Florida Truck Accident Lawyer

Did you know that the typical fully loaded tractor-trailer weighs around 40 tons? If you or a loved one have been involved in a large truck accident in Florida, you have probably already discovered a big difference between a car crash and a crash with a big rig or 18-wheeler.

Our Florida truck accident lawyers can help you explore them and manage the claims process on your behalf. You are likely facing catastrophic injuries, thousands of dollars in medical bills with no way to pay them, and considerable pain. While you might feel lost, confused, and angry, you have options.

Call Meldon Law today for a free consultation or contact us online. We are personal injury lawyers in Florida who aren’t afraid to take on the trucking companies to fight for your compensation after a wreck.

Our Florida Truck Accident Lawyers Can Navigate the Complexities of a Truck Crash

A truck accident differs in several ways from a standard car crash. You are probably more severely injured, and you will face multiple complex insurance issues, powerful insurance companies, and the potential for many parties that can be held responsible for the accident, such as:

• Driver and owner of the truck
• Employer
• Supervisor
• Truck loader
• Mechanic
• Inspector

In addition to several potentially liable parties, federal and state laws regulating interstate trucking are complex. This can be especially problematic when several different insurers claim the other policy is responsible for paying damages. These insurance companies are also notoriously efficient when making a proper investigation as difficult as possible.

These are the circumstances facing any truck accident injury victim. Those who have been through a truck accident should get legal counsel and help. Contact the Florida truck accident attorneys at Meldon Law today.

Florida Large Truck Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries

Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In comparison, the average passenger vehicle weighs just 3,000 pounds. Due to the size and weight differences between these two vehicles, you can see why truck accidents continue to cause life-altering injuries, especially to the occupants in the passenger vehicles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5,700 people lost their lives in truck accidents in 2021—a 17 percent increase from 2020. Seventy-two percent of those who passed away were drivers or passengers in other vehicles.

The injuries sustained in truck accidents are often severe and can have long-lasting impacts on victims’ lives. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ damage, severe burns, multiple fractures, and limb amputations. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and can result in permanent disabilities.

This underscores the importance of seeking full and fair compensation in truck accident cases, as the impacts often extend far beyond immediate medical expenses. If you’re in such a situation, contact our Meldon Law truck accident attorneys in Florida now!

What Damages Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?

One of the most common questions we get is what accident-related damages our clients will be able to recover in their truck accident case in Florida. You can recover any accident-related expense in your truck crash claim, including:

• Medical care expenses: The cost of any hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and future medical care necessary due to the injuries sustained in the truck accident.
• Lost wages: You can recover the income you’ve lost during your recovery period, including paychecks, bonuses, and other financial compensation you would have earned.
• Lost earning capacity: If your physical damages result in a long-standing or permanent disability that affects your ability to earn the same income you did before the accident, you can claim compensation for the future loss of income and career opportunities.
• Miscellaneous expenses: This covers out-of-pocket costs related to the accident, such as transportation for medical appointments, hiring help for household chores you can no longer perform, or modifications to your home for mobility assistance.
• Pain and suffering: These damages compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the truck accident. It also includes mental health issues like clinical anxiety, depression, and PTSD that may arise from the trauma.

Our Florida truck injury lawyers can build a solid case so you can recover other types of compensation after your accident.

• Property damage: You can recuperate the costs of fixing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the truck crash.
• Loss of consortium: You may get reimbursement for loss of companionship and support if the truck accident injuries negatively impact your relationship with your spouse or loved ones.
• Disfigurement or enduring disability: If the accident results in permanent scarring, disfigurement, or a lifelong disability, compensation can be sought for the lasting impact on your life.
• Rehabilitation costs: This includes specialized care such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or long-term rehabilitation programs required to help you regain abilities lost due to the truck accident.

If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, our Florida truck accident attorneys would be honored if you would allow us to seek justice for them. We can file a wrongful death claim and hold the negligent party(s) accountable.

How a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You

From our initial consultation through the conclusion of your case, our Florida truck accident lawyers will be by your side, guiding you through the process and taking the pressure off of you. In addition to investigating your truck accident, your attorney can:

• Collaborate with your medical team
• Evaluate your injuries
• Hire accident reconstruction experts
• Gather medical receipts and lost wages
• File the necessary forms within the appropriate time limits
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Litigate your case in court if necessary

While most truck accident cases settle out of court, you want to choose a law firm with experienced litigators. If your case goes to trial, you can rest assured knowing you have a team of Florida truck accident attorneys with experience and success in winning courtroom battles. With Meldon Law, you have that assurance.

Why Choose the Florida Truck Accident Lawyers at Meldon Law?

Since founding his practice in 1971, attorney Jeffrey Meldon and the Meldon Law Florida truck accident team:

• Have gained a comprehensive knowledge of crucial subjects to a successful case, including accident reconstruction, biomechanics, economics, vocational rehabilitation, engineering, and medicine.
• Have become known throughout Florida by trial attorneys and insurance company attorneys as a tough negotiator with exceptional trial skills. We put insurance companies on notice that their standard delays and lowball settlement offers will not work.
• Have hired only the best associates with many years of practical courtroom experience, who stay up-to-date with the latest legal research, accident reconstruction, and technology.
• Have built relationships with the best and most distinguished medical, vocational rehabilitation, and accident reconstruction experts.

Meldon Law is an established regional law firm dedicated to giving every one of our clients the resources, expertise, and time you deserve. We also thoroughly research and investigate every single case. There will be no “courtroom surprises” when a Meldon Law truck accident lawyer is on your side.

Your Florida Truck Accident Claim Will Get Our Full Attention

We are selective about our Florida truck accident claims, and we don’t accept every single case that walks through our door. Larger firms that spend millions on advertising are often no more than “settlement factories,” with crucial negotiations handled by first-year associates with hardly any practical legal experience or who don’t have paralegals to assist them.

That does not happen here. Every case accepted by Meldon Law gets our full attention and the benefit of our many years of experience.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a semi-truck crash in Florida, contact our Florida truck accident lawyers for a free case assessment today.

We Are Florida’s Best Overloaded/Improperly Loaded Trailer Accident Attorneys

Tractor-trailers, aka semis, are massive, heavy vehicles. Drivers and carrier companies must take great care to ensure that these vehicles remain safe on the road. Careful attention to the loading and distribution of cargo within the trailers is an important step in making these vehicles safe. Disturbances in the balance of cargo in a trailer, or an attempt to load the trucks with more cargo than they can safely carry, can have dangerous results.

Carrier companies that send packed tractor-trailers all over the country often prioritize moving as much cargo as possible over anything else, including the safety of others on the road.

When an accident involving a tractor-trailer truck does happen, it is rarely injurious for the driver, but frequently devastating for any passenger car occupants involved. If you’ve been injured in an accident with an overloaded or improperly loaded truck, don’t go to battle alone. Get legal help you can trust to fight tenaciously on your behalf from one of our Florida overloaded/improperly loaded trailer accident attorneys.

Meldon Law Has Proven Success in Florida Truck Accident Cases

Meldon Law has a proven track record of winning substantial settlements for truck accident victims across Florida. With decades of experience, the firm has successfully secured life-changing compensation for its clients. Some notable recent wins include:

• $3 million for a bicyclist struck by a commercial truck.
• $1 million for a client involved in a semi-truck collision.
• $210,000 awarded for injuries in a big truck crash.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, the Florida truck accident attorneys at Meldon Law are ready to fight for the compensation you are owed. Contact us today for a free consultation!

You Can Afford a Lawyer for a Florida Truck Accident Injury Claim

Anyone who has been injured in a truck accident caused by another party’s negligence can afford to seek justice. Our Florida truck accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you don’t pay our attorney fees upfront or out of pocket. You only pay if we recover compensation for you.

This arrangement provides several benefits to accident victims. First, it allows you to access high-quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation, ensuring that your rights are protected and you have the best chance at fair compensation. Second, it aligns the attorney’s interests with yours, as their payment is directly tied to the success of your case. 

This motivates them to work diligently to secure the best possible outcome. Lastly, it removes the financial risk from pursuing a claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees. If the case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe attorney fees, making it a risk-free option for seeking the compensation you deserve after a truck accident.

Speak with a Florida Truck Accident Attorney Now!

If you have any other questions about large truck accidents in Florida or have been in one, don’t wait. Contact Meldon Law today to get our Florida truck accident attorneys started fighting for your rights!

Our Florida team understands the complexities of truck accident cases, including the various state and federal regulations that may apply. We’re prepared to handle negotiations with insurance companies, identify all potentially liable parties, and if necessary, take your case to trial. 

Don’t let delay jeopardize your right to fair compensation – contact us now for a free consultation and let us put our expertise to work for you. Call us today or contact us online to get started.

Florida Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs

Truck accidents throughout Florida are unfortunately common. When you suffer a severe injury in a truck accident, it is important to understand the issues you may face. Truck accident survivors often feel frustrated to learn how long the road is to recovery.

After a truck accident, you will undoubtedly have many questions. You will want answers to those questions so you can learn more about the legal process and how truck accident lawsuits work.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about truck accidents.

Do I Need an Attorney in a Florida Truck Accident Case?

After a truck accident in Florida, insurers and trucking company agents immediately spring into action. Their main goal is to reduce their liabilities and pay you as little as possible. To do this, they quickly gather evidence and begin to spin it in their favor. They may say that you drove above the speed limit or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.

To combat this, you want a Florida law firm on your side whose legal team will fight for your rights.

What Do I Do If the Insurer Offers Me a Settlement?

Insurers do not want to pay you what you deserve, and they will often try to offer you a low settlement in the hopes that you will sign. Never sign anything without first speaking to your Meldon Law attorney. Your truck accident attorney can protect you and ensure that you get the money you need to put your life back together after a serious truck accident.

How Do I File a Large Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

You must first file any truck accident claims with your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance policy. You can do this without the need to establish fault or prove liability. However, it only covers the first $10,000 in expenses. Large truck accident victims often require significantly more compensation and must file a personal injury lawsuit to recover the rest.

The first step in filing a lawsuit is to hire a truck accident attorney from Meldon Law to represent you. Your attorney will meet with you in a free initial consultation and get to know you and your case. They will help you learn more about the legal options available to you so you can determine how you would like to proceed.

Once you retain your Meldon Law attorney, your Florida truck accident attorney will gather the evidence needed to build your case – a crucial step that should start as soon as possible.

What Are Some of the Causes of Florida Truck Accidents?

Driver error is the most common cause of truck accidents. Some of the most common commercial vehicle accident causes include:

• Truck driver fatigue
• Driving under the influence
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Improper loading
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Improperly trained or inexperienced drivers
• Truck defect or malfunction

If you’re in any of these situations – or others – contact our Florida truck accident attorneys at Meldon Law immediately! We’ll put things in motion on your behalf right away!

What Is the Black Box in a Florida Truck Accident Claim?

Most large commercial trucks built and manufactured after the 1990s will have a black box integrated into their engine. This black box has many names, including the electronic control module, event data recorder, and electronic logging device.

Its function is to record data, such as:

• Speed
• Time drove
• Time spent driving over 65 mph
• Average engine RPM
• Seat belt usage
• Airbag performance
• Hard braking and sudden stops
• GPS coordinates
• Use of cruise control
• Truck’s idling time

When an accident occurs, this data is useful for establishing liability and showing what caused the crash. Unfortunately, collecting this data is not always easy.

Your truck crash attorney needs to obtain this evidence and preserve it. However, trucking companies may record over this data in about 30 days, so your attorney must act quickly. The moment you hire a Florida truck accident attorney from Meldon Law, we send the transportation company a spoliation letter advising them of your claim to prevent them from destroying the data on the black box.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Florida Truck Accident Claim?

Time is of the essence in truck accident cases. Evidence can disappear quickly, witnesses’ memories may fade, and there are strict deadlines for filing claims. By reaching out to us promptly, you ensure that we can begin investigating your case immediately, preserving crucial evidence and building a strong foundation for your claim.

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit, or you may lose your right to seek compensation through the court system. However, it’s crucial to understand that this timeframe can be shorter in certain circumstances. 

While four years may seem like a long time, building a strong case often requires extensive investigation and preparation. Waiting too long can make it more challenging to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and reconstruct the accident scene. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to consult with a Florida truck crash attorney as soon as possible after the accident.

How Does Trucking Company Negligence Lead to Truck Accidents in Florida?

Trucking company negligence can play a significant role in causing truck accidents on Florida roads. These companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their operations, but when they fall short, the consequences can be severe. Some common forms of trucking company negligence include:

• Inadequate driver training: Failing to properly train drivers on safety procedures, vehicle handling, and federal regulations.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Neglecting regular inspections and repairs, leading to mechanical failures on the road.
• Unrealistic schedules: Pressuring drivers to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to speeding or driving while fatigued.
• Improper loading: Overloading trucks or failing to secure cargo properly, which can affect vehicle stability and handling.
• Negligent hiring practices: Failing to conduct thorough background checks or hiring drivers with poor safety records.

These negligent practices can directly contribute to accidents by increasing the likelihood of driver error, equipment failure, or dangerous road conditions. For example, a poorly maintained truck might experience brake failure, or an overworked driver might fall asleep at the wheel. When such negligence leads to an accident, the trucking company may be held liable for resulting damages and injuries.

Why It’s Important to Hold Trucking Companies Accountable for Truck Collisions in Florida?

Identifying trucking company negligence often requires a thorough investigation, including reviewing company records, driver logs, and maintenance reports. This is where an experienced truck accident attorney can be invaluable, as they have the knowledge and resources to uncover evidence of negligence and build a strong case against the responsible parties. 

By holding trucking companies accountable for their negligent practices, truck accidents lawyers in Florida can not only secure compensation for accident victims but also promote safer practices in the trucking industry as a whole.