating V-shape that blocks multiple lanes and causes multi-vehicle collisions.
Underride Collisions
Passenger vehicles slide under the truck's trailer, often causing catastrophic injuries or wrongful death due to roof shearing and crushing.
Rollover Accidents
Improperly loaded cargo, speeding, or sharp turns cause trucks to tip over, crushing nearby vehicles and spilling hazardous materials.
Rear-End Crashes
Trucks require 40% longer stopping distances than cars. Fatigued or distracted drivers often fail to brake in time, causing severe rear-end collisions.
Blind Spot Accidents
Large trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. Vehicles in these "no-zones" are frequently struck during lane changes or turns.
Wide Turn Crashes
Trucks making right turns swing left first, crushing vehicles caught between the truck and curb ("squeeze play" accidents).
Cargo Spill Accidents
Unsecured or improperly loaded cargo falls onto roadways, causing multi-vehicle pileups and hazardous material exposure.
Tire Blowouts
Defective tires or poor maintenance cause blowouts that send debris flying and cause trucks to lose control at highway speeds.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Driver Fatigue & Hours of Service Violations
Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving per 14-hour workday. Trucking companies that pressure drivers to violate these rules create exhausted drivers who cause deadly accidents.
Distracted Driving
Texting, eating, GPS use, or CB radio communication while driving a massive commercial vehicle creates extreme danger on highways like I-75.
Speeding & Reckless Driving
Drivers under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines often speed, tailgate, or drive aggressively, making it impossible to stop safely.
Inadequate Training
Trucking companies that fail to properly train drivers in defensive driving, cargo securement, and emergency maneuvers put everyone at risk.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Neglected brakes, worn tires, defective lights, and mechanical failures cause preventable accidents. Companies that cut corners on maintenance must be held accountable.
Improper Cargo Loading
Overloaded trucks, unbalanced weight distribution, or unsecured cargo violate federal regulations and create rollover and spill hazards.
Drug & Alcohol Use
Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol, creating catastrophic collision risks.
Federal Trucking Regulations (FMCSA)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict regulations for commercial trucking operations. Violations of these rules are often key evidence in truck accident cases:
Hours of Service (HOS) Rules
- • 11-hour driving limit per 14-hour duty period
- • 30-minute break after 8 hours
- • 60/70-hour weekly limits
- • Electronic Logging Device (ELD) requirements
Vehicle Maintenance Standards
- • Mandatory pre-trip inspections
- • Brake performance requirements
- • Tire tread depth minimums
- • Regular maintenance documentation
Driver Qualification Requirements
- • Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
- • Medical certification every 2 years
- • Drug and alcohol testing programs
- • Clean driving record verification
Cargo Securement Rules
- • Weight distribution requirements
- • Load securing methods
- • Hazardous material handling
- • Maximum weight limits (80,000 lbs)
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Unlike car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties. Our truck accident lawyers investigate all potential defendants to maximize your recovery:
Truck Driver
Personal negligence including speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or violating traffic laws.
Trucking Company
Negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressure to violate HOS rules, or poor maintenance practices.
Cargo Loading Company
Improper loading, overloading, or failure to secure cargo that contributes to the accident.
Truck Manufacturer
Defective brakes, steering systems, tires, or other component failures causing the crash.
Maintenance Provider
Negligent repairs or failure to properly maintain critical truck systems.
Government Entities
Dangerous road conditions, missing signage, or improper highway design contributing to the collision.
Catastrophic Injuries in Truck Accidents
Due to the massive size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, truck accident injuries are often severe and life-changing:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Concussions, skull fractures, permanent cognitive impairment
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis, paraplegia, quadriplegia, permanent disability
Amputations
Loss of limbs requiring prosthetics and lifetime care
Internal Organ Damage
Ruptured organs, internal bleeding, abdominal trauma
Severe Burns
Fire and explosion injuries requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery
Wrongful Death
Fatal injuries leaving families to pursue justice and compensation
Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Truck accident cases often involve significantly higher settlement values due to catastrophic injuries and commercial insurance policies with limits of $1 million or more. Our truck accident lawyers fight to recover:
Economic Damages
- • Past and future medical expenses
- • Emergency room and hospitalization costs
- • Surgery, rehabilitation, physical therapy
- • Lost wages and income
- • Loss of earning capacity
- • Property damage (vehicle replacement)
- • Home modifications and assistive devices
- • Lifetime care costs for permanent disabilities
Non-Economic Damages
- • Pain and suffering
- • Emotional distress and trauma
- • Loss of enjoyment of life
- • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- • Loss of consortium (family relationships)
- • Mental anguish
- • Reduced quality of life
- • Wrongful death damages (funeral, loss of companionship)
Punitive Damages: In cases involving gross negligence (such as knowingly violating safety regulations or driving under the influence), Florida courts may award punitive damages to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Why Choose Cardinal Law for Your Truck Accident Case
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers
We understand the complexities of FMCSA regulations, commercial insurance policies, and the tactics trucking companies use to deny liability. Our attorneys have successfully handled truck accident cases resulting in multi-million dollar recoveries.
Thorough Investigation
We immediately secure critical evidence including truck "black box" data, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements before they disappear. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts to build compelling cases.
No Fee Unless We Win
Truck accident cases require significant resources to pursue. We advance all costs and only collect attorney fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.
We Fight Corporate Insurers
Trucking companies have aggressive legal teams working to minimize payouts. We level the playing field by aggressively negotiating and, when necessary, taking cases to trial.
I-75 Corridor Expertise
The I-75 corridor through Southwest Florida is a major trucking route. We have extensive experience handling accidents along I-75, US-41, and throughout Naples, Fort Myers, and Lee County.
Compassionate Guidance
Catastrophic truck accidents change lives forever. We provide personalized attention and support throughout the legal process while you focus on recovery.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
Seek Immediate Medical Care
Call 911 and get examined even if you feel okay. Truck accident injuries can have delayed symptoms. Medical documentation is critical evidence.
Call Police Immediately
A police report is essential for establishing fault. Ensure officers document the truck's information, driver details, and trucking company.
Document Everything
Take photos of the truck (including DOT numbers, company name, license plate), your injuries, vehicle damage, road conditions, and skid marks. Get witness contact information.
Do NOT Speak to Trucking Company Representatives
Trucking companies send investigators to the scene immediately. Do not give statements or sign anything. Refer them to your attorney.
Avoid Social Media
Do not post about the accident on social media. Insurance companies monitor these platforms and will use posts against you.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately
Time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly and trucking companies work fast to limit liability. Call Cardinal Law at 239-610-0845 for a free consultation.
I-75 Truck Accident Statistics
Commercial Truck Crashes Annually in Florida
Truck Accident Fatalities Per Year
Major Trucking Corridor Through Southwest Florida
Interstate 75 runs directly through Southwest Florida, making it a high-risk corridor for truck accidents. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling I-75 truck crashes.
Serving Truck Accident Victims Throughout Southwest Florida
Cardinal Law represents truck accident victims throughout Southwest Florida, including:
Naples
Fort Myers
Bonita Springs
Cape Coral
Estero
Marco Island
Lehigh Acres
Collier County
Lee County
Wondering What Your Case May Be Worth?
Let's work on your case together
Through 13 years of experience and multi-millions recovered for our clients we offer the most premium legal services.
Visit Our Florida Offices
Cardinal Law has offices throughout Florida to serve you better. Our main office is in Naples, with additional locations by appointment.
Naples Office
Main Office9045 Strada Stell Court
Suite 305
Naples, FL 34109
Orlando Office
200 E Robinson Street
Suite 1120
Orlando, FL 32801
Tampa Office
401 East Jackson Street
Suite 2340
Tampa, FL 33602
Miami Office
848 Brickell Avenue
Suite PH5
Miami, FL 33131
Fort Myers Office
5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd
Suite 511
Fort Myers, FL 33907
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