Truck Accident Lawyer in Miami
A collision with an 80,000-pound commercial truck is nothing like a fender-bender between two cars. On I-95, the Florida Turnpike, and the Palmetto Expressway, truck crashes cause some of the most catastrophic injuries on Miami roads — and the legal claims that follow are far more complex than ordinary car accident cases.
At Tacher Law, Mario Tacher has spent over 40 years representing injured Floridians, including victims of serious commercial truck crashes. If you or a loved one was hurt by a tractor-trailer, box truck, or delivery vehicle, call +1 (305) 644-2211 for a free consultation.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Trucking companies and their insurers deploy rapid-response teams to crash scenes within hours. Critical evidence — driver logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) data, dash-cam footage, maintenance records — can disappear if it is not preserved quickly. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations also impose duties on drivers and carriers that do not apply to ordinary motorists, from hours-of-service limits to mandatory inspections.
Common Causes of Truck Crashes in South Florida
Our investigations frequently uncover driver fatigue from hours-of-service violations, distracted or impaired driving, speeding to meet delivery deadlines, improperly loaded or overloaded cargo, bald tires and deferred maintenance, and inadequate driver training or supervision by the carrier.
Who Can Be Held Liable
Unlike a two-car crash, a truck accident may involve several responsible parties: the truck driver, the trucking company that hired or supervised the driver, the cargo loading company, the truck or parts manufacturer, and third-party maintenance contractors. Identifying every liable party matters, because commercial policies carry much higher limits — and each defendant will try to shift blame to the others.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay — serious injuries often surface days later. If you can, photograph the scene, the truck’s DOT number and company name, and your injuries. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer before speaking with a lawyer. And contact an attorney quickly: trucking companies are required to keep certain records for only a limited time.
Florida Law: Deadlines and Fault Rules
Florida generally gives you two years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Florida also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault — and barred entirely if you are found more than 50% at fault. The trucking company’s lawyers know these rules; you need someone on your side who knows them better.
Tacher Law — 16445 Collins Avenue, Suite 1625, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160. Call +1 (305) 644-2211 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. No fees or costs unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a truck accident case different from a regular car crash case?
Truck cases involve federal safety regulations, multiple potentially responsible parties, and evidence that disappears quickly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets rules on driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading — violations of these rules can be powerful evidence of negligence. Unlike a two-driver crash, a truck case may involve the driver, the motor carrier, the truck owner, a freight broker, and the manufacturer.
What evidence matters most after a truck crash in Florida?
The truck’s electronic logging device data, driver logbooks, maintenance and inspection records, dispatch communications, and dash-camera footage are often decisive. Federal rules allow trucking companies to destroy some records after a limited time, so an attorney should send a spoliation letter immediately demanding that evidence be preserved. Photos of the scene, witness names, and the police report matter too.
Who can be held responsible for a truck accident?
Potentially the truck driver, the motor carrier that employs or contracts the driver, the owner of the tractor or trailer, the freight broker or shipper that arranged the load, and the manufacturer of a defective part. Florida law allows vicarious liability claims against employers for their drivers’ on-the-job negligence, and carriers can also be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.
Do federal trucking regulations apply on Florida roads?
Yes. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations govern interstate commercial trucking nationwide, including in Florida, covering hours of service, driver qualifications, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle inspections, and cargo securement. Intrastate Florida carriers must comply with state rules that largely mirror the federal standards. A violation — such as driving beyond the legal hours-of-service limit — can establish negligence.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Florida?
The same two-year statute of limitations that applies to most Florida injury cases applies to truck crashes. But the practical deadline is much shorter: electronic data gets overwritten, driver logs can be lawfully destroyed, and vehicles get repaired. Acting in the first days and weeks protects evidence that can decide the case. Call Tacher Law at (305) 644-2211 for a free consultation as soon as possible after a truck crash.
