Truck Accident Lawyers in Hialeah
After a truck accident in Hialeah, your first priorities should be your health, your safety, and protecting your rights. Miami-Dade County experiences some of the highest crash volumes in Florida, including serious collisions involving commercial trucks on corridors like the Palmetto Expressway, I-75, and Okeechobee Road. Florida’s two-year statute of limitations, its modified comparative negligence rules, and layers of state and federal trucking regulations make these cases especially challenging, but a Hialeah truck accident lawyer with Flaxman Law Group can step in to help you seek fair compensation.
Understanding Truck Accident Claims in Hialeah
While many auto collisions involve two drivers and modest insurance policies, truck accidents often implicate multiple liable parties and significantly higher commercial insurance limits. Responsibility may extend beyond the truck driver to the trucking company, a broker or shipper, a maintenance contractor, or even a manufacturer.
How Are Truck Accident Claims Different from Car Accident Cases in Florida?
Truck accident cases involve evidence that does not exist in standard Hialeah car accidents. Commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules, sometimes called “black boxes,” electronic logging devices that track hours of service, and GPS or dispatch systems that show routes, speeds, and stop times. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules govern driver fatigue, inspections, and load limits, adding another legal layer on top of Florida law. Preserving and interpreting this evidence quickly can make the difference between a weak claim and a strong one.
Florida law further complicates matters. In serious truck crashes, personal injury protection benefits may be exhausted almost immediately, forcing injured people to rely on Hialeah personal injury claims or litigation to cover care. If an insurer argues that you share more than 50 percent of the fault, your ability to recover damages may be barred entirely. These realities make experienced legal guidance essential from the very beginning.
How Common Are Truck and Commercial Vehicle Crashes in Miami-Dade County?
Miami-Dade County consistently reports high numbers of crashes involving commercial vehicles, reflecting dense traffic, major logistics routes, and constant construction. Hialeah sits at the center of these pressures, with delivery trucks, dump trucks, garbage trucks, and 18-wheelers moving through residential streets and industrial areas every day.
Serious truck accidents are not limited to highways. They also occur near busy intersections, warehouse districts, and commercial corridors where wide turns, blind spots, and tight spacing increase risk. Jackknife crashes, rollovers, underride collisions, and multi-vehicle pileups can unfold in seconds, leaving victims with life-altering injuries.
When someone is hurt in a truck crash, the impact extends far beyond the scene. Emergency care may involve transport to Hialeah Hospital ER, Mount Sinai Hialeah Emergency Center, or even Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial. Follow-up treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care can stretch on for months or years, especially in cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, or internal injuries. Understanding how often these crashes happen locally helps explain why insurers defend them so aggressively and why thorough preparation matters.
Why Choose Flaxman Law Group After a Hialeah Truck Accident?
Flaxman Law Group is a Florida personal injury law firm with a boutique approach. Our team has more than 60 years of combined experience and we have results that rival bigger firms, but we treat each client with personalized attention and compassionate care.
How Does Flaxman Law Group Investigate Hialeah Truck Accidents?
A successful truck accident claim begins with a rapid, methodical investigation. At Flaxman Law Group, the focus is on securing evidence before it disappears or is overwritten. This includes black-box and electronic logging device data, driver qualification files, maintenance and inspection records, dispatch instructions, GPS data, and any available dashcam or nearby surveillance footage.
The investigation also looks closely at common causes of truck crashes in and around Hialeah. Driver fatigue remains a leading factor, particularly when hours-of-service rules are ignored. Distracted driving, speeding, following too closely, and improper lane changes are frequent issues on congested roads like SR 826 and I-75. Overloaded or unsecured cargo and poor maintenance can turn a routine trip into a catastrophic event, especially during wide turns or sudden stops.
Equally important is understanding how trucking insurers respond. Large carriers often deploy rapid response teams to accident scenes, sometimes within hours. They may request early recorded statements, push for quick inspections of vehicles under their control, or offer fast settlements that do not reflect the true cost of long-term injuries. Early legal involvement helps level the playing field, preserves critical evidence, and prevents missteps that could undermine a claim.
Flaxman Law Group also takes a broader view of damages. Beyond immediate medical bills, an investigation considers future care needs, diminished earning capacity, and the real-life impact injuries have on work, family responsibilities, and independence. This comprehensive approach is designed to reflect the full scope of harm, not just the bills already incurred.
What Can You Expect During Your Free Truck Accident Consultation?
During a free truck accident consultation with Flaxman Law Group, a Hialeah truck accident lawyer will listen to your account of the crash, review any available reports or medical information, and explain how Florida truck accident laws apply to your situation. You will learn how the two-year statute of limitations affects your timeline, how modified comparative negligence could influence your case, and what role federal trucking regulations may play.
The consultation also addresses common concerns clients have after serious truck accidents. How do medical bills get paid while a claim is pending? What happens if you cannot return to work right away, or at all? How do you deal with calls from trucking insurers? Clear answers to these questions can bring much-needed clarity during an overwhelming time.
Common Causes and Types of Truck Accidents in Hialeah and Miami-Dade County
Truck accidents in Hialeah often happen for reasons that go beyond a single driver’s mistake. This area of Miami-Dade County sees constant commercial traffic moving between warehouses, ports, construction sites, and retail corridors. Large trucks share the road with commuters, school traffic, and tourists, creating conditions where a small error can have severe consequences.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Hialeah?
Driver fatigue remains one of the most common causes. Long-haul and regional drivers frequently operate under tight delivery schedules, and even minor violations of hours-of-service rules can lead to slowed reaction times and poor judgment. Distracted driving is another persistent problem, whether from mobile devices, dispatch systems, or in-cab technology.
Speeding and following too closely are especially dangerous on congested roadways like the Palmetto Expressway. A fully loaded tractor trailer needs far more distance to stop than a passenger vehicle. When traffic suddenly slows near interchanges or construction zones, rear-end and multi-vehicle collisions can occur with devastating force.
Improper lane changes and wide turns are also frequent factors in Hialeah truck accidents. Commercial trucks have significant blind spots, and local roads were not designed for constant heavy truck traffic. In residential and industrial areas, smaller streets and tight corners increase the risk of side-swipe crashes and collisions with smaller vehicles.
Mechanical issues often play a hidden role. Poor maintenance, worn brakes, tire blowouts, and steering failures can all contribute to loss of control. In some cases, overloaded or improperly secured cargo shifts during transit, causing rollovers or jackknife crashes. Identifying these causes requires a careful investigation that looks beyond the police report and into maintenance records, inspection logs, and cargo documentation.
What Types of Truck Crashes Happen Most Often on Palmetto Expressway (SR 826), I-75, and Okeechobee Road/US-27?
Jackknife crashes are common on high-speed roadways like SR 826 and I-75, particularly when drivers brake suddenly or lose traction in heavy traffic. These crashes can block multiple lanes and involve numerous vehicles in seconds.
Rear-end collisions are another frequent occurrence. Sudden congestion near exits, merging traffic, and construction zones can catch truck drivers off guard. The resulting impacts often cause severe injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles.
Rollover truck crashes tend to happen on curved ramps and during abrupt lane changes. High centers of gravity, combined with shifting cargo, make large trucks especially vulnerable in these situations. Underride collisions, where a smaller vehicle slides beneath a trailer, are among the most catastrophic and often lead to fatal or life-altering injuries.
Okeechobee Road and US-27 see a mix of long-haul trucks, local deliveries, and heavy industrial vehicles. On these routes, wide-turn crashes and blind-spot collisions are common, particularly at intersections and access points serving warehouses and commercial centers. Multi-vehicle pileups can also occur when traffic backs up unexpectedly, creating chain reactions that involve several passenger vehicles and one or more trucks.
Florida Truck Accident Laws and Regulations That Affect Your Hialeah Claim
Florida Statutes § 768.81 governs modified comparative negligence. Under this rule, an injured person may recover damages only if they are found to be 50 percent or less at fault. If a court determines that a plaintiff is more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, recovery may be barred entirely. This makes fault determinations a critical issue in truck accident litigation.
Florida Statutes § 627.736 addresses personal injury protection benefits. Florida’s no-fault system requires most drivers to carry PIP coverage, which pays a portion of medical expenses and lost wages after a crash. In serious truck accidents, these benefits are often exhausted quickly, making it necessary to pursue claims against trucking companies and their insurers to cover ongoing care and long-term losses.
Florida Statutes § 768.28 involves sovereign immunity and can affect claims that involve government-owned trucks or allegations of dangerous road conditions. If a municipal or state entity is involved, special notice requirements and damage caps may apply, adding another layer of complexity.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?
In most Florida truck accident cases, the clock starts ticking on the date of the crash. The two-year statute of limitations may seem generous, but delays can seriously weaken a case. Critical evidence such as black-box data, electronic logs, and surveillance footage may be overwritten or lost within weeks or months. Witness memories fade, and vehicles may be repaired or returned to service.
In wrongful death cases, the two-year deadline typically begins on the date of death, not the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities may have even shorter notice requirements. Acting promptly allows a Miami-Dade County truck accident lawyer to preserve evidence and protect your right to seek compensation.
What FMCSA Hours Of Service and Safety Rules Can Impact a Florida Truck Accident Claim?
FMCSA regulations are often central to serious truck accident cases. Hours-of-service rules limit most drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty window, with weekly caps of 60 or 70 hours depending on schedules. These rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes, but violations still occur.
FMCSA standards also require regular vehicle inspections, proper maintenance, and securement of cargo. Drivers must meet qualification requirements, including training and medical certification. When these rules are ignored, the risk of catastrophic accidents increases.
In a Hialeah truck accident claim, evidence of FMCSA violations can support arguments that a trucking company failed to prioritize safety. Driver logs, electronic data, inspection reports, and maintenance records can all help establish whether federal regulations were followed. When violations are uncovered, they may strengthen a claim for compensation and demonstrate that a crash was preventable.
Contact Flaxman Law Group Today
For a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7, and there is never a fee unless we win.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Hialeah
No one expects a serious truck accident, but they can happen on your commute or on any drive. Being prepared means knowing what to do.
What Steps Should You Take Right After a Truck Accident in Hialeah?
First, call 911 and request medical assistance if you or someone else at the scene is seriously injured. Even if injuries are not immediately obvious, seek immediate medical attention. Truck crashes often cause internal injuries or head trauma that may not present symptoms right away. If you are able, move to a safe location and avoid standing near traffic, especially on busy roads like Okeechobee Road or near interchanges with the Palmetto Expressway.
Exchange basic information with the truck driver, but avoid discussing fault or giving detailed statements at the scene. Commercial trucking companies often begin building their defense immediately, and casual remarks can later be taken out of context. If it is safe to do so, take photographs of vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible company names or DOT numbers on the truck.
Where Can You Go for Emergency or Trauma Care After a Truck Crash in Or Near Hialeah?
Many truck accident victims in Hialeah receive initial care at the Hialeah Hospital emergency department or the Mount Sinai Hialeah Emergency Center, both of which handle a steady flow of trauma-related cases.
For the most severe injuries, patients may be transported to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, a Level I trauma center serving all of Miami-Dade County. This facility is equipped to manage complex injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures that are common in serious truck crashes.
Some individuals may later continue care closer to home or even near workplaces in neighboring areas, including parts of Broward County or Palm Beach County. It is not unusual for families to travel between Hialeah and locations near West Palm Beach landmarks such as downtown medical offices or rehabilitation centers along Okeechobee Boulevard. Wherever treatment occurs, consistent documentation and follow-up care are essential to both recovery and any resulting claim.
Compensation, Insurance, And the Truck Accident Claims Process in Miami-Dade County
You may hope that working with your insurer will be easy, but many insurance companies make it difficult to make a claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Truck Accident in Hialeah?
Liability in a truck accident is rarely limited to a single party. Depending on the facts, responsibility may fall on the truck driver, the trucking company, a broker or shipper that set unrealistic delivery schedules, or a maintenance contractor responsible for vehicle upkeep. In some cases, a manufacturer may be liable for defective parts, or a government entity may share responsibility for unsafe road conditions.
Identifying all potentially liable parties is critical in Miami-Dade County truck accident cases because it affects available insurance coverage and the overall strength of the claim. A thorough investigation helps ensure that no responsible party is overlooked.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Florida Truck Accident?
Compensation in a Florida truck accident claim is intended to address both immediate and long-term losses. Economic damages may include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and future medical care. Lost income, reduced earning capacity, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury are also commonly included.
Non-economic damages may account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the impact injuries have on daily life and relationships. In cases involving permanent injuries or wrongful death, damages may also reflect long-term care needs, loss of companionship, and support for surviving family members.
How Do Trucking and Insurance Companies Defend Against Truck Accident Claims?
Trucking and insurance companies defend these cases aggressively. Many deploy rapid response teams to accident scenes and begin gathering evidence immediately. They may request recorded statements early, sometimes before injured individuals fully understand the extent of their injuries.
Another common strategy is to argue comparative fault, suggesting that the injured person contributed to the crash by speeding, changing lanes improperly, or failing to avoid the collision. Insurers may also dispute the severity of injuries or argue that certain treatments were unnecessary.
Our Service Area: Helping Injured People Across Hialeah and Miami-Dade County
At Flaxman Law Group, our offices in Miami, Hollywood, and Homestead serve the Miami-Dade County and surrounding areas. We have been part of the community for decades and are proud to assist the hard-working people who live here.
What Areas of Hialeah and Miami-Dade County Do We Serve?
Flaxman Law Group assists injured individuals throughout Hialeah and the broader Miami-Dade County area. This includes neighborhoods near major routes like SR 826, I-75, and US-27, as well as residential and commercial districts where delivery trucks and service vehicles operate daily.
The firm also represents clients who travel frequently for work or medical care. It is not uncommon to assist individuals who live in Hialeah but receive follow-up treatment or rehabilitation near West Palm Beach landmarks, business districts, or healthcare facilities. Regardless of where care occurs, the focus remains on addressing injuries that originated from a truck crash in Miami-Dade County.
Talk with A Hialeah Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries, missed work, or face ongoing medical treatment, a consultation with a lawyer can help clarify next steps and provide a clearer picture of available options.
When Should You Call a Hialeah Truck Accident Lawyer?
It is generally advisable to speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Early involvement allows for prompt investigation, preservation of time-sensitive evidence, and guidance through interactions with insurers. Waiting too long can make it harder to establish fault and fully document injuries.
FAQs About Hialeah Truck Accident Cases
How much is a truck accident case worth in Hialeah?
The value of a truck accident case depends on many factors, including injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and the extent of long-term effects.
Do you need a truck accident lawyer if a trucking insurer already made an offer?
Early settlement offers often do not reflect the full cost of serious injuries. Consulting a lawyer before accepting any offer can help determine whether it adequately addresses current and future losses.
How long do truck accident cases take in Florida?
Some cases resolve within months, while others take longer, especially if litigation is required. The timeline depends on injury recovery, investigation complexity, and whether liability is disputed.
Helpful items include accident reports, medical records, photographs, insurance information, and any correspondence from insurers. Even if you do not have all the documents, contact us for a free consultation.
FREE CASE REVIEW
50+ Years of Combined Experience,
Personal Attention to Every Case
Testimonials
4.9
(386 Reviews)
"Friendly and professional customer service. From the receptionist to the paralegals, everyone makes you feel comfortable. Best firm I’ve ever dealt with."
- Catherine M.
"Thank you! This guy is great and really knows what he is doing. I've had to hire several people throughout the years for similar services and Mr. Flaxman is the best by far. I would recommend him to anyone.”
- Jeff W.
"Very prompt reply. Confident in his abilities. Educated me so I wasn't overwhelmed with the lingo. Very personable. Thank you again for helping me out Mr. Flaxman!!"
- Tayla M.
