Truck Accidents

Orlando and Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers

Did a large truck hit and injure you in Orlando or Tampa, Florida? If a truck driver, trucking company, loading or maintenance crew, or another party’s negligence caused your accident, hiring an Orlando or Tampa truck accident lawyer at De Armas Law can help you seek the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Truck Accident Lawyers in Orlando and Tampa, Florida

Truck accidents often cause severe or catastrophic injuries, leaving victims with overwhelming medical bills, weeks or months of lost wages, and debilitating pain and suffering. The experienced Florida truck accident attorneys at De Armas Law understand the challenges these devastating incidents present. Our lawyers provide individualized attention to each client and pursue aggressive strategies for maximum compensation in every case.

When your physical, financial, and emotional health is at stake, you need dedicated legal support. Turn to the Florida personal injury lawyers at De Armas Law. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case consultation.

Why Hire De Armas Law After an Orlando or Tampa Truck Accident?

The experienced truck accident lawyers at De Armas Law fight for the rights of those injured in truck crashes across Central Florida. Our founding attorney established the firm to provide compassionate representation for injury victims, no matter the size or scope of their case. We have built a team of aggressive advocates with a track record of winning significant compensation for our clients.

When you hire De Armas Law to represent you, you get:

A skilled legal team that utilizes proven, cutting-edge legal strategies.
An aggressive advocate who understands the potential truck accident claim value and how to negotiate with the trucking industry’s insurers.
Individualized attention from compassionate attorneys.
Experienced trial lawyers with a successful track record of recovering substantial compensation for truck accident victims.
Top-notch representation with no upfront fees – we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases So Challenging?

Truck accident injury claims are often more challenging than the average car accident case. Determining what happened and who is responsible requires an attorney with specific experience handling commercial truck crash claims. Some reasons why a commercial truck accident case can be so challenging include:

Truck Accidents Result in More Severe Injuries

Because commercial trucks weigh tens of thousands of pounds, they can inflict massive damage to victims’ bodies when accidents occur. Truck accident victims often suffer far more severe injuries than they would in a collision with another passenger vehicle. Common injuries from truck accidents include crushed or broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and disfigurement. The medical bills that pile up after a Florida truck accident can be staggering. Hiring a truck accident attorney is a great way to make sure you are not stuck with those medical bills.

Truck Accidents Can Involve Multiple Liable Parties

After a truck accident, you might have difficulty determining who is responsible for your injuries. Is it the truck driver or their employer? Is a parts manufacturer or maintenance contractor partially responsible? These are just a few of the potentially liable parties in a truck accident case. This is one way that commercial vehicle accidents differ from a normal car accident case. A truck accident settlement may involve several different parties involved in the transport of goods, whereas a typical auto accident usually involves one at-fault party. An experienced attorney can help determine who was at fault and then pursue that party (or parties) for compensation on your behalf.

Truck Accidents Require Thorough Investigations

Evidence is essential to successfully resolving any accident case, and truck accidents produce a vast amount of evidence. You need a knowledgeable attorney who can identify, secure, analyze, and use all the evidence necessary to win your case. This includes driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, “black box” data, cargo records, and more, in addition to the usual evidence from a roadway crash (police reports, eyewitness statements, etc.). Gathering and preserving this evidence quickly is often critical, as trucking companies and their insurers may act fast to protect themselves.

What Makes Trucking Accidents So Dangerous?

Commercial truck accidents are among the most dangerous incidents on our roads. These large, heavy vehicles can cause catastrophic damage when they collide with smaller cars, motorcycles, or pedestrians. The majority of truck crashes involve some form of driver error, such as distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failure to obey traffic laws, or fatigued driving. Unfortunately, many of these factors are present in Florida truck accident cases as well. We see firsthand how a momentary lapse by a trucker – or poor maintenance by a trucking company – can lead to life-altering consequences for innocent motorists.

How Many Commercial Trucks Drive In and Through Orlando and Tampa, FL?

Florida is a transportation hotspot for commercial trucking, with bustling highways like I-4, I-75, and I-95 serving as key corridors for freight movementpkblawfirm.com. Orlando and Tampa are major hubs in this network – Central Florida’s highways carry thousands of commercial trucks each day as goods are shipped to and from our cities, ports, and distribution centers. While exact local figures vary, it’s clear that our roadways host an enormous volume of truck traffic.

In one study of the Austin, Texas area, authorities identified over 32,000 registered commercial trucks operating in that region and estimated roughly 27,000 commercial vehicles on the roads there daily. Central Florida’s metro areas are similarly busy. The heavy presence of trucks in and around Orlando and Tampa means a greater exposure to potential truck accidents for other drivers on the road.

What Laws Must Truck Drivers and Companies Follow in Florida?

Trucking companies and drivers must comply with a web of federal and state laws. If a truck driver or their employer violates a safety law or regulation and it results in an accident, that violation could constitute negligence and make them liable for truck accident injuries. Important legal requirements include:

Licensure and Training

Commercial vehicle drivers must meet strict licensure and training requirements. Federal regulations establish minimum standards for commercial drivers, and Florida authorities issue the commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). In Florida, truck drivers must complete several steps to obtain a CDL, including:

Entry-level driver training with an approved provider (as required under new federal rules).
Obtaining an appropriate medical certification showing they are fit to drive commercially.
Holding a commercial learner’s permit for a minimum period (e.g. 14 days) before taking the road test.
Passing comprehensive knowledge (written) and skills (road) tests to demonstrate their ability to operate a large truck safely.

These requirements help ensure that those operating 18-wheelers and other big rigs on Florida roads are properly trained and qualified. Failure to meet licensing and training standards can lead to dangerous situations on the highway.

Alcohol and Drug Testing

Federal regulations require all large truck drivers to comply with strict drug and alcohol testing protocols:

Pre-employment testing: New commercial drivers must pass a drug test before an employer can permit them to operate a truck.
Post-accident testing: Truck drivers involved in certain accidents (for instance, crashes resulting in a fatality, or where a citation was issued) must undergo drug and alcohol testing within a short window after the crash.
Random testing: Trucking companies must implement random drug and alcohol testing of their drivers while on duty (or just before/after shifts) to ensure compliance.
Reasonable suspicion testing: Supervisors can require a driver to submit to testing if the driver exhibits signs of impairment or drug/alcohol use.

Testing requirements are designed to keep impaired drivers off the road. A trucker who violates drug/alcohol rules and causes a crash may face not only legal penalties but also liability for injuries caused.

Insurance Requirements

Federal law sets minimum liability insurance coverage that commercial motor carriers must carry:

$750,000 in coverage for for-hire carriers of property (non-hazardous) in trucks over 10,000 lbs.
$5,000,000 for carriers of certain hazardous materials in trucks over 10,000 lbs.
$1,000,000 for carriers of oil in trucks over 10,000 lbs.

These are just minimums; many trucking companies carry larger policies. The high insurance requirements reflect the greater potential for harm in truck crashes. If you are hit by a semi-truck in Florida, there may be a substantial insurance policy available to cover your losses – but the company will also fight hard to minimize payouts, making experienced legal representation important.

Hours of Service

Truck drivers must comply with federal hours-of-service regulations, which limit how long they can drive without rest. Key rules include:

A maximum of 11 hours driving in a 14-hour work window, after which the driver must take 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Required breaks – for example, drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.
Weekly caps: Drivers cannot drive more than 60 hours in 7 days (or 70 hours in 8 days) if on a rolling schedule, after which they must take an extended rest (34-hour “reset”).

These rules aim to prevent fatigued driving, which is a major cause of truck accidents. Violating hours-of-service rules (for instance, driving longer than allowed or falsifying logbooks) is not only illegal but can strongly evidence negligence if a fatigue-related crash occurs.

Florida law incorporates these federal standards. Trucking companies and drivers must adhere to both the FMCSA regulations and any additional Florida state requirements (such as proper loading, weight limits on Florida roads, etc.). If they cut corners on compliance, they put everyone at risk.

Who Can I Hold Responsible for My Injuries After an Orlando or Tampa Truck Accident?

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you have the right to hold them financially accountable. Depending on the circumstances of your truck accident, potentially liable parties may include:

The truck driver. A truck driver can be held liable if their negligence caused the accident. Examples of truck driver negligence include distracted driving, drunk or drugged driving, speeding, following too closely, failing to yield the right-of-way, running red lights or stop signs, and other violations of traffic laws and safety regulations.
The trucking company (carrier). Trucking companies have a duty to operate safely. This includes hiring qualified drivers with proper licensing and training, enforcing hours-of-service rules, maintaining their fleet, and not pressuring drivers to break safety laws. A trucking company can be held responsible for the negligent actions of its driver (through employer liability) and for its own negligence in hiring, training, supervising, or allowing unsafe practices. For example, if a company puts an inexperienced or unfit driver on the road or fails to fix known truck maintenance issues, it may be liable for resulting accidents.
Truck manufacturers or maintenance contractors. If a defective truck part or mechanical failure contributed to the crash, the manufacturer of the truck or part could be liable under product liability law. Likewise, if an outside mechanic or maintenance company performed substandard repairs or inspections that led to an equipment failure (such as faulty brakes) and an accident, that company could be held responsible.
Cargo loaders or shippers. Improper loading can cause a truck to jackknife or roll over (for instance, if the cargo shifts in transit). If a third-party loading company or shipper negligently loaded the trailer – such as overloading beyond legal weight limits or failing to secure the load – and that caused the wreck, they may share liability for the damages.
Other motorists. Sometimes another driver’s actions trigger a chain reaction involving a truck. For example, if a reckless car driver cuts off a truck or stops short and the truck swerves and hits you, that car driver may be partly liable for the accident. Florida law allows injury victims to pursue any party whose negligence contributed to the crash, even if that party is not the truck driver.

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex. There may be multiple defendants, and they (and their insurance companies) often point fingers at each other. De Armas Law will thoroughly investigate your case to identify every potentially liable party and hold them accountable. This comprehensive approach is important to maximize your compensation, especially in a catastrophic injury case where damages are high.

Investigating Truck Accidents

Truck accident cases differ from typical car accident cases in many ways, especially when it comes to investigation. The stakes are higher – trucking companies are required to carry high levels of liability insurance, which means their insurers will aggressively defend against claims to avoid large payouts. To counter this, an effective investigation and evidence preservation strategy is critical to a successful outcome for an injured victim.

You will need a substantial amount of evidence to properly support your claim against a trucking company. Preserving evidence early after a truck accident is often what makes the difference in your case. In the aftermath of a big rig crash, there are many logistical and legal steps that must be taken to protect your rights. One of the most important is promptly preserving all evidence related to the incident. Key evidence and investigative tools in truck accident cases include:

“Black Box” Data

Modern semi-trucks are equipped with event data recorders – commonly called “black boxes” – that capture vital information about the truck’s operation. These devices record data such as:

Vehicle speed
Acceleration and braking patterns
Steering inputs
Whether seatbelts were buckled
Engine and mechanical performance data (e.g. RPMs, engine hours)
Fault codes and maintenance indicators

This electronic data can be downloaded and analyzed after a crash. The black box can reveal exactly what the truck was doing in the moments leading up to and during the accident. For example, it might show that the truck was going 70 MPH in a 55 zone and the brakes were applied only 1 second before impact – crucial evidence in proving speeding and driver reaction (or lack thereof). It might also show if the truck had any mechanical issues. Black box data is often a cornerstone of truck accident investigations because it provides objective, timestamped information that can either support or refute witness accounts.

In addition, many trucks have GPS tracking and some have dash cameras. GPS data can pinpoint the truck’s exact route and stops, and dash cam footage (if available) can provide a visual record of the moments leading up to the crash. All of this electronic evidence must be promptly secured. Trucking companies will not voluntarily hand it over – often a spoliation letter (discussed below) or court order is required to obtain and preserve this data before it is overwritten or lost.

Truck Driver Logs

Truck driver logs are another critical piece of evidence in truck accident cases. Commercial drivers are required to keep detailed logs of their hours of service, either in written logbooks or more commonly now with electronic logging devices (ELDs). These logs record information such as:

The hours and minutes the driver spends driving each day and each week.
When and where the driver takes required rest breaks or off-duty time.
Dates, times, and locations of departures and arrivals on their route.
Total miles driven, and other relevant duty status changes.

Driver log data helps show if the trucker complied with hours-of-service regulations or if they were driving while fatigued beyond the legal limits. For instance, the logs might reveal that the driver was on the road for 14 hours straight when the crash occurred, in violation of the 11-hour limit, supporting a claim of driver fatigue. Logs can also be compared against other evidence (like GPS records or fuel receipts) to check for falsification. If a trucker’s logs are inconsistent or missing, it raises red flags and can be used to impeach the driver’s credibility.

Logs, combined with black box and GPS data, can paint a comprehensive picture of the truck driver’s activities before the accident. Our legal team will move quickly to obtain these records and identify any violations or discrepancies that could have contributed to the wreck.

(Other evidence that may be examined includes the truck’s maintenance records, the driver’s qualification file and training history, dispatch instructions from the trucking company, and any results from post-accident drug/alcohol tests. We leave no stone unturned in our investigation.)

How Much Compensation Can I Recover After an Orlando or Tampa Truck Accident?

The compensation you may recover after a truck accident in Orlando or Tampa depends on several factors, including the strength of the evidence in your case and the severity of your injuries. Florida law allows victims to seek a wide range of damages (financial compensation) after a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.

To recover the maximum compensation, you will benefit from the help of an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer with a proven track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts for clients. The truck accident attorneys at De Armas Law have an outstanding record of successful results. We stand ready to help you seek compensation for all of your accident-related losses, such as:

Medical expenses: Current and future medical bills to treat your injuries. This includes emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, and any other necessary treatment.
Lost income: Wages, salaries, or self-employment income you lost due to missing work during recovery. You can also claim loss of sick days, vacation, bonuses, and other work benefits.
Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent limitations that affect your ability to earn income, you may be entitled to compensation for your reduced future earning potential. For example, if a spinal injury prevents you from returning to your prior occupation, the difference in your projected lifetime earnings can be claimed.
Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries, as well as emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Serious injuries can lead to lasting pain or psychological trauma (such as PTSD from a violent crash), and the law recognizes these as compensable damages.
Loss of consortium: If the injuries adversely affect your relationship with your spouse (for instance, the loss of companionship, affection, or sexual relations), your spouse may have a claim for loss of consortium.
Loss of quality of life: In cases of very severe injuries (like paralysis, brain injury, amputation, etc.), victims can be compensated for the overall loss of quality and enjoyment of life, such as being unable to engage in hobbies, care for oneself, or live independently as before.

Every case is unique. Our attorneys will thoroughly document all the ways the truck accident has harmed you financially, physically, and emotionally. We often work with medical experts, economists, and vocational specialists to calculate the full extent of your damages. Insurance companies for the trucking industry are notorious for trying to minimize payouts – but we fight for full and fair compensation to help you rebuild your life.

How Can My Orlando/Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer Preserve Evidence After a Truck Accident?

For a truck accident victim, it is crucial to collect and preserve evidence from the scene and the trucking company as soon as possible. Key evidence can include photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, and the accident scene, any available video footage (traffic cameras or dash cams), eyewitness statements, and contact information for witnesses. All this information should be collected before vehicles are moved or repaired and while memories are fresh.

Equally important is preserving evidence under the control of the trucking company (driver logs, black box, maintenance records, etc.) before it “disappears.” One of the first actions your truck accident attorney will take is to send out preservation demands to the trucking company, their insurer, and other parties. This often involves sending a spoliation letter (described below) to put them on notice not to destroy or alter evidence. Acting quickly is paramount – trucking companies might otherwise purge or overwrite data (like driver logs or electronic data) in the regular course of business.

By working with a knowledgeable Orlando and Tampa truck accident attorney, you can ensure that critical evidence is secured and that your case is built on a strong foundation of proof. Our legal team knows exactly what evidence to look for and how to obtain it. We will take steps to download the truck’s black box data, obtain copies of logs and records, inspect the vehicles involved, and, if necessary, work with accident reconstruction experts to understand exactly how the crash occurred. This proactive approach to evidence preservation can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim.

What Are Spoliation Letters and How Can I Use Them?

When dealing with a trucking company after a crash, one of the most important legal tools at your disposal is a spoliation letter. This is an official written notice sent to the trucking company (or other parties involved) instructing them to preserve all relevant evidence. Here’s how spoliation letters work and why they matter:

A spoliation letter is a formal notice sent to any party who has evidence related to the case (e.g. the trucking company, truck driver’s employer, maintenance provider). It notifies them of their duty to preserve all relevant evidence and documentation pertaining to the crash. This includes items such as driver logbooks, electronic logging device data, the truck’s black box data, dispatch records, maintenance and inspection reports, cargo records, on-board camera footage, and any other evidence under their control.
Spoliation letters are crucial because they put the company on notice that destruction or tampering of evidence is unacceptable and can have serious legal consequences. Once the letter is received, the recipient must not destroy or alter the evidence listed. If they do, a court can impose sanctions for spoliation of evidence – for example, the court might instruct that a negative inference be taken (assuming the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the party who destroyed it) or even enter a default judgment in extreme cases.
These letters often cite specific laws and regulations that require evidence preservation during pending litigation. In Florida and under federal rules, parties to a potential lawsuit have an obligation to preserve evidence when they know a claim might be filed. The spoliation letter basically reinforces that obligation in writing. It may quote applicable statutes or rules and warn that failure to comply will result in legal action.
A well-drafted spoliation letter will itemize the types of evidence to preserve. For example, it will request that all electronic data from the truck (ECM/black box, GPS, ELD logs) be saved and not erased, that the vehicle itself be preserved for inspection (not repaired or destroyed), that any surveillance or dashcam video be retained, and that employee records or communications (emails, texts) related to the trip or crash be saved. It essentially freezes the scenario so that nothing relevant is lost before your legal team can review it.
Once our truck accident lawyers send a spoliation letter to the trucking company (and others), we will follow up to ensure compliance. If a company were to ignore the letter and dispose of evidence, we can ask the court to sanction them. Judges do not look kindly on companies that “lose” evidence after being put on notice – it often backfires on the offending party in litigation.

In summary, a spoliation letter is one of the first and most important steps your attorney will take to protect your case. It helps secure the vital evidence needed to prove negligence and causation. De Armas Law will promptly send spoliation notices to all appropriate parties to safeguard the evidence and strengthen your claim.

What Should I Do After a Truck Hits Me in Orlando or Tampa?

If you were injured in a truck accident in Orlando or Tampa, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. In the immediate aftermath, your health and legal rights need protection. De Armas Law recommends you take the following steps after a serious truck accident:

Seek medical attention right away. If you have not already seen a doctor for your injuries, do so immediately. Getting prompt treatment is important for your health and also for documenting your injuries. Any delay in seeking medical care not only endangers your well-being but could also jeopardize your right to compensation – if you wait too long, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash or aren’t as serious as claimed.
Do not give statements to the trucking company’s insurer. Soon after the accident, you may get a call from the truck driver’s insurance company or attorneys. It’s safest not to speak with them or provide a recorded statement without legal counsel. The trucking insurer may try to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. They might even offer a quick settlement for a low amount. Politely decline to discuss the accident and refer them to your attorney. Remember, their goal is to minimize their payout, not to fairly compensate you.
Consult an experienced truck accident lawyer. A truck accident claim is complex and can be overwhelming to handle on your own, especially while you are injured. An experienced Orlando/Tampa truck accident lawyer at De Armas Law can guide you through the process and advocate for your best interests. When you hire us, we handle all communication with the insurance companies, preserve critical evidence, and build a strong case for compensation. Having our legal team on your side allows you to focus on healing while we fight for the financial recovery you need.

Taking these steps can significantly improve your ability to recover physically and financially after a trucking accident. Our firm is here to help you every step of the way, from coordinating medical care to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit to pursue justice on your behalf.

Contact De Armas Law to Speak with an Experienced Florida Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If a negligent truck driver, trucking company, or other party injured you, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact the Orlando and Tampa truck accident lawyers at De Armas Law today to learn how our team can help you through this difficult time. We are ready to fight for the money you need to get proper treatment, cover your bills, and move forward with your life. Let us handle the legal legwork while you focus on your recovery.

Call De Armas Law today or reach out through our website contact form for a free case evaluation. Our personal injury team is proud to serve clients throughout Florida from our offices in Orlando and Tampa. We offer compassionate counsel and aggressive representation with no upfront fees – you pay nothing unless we win for you.