Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
Truck accidents are catastrophic and confusing. In the aftermath, how should you handle your claim for compensation? If you’re not sure, call a Brandon truck crash lawyer today.
Semi-trucks are a common sight on Florida highways, but they’re more than just a fixture at rest stops—they can be deadly. When the trucker makes a wrong move, he or she can cause major damage to property, people, and lives.
Unfortunately, you might have experienced a truck driver’s carelessness firsthand. At Lopez & Humphries, PA, we’ve seen many survivors of major 18-wheeler crashes, and we know just how serious these wrecks can be. Worse, you may have to fight for the compensation you need, which isn’t easy. You’ll need to determine what your case is worth, who’s responsible, and how to get what you need.
That’s where a Brandon truck accident lawyer comes in. We’ll help your case succeed so you can focus on your health.
Investigating Fault After a Truck Accident in Brandon
One of the first obstacles for many survivors of truck crashes is fault. It should be simple: In a serious case where your insurance won’t cover all of your damages, the person who caused the accident should be responsible, right?
Crashes involving big rigs aren’t so simple. In most cases, truck drivers are at work when they are behind the wheel, meaning they’re under the responsibility of their employer, which may be liable for its employees. In this case, you’ll need to consider who is responsible for the serious damages you’ve suffered more carefully.
In addition to the trucker and trucking company, several other entities could hold some blame. Naming the right defendant will be important for getting your compensation quickly, and a truck accident lawyer in Brandon can help you do that.
Insurance and Your Truck Crash Compensation
Determining who is at fault for your 18-wheeler accident won’t be the only major obstacle, unfortunately. You’ll also need to contend with the insurance companies, which is complicated by insurance laws.
Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning that your first option for recovery is your insurance company. But this may not cover all the expenses you have after a major accident like this. When your damages reach a certain threshold, you may be able to file for personal injury compensation.
Knowing how much your case is worth, however, can be complicated. While economic damages can be calculated based on your bills, like medical expenses and car repairs, non-economic damages can be more difficult to assess because they’re not physical or objective. You’ll likely need a Brandon semi-truck crash attorney to help you calculate your damages.
For an idea of some damages for which you could recover compensation, see the list below:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Car repairs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental trauma, which can lead to disorders like PTSD
Verified Florida Bar Credentials and Legal Standing
Navigating complex commercial trucking claims in Hillsborough County requires trial counsel with verified legal credentials. Our attorneys are active members in good standing with The Florida Bar and are fully licensed to practice across state and federal courts serving Brandon, Tampa, and Central Florida.
Our Track Record in Commercial Trucking Accidents
Holding major trucking corporations and insurers accountable requires a proven history of litigation. López & Humphries, P.A. has recovered over $113 million for injury victims and families across Central Florida. To review our history of settlements and verdicts, explore our Case Results and meet our team on our Our Attorneys page.
Call a Brandon Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
An 18-wheeler crash is a serious event, and you’ll likely need help getting back to normal. Your case could be complex, but the lawyers at Lopez & Humphries, PA are here to win—we don’t get paid to lose.
We’re ready to help you get the compensation you deserve today, and we can get started with a free consultation on your case. We’ll discuss what we can do and how we’ll help you before you sign anything. We want you to know we’re serious about your case.
For help from a Brandon truck accident lawyer, reach out to us. Give us a call at (863) 774-3573 or reach out through our online contact form below.
Frequently Asked Questions: Brandon Truck Accident Claims
Commercial semi-truck accidents on heavy traffic corridors like I-4, SR-60, and Brandon Boulevard present complex legal and regulatory challenges. Below are answers to key questions regarding deadlines, fault, insurance, and evidence in Brandon truck accident cases:
What is the filing deadline for a truck accident lawsuit in Brandon, Florida?
Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 95.11), the statute of limitations for a commercial truck accident lawsuit is two years from the date of the crash. Following Florida House Bill 837, the deadline was reduced from four years to two years for negligence claims arising on or after March 24, 2023. Wrongful death claims must also be filed within two years of the date of death.
How do federal FMCSA trucking regulations impact my injury claim?
Interstate motor carriers and commercial drivers operating in Hillsborough County must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. Key regulations include:
- Hours of Service (HOS): Driving limits imposed to prevent driver fatigue (such as restricting drivers to 11 maximum driving hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty).
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): Mandated digital recorders that capture vehicle speed, driving time, GPS location, and sudden braking metrics. Preserving this black-box ELD data immediately after a crash is essential to proving liability.
How does Florida’s modified comparative negligence law affect my recovery?
Under Fla. Stat. § 768.81, Florida follows a 51% modified comparative fault rule. You can recover compensation as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, though your total award is reduced by your fault percentage. If you are found more than 50% responsible, you are legally barred from recovering damages.
What damages can I recover after a commercial truck crash?
Victims of semi-truck collisions can seek economic and non-economic damages, including coverage for past and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, physical pain, emotional distress, and permanent disability.
What evidence is required to prove liability against a trucking company?
Proving negligence requires securing key evidence before it is overwritten or discarded by the motor carrier, including ELD digital logs, driver qualification files, post-accident drug and alcohol test results, maintenance logs, and cargo load manifests.
