Have you or someone you love been injured in a truck accident, and now you’re unsure what to do next?
If you’re like most people after a serious collision involving a commercial truck, you’re dealing with overwhelming stress: medical bills, phone calls from insurance adjusters, vehicle damage, and perhaps even time off work. While it’s tempting to try and navigate the aftermath on your own, truck accident cases are far more complex than regular car accidents – and the stakes are significantly higher.
That’s why hiring a qualified Port St. Lucie truck accident lawyer isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Truck Accidents Are Not Like Other Auto Collisions
When a crash involves an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or delivery vehicle, the damage is often catastrophic. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The force of a collision at highway speeds can cause multi-car pileups, life-altering injuries, or even fatalities.
But the difference isn’t just in the damage – it’s also in legal complexity.
Unlike a typical fender-bender, truck accidents involve:
- Multiple liable parties: The driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, and even the vehicle manufacturer may share responsibility.
- Federal and state regulations: Trucking is governed by both Florida law and federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Commercial insurance companies: Trucking companies often have aggressive insurers and legal teams who act fast to limit their liability.
- Critical time-sensitive evidence: Logbooks, black box data, driver drug/alcohol tests, and maintenance records can disappear or be manipulated if not preserved quickly.
A skilled truck accident attorney will know how to manage all of these complexities on your behalf, before the evidence is gone and before the insurance company convinces you to settle for less.
What a Truck Accident Lawyer in Port St. Lucie Can Do for You
At Hoskins Turco Lloyd & Lloyd, we understand how traumatic and confusing this time can be. We’ve helped countless Florida residents, from Port St. Lucie to Fort Pierce, Vero Beach to Sebring, recover the compensation they deserve after serious truck crashes.
Here’s how we help our clients from day one:
1. Thorough Investigation
We immediately launch an independent investigation to gather evidence the trucking company may not voluntarily share. This includes:
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
- Driver logbooks & background checks
- Maintenance & inspection records
- Witness testimony
- Expert accident reconstruction
2. Handling the Insurance Companies
You should never speak to a trucking company’s insurance representative without legal guidance. Their job is to save money, not help you. Our attorneys handle all communications, negotiations, and paperwork, so you don’t get pressured into a lowball settlement.
3. Calculating Full Damages
Truck accident victims often suffer serious or permanent injuries, many requiring long-term medical care, rehab, or assistive devices. We work to ensure you’re compensated for:
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
4. Fighting for You in Court
While most personal injury claims settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This ensures we’re ready to fight if the insurance company refuses a fair offer.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida:
Knowing what caused the crash can often reveal who may be legally responsible. Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue from violating hours-of-service limits
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
- Brake failure or other maintenance issues
- Inadequate driver training
A Port St. Lucie truck accident attorney will know how to uncover the root cause and connect it to liability.
Florida Law and Truck Accidents: What You Should Know
Florida is a comparative negligence state, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault – your compensation will just be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. This makes it crucial to work with a lawyer who can present the strongest possible case in your favor.
Also, Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation entirely.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer?
Immediately. Trucking companies have teams of investigators and attorneys who get to work within hours of an accident. The sooner you contact a personal injury lawyer in Port St. Lucie, the better your chances of preserving evidence, protecting your rights, and building a successful claim.
We’re Here to Help You Reclaim Your Life
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, or Sebring, you don’t have to face this alone. At Hoskins Turco Lloyd & Lloyd, we’ve been serving Florida’s Treasure Coast for over 40 years with experienced, compassionate legal care. We’ll fight for you, so you can focus on healing.
Call us today at 866-930-6435 for a free, no-obligation consultation.