Pembroke Pines Truck Accident Lawyer

A crash with a commercial truck is not the same as an ordinary car accident. The vehicles are heavier, the injuries are usually worse, and the other side often includes a trucking company, its insurer and its lawyers, who may start working on the case within hours. If you are looking for a truck accident lawyer in Pembroke Pines, this page explains, in general terms, how these claims work. It is general information, not legal advice; every case is different.

Where Trucks Travel in Pembroke Pines

Pembroke Pines sits between two of South Florida's main freight routes. Interstate 75 runs through the western part of the city, and Florida's Turnpike runs along its eastern side. Pines Boulevard (State Road 820) connects them, running from U.S. 27 on the western edge of the city east toward Hollywood. U.S. 27 itself is a long north-south highway that carries trucks along the edge of the Everglades.

Some situations that lead to truck crashes in and around Pembroke Pines:

• Merging at the interchanges Trucks entering and leaving I-75 at Pines Boulevard and the Turnpike at Hollywood and Pines Boulevards need long gaps and have large blind spots.
• Stop-and-go traffic on the interstate A loaded tractor-trailer needs much more distance to stop than a car. When traffic slows suddenly, rear-end crashes can be devastating.
• Wide right turns Trucks turning at busy intersections such as Pines Boulevard and Flamingo Road or University Drive can swing into the next lane or catch a car in the "squeeze zone."
• Deliveries to shopping centers Box trucks and semis serve Pembroke Lakes Mall, The Shops at Pembroke Gardens and dozens of grocery stores and plazas, often backing into tight loading areas.
• Neighborhood delivery vans Amazon, FedEx, UPS and other vans stop often, double-park and back up on residential streets where children and pedestrians are present.

Who Can Be Responsible for a Truck Crash

In a typical car crash there is one at-fault driver and one insurance company. In a truck crash, several people and companies may share responsibility:

• The truck driver, for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, unsafe lane changes or following too closely.
• The motor carrier, for hiring an unqualified driver, poor training, unrealistic schedules or ignoring safety rules.
• The owner of the truck or trailer, which may be a different company from the carrier.
• The shipper or loader, if cargo was overloaded, unbalanced or not secured.
• A maintenance shop or parts maker, if worn brakes, bad tires or defective equipment played a role.

Each of these parties may have its own insurance. Identifying all of them matters, because it can change how much coverage is available for serious injuries.

Federal Trucking Rules and the Evidence They Create

Trucks that travel between states are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Those rules also create records that can become key evidence:

• Hours of service Property-carrying drivers may generally drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty, and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
• Electronic logging devices (ELDs) Most interstate trucks record driving time electronically. ELD data can show whether a driver was over the limit or driving without proper rest.
• Driver qualification files Carriers must keep records about each driver's license, medical certificate and driving history.
• Inspection and maintenance records Carriers must inspect, repair and maintain their vehicles and keep records of that work.
• Minimum insurance Interstate carriers of general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, with higher amounts for some hazardous materials.

Many trucks also have dashcams and engine data. Companies are not required to keep everything forever, so it is important to send a written request to preserve evidence as soon as possible.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Pembroke Pines

1. Call 911 and get medical care. Truck crashes often cause serious injuries, and some, like head and back injuries, may not show symptoms right away.
2. Get the police report. Crashes on I-75 and Florida's Turnpike are often handled by the Florida Highway Patrol; crashes on city streets are usually handled by the Pembroke Pines Police Department.
3. Photograph the truck. Take pictures of the truck and trailer, the company name, the USDOT number on the door, license plates, the scene and your injuries.
4. Get witness information. Other drivers who saw the crash can be very important, especially on the interstate.
5. Don't talk to the trucking company's insurer alone. Commercial insurers often call quickly. Speak with a lawyer before giving any statement or signing anything.
6. Keep every record. Save medical records, bills, work notes, repair estimates and all letters from insurance companies.

Your Rights After a Truck Crash in Florida

As with any Florida motor vehicle crash, your own PIP coverage generally pays part of your medical bills and lost income first. When injuries are serious, you may also bring a claim against the driver, the trucking company and other responsible parties for losses PIP doesn't cover, such as future medical care, lost earning ability, and pain and suffering. Families who lose a loved one in a truck crash may have a wrongful death claim.

Florida uses modified comparative negligence: in general, if you are found more than 50% at fault you cannot recover, and if you are 50% or less at fault your recovery is reduced by your share. Trucking companies often argue that the car driver cut off the truck or stopped suddenly, which is why early evidence matters.

Read more about truck accident claims in Florida, or go back to our Pembroke Pines car accident and personal injury page.

How We Help Truck Accident Victims in Pembroke Pines

Tomas Robirosa serves Pembroke Pines and the rest of Broward County, and you can speak with him directly in Spanish or English. We investigate the crash, identify the carrier and every other company involved, send preservation letters for ELD data, dashcam video and maintenance files, deal with the insurers and, if needed, file suit in Broward County.

We work on a contingency basis: no fee unless we recover. Call (305) 600-0529 for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions