Truck Accident Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale
If you are involved in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, what you do next can directly affect your health, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation. Large commercial truck crash cases move fast and carry high stakes. A Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer with Flaxman Law Group can step in early to protect evidence and pursue compensation for both immediate and long-term losses.
Understanding Truck Accident Claims in Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale, truck accident cases are more common than many people realize, and these claims are significantly different from other traffic accident cases.
How Are Truck Accident Claims Different from Car Accident Cases in Florida?
Truck accident cases are not simply “bigger” car accident claims. They operate under an entirely different legal and evidentiary framework. Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with extensive federal safety regulations that govern how long drivers may stay on the road, how vehicles are inspected and maintained, and how cargo is loaded and secured. When these rules are violated, they can form the foundation of a strong liability claim.
Truck accident claims also involve unique forms of evidence that do not exist in ordinary car crashes. Many commercial trucks record detailed operational data through onboard computers and electronic logging devices. These systems can show speed, braking patterns, hours driven, and sudden maneuvers before impact. This information is often only retained for a limited time, which is why early legal involvement is critical. Once evidence is lost, it cannot be recreated, even if the crash occurred in a well-monitored area near Las Olas Boulevard or the I-595 interchange.
Finally, the injuries themselves are typically more severe. The size and weight of an 18-wheeler mean that even a low-speed collision can cause life-altering harm. Florida’s no-fault insurance system was never designed to handle catastrophic truck crash injuries, which is why these cases usually move beyond basic PIP benefits and into complex injury litigation.
How Common Are Truck and Commercial Vehicle Crashes in Broward County?
Broward County’s role as a major transportation corridor makes commercial truck traffic unavoidable. Trucks move constantly between Port Everglades, inland distribution centers, and regional highways connecting South Florida to the rest of the state. State crash data consistently shows that Broward County ranks near the top in Florida for total traffic collisions, including crashes involving large commercial vehicles.
Many of these crashes occur on major arteries such as I-95 and I-595, where lane changes, merging traffic, and high speeds increase the risk of jackknife crashes, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups. US-1 and A1A also see frequent delivery truck traffic, particularly near beach hotels, restaurants, and construction zones, where tight turns and pedestrian activity increase the danger.
Why Choose Flaxman Law Group After a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident?
Flaxman Law Group is a boutique, family-focused Florida personal injury law firm with a father-son attorney team. Our legal team has secured nearly one billion dollars for our clients over decades, but we never lose our focus on providing attention to every client. We genuinely care about you—not just the outcome of your case.
How Does Flaxman Law Group Investigate Fort Lauderdale Truck Accidents?
Flaxman Law Group moves quickly to secure evidence that trucking companies and insurers may otherwise control. This includes demanding preservation of onboard data, driver logs, maintenance histories, dispatch communications, and GPS records. When a crash occurs near busy commercial areas or landmarks, our team also looks for nearby surveillance footage, traffic cameras, and eyewitness accounts that can clarify what happened.
Investigation goes beyond reviewing paperwork. Truck accident cases often require a detailed reconstruction of the collision itself. This may involve analyzing skid marks, vehicle damage, road design, and traffic flow at the time of the crash. Whether the collision involved a dump truck near a construction site, a garbage truck on a residential route, or a tractor-trailer making a wide turn downtown, understanding the mechanics of the crash is essential to proving fault.
Medical documentation is another cornerstone of investigation. Serious truck accident injuries rarely resolve quickly. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, and complex fractures can require months or years of treatment. Flaxman Law Group works closely with medical providers to understand not only your current condition, but your future needs, including surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and long-term care. This allows us to present a clear picture of how the crash has changed your life and what full compensation should realistically include.
What Can You Expect During Your Free Truck Accident Consultation?
A free consultation with Flaxman Law Group is designed to give you clarity, not pressure. During this meeting, a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer will review the details of your crash, explain how Florida law applies, and outline practical next steps.
There is no obligation to move forward, and no upfront cost if you do. Flaxman Law Group handles truck accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning our fee is tied to results, not hourly billing.
Common Causes and Types of Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County
Broward County consistently reports more than 40,000 traffic crashes each year, and a meaningful share of those collisions involve large trucks and commercial vehicles. Fort Lauderdale’s position between Port Everglades, major interstate corridors, and dense urban neighborhoods creates constant interaction between passenger vehicles and heavy trucks.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale?
Many truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale stem from preventable safety failures rather than unavoidable road conditions. Driver fatigue remains one of the most significant factors. Long hauls between ports, warehouses, and distribution hubs put pressure on drivers to meet tight delivery windows, sometimes leading them to exceed safe driving hours. Fatigue reduces reaction time and impairs judgment, which can be catastrophic in stop-and-go traffic near downtown Fort Lauderdale or during late-night runs north toward West Palm Beach.
Distracted driving is another frequent cause. Commercial drivers rely on GPS systems, dispatch communications, and mobile devices, all of which can divert attention at critical moments. Even a brief distraction while merging onto I-95 or navigating construction zones along I-595 can result in a serious collision.
Speeding and aggressive driving are also common contributors. Large trucks require significantly more distance to stop, yet some drivers follow too closely or attempt unsafe lane changes to maintain schedules. This is especially dangerous along US-1, where frequent traffic lights, pedestrians, and turning vehicles create unpredictable conditions.
Improper loading and unsecured cargo play a major role in many truck crashes. Overloaded trailers or unevenly distributed cargo can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents, particularly on highway ramps or curved sections of road. Poor vehicle maintenance, including worn brakes or bald tires, further increases the risk, especially during Florida’s heavy rainstorms when traction is already reduced.
What Types of Truck Crashes Happen Most Often On I-95, I-595, And US-1?
Certain types of truck accidents appear repeatedly on Fort Lauderdale’s major corridors. Rear-end collisions are common on I-95, where sudden slowdowns during rush hour can catch fatigued or distracted truck drivers off guard. Because of their size and weight, trucks can crush smaller vehicles even at moderate speeds.
Jackknife accidents frequently occur on I-595 and highway connectors leading to and from Port Everglades. These crashes happen when a truck’s trailer swings out of alignment with the cab, often due to hard braking, slick pavement, or improper loading. Jackknife crashes can block multiple lanes and trigger chain-reaction collisions involving several vehicles.
Rollover accidents are another serious concern, particularly on curved ramps and elevated roadways. A fully loaded tractor-trailer taking a turn too fast can easily tip, spilling cargo and creating dangerous conditions for surrounding traffic.
On US-1 and other surface streets, wide-turn crashes and blind-spot collisions are common. Trucks making right turns may swing left first, trapping cars or cyclists alongside them. Delivery trucks and garbage trucks operating in residential or commercial areas also pose risks when backing up or stopping frequently near shops, restaurants, and construction sites.
Underride collisions, where a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer, are among the deadliest types of crashes. These accidents often occur at intersections or during sudden stops and are especially dangerous at night or in low-visibility conditions.
Florida Truck Accident Laws and Regulations That Affect Your Fort Lauderdale Claim
Truck accident claims in Florida are shaped by a combination of state statutes, insurance rules, and federal safety regulations. Understanding how these laws apply is critical for anyone injured in a commercial vehicle crash in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law imposes strict deadlines on injury claims. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, most negligence-based claims, including truck accident lawsuits, must be filed within two years of the date of the crash. The same two-year deadline generally applies to wrongful death claims arising from fatal truck accidents.
How Does Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule Affect a Truck Accident Case?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system for most Florida personal injury cases. Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, an injured person may recover damages only if they are 50 percent or less at fault for the accident. If a plaintiff is found to be more than 50 percent responsible, recovery is barred entirely.
In truck accident cases, insurers often attempt to shift blame onto injured drivers by arguing unsafe lane changes, speeding, or distracted driving.
This rule also affects settlement negotiations. Even small percentage shifts in fault can have a substantial impact on the value of a claim, particularly in cases involving long-term injuries or permanent disability.
What FMCSA Safety Rules Can Impact a Florida Truck Accident Claim?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets nationwide standards for commercial trucking operations. Violations of these rules can serve as compelling evidence of negligence.
FMCSA hours-of-service rules limit how long drivers may operate without rest, addressing the dangers of fatigue. Driver qualification requirements mandate proper licensing, training, and medical certification. Vehicle inspection and maintenance rules require regular checks to ensure brakes, tires, lights, and other critical systems are safe. Cargo securement regulations govern how freight must be loaded and restrained to prevent shifting or spills.
When a truck accident occurs, reviewing compliance with these rules can reveal whether safety was compromised long before the crash happened. For example, a driver exceeding allowable hours while traveling between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach may point to systemic issues within a trucking company’s scheduling practices.
How Do Florida Insurance and Government Liability Laws Come into Play?
Florida’s no-fault insurance system adds another layer of complexity. Under Florida Statutes § 627.736, personal injury protection benefits may cover initial medical expenses regardless of fault. However, serious truck accident injuries often exceed PIP limits and qualify as “serious injuries,” allowing claims for full damages against at-fault parties.
In some cases, truck accidents involve government-owned vehicles or dangerous road conditions. Claims against state or local entities are governed by Florida Statutes § 768.28, which limits how and when government bodies can be sued. These claims involve shorter notice requirements and damage caps, making knowledgeable legal handling essential.
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What to Do After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale
A truck accident in Fort Lauderdale can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. The size and force of commercial vehicles mean these crashes often cause serious harm, especially on I-95, I-595, and US-1, where heavy freight traffic moves through Broward County daily. Taking the right steps early can protect your health and your ability to pursue compensation later.
What Steps Should You Take Right After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Your first priority after any truck crash is safety. If you are able, move out of traffic and call 911 immediately. Truck accidents often involve fuel spills, debris, or disabled vehicles that create ongoing danger, particularly on busy highways near downtown Fort Lauderdale or the Port Everglades interchange.
Seek medical attention right away. Symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or spinal damage may not be obvious at the scene. In Fort Lauderdale, many victims are treated at Broward Health Medical Center, a Level I trauma center equipped to handle complex, life-threatening injuries. Another major facility serving Broward County is Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, which also provides comprehensive trauma and surgical care.
If it is safe to do so, gather basic information. This includes the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance details, and the truck’s identifying numbers. Take photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and the surrounding area. Crashes near landmarks such as Las Olas Boulevard, Broward Boulevard, or the I-595 corridor often have nearby businesses or traffic cameras that may later provide valuable evidence.
Avoid giving recorded statements to trucking or insurance representatives at the scene or shortly afterward. These statements are often used to limit claims. Before discussing fault or injuries in detail, speaking with a Florida truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights.
Compensation, Insurance, And the Truck Accident Claims Process in Broward County
Truck accident claims are more complex than standard car accident cases, largely because of the number of parties involved and the severity of the injuries. Understanding how compensation works can help you make informed decisions after a crash.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Liability in a truck accident often becomes complicated, with potentially multiple parties involved. The trucking company may be responsible for negligent hiring, inadequate training, unrealistic delivery schedules, or poor vehicle maintenance. A freight broker or shipper may share fault if improper loading or scheduling contributed to the crash. Maintenance contractors can be liable for failing to inspect or repair critical components, while manufacturers may be responsible if defective parts played a role.
In some cases, government entities may be involved, such as when a crash is linked to dangerous road design, poor signage, or construction zones on highways like I-95 or I-595. Identifying every liable party is critical because each may carry separate insurance coverage that contributes to full compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Florida Truck Accident?
Compensation in a Florida truck accident claim is meant to address both immediate and long-term losses. This may include medical expenses, such as emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and future treatment. Lost income and reduced earning capacity are also key components, especially when injuries prevent a return to the same line of work.
Non-economic damages are equally important. Serious truck accident injuries can cause chronic pain, emotional distress, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. In wrongful death cases, compensation may include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact on surviving family members.
Because truck accidents often involve catastrophic injuries, accurately calculating damages requires careful documentation and expert input. This ensures that settlements or verdicts reflect the true cost of the crash, not just the initial hospital bills.
How Do Trucking and Insurance Companies Defend Against Truck Accident Claims?
Trucking companies and their insurers act quickly after a crash. Many deploy rapid response teams to investigate the scene and control evidence. Insurers may offer early settlements that seem helpful but fail to account for long-term medical needs or future income loss.
A common defense strategy is shifting blame to the injured person. Insurers may argue that a driver was speeding, distracted, or made an unsafe maneuver, even when truck driver fatigue or maintenance failures played a significant role. They may also challenge the severity of injuries or claim that symptoms are unrelated to the crash.
Strong legal representation helps counter these tactics by preserving evidence, consulting experts, and presenting a clear narrative of how the crash occurred and why the trucking operation is responsible.
Our Service Area: Helping Injured People Across Fort Lauderdale and Broward County
Flaxman Law Group represents injured individuals throughout Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas of Broward County. Our service area includes downtown Fort Lauderdale, Victoria Park, Wilton Manors, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Davie, Plantation, and communities along the I-95 and I-595 corridors.
We also assist clients injured on major routes connecting Broward County to Palm Beach County, including northbound traffic toward West Palm Beach near landmarks such as CityPlace and the Intracoastal Waterway. Whether a crash happens near the beach, a residential neighborhood, or a major freight route, local knowledge matters when building a strong truck accident claim.
What Areas of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County Do We Serve?
Our firm serves clients across Broward County, including coastal communities, inland suburbs, and commercial districts with heavy truck traffic. This broad coverage allows us to respond quickly and understand the unique traffic patterns and risks present in each area.
Talk with A Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Every truck accident claim in Fort Lauderdale is different and while getting an understanding of Florida car accidents and truck accidents in general is useful, it is best to consult with an attorney who can explain what your options are in your specific case.
FAQs About Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Cases
How much is a truck accident case worth in Fort Lauderdale?
The value of a truck accident case depends on factors such as injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact. Because these crashes often cause serious harm, compensation can be substantial, but each case is unique.
Do you need a truck accident lawyer if a trucking insurer already made an offer?
Early offers are often designed to close claims quickly and cheaply. Speaking with a lawyer before accepting any offer helps ensure it reflects the true value of your losses.
How long do truck accident cases take in Florida?
Some cases resolve in months, while others take longer, especially if litigation is required. The timeline depends on injury recovery, investigation complexity, and insurer cooperation.
What should you bring to a truck accident consultation?
Bring accident reports, medical records, photographs, insurance information, and any correspondence you have received. Even if you don’t have documentation, contact Flaxman Law Group today for a free consultation.
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