When a regular car gets hit by a semi-truck, the result is rarely minor. We’ve seen these cases too many times — people walking away from a fender-bender with a compact car, but when it’s a semi? The story changes. Fast. If you’re in Florida, seeking help from a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney can make all the difference.
At Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, we’ve represented countless families who’ve been blindsided by one of these massive trucks, and we know exactly what’s at stake: your health, your livelihood, and your future.
Why Are Semi-Truck Accidents So Serious?
It’s physics, really. A fully loaded semi-truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds. Your average passenger vehicle weighs around 3,000. If one hits the other, it’s not going to be a fair fight.
We’re talking about vehicles that take the length of a football field to stop. They have massive blind spots, higher centers of gravity, and cargo that, if loaded wrong, can shift and cause the entire truck to roll. If the driver is distracted for even two seconds — that’s all it takes for someone’s life to change forever.
Are These Kinds of Crashes Common in Florida?
More than you think. Florida, and Jacksonville especially, has become a major hub for transportation and logistics. With I-95, I-10, and major ports running through the region, there are more trucks on our roads now than ever.
And more trucks mean more wrecks.
Recent data show fatal truck crashes are climbing year after year. In some parts of Florida, those numbers are up more than 30%. If you’ve noticed more 18-wheelers on the road lately, it’s not your imagination.
What Really Causes Semi-Truck Accidents?
It’s usually not “bad luck.” In our experience, it’s one of the following — or a combination:
- Driver fatigue. Even though there are laws about rest hours, a lot of companies push their drivers past their limits.
- Lack of experience. The trucking industry has a driver shortage, and companies are rushing people behind the wheel without the right training.
- Speeding or aggressive driving. Big rigs aren’t built for quick maneuvers. But that doesn’t stop some drivers from pushing their limits.
- Distracted driving. Texting. Eating. Fiddling with GPS. It only takes a moment.
- Mechanical failure. Bad brakes, worn tires, missed inspections — any of these can lead to a crash.
- Improper loading. Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can cause a rollover or loss of control.
The causes may vary, but the end result is the same: real people getting hurt, and big insurance companies looking to protect their bottom line.
Who’s Liable in a Semi-Truck Crash?
It’s not always just the driver. And that’s where things get complicated.
Depending on the case, the trucking company, a third-party loading company, the vehicle maintenance contractor — even the manufacturer — could all share responsibility. We’ve had cases where multiple companies pointed fingers at each other, trying to dodge the blame.
Our job is to cut through that noise. We gather the records, dig into the logs, analyze the black box data, and figure out exactly who caused the harm — and who should pay for it.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Recover?
That depends on your injuries, your financial losses, and how your life has changed.
We help clients recover for:
- Medical expenses — both now and future care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- In some cases, punitive damages, if the company acted recklessly
If you lost a loved one, we can pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future financial support.
We fight for the maximum compensation, not a fast settlement.
Why Choose Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys?
Because we don’t back down.
Some firms try to settle truck cases quickly. Not us. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. We’ve stood up to national trucking companies in court — and we’ve won.
We’ve built our firm around one mission: helping people who’ve been hurt by someone else’s negligence. You’ll never be just a case number to us.
When you call, you’ll speak directly with your attorney. When we say we’ll fight for you, we mean it.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Semi?
First, get medical help. Then call us. As soon as we’re on your case, we’ll:
- Investigate the crash
- Request and preserve critical evidence
- Handle insurance negotiations
- Guide you through every step
You focus on healing. We’ll take care of the rest.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck crash, don’t wait. The trucking company is already working on its defense. You need someone on your side.
Call Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys now for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.
You’ve been through enough. Let us take it from here.
