Cargo trucks are essential to moving goods across Florida. Unfortunately, when these large vehicles are involved in accidents with smaller passenger cars, the results can be catastrophic. If you or a loved one has been injured in a cargo truck accident involving an 18-wheeler, big rig, or semi-truck, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, our team of experienced truck accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys fights to protect the rights of injury victims throughout Florida. We have recovered millions and millions for our deserving clients — and we are ready to fight for you.
Why Is It Important to Hire the Best Truck Accident Lawyer After a Cargo Truck Crash?
Truck accident claims are far more complex than typical car accident cases. Cargo truck crashes often involve:
- Amazon trucks
- Big rigs
- 18 wheelers
- Semi-trucks
- Cargo vehicles owned or contracted by trucking companies
These cases require in-depth knowledge of state and federal trucking regulations. Our experienced truck accident attorneys know how to build strong cases and hold all responsible parties accountable.
When you work with Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, you gain a team that will:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Preserve key evidence, including truck logs and maintenance records
- Work with leading truck crash experts and accident reconstructionists
- Document your injuries and full financial losses
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and corporate legal teams
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
Don’t face these challenges alone — let an experienced semi-truck crash lawyer protect your rights.
What Are Cargo Trucks and Why Are They So Dangerous?
Cargo trucks transport goods, materials, and equipment across Florida and beyond. These trucks often:
- Have fixed beds or detachable trailers
- May be owned by trucking companies or operated under contract
- Often weigh tens of thousands of pounds
When these large trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, the force of the impact can be devastating. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2021 there were:
- 494,000 police-reported large truck crashes
- 5,149 fatal accidents
- 110,000 injury crashes
This data highlights the extreme dangers posed by these massive vehicles.
What Causes Most Cargo Truck Accidents?
Common causes of cargo truck accidents include:
- Speeding or traveling too fast for the road conditions
- Sudden braking and improper stopping distances
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
- Distracted driving (using apps or devices behind the wheel)
- Illegal maneuvers (U-turns, unsafe lane changes)
- Hours of service violations (driving while fatigued)
- Improper loading and cargo shifts
- Mechanical failures and poor truck maintenance
Our truck accident lawyers and big rig accident attorneys conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause of each crash and pursue full accountability.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Cargo Truck Accident?
Cargo truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties, including:
- Truck drivers (operating negligently)
- Trucking companies (failing to train drivers, violating safety regulations)
- Maintenance and repair providers (responsible for defective equipment)
- Manufacturers (if vehicle defects contributed to the crash)
- Other negligent motorists
Our team of truck accident attorneys and 18-wheeler accident lawyers aggressively pursues claims against all responsible parties to maximize your compensation.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover After a Cargo Truck Crash?
Victims of truck accidents are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages under Florida law, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost income and diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket expenses and future care needs
We are relentless in pursuing maximum compensation for our clients. Never accept a quick offer from an insurance company — speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer first.
What Happens If You Are Partially at Fault for the Truck Accident?
Florida applies a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar to recovery:
- You can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
Insurance companies often try to unfairly assign more blame to injury victims. Our best truck accident lawyers know how to fight back and protect your right to fair compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Cargo Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Florida’s statute of limitations for truck accident lawsuits is two years. Failing to file within this time period can permanently bar your right to compensation.
Since trucking companies and insurers act quickly to limit liability, it’s crucial to contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Why Should You Choose Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys for Your Truck Accident Case?
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we understand what it takes to win truck accident cases. We have extensive experience handling cases involving:
- Amazon trucks
- Big rigs
- 18 wheelers
- Semi-trucks
- Cargo trucks and other commercial vehicles
Our trial-tested semi-truck crash lawyers, best truck accident lawyers, and personal injury attorneys are ready to fight for every dollar you deserve.
Recommended Articles
Sources
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)