South Florida Truck Accident Lawyers Dedicated To Securing Justice
Truck accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle collisions on the road. When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, catastrophic injuries or deaths often result. Victims and families are left grappling with serious injuries, tragic loss of life, emotional trauma and financial hardship.
We at The Tinstman Law Firm, P.A., help truck accident survivors and surviving family members pursue compensation. Led by trial attorney Eric Tinstman, our team of truck accidents attorneys brings over 36 years of combined experience and a deep understanding of Florida personal injury law to every case.
Handling All Kinds Of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Our truck accidents attorneys handle cases involving all types of commercial vehicles, including:
- 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers
- Box trucks and delivery vans
- Utility company vehicles
- Construction trucks and heavy machinery
- Garbage trucks and recycling vehicles
- Fuel and chemical transporters
- Buses, limousines and shuttle vans
- Trade company trucks and service vehicles
These vehicles are often large, heavy and difficult to maneuver. When drivers are fatigued, distracted or improperly trained – or when companies fail to maintain their fleets – accidents happen. Our truck accidents attorneys investigate every detail to determine what went wrong and who is responsible.
What Injuries Often Result From Truck Accidents?
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, the injuries sustained in a Florida truck crash are often severe. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
These devastating injuries can lead to long-term disability, loss of income, extensive medical bills and diminished quality of life. Our truck accidents attorneys fight to ensure victims receive full compensation for their serious injury, recovery and future needs.
Who Is Liable In A Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases are complex and often involve multiple parties. Liability may fall on:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The vehicle manufacturer
- Maintenance contractors
- Cargo loaders or third-party logistics providers
Often, multiple parties may be involved, making these cases even more complex.
Our truck accidents attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties. We are committed to holding all negligent parties accountable under Florida personal injury law.
Florida Truck Accident Claim Statute Of Limitations
If you have been injured in a trucking accident in Florida, you have just two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for damages. This may seem like a lengthy window, but building a case against a trucking company takes time. It is best to get started as soon as possible because you do not want to lose your chance to file a lawsuit. Truck accidents often cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. You will need considerable compensation for your medical bills and other damages, and the truck company likely will employ tactics to deny your claim.
If a minor child was injured in the accident, the deadline may be paused until they turn 18. Also, an incapacitated person who is injured has an extended deadline to file. Speak with us about how any exceptions to the filing period apply in your case.
Understanding Florida Truck Lane Laws And How They Affect Your Case
Florida has implemented truck lane restrictions on several major highways to improve safety and reduce collisions involving large commercial vehicles. These rules are meant to limit dangerous lane changes and reduce the risk of high-speed crashes caused by heavy trucks weaving through traffic.
Under Florida law, many multilane interstates require commercial trucks to remain out of the left or inside lane. This lane is reserved primarily for passenger vehicles, allowing smaller cars to pass safely without interference from slower-moving trucks. These restrictions have been in place for decades on major corridors such as I-95 in South Florida and I-75 from the Florida-Georgia border down toward the Turnpike. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, these rules are intended to reduce truck-related crashes by minimizing sudden lane changes and congestion-related conflicts.
Truck lane laws typically apply to six-lane interstate highways, particularly in rural or high-speed areas. While commercial trucks must stay out of the inside lane, other large vehicles, such as tour buses and recreational vehicles, are not subject to the same restriction. When truck drivers violate these rules, they may be cited under Florida Statute 316.074, which carries fines and potential penalties on their commercial driver’s license.
For everyday drivers, understanding these restrictions can be important after an accident. If a truck was traveling in a restricted lane at the time of a crash, that violation may help establish negligence. This detail can become a critical part of an injury claim, especially when combined with other factors such as speeding, driver fatigue or improper training.
Truck lane violations may contribute to accidents in several ways:
- Trucks improperly using the left lane, forcing sudden braking or unsafe passing maneuvers
- Increased congestion caused by trucks blocking faster-moving traffic
- Reduced visibility for passenger vehicles attempting to navigate around large commercial trucks
- Heightened risk of multivehicle collisions due to limited reaction time
Recognizing whether a truck driver followed lane restrictions can provide valuable insight into what caused an accident. At The Tinstman Law Firm, P.A., we carefully review roadway conditions, traffic laws and driver behavior to build strong cases for our clients. Understanding how truck lane laws apply to your accident can play a meaningful role in securing the compensation you deserve.
Get Help From A Florida Truck Accidents Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida motor vehicle accident involving a commercial vehicle, please reach out to us for help. Our truck accidents attorneys offer free consultations to explain your rights and legal options. You can contact us online or reach us by phone at 305-832-1412.