A collision with a commercial truck can change your life in seconds. These vehicles—often weighing 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car—cause severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and even death in the event of a crash. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you deserve experienced legal support from a team that understands the complexities of these high-stakes cases.
At Boatman Ricci, we represent victims of truck accidents throughout Naples, Fort Myers, and across Southwest Florida. Truck accident cases are not like ordinary car accident claims. They require a strategic legal approach, swift evidence preservation, and a thorough understanding of both Florida law and federal trucking regulations.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex
Commercial trucking cases are inherently more complicated than typical vehicle crashes due to:
Multiple Liable Parties
In a trucking accident, liability may extend beyond just the driver. Responsible parties may include:
- The trucking company
- A shipping or logistics provider
- The company responsible for vehicle maintenance
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part
- A government entity (in cases involving road hazards)
Determining who is at fault requires a detailed investigation and often involves piecing together records from several different sources.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
The trucking industry is governed by strict federal safety laws, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover:
- Maximum driving hours (Hours of Service)
- Driver qualifications and drug testing
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection standards
- Cargo loading procedures
Violations of these regulations can be strong evidence of negligence in a personal injury lawsuit.
Preserving Critical Evidence
One of the most important steps after a truck accident is securing and preserving key evidence before it’s lost, destroyed, or overwritten.
Important forms of evidence include:
- Driver logs and Hours-of-Service records
- Black box data (event data recorders)
- Maintenance records
- Dispatch communications
- Truck camera footage (dash cams or trailer-mounted cameras)
- Drug and alcohol testing results after the crash
At Boatman Ricci, we send preservation-of-evidence letters (also called spoliation letters) immediately after taking a case. These letters legally require trucking companies and insurers to retain relevant documents and electronic records.
Injuries and Damages in Truck Accident Cases
Because of the sheer force involved, truck accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Multiple fractures
- Severe burns or disfigurement
In fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.
Depending on the circumstances, injured parties may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Funeral and burial costs (in wrongful death cases)
Our Approach to Truck Accident Litigation
When you hire Boatman Ricci, you get a team that’s ready to pursue justice with diligence and urgency. We build strong claims by:
- Conducting in-depth accident investigations
- Working with accident reconstructionists and medical experts
- Calculating full economic and non-economic damages
- Filing claims with both commercial and personal insurance policies
- Negotiating skillfully—and litigating when necessary
We’re not intimidated by large trucking companies or their insurers. Our attorneys are experienced in commercial litigation and understand how to hold these companies accountable for their actions.
Florida Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, personal injury victims typically have two years to file a lawsuit after a truck accident. It’s critical to act quickly—not only because of the legal deadlines, but also to ensure that evidence is preserved while it remains available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can be held liable in a truck accident?
In addition to the driver, the trucking company, vehicle maintenance provider, shipping companies, and manufacturers may also share liability depending on the cause of the crash.
Do I have a case if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you may still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Is the trucking company automatically liable for the driver’s actions?
Often, yes. Under the legal theory of respondeat superior, employers can be held responsible for the actions of employees performed within the scope of their employment.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, your ability to return to work, and many other factors. We can provide a personalized evaluation during your consultation.
Talk to a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to get help. The trucking company’s legal team and insurers are already working to protect themselves—you should too.
Contact Boatman Ricci today to schedule a confidential consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Naples, Fort Myers, and the surrounding areas.