Big trucks have been responsible for some of the most devastating accidents on Florida roads.
18 wheelers and other commercial trucks are heavier, larger, and more powerful than the automobiles they share the roads with. They also have more blind spots, are harder to maneuver, and take longer to come to a stop in an emergency. Big trucks are often used to transport flammable, corrosive, and other hazardous materials.
To avoid collisions and other accidents, the owners and drivers of big trucks have to adhere to strict safety rules when it comes to the maintenance and operation of their vehicles. When they fail to follow these laws, no one on the road is safe.
Central Florida Truck Accident Injuries
When a big truck collides with an automobile, the results can be devastating. Serious, even life-threatening injuries, can result from an 18-wheeler accident. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Soft tissue and internal organ injuries
- Disfigurement
- Amputation
Damages Resulting from Truck Accident Injuries
Damages stemming from truck accident injuries often include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a big truck accident that happened due to the negligence of the truck’s owner or driver, you have a right to seek compensation for the damages resulting from your accident-related injuries. TLC Trial Team is here to help you obtain this compensation.
Truck accident injury claims are often more complicated than those involving automobiles or motorcycles. The trucking industry is governed by special state and federal laws. To obtain the best outcome, you need an attorney who has experience in this area of law as well as the expertise and resources to fully investigate your accident.
Federal Trucking Regulations — Why Truck Accident Claims Are Different
Unlike a standard car accident, a truck accident is governed by both Florida state law and a complex web of federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Understanding these regulations is critical to building a successful claim.
Key FMCSA regulations that apply to your claim include:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Rules (49 CFR Part 395): Truck drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty and cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. After 8 cumulative hours of driving, a 30-minute break is required. Drivers are also capped at 60/70 hours on duty over 7/8 consecutive days. Violations of these regulations may serve as important evidence when negligence is evaluated in a truck accident claim.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): ELDs are mandatory on most commercial trucks and automatically record driving time and hours of service. In 2026, the FMCSA strengthened ELD enforcement standards. ELD data from the truck involved in your accident is critical evidence that must be preserved immediately — trucking companies can delete or overwrite it quickly.
- Driver Qualification Rules: Federal law requires trucking companies to verify that drivers hold valid CDLs, have clean safety records, and have passed required drug and alcohol testing. The hiring of an unqualified driver may serve as important evidence when a trucking company’s own negligence is evaluated.
- Vehicle Maintenance Standards: FMCSA requires carriers to maintain detailed records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Mechanical failures caused by inadequate maintenance — brake failures, tire blowouts, faulty lights — create direct liability for the trucking company.
Because FMCSA requires substantially higher insurance minimums than Florida requires for passenger vehicles, the available coverage in truck accident cases is typically much larger. Larger available coverage also means the trucking company’s insurer and legal team are likely to defend the claim vigorously. Attorney Tania Clark is familiar with these defense strategies and works to build the evidence-based case your claim requires.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Florida Truck Accident?
One of the most important differences between truck accident claims and car accident claims is the number of parties who may share liability. Identifying every liable party is critical to maximizing your recovery.
Potentially liable parties in a Florida truck accident include:
- The truck driver — for negligent driving, HOS violations, impaired driving, or distracted driving
- The trucking company — for hiring unqualified drivers, forcing drivers to violate HOS rules, inadequate vehicle maintenance, or negligent supervision
- The cargo loading company — if improperly loaded or unsecured cargo caused or contributed to the accident
- The truck manufacturer or parts manufacturer — if a defective component such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering caused the accident
- The owner of the truck — if different from the trucking company and the truck was poorly maintained
Identifying and pursuing all potentially liable parties — not just the driver — can help maximize the compensation you deserve. TLC Trial Team has the resources to conduct a thorough investigation and hold every responsible party accountable.
Tania Clark Has the Experience to Handle Complicated Central Florida Trucking Accident Injury Claims
Central Florida truck accident attorney Tania Clark has extensive experience in representing accident victims. She’s well-versed in the laws and regulations pertaining to the drivers and owners of 18-wheelers and other big trucks as well as the circumstances and conditions that lead to big truck accidents on Florida roadways. Tania has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for her clients, including a $1.4 million settlement for a woman who suffered spinal injuries and TBIs after being rear-ended by a dump truck on Ulmerton Road in Clearwater, FL.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
There are many factors that can contribute to a Central Florida truck accident. Adverse weather and poor road conditions are responsible for some accidents. Defective wheels, breaks, lights, and other parts cause others. However, many truck accidents occur because of driver error or negligence on the part of a trucking company.
Factors that can contribute to driver error include:
- Fatigue
- Use of non-prescription or prescription drugs
- Speeding and other violations of traffic rules
- Lack of proper training or experience
- Unfamiliarity with the roadway
- Underestimating unfavorable weather conditions
Examples of trucking company negligence include hiring drivers without the proper experience or certification, forcing drivers to work beyond normal hours, improper maintenance or inspection of vehicles, and failing to ensure that cargo is safely loaded and secured.
Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the date of your truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida (Florida Statute § 95.11(4)(a)), as amended by House Bill 837 in March 2023. For accidents before March 24, 2023, the old four-year deadline may apply. Given the complexity of truck accident investigations — multiple parties, federal regulations, ELD data, and black box evidence — early legal involvement is essential.
Modified Comparative Negligence: Under HB 837, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any damages (Florida Statute § 768.81(6)). A plaintiff found exactly 50% at fault can still recover — their damages are reduced by 50%, but the claim proceeds. Trucking companies’ insurers aggressively work to assign fault to accident victims. Having Attorney Tania Clark protecting your interests from the start is critical.
Types of Truck Accidents in Central Florida
There are many different types of truck accidents in Central Florida. Each is capable of causing serious personal injury and extensive property damage. The most common include:
Rollover accidents – Rollover accidents can occur when a truck driver loses control over the vehicle, causing it to “roll over” onto its side or even roof. Many Central Florida rollover accidents are caused by speeding, sudden braking, or making too sharp a turn.
Rear-end accidents – Distracted driving, failing to maintain a safe distance, or speeding are just a few of the factors that can cause a truck to rear-end another vehicle.
Jack-knife accidents – Jack-knife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out at a right angle and strikes another vehicle.
Underride accidents – This type of accident occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle becomes caught in a truck’s undercarriage.
Side-impact collisions – Side-impact accidents occur when a truck strikes another vehicle from the side. These types of collisions can be especially dangerous since the passenger section of an automobile isn’t as protected as the front and rear sections.
Frequently Asked Questions — Central Florida Truck Accidents
Speak With a Central Florida Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident that was caused by the careless actions of a truck driver, trucking company, or another party, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your rights. This includes speaking with Central Florida truck accident lawyer Tania Clark as soon as possible after your accident.
Attorney Attorney Tania Clark is here to ensure you get the total compensation you are owed for your accident-related damages. She can provide experienced representation at every step of the personal injury claim process, from filing your claim to gathering the evidence you’ll need to establish your claim and negotiating with the at-fault party’s insurance company on your behalf.
Contact TLC Trial Team through our website or call us at (877) 299-5539 to schedule a free, initial consultation with leading Central Florida truck accident attorney Tania Clark. Don’t delay — the sooner Tania gets to work on your case, the better your chances of getting the maximum compensation for truck accident-related injuries.
Serving Truck Accident Victims Across Central Florida
TLC Trial Team represents injured truck accident victims throughout Central Florida from three office locations. Visit your local page for location-specific information and office details:
