18-Wheeler Truck Accidents

Florida 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyers

In Florida in 2019, there were 33,166 traffic accidents involving heavy trucks, including 18-wheelers. Of these accidents, about 115 led to incapacitating injuries, and 25 caused fatalities.

Heavy trucks like 18-wheelers can be very dangerous on the road. For one thing, they are much larger than passenger vehicles, which makes them more difficult to control or stop in an emergency. Add to that their weight, and you have potentially catastrophic accidents waiting to occur if anything goes wrong. Drivers of commercial Motor Vehicles should be more careful on the roadway because of the risks posed by these vehicles, their size and weight, and the fact that it takes more time to turn and stop them when an emergency occurs. Trucking companies know of these dangers and should put safety first in every instance, yet thousands of these accidents still occur on our roadways.  That’s where we come in.  At Coffey McPharlin we are experts at investigating and handling commercial motor vehicle accidents, and we’ve helped hundreds of individuals and Families after commercial motor vehicle wrecks over the last three decades, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars collectively for our clients.  Insurance companies and trucking companies jump into action immediately after these wrecks, either while the victim is in the hospital getting surgery or a family is grieving and having to plan a funeral.  It is our promise to you that we will treat you with respect and get you the answers to the questions that you deserve as well as fights insurance companies and giant corporations to recover the compensation that is available after a truck wreck.

If you have suffered injuries and other losses because of an accident that involved a heavy truck, turn to our Florida 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers. At Coffey McPharlin, we’re ready to help.  We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in an emergency, and we will meet you in person at your home, regardless of where you live in the state of Florida, within 24 hours.  We have the ability to mobilize accident scene investigators within hours. We promise to provide you A+ customer service, and that we will not be ‘outworked” by the insurance company if we are contacted early.

Florida Truck Classifications

In Florida, 18-wheelers are classified as Class 8 commercial vehicles: they weigh over 33,000 pounds when fully loaded. These trucks include semi-trailers, tractor-trailers, and other heavy-duty haulers used to transport goods across long distances. Their sheer size and weight make them especially dangerous in the event of a crash, often causing severe or fatal injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles.

Because of the high risk, commercial trucks are held to strict safety and maintenance standards under both federal and Florida laws. If you were injured in a crash involving one of these vehicles, a Florida 18-wheeler accident lawyer or experienced truck accident lawyer can help you determine what type of truck was involved and who may be liable for your injuries.

How Do 18-Wheeler Accidents Occur in South Florida?

A study by the United States Department of Transportation conducted at the national level shows that heavy truck accidents occur because of one or a combination of three main reasons — driver error, vehicle performance, and environmental issues. 

Driver Error

Driver distraction is, by far, the most common cause of all types of traffic accidents in South Florida, including those involving heavy trucks. A driver who’s not fully focused on the road and what they’re doing can easily miss hazards. Smartphone use is a problem, but anything that distracts a driver can be deadly. If distraction played a role in your crash, a Florida 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer can help investigate and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Intoxicated driving is another serious issue on Florida roads. Commercial drivers have stricter blood alcohol concentration limits than the general population, but even so, truck drivers who’ve consumed any alcohol at all are potentially dangerous on the road. Alcohol affects the central nervous system, worsening coordination and reaction times. 

Drugs are also a problem, including prescription ones. Anything that can alter mood or concentration could lead to devastating accidents.

Fatigued driving is also a significant issue among commercial truck drivers. Many laws in place dictate how long drivers can be on the road and how much rest they need to get, but companies and even drivers themselves can cut corners. A Fort Lauderdale 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer can investigate whether hours-of-service violations contributed to the crash and who should be held accountable.

Someone who’s tired will be distracted and won’t be able to respond as quickly to changes on the road as they need to. They could even fall asleep at the wheel. 

Any driver who speeds while driving an 18-wheeler has the potential to cause fatalities and catastrophic injuries. The force a heavy truck has when speeding can crush passenger cars. Speeding doesn’t just mean going over the posted limit — it also means driving too fast for weather and road conditions. 

Vehicle Performance

An 18-wheeler that is not functioning at its best puts everyone on the road at risk. Often, the fault lies with the company that owns the truck, since they have to ensure the vehicle is road-safe. In some instances, however, third-party maintenance companies are the ones that need to ensure vehicle performance. 

Heavy trucks are used for the transportation of a variety of materials. If these materials aren’t loaded correctly, they can shift during transport. That affects the truck’s weight and could even cause it to tip. In those instances, the loading company can be held liable. 

Environmental Issues

Road conditions also play a significant role in driver safety. Cracked pavement, potholes, unmarked lanes, and more can all cause accidents. An uneven road surface, for example, can lead a heavy truck to overturn, putting everyone around them at risk. If unsafe road conditions were a factor, an 18 wheeler truck accident attorney can help identify liability, whether it lies with a municipality, contractor, or another third party.

Florida Trucking Laws and Liability

Both state and federal trucking laws are in place to protect public safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates everything from how many hours a truck driver can stay on the road to how vehicles must be inspected and maintained.

Florida law also sets standards for commercial vehicle weight limits, licensing requirements, and cargo handling. When a trucking company, maintenance provider, or driver violates any of these regulations, they may be held legally responsible for the consequences. A skilled Florida 18-wheeler accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to identify any violations and pursue all responsible parties for compensation.

Key Evidence to Gather After a Truck Accident

After an 18-wheeler accident, collecting the right evidence can make or break your claim. If you’re physically able to do so, try to gather the following types of documentation and information at the scene and in the days following the crash:

• Police report: Call 911 and request the official crash report, which may include important facts and preliminary fault assessments.
• Photographs: Capture the accident scene, all vehicles involved, skid marks, debris, road conditions, and weather.
• Contact information: Obtain details from the truck driver, any passengers, witnesses, and responding law enforcement officers.
• Medical records: Keep documentation of your injuries, treatments, medications, and overall recovery process.
• Receipts and bills: Save copies of all accident-related expenses, including hospital stays, ambulance rides, and rehabilitation.
• Electronic logging device (ELD) or black box data: Secure truck data that can reveal speed, braking patterns, and driver behavior leading up to the accident.

A Florida 18-wheeler accident attorney can help you preserve and interpret this evidence, ensuring that no crucial details are missed as you pursue compensation.

Why You Need a Florida 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving 18-wheelers tend to be highly complex because of the number of parties involved. A variety of entities can be liable, including drivers, loading and maintenance companies, and the truck’s owner. 

Often, people assume that since Florida is a no-fault state, the claims process is easier because you have to deal with your own insurance company. However, insurance companies will try to do anything to avoid paying you what you deserve. 

With a skilled Florida 18-wheeler accident lawyer by your side, you have people who are ready to fight for you. 

Additionally, in accidents involving heavy trucks, your own insurance might not be enough to cover your losses. If you suffered serious injuries that require ongoing medical care or will prevent you from working, you need a lawyer to help you sue the other parties. That’s not something you want to do without experienced help. 

Compensation in Florida 18-Wheeler Accident Cases

Truck accidents often lead to more than just emergency room visits. Victims can suffer long-term or permanent injuries that affect their ability to work, care for themselves, and enjoy everyday life. Emotional trauma, chronic pain, and financial strain are common—and all of these factors should be considered when calculating fair compensation.

In Florida, victims of 18-wheeler accidents may be eligible to recover a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for ambulance fees, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and long-term care
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed at work due to injury and recovery
• Loss of earning capacity: Financial support for victims who can no longer return to their previous line of work or are permanently disabled
• Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life
• Property damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement
• Out-of-pocket costs: Travel expenses for medical appointments, mobility aids, and home modifications
• Punitive damages: In cases involving gross negligence—such as drunk driving or willful safety violations—additional damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer

A Florida 18-wheeler accident attorney can help calculate these damages by working closely with medical professionals, vocational experts, life care planners, and economists. This ensures that your settlement or verdict truly reflects the full extent of your losses—both now and in the future.

Contact a Florida 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in an accident involving a heavy truck like an 18-wheeler, you need people with experience ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. At Coffey McPharlin, we represent those who’ve suffered injuries and other losses.

We provide the guidance you need after going through such a traumatic experience. Call us today at (954) 289-6316 to learn how our Florida 18-wheeler accident lawyers can help.