Best Truck Accident Attorneys in Broward County
Truck accidents are unlike any other type of collision. The sheer size and momentum of an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle means that when something goes wrong, the consequences are often catastrophic. For victims, the road to recovery can be long, filled with medical treatments, lost wages, and unanswered questions.
At Clayton Trial Lawyers, we don’t just handle truck accident cases, we dig deep into them. We understand the complexities of the trucking industry and the tactics insurance companies use to avoid responsibility. Our Fort Lauderdale-based legal team is built to take on major trucking carriers, holding them accountable when their negligence puts lives at risk.
Truck crash cases demand swift and strategic action. From preserving black box data to analyzing driver logs and company safety records, we move quickly to protect your claim and uncover the truth.
Types of Commercial Vehicle Cases We Handle
We represent individuals and families in serious truck accident cases throughout Fort Lauderdale and South Florida, including:
• 18-wheeler and semi-truck collisions
• Box truck and delivery van accidents (FedEx, UPS, Amazon, etc.)
• Garbage truck and utility vehicle crashes
• Construction vehicle and dump truck incidents
• Jackknife and rollover accidents
• Underride crashes involving smaller passenger cars
• Accidents caused by unsecured or overloaded cargo
Whether your injuries occurred on I-95, a neighborhood road, or a job site, we are equipped to handle the legal, regulatory, and technical challenges unique to these cases.
Uncovering the Cause…and the Liability
Commercial trucking companies and their drivers are subject to strict safety rules under both Florida law and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). When these standards are violated, it puts everyone on the road in danger.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
• Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Faulty brakes or tire blowouts
• Inadequate driver training
• Speeding or reckless lane changes
• Failure to secure loads properly
In many cases, it’s not just the driver who’s at fault, liability can also extend to the trucking company, a third-party maintenance provider, the manufacturer of a defective part, or a negligent shipper. We pursue every responsible party to ensure you receive full compensation.
Truck accidents happen for many reasons, including negligence by drivers, trucking companies, and maintenance crews. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Distracted Driving
Long hours behind the wheel make it easy for truck drivers to become distracted. Texting, eating, using a GPS, or talking on the phone can take a driver’s attention off the road for just a few seconds—long enough to cause a collision.
2. Poor Truck Maintenance
Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly, but some neglect necessary repairs. Common maintenance failures include:
- Worn-out brakes
- Balding tires
- Steering system failures
- Faulty lights and signals
Any of these mechanical issues can lead to an accident, especially at high speeds on roads like I-95.
3. Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers work long hours, often under tight deadlines. While regulations limit how many hours they can drive, some push beyond legal limits to complete deliveries. Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
4. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles, making speeding especially dangerous. Some drivers also engage in aggressive lane changes, tailgating, or failing to use turn signals, putting others on the road at risk.
5. Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
When a truck carries more weight than legally allowed, it becomes harder to control, especially on turns. Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or debris to spill onto the road.
6. Impaired Driving
Some truck drivers use stimulants to stay awake during long shifts, while others may be under the influence of alcohol or prescription medications. Impaired driving slows reaction times and reduces a driver’s ability to make safe decisions.
What to Expect After a Truck Accident
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. You may be dealing with:
• Medical expenses for emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care
• Lost income due to time off work
• Pain and suffering from physical injuries and emotional trauma
• Property damage if your vehicle was totaled or needs major repairs
• Loss of a loved one, which may lead to a wrongful death claim
A Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer can help you seek financial recovery for these losses.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Unlike standard car accidents, truck accident claims often involve multiple responsible parties. Liability may fall on:
• The truck driver – If the driver was speeding, distracted, drowsy, or impaired, they may be responsible.
• The trucking company – Some companies pressure drivers to meet tight deadlines, leading to unsafe driving conditions. Others fail to maintain their fleets properly.
• The maintenance provider – If faulty repairs or lack of maintenance contributed to the crash, the repair company may be liable.
• The cargo loaders – Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can shift during transport, causing accidents.
• The truck manufacturer – Defective parts, such as faulty brakes or steering systems, may lead to product liability claims.
A Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney will investigate your case to identify all possible sources of compensation.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
Every truck accident case is different, but injured victims may recover compensation for:
• Medical expenses – Current and future medical bills related to the accident
• Lost wages – Compensation for time off work or reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life
• Property damage – Repairs or replacement of your vehicle
• Wrongful death – Compensation for funeral expenses and loss of financial support if a loved one was killed
In cases of extreme negligence, courts may also award punitive damages to hold the responsible party accountable.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Florida law allows four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the crash resulted in a wrongful death, the deadline is two years.
While this may seem like plenty of time, truck accident cases require thorough investigations. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Your Recovery Is Our Priority
Victims of truck accidents often face extensive physical injuries and emotional trauma. Our goal is to take the legal burden off your shoulders, so you can focus on healing while we focus on securing justice.
We fight to recover:
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members
When trucking companies try to shift blame or minimize your injuries, we counter with facts, expert testimony, and relentless advocacy, in negotiations or at trial.
Get Answers from a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorney
After a truck accident, the most important thing you can do is speak with an experienced attorney, before evidence is lost and the insurance company tries to close the case on their terms.
At Clayton Trial Lawyers, we bring the firepower of a trial-tested team and the focus of a boutique litigation firm. We know how to build winning cases, and we don’t settle for less than our clients deserve.
Call us at (833) 938-2300 or schedule a consultation to speak directly with a truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale. There’s no fee unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
If you’re physically able, call 911, seek medical attention, and document the scene. Take photos of all vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and signage. Get contact information for witnesses and avoid making statements to the trucking company or their insurer. Then, contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How is a truck accident different from a car accident case?
Truck accidents often involve more serious injuries, higher insurance policy limits, and more complex liability. There may be multiple parties involved, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance crews, or manufacturers. These cases also require a deeper investigation into federal and state trucking regulations.
Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, the vehicle’s owner, a shipping company, a mechanic, or even a parts manufacturer. At Clayton Trial Lawyers, we conduct a full analysis to identify every negligent party and pursue all available claims.
What evidence is most important in a truck accident case?
Key evidence includes the truck’s black box data (event data recorder), driver logs, maintenance records, dashcam footage, GPS tracking data, accident reconstruction reports, and medical documentation. It’s essential to act quickly so this evidence isn’t lost or destroyed.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida?
In most cases, Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, trucking companies begin building their defense almost immediately — so don’t wait to contact a lawyer.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Florida’s comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your level of responsibility.
Do commercial trucks carry more insurance coverage?
Yes. Federal regulations require commercial trucks to carry significantly higher liability coverage — often starting at $750,000 or more — which means there is usually more compensation available, but also more resistance from insurers.
Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was negligent?
Yes. In many cases, employers are legally responsible for the actions of their drivers. If the company failed to properly train, supervise, or screen their employee, they may be held directly liable as well.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and the impact on your quality of life. We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to ensure your damages are accurately calculated and aggressively pursued.
What does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
At Clayton Trial Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a truck accident, legal help is available. Clayton Trial Lawyers can guide you through the legal process and work toward the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.