Thousands of commercial truck accidents happen across Florida every year. Understanding commercial truck rules is crucial, as in 2023, Duval County alone saw over 2,800 truck-related crashes, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Tragically, more than 70% of the fatalities and injuries from large truck accidents impact the occupants of smaller vehicles.
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, our dedicated team—featuring a Board Certified Truck Accident Attorney—works tirelessly to help injury victims get the maximum compensation they deserve. Backed by more than $100 million recovered in settlements and verdicts, and with over 25 years of combined experience in personal injury law, we are ready to fight for you.
Schedule a free consultation today with a proven Florida commercial truck accident lawyer, Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys.
Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer Like Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys After a Truck Accident?
Commercial truck accident cases are complex. They involve both state and federal trucking regulations, multiple parties, and sophisticated insurance companies determined to pay out as little as possible. Without the right legal representation, you risk leaving thousands—or even millions—of dollars on the table.
When you hire a top-rated personal injury attorney from Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, here’s how we can help:
- Explain your legal rights and your options for recovering compensation
- Conduct a detailed investigation into your truck accident
- Secure and preserve key evidence before it disappears
- Partner with expert witnesses to strengthen your case
- Calculate the full value of your injuries and damages
- Protect you from accusations of fault or negligence
- Negotiate aggressively with trucking companies and insurers
- Take your case to trial when a fair settlement isn’t offered
Contact us now for a free consultation with a Florida truck accident lawyer.
What Florida Trucking Rules Could Impact Your Injury Case?
Florida enforces several key commercial trucking regulations designed to protect motorists and reduce truck crashes:
How Many Hours Can Florida Truck Drivers Operate?
The Florida Hours of Service (HOS) Rules limit how long a truck driver can operate a vehicle without rest:
- Truck drivers may drive for up to 12 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- They cannot drive past the 16th hour after starting their shift.
Violations of HOS rules often contribute to fatigue-related crashes, which our team investigates thoroughly.
What Are Truck Lane Restrictions in Florida?
Many Florida highways enforce truck lane restrictions to improve traffic flow and reduce collisions:
- On 6-lane interstate freeways, trucks are prohibited from driving in the leftmost (inside) lane.
- Violations result in fines and points against the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL).
What Are the Maximum Truck Measurements?
Florida law sets limits on truck height, width, and length:
- Oversize loads require special permits from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
- Operating without a permit can trigger fines of up to $1,000.
If a trucking company ignores these rules and causes a wreck, it can open the door for significant liability in a personal injury case.
How Do Trucking Violations Affect a Personal Injury Case?
Trucking companies are required to follow these safety rules to minimize accidents. When they violate them, it often plays a crucial role in establishing liability:
- Driver fatigue from HOS violations
- Improper lane usage by large trucks
- Oversized load violations contribute to accidents
At The Truck Accident Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers conduct deep investigations into these violations. We’ll determine how each rule break contributed to your injuries and build a strong compensation case.
Who Is Liable in a Commercial Truck Accident in Jacksonville?
Commercial truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Shippers and loaders
- Truck maintenance companies
- Other motorists or even government entities
As experienced personal accident lawyers, we pursue every possible avenue to ensure our clients recover full and fair compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Florida Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disabilities
- Diminished quality of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses
If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or living your previous lifestyle, your claim could be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
Why Should You Never Settle a Truck Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?
Trucking companies and their insurers fight tooth and nail to minimize payouts. If you settle too early, without advice from a qualified truck accident attorney, you risk accepting a fraction of what your case is worth.
With the help of the best truck accident lawyer, you can hold negligent parties fully accountable and recover the compensation you truly deserve.
How Can You Get a Free Consultation With a Florida Truck Accident Attorney?
If you or a loved one was injured in a semi truck crash or big rig accident, don’t wait—legal deadlines apply to personal injury claims in Florida.
The Truck Accident Law Firm is ready to help you fight for justice. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Florida commercial truck accident lawyer.