Practice Area

Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer

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At BillBone Law Group, our commercial truck accident lawyer team understands that accidents involving commercial trucks—such as 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and tractor-trailers—can lead to life-altering consequences.

Our board-certified trial attorneys have decades of experience representing injured victims in truck accident claims across West Palm Beach, the Treasure Coast, and throughout South Florida.

Whether your case is straightforward or complex, our legal team is equipped to fight for your rights with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Recover properly with the help of our experienced lawyers specializing in commercial truck accidents.

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Why Choose Bill Bone Law Group for Your Truck Accident Case?

Proven Track Record

We’ve secured millions for injury victims in South Florida, including successful verdicts and settlements in high-stakes truck accident cases. Our reputation among insurance companies means they know we’re always prepared to go to trial, unlike firms that only settle.

Board-Certified Advocacy:

Bill Bone is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by The Florida Bar—a distinction held by less than 1% of attorneys in the state. That level of expertise is critical when navigating the complex legal and regulatory environment surrounding commercial trucking.

Compassionate, Client-First Approach:

Our team understands the overwhelming challenges truck accident victims face. From mounting medical expenses and physical pain to lost wages and emotional trauma, we’re here to guide you every step of the way through your truck accident claim.

No Fees Unless We Win

You don’t pay unless we recover compensation on your behalf. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis. If we can’t help, we’ll tell you upfront. If possible, we’ll start immediately, with no upfront costs.

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Not Sure If You Have a Commercial Truck Injury Claim?  Call Us Now!

We provide a free, objective assessment of your commercial truck injury claim, based on our decades of professional experience.

Did you know that several parties might be legally responsible for your injuries and could be required to compensate you?

We specialize in identifying all possible at-fault parties in your case who may be liable for damages.

There’s no risk to you or your loved ones, and the potential benefits of calling us today could be life-changing.

What Sets Our Law Firm Apart From The Rest?

Communication & Teamwork

We have big firm ability and experience, boutique firm creativity, and personal attention.

Clients can rely on us to be approachable, responsive, efficient, and effective. We respond promptly to telephone calls, report regularly on case developments, and stay on top of changes in the law.

Communication is one of the most critical and often overlooked aspects of the attorney-client relationship.

Knowing where you stand during a difficult time can be very comforting. We manage cases using a team approach; the client is an integral team member.

Working closely with you as the client, our attorneys quickly analyze the merits of each case, evaluate the underlying facts and law, and develop a strategy.

When the talents of their outstanding support staff join them, they provide clients with truly exceptional legal representation.

Types of Accidents Our Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Handles

Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles, some weighing up to 80,000 pounds. When these vehicles collide with passenger cars, the consequences are often devastating.

Our firm handles a wide range of truck accident cases, including:

Blind Spots

Trucks have notoriously large blind spots, often referred to as “No Man’s Land.”  When truck drivers can’t see other vehicles while changing lanes, it puts nearby vehicles in tremendous danger of being hit, crushed, or forced off the road.

Jackknife

Occurs when an 18-wheeler folds itself so that the cab forms a 90-degree angle with the trailer.  It’s generally caused when the driver brakes hard and rapidly.  The weight of the trailer propels it forward against the traction of the cab.

Head On

These types of crashes with tractor-trailers are often the most devastating, resulting in extremely serious injuries and even death.

Lost Load

Improperly loaded or secured cargo can fall out, causing extreme danger to nearby motorists.

Rear-End

Due to the weight of large trucks, rear-end accidents can result in significant property damage and catastrophic injuries.

T-Bone

These types of crashes often occur when a truck driver runs a red light and hits another vehicle perpendicularly.

Tire Blowout

This often propels the truck uncontrollably and poses a danger to all nearby vehicles.

Truck Rollover

When a driver loses control of the truck, it can slide and roll over onto its side, crashing into nearby vehicles.

Under Ride

When a truck stops abruptly, smaller vehicles quickly approaching from behind can become lodged under the truck’s trailer.  These are some of the deadliest types of trucking accidents.

Wide Turn

Occurs when a truck driver first steers or “swings” left to make a right turn.  If the driver isn’t aware of rear traffic or the right-side surroundings, it can trap vehicles and pedestrians.

Every truck accident lawsuit is different. We work quickly to preserve evidence at the accident scene, examine truck drivers’ maintenance logs, retrieve black box data, and consult with accident reconstruction experts. Our team leaves no stone unturned when building your truck accident claim.

important things you should know

Additional Information

Due to the tremendous force involved in a truck crash, injuries are often severe, long-term, or permanent. Truck accidents are uniquely destructive, and the injuries they cause can have lasting consequences for victims and their families.

Understanding the severity of these injuries underscores the importance of seeking experienced legal representation to help victims secure the compensation and support they need to rebuild their lives.

Some of the most common injuries we help clients recover compensation for include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Head trauma can result in an injury to the brain, which can be life-threatening or altering.  Brain injuries can occur even in the absence of direct trauma to the head as a result of whiplash, rapid acceleration, or deceleration.  These types of injuries may not be immediately apparent. 

  • Spinal Cord Damage and Paralysis – Injuries to the spinal cord can be especially devastating and result in paralysis.  The damage isn’t always readily apparent, which is why victims should always seek medical attention as soon as possible following a truck crash. 

  • Internal Bleeding – These types of injuries are extremely dangerous because they are not visible to the eye, so victims are often unaware of them.  But they can be life-threatening.   

  • Broken Bones and Fractures – Any bone in the body can be broken in a violent truck crash. Spinal and neck injuries are typically the most serious. 

  • Severe Back and Neck Injuries –these can include minor neck pain or more serious injuries such as dislocated discs in the spine.

  • Concussions – effects are usually temporary, but most victims don’t realize they’ve suffered a concussion until examined by a medical professional.  A concussion can become serious if not treated.

  • Lacerations and Scarring – cuts and lacerations from truck crashes are often especially painful and frequently leave massive scars that may never fully heal or entirely go away. 

  • Loss of Limbs or Amputations – Severe truck accidents can result in traumatic injuries that lead to the loss of limbs, requiring lifelong medical care, prosthetics, and major lifestyle adjustments.

  • Emotional Trauma and PTSD – Survivors of truck accidents often suffer from emotional distress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can impact daily life, relationships, and mental well-being long after physical injuries have healed.

Prompt medical attention is crucial, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, especially internal or neurological, may not present symptoms right away but can become life-threatening.

In general, traffic accidents can occur at any time and anywhere.  They are caused by a wide variety of factors, including distracted driving, drunk or impaired driving, speeding, reckless driving, failure to yield right-of-way, improper lane changes, following too closely, road rage, tire blowouts, weather conditions, and motor vehicle design defects.  

The trucking company and its truck drivers must adhere to strict safety regulations. Yet, truck accidents still occur. The most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Driver Error – fatigue, distracted driving, or reckless behavior while operating a large vehicle.

  • Improperly Maintained Equipment – worn-out brakes, tire failures, and steering issues.

  • Defective Truck Parts – when a truck manufacturer designs or produces faulty components.

  • Improperly Loaded Cargo – unsecured or unbalanced loads increase the risk of tipping or spilling.

  • Negligent Hiring or Training by Trucking Companies – companies that fail to vet or train truck drivers appropriately.

  • Negligent Truck Driver behavior – including speeding, failing to yield, or violating hours-of-service regulations.

Establishing liability in a truck accident lawsuit requires a thorough investigation and understanding of federal trucking regulations (FMCSA). Our board-certified truck accident attorneys are equipped to handle these technical and legal complexities.

Commercial truck accidents often happen because at least one party acted negligently. For an injured victim to recover compensation, they must prove that another party is legally responsible for their injuries. Establishing legal liability can be complicated. Generally, the victim needs to demonstrate:

  1. The other party had a duty to act with reasonable care toward the victim.

  2. That duty was breached, and

  3. The breach directly caused the victim’s injuries.

Insurance companies often go to great lengths to avoid liability. They may deny responsibility entirely, try to shift blame onto the victim (see discussion on Comparative Negligence), or downplay the severity of the injuries. To achieve this, they rely on a team of adjusters, attorneys, medical professionals, and technical experts to minimize payouts.

Facing such challenges alone makes it incredibly difficult for accident victims to secure full and fair compensation. However, having a board-certified trial lawyer with experience with commercial truck accidents on your side can level the playing field and significantly increase your chances of receiving fair and complete compensation.

To obtain compensation, you must prove that another party’s negligence directly caused your injuries. This often means demonstrating that:

  • The truck driver or trucking company owed you a duty of care;

  • That duty was breached; and

  • The breach caused your injuries and damages.

But the trucking company, insurance companies, and defense teams don’t give up easily. They may deny fault, shift blame, or downplay the severity of your injuries.

That’s why it’s essential to have a legal team with the experience and trial credentials to push back hard—and win. Contact us at 561-810-3675 for a free review for truck accident injury case.

Florida operates under the legal principle of modified comparative negligence, which incorporates a 51% bar rule, as outlined in F.S. § 768.81. This system is designed to allocate fault and determine damages in personal injury cases.

Interestingly, Florida law refers to this concept as “comparative fault” rather than the more widely recognized term “comparative negligence.”

In this framework, fault is assessed and distributed among all parties involved, including the plaintiff and defendants. The amount of compensation a plaintiff can recover is directly influenced by their degree of fault in causing the accident that led to their injuries.

Specifically, the plaintiff’s recovery is reduced by their assigned percentage of fault. The 51% bar rule plays a critical role here: if the plaintiff is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are entirely barred from recovering any damages. To be eligible for compensation, a plaintiff must be 50% or less at fault for the accident.

For instance, consider a scenario where a plaintiff is deemed 50% at fault, and the total damages awarded are $100,000. In this case, the plaintiff would receive $50,000, as their 50% share of fault ($50,000) is deducted from the total award.

However, if the plaintiff is found to be 51% at fault, they would be ineligible to recover any damages due to Florida’s 51% bar rule. In summary, a plaintiff can recover damages if they are 50% or less at fault, but recovery is completely barred if they are 51% or more at fault.

In cases where reckless behavior leads to property damage or personal injury, the damage awards are potentially significantly higher compared to those involving ordinary negligence. These cases are typically referred to as “enhanced value” cases.

When it comes to commercial truck accidents, they can fall under a legal principle known as “aggravated negligence,” which frequently results in much larger compensation amounts for victims than accidents caused by simple negligence.

Most traffic accidents occur due to negligence by at least one party involved. For instance, if a driver rear-ends another vehicle because they were following too closely, their negligence is the clear cause of the crash.

However, this behavior doesn’t typically demonstrate a blatant or reckless disregard for the safety of others. Instead, it’s considered ordinary negligence—a momentary lapse in judgment or attention.

On the other hand, consider a scenario where a truck driver is speeding 20+ mph over the limit and driving very aggressively through traffic before causing a severe crash. In such cases, the truck driver’s actions would likely be deemed reckless.

This level of negligence is often classified as “aggravated,” meaning the resulting damage award or settlement for the victims is likely to be far greater than if the truck driver had only been guilty of ordinary negligence.

Basically, cases involving aggravated negligence typically lead to substantial compensation for victims. Our team of experienced, board-certified trial lawyers has successfully represented clients in aggravated negligence cases for decades.

We possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to effectively handle your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been affected by such an incident, we’re here to provide the skilled legal support you need.

The damages and settlement amounts awarded in commercial truck accident cases vary widely based on the unique facts and circumstances of each situation. Several factors can affect the value of an injury claim, meaning the compensation someone else received or the figures advertised by law firms won’t necessarily reflect the value of your specific case.

That’s why it’s essential to work with a skilled attorney who has experience handling commercial truck accident cases. They can offer a fact-based, expert assessment of your claim’s potential value while protecting your legal rights.

Failing to obtain an objective and reasonable valuation from an experienced lawyer could lead to two unfavorable outcomes: (1) accepting a settlement that’s significantly lower than your claim’s worth or (2) waiting for an offer that exceeds the realistic value of your case.

In both scenarios, you may not receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries, property damage, expenses, and lost wages.

Our No-Win, No-Fee Promise

We work on a contingency fee basis: no fees or costs unless we win. Our free consultations are available 24/7, including evenings and weekends, ensuring you can reach us anytime.

We’re Here to Help. Every Step of the Way

At BillBone Law Group, we pride ourselves on responsive communication, honest guidance, and personalized support. We understand that you may have questions about how long your case will take, how much it’s worth, or what to expect.

Our truck personal injury lawyer will walk you through every stage—from filing a truck accident claim and handling insurance companies to preparing for trial if necessary.

You’re not just another case file to us. You’re a person who deserves justice, and we’re here to help you fight for it. Let our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys help you move forward.

important things you should know

Commercial Truck Accident – FAQs

Yes, you can sue a trucking company for negligence under Florida law if its actions – or the actions of its employee driver acting within the scope of employment – breached a duty of care and directly caused your injuries.

Florida courts recognize these claims as standard personal injury cases based in tort law, but they often involve unique complexities due to the size, speed, and regulations governing commercial trucks. An experienced truck accident attorney can help navigate these challenges and protect your rights throughout the process.

Success depends on gathering solid evidence to prove fault, and while many victims recover compensation, outcomes will vary based on the facts of your case. Victims of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving tractor trailers, often face severe injuries and financial burdens that justify pursuing legal action.

Understanding Negligence in Florida Trucking Accidents

At its core, negligence occurs when someone fails to exercise the reasonable care that a prudent person would under similar circumstances, leading to foreseeable harm.

Many truck accident lawyers assist clients in proving negligence to recover damages through a truck accident lawsuit, which can also involve other motor vehicle accidents under similar legal principles.

In trucking cases, this principle applies to both the driver and the company that employs the driver. Florida follows common law negligence rules, which require proving four key elements:

  • Duty of Care: Trucking companies and drivers owe a heightened duty to others on the road because large trucks pose greater risks. This includes complying with state traffic laws (such as Florida Statutes Chapter 316) and federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”), such as limits on driving hours and vehicle maintenance standards.

  • Breach of Duty: This happens if the company or driver violates safety rules. For example, a breach could be established through “negligence per se,” where breaking a specific law or regulation automatically constitutes a breach of duty – without needing to prove what a “reasonable” person would do. Common violations include exceeding the 11-hour daily driving limit under FMCSA rules or failing to inspect brakes regularly.

  • Causation: You must show the breach of duty directly caused your accident and injuries. For instance, if a fatigued driver (due to the company’s poor scheduling) swerves into your lane, linking the fatigue to the crash is crucial.

  • Damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Florida does not cap economic damages in most negligence cases, but non-economic damages (like emotional distress) may be limited in certain scenarios.

Heightened Duty of Care Owed by Trucking Companies and Drivers

Trucking operations in Florida are heavily regulated by both Florida Statutes (such as F.S. § 316.302) and federal rules, specifically the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (“FMCSRs”), 49 C.F.R. Parts 350 – 399.

These regulations apply to all interstate and most intrastate commercial motor vehicles in Florida, which has adopted relevant portions of the FMCSRs by reference in F.S. § 316.302, making them enforceable state law for Florida-based carriers. The Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Transportation enforce both state and federal rules via roadside inspections and compliance reviews.

These regulations impose strict requirements that go beyond the standard duty of care for typical passenger vehicles, creating a higher standard of care in negligence analysis. They include:

  • Driver Qualifications and Licensing (e.g., Commercial Driver’s License or CDL requirements).

  • Hours-of-Service limitations to prevent driver fatigue.

  • Mandatory vehicle maintenance and inspections.

  • Cargo securement rules.

Negligence Per Se

A violation of one of these safety statutes or regulations that leads to an accident can be used to establish negligence per se in a Florida civil lawsuit.

Negligence per se is a legal doctrine whose framework under Florida law was established in the landmark Florida Supreme Court case deJesus v. Seaboard C.L.R. Co., 281 So. 2d 198 (Fla. 1973), where the violation of certain safety statutes is considered automatic proof of a breach of duty, making it easier for an injured party to prove the trucking company and driver were negligent.

Additionally, negligence per se is expressly recognized for statutory or regulatory violations in Florida Standard Jury Instruction (Civil) 401.9.

Negligence per se effectively shifts the burden on the breach element, meaning the defendant cannot argue reasonable care if the relevant safety statute was violated. In addition, negligence per se provides the injured party with a strategic advantage by often eliminating the need for expert testimony on industry standards. Florida courts routinely apply negligence per se to FMCSR violations. 

While the violation establishes breach of duty, you must still prove causation and damages. That is, violation of a safety statute alone does not establish liability, but it does make it easier for the injured party to prove the trucking company and/or driver were negligent. 

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior)

Trucking companies can face vicarious liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior, meaning they’re automatically responsible for their employees’ negligence if it occurred during the performance of work duties – like delivering cargo on a scheduled route. They can also be liable directly for their own mistakes, such as:

  • Hiring an unqualified driver with a history of violations.

  • Skipping required vehicle maintenance, leading to brake failure.

  • Inadequate training on safe loading to prevent cargo shifts.

Example: You’re stopped at a red light when a semi-truck rear-ends you because its brakes failed. If inspections show the company ignored routine checks (a direct breach), you could sue them for all resulting harm.

Or, if the driver was rushing to meet a tight deadline set by the company, causing a sideswipe, the employer could be held liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior even though the company didn’t tell the driver to negligently sideswipe the car.

Direct Negligence of Trucking Companies

Trucking companies can be sued on separate claims of direct negligence. That is, companies had their own duty of care that they breached, independent of the actions by their drivers. Examples of direct negligence include:

  • Negligent Hiring / Retention (hiring an unqualified driver with a history of violations): The company can be liable if it knew or should have known the driver was unfit for the job but hired or retained the driver anyway. This is especially true for drivers with poor driving records (DUIs, multiple moving violations, etc.).

  • Negligent Maintenance (skipping required vehicle maintenance, leading to brake failure, etc.): Trucking companies are federally mandated (by the FMCSA) to conduct routine inspections and maintenance. Failing to do so, such as ignoring the need to repair worn-out brakes, is a direct breach of this duty, leading to liability if a mechanical failure causes an accident. 

  • Negligent Training / Supervision (inadequate training on safe loading): A company must properly train and supervise its employees. If an accident is caused by an improperly loaded trailer (e.g., due to cargo shifting) because of inadequate company-wide training, the company is directly negligent. 

  • Negligent Dispatch / Scheduling (setting unreasonable deadlines): The direct claim in this situation is that the company creates a dangerous environment by pressuring drivers to violate federal hours-of-service rules, leading to fatigue and accidents. 

Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule: Sharing Fault

Florida follows a “modified comparative negligence” system under F.S. § 768.81. This means:

  • Fault can be divided among multiple parties (e.g., 70% on Driver A, 30% on Driver B).

  • Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

  • If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing (the “51% bar rule”).

Practical Example: In a two-car intersection crash, if your damages total $100,000 and you’re 40% at fault (e.g., for minor speeding), you can recover $60,000 from the other driver. But if you’re 51% at fault (e.g., for ignoring a stop sign), you are completely barred from any recovery. 

In multi-vehicle accidents, fault might be apportioned among several drivers, complicating claims. Always document everything to protect your share of recovery.

Important Deadlines and Procedural Rules in Florida

Time is critical in Florida truck accident injury claims:

  • Statute of Limitations: You generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for negligence-based injuries. F.S. § 95.11(5)(a). Missing this deadline bars your claim forever, though some exceptions exist.

  • Filing Process: Civil lawsuits, including personal injury claims, must be filed in Circuit Court if the amount in controversy is greater than $50,000 (exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees). Since commercial truck accident claims often involve catastrophic injuries and damages far exceeding this amount, they are routinely filed in Circuit Court. 

  • Insurance Considerations: Most trucking companies must carry minimum liability coverage of at least $750,000 for most interstate hauls, but policies often exceed this. For example, major carries (such as J.B. Hunt, Swift, Werner, etc.) typically carry $1 to $5 million in primary liability coverage. Additionally, many trucking companies have $5 to $25 million in excess / umbrella layers above primary coverage. Florida does not cap recovery at policy limits, so plaintiffs can pursue personal assets if the judgment exceeds insurance coverage.  

Liability in Florida Truck Accidents Involving Overworked or Intoxicated Drivers

If a commercial truck driver in Florida causes an accident due to being overworked (leading to fatigue) or intoxicated, you may have a strong personal injury claim. These situations often involve clear breaches of safety rules, making it easier to prove fault and hold multiple parties accountable.

Florida courts treat such cases seriously because commercial trucks pose greater risks to other drivers, and violations of driving standards can lead to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering.

Below, we’ll discuss this situation step by step, focusing on the key legal principles, who can be held responsible, and what you need to know to protect your rights.

After the crash, the accident scene should be documented carefully and preserved for investigators.
Truck drivers must follow strict hours-of-service and safety rules enforced across the trucking industry.

If you’re injured, track all medical expenses related to treatment and recovery. Passenger vehicle drivers involved in the crash may also have claims depending on fault.

In catastrophic cases, families may need counsel when facing a fatal truck accident. To protect your rights and pursue fair compensation, consult experienced truck accident lawyers who understand commercial vehicle regulations. Choosing the right truck accident attorney early can improve evidence collection and overall case strategy.

Key Legal Principles: Negligence and Driver Responsibilities

Florida personal injury claims, including those based on truck accidents, are based on negligence – the legal principle that someone failed to act as a reasonably careful person would, causing harm. For truck drivers, this duty is heightened due to federal and state safety rules designed to prevent accidents.

When a driver is involved in a truck or semi truck accident, the question of negligence often centers on whether the driver was speeding, fatigued, or engaging in distracted driving at the time of the collision. Such behavior frequently leads to serious injuries or even fatal crashes, emphasizing the importance of compliance with all safety regulations and proper driver training.

  • Intoxication and DUI Laws: Driving under the influence (“DUI”) is a criminal offense under Florida Statutes § 316.193, but it also forms the basis for civil liability in injury cases. Commercial drivers face stricter limits: a blood alcohol concentration (“BAC”) of just 0.04% (half the 0.08% limit for regular drivers) can trigger DUI charges. F.S. § 322.62. This lower threshold reflects the increased dangers of large vehicles. If intoxication caused the crash, it’s considered gross negligence, which can open the door to punitive damages – extra compensation to punish reckless behavior and deter others. F.S. § 768.72.  For example, if a truck driver drinks before a long haul and swerves into oncoming traffic, causing a multi-car pileup, evidence like breath tests or witness statements can prove the link between the DUI and your injuries, which could entitle you to an increased damage award.

  • Overwork and Fatigue: Fatigue from overworking violates federal hours of service (“HOS”) regulations enforced in Florida, which limit commercial drivers to no more than 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty, and no more than 14 hours total on duty in a day. These rules, set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”), are intended to combat drowsiness, which studies show is as dangerous as drunk driving in truck crashes. Florida incorporates these into state law via F.S. Chapter 316 (Motor Vehicles), where violating HOS counts as negligence per se – a legal shortcut proving the breach without having to prove a lack of “reasonableness” by the defendants. For example, imagine a driver pressured to skip a required 10-hour rest break to meet a tight delivery deadline; if the driver nods off and rear-ends your car, the violation of HOS logs (electronic records trucks must keep) strengthens your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable? Multiple Parties Often Share Responsibility

Truck accidents rarely involve just the driver. Florida law also allows you to pursue claims against anyone whose negligence contributed to the accident. This is especially true for commercial vehicles, where federal rules like FMCSA safety standards create extra layers of accountability.

Liability often extends to trucking companies, cargo loaders, or manufacturers in truck accident cases, particularly those involving crashes involving large trucks that cause extensive damage compared to typical car accidents. In the most tragic situations, families may file a wrongful death claim when a loved one is killed due to another party’s negligence.

  • The Driver: Primarily liable for personal negligence, such as DUI or ignoring fatigue warnings. They can face criminal charges, plus civil payouts from their assets or insurance.

  • The Trucking Company (Employer): Under the doctrine of vicarious liability (respondeat superior), employers are responsible for employee actions during work hours. For overwork, companies can also be directly negligent if they pressured drivers to violate HOS (e.g., via tight schedules) or failed to exercise reasonable care in hiring or training drivers – known as negligent entrustment, i.e., entrusting the vehicle to a driver whom the company knows or should have known to be incompetent, unqualified, or habitually reckless. For example, if a company ignores a driver’s history of fatigue complaints and assigns extra shifts, leading to a crash, the company could owe damages beyond the driver’s insurance limits.

  • Other Parties: Cargo loaders (if improper loading caused instability), maintenance companies (for faulty brakes), or even shippers (if they demanded unsafe speeds) may also be held liable.

Compensation: What You Can Recover

Victims in these accidents can seek economic damages (tangible losses like hospital bills and wage loss) and non-economic damages (intangible harms like emotional trauma).

Punitive damages may also be available if the defendant’s conduct was a result of intentional misconduct or gross negligence (a wanton disregard for the rights of others). Punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times your compensatory award or $500,000 in most cases. F.S. § 768.73.

Important Deadlines and Procedural Rules in Florida

Time is critical in Florida truck accident injury claims:

  • Statute of Limitations: You generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for negligence-based injuries. F.S. § 95.11(5)(a). Missing this deadline bars your claim forever, though some exceptions exist.

  • Filing Process: Civil lawsuits, including personal injury claims, must be filed in Circuit Court if the amount in controversy is greater than $50,000 (exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees). Since commercial truck accident claims often involve catastrophic injuries and damages far exceeding this amount, they are routinely filed in Circuit Court. 

  • Insurance Considerations: Most trucking companies must carry minimum liability coverage of at least $750,000 for most interstate hauls, but policies often exceed this. For example, major carriers (such as J.B. Hunt, Swift, Werner, etc.) typically carry $1 to $5 million in primary liability coverage. Additionally, many trucking companies have $5 to $25 million in excess / umbrella layers above primary coverage. Florida does not cap recovery at policy limits, so plaintiffs can pursue personal assets if the judgment exceeds insurance coverage.  

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So Many Lawyers: How To Choose One?

There are so many West Palm Beach commercial truck accident lawyers that it’s nearly impossible for the average person to identify and choose one truly among the area’s top practitioners.  It’s true—in fact, there are far too many … but it’s equally valid that there aren’t enough really good ones.  So how do you identify and choose one of the really good ones? 

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If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, including semi truck accidents or a fatal truck accident, don’t try to handle the legal battle on your own. With over 60 years of combined experience and a record of winning against insurance companies, the BillBone Law Group is ready to stand by your side.

  • Call us now for a free consultation.

  • No fees unless we win.

  • Serving West Palm Beach, the Treasure Coast, and all of South Florida.

Let our commercial truck accident attorneys give you the skilled and compassionate representation you need for your truck accident lawsuit.

We’re your trusted legal advocates in even the most complex personal injury, truck accident cases, and claims involving severe injuries. A commercial truck accident lawyer West Palm Beach you can count on.

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Past Client Testimonials

ACg8ocLGe0LE46T5qkUIzWJ0Ydy PeMO89R83JQCjcNJGaaBR35SsA=s128 c0x00000000 cc rp moSam Walker
17:41 08 Apr 25
I got hit by a car while riding my bike and Bill Bone Bike Law was on it immediately. If I could give a 6 star review about these guys I would! They are truly the best in the business
ALV UjUv77 JzqQtqYJe8tnDJkbXszgHMKufpvhowMJqjyIHHbA7e 3Q=s128 c0x00000000 cc rp moJeff Shumate
22:38 27 Dec 24
I was involved in a horrific bicycle accident and severely injured. When I decided to pursue my case legally it seemed everyone in the biking community all recommended Bill Bone. I’m now adding my name to that long list of recommendations. He and his legal, office, administrative and investigative staff, were extremely competent, thorough, professional and aggressively pursued my case. I was very satisfied with the final settlement and recommended his services unequivocally.
ALV UjUPOo VC0HUcF2 XF9CoPulpcEkdRfpPQw4kpdZ33Qsj0WJU1u4pg=s128 c0x00000000 cc rp moCatherine Shapiro
01:21 26 May 24
Mark Hassell, in the office of Bill Bone, was always extremely helpful and communicative.
He took the time to express care and concern for friends when they were injured by cars while cycling.
He explained the process clearly and was a great help from start to finish.
Extremely professional and knowledgeable.
Highly Recommend!
ALV UjVCSfMRYEW9 iz7C0yWhEuPZPUVQcvuWXYQRsRi0gHkrVd6L5s=s128 c0x00000000 cc rp moR. Ferro
22:43 08 Sep 23
I recently had the privilege of working with the remarkable team at Bill Bone Law Firm, and I cannot express enough my gratitude for their honest and thoughtful service. From the moment I reached out to them seeking legal assistance, I was met with professionalism, expertise, and genuine care.

From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, the entire experience was seamless and reassuring. The attorneys at Bill Bone Law Firm exhibited an impressive depth of knowledge and skill in their respective areas of practice. They took the time to thoroughly understand the intricacies of my situation and provided me with clear explanations and guidance every step of the way

I can confidently say that my experience with Bill Bone Law Firm exceeded my expectations. They demonstrated integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for my rights. Their attention to detail and thorough approach ensured that no stone was left unturned, resulting in a favorable resolution to my case.

If you are seeking legal representation, I wholeheartedly recommend Bill Bone Law Firm. Their honest and thoughtful service, combined with their exceptional legal expertise, distinguishes them as a top-tier law firm. I am immensely grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.

Thank you, Bill Bone Law Firm, for providing me with outstanding legal representation and truly making a positive difference in my life.

Sincerely,
Reuel Ferro
ACg8ocKdgRYm84KsjDt39ybBgMHcMpEjnefQ8J4zuPx0uOSTelS7aA=s128 c0x00000000 cc rp moKristen Ruest
14:33 16 May 23
Bill Bone and his team were excellent throughout the entire process. Bill Bone, Steve, and Alexa walked me through each step, were responsive, and genuinely cared about my personal situation. Thank you all for your time, assistance, and help during a trying time, I sincerely appreciate each and every one of you!
ACg8ocLHa8njaM5TBuW1RN2eWvUPb0cjLClEU1oeAbZRRyB rpczuQ=s128 c0x00000000 cc rp moAllison Biggins
17:40 30 Apr 23
I was referred to Bill Bone and his law firm from a family member who they also helped. Truly exceptional! They settled my case quickly and conveniently. If found needing legal representation from an accident, I highly recommend Mr. Bone and his team. They worked genuinely in my best interest. The staff...wonderful.
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