Truck accidents can destroy lives in a matter of seconds. Imagine, you’re driving home on I-4 or the Turnpike, and the next, your car is crushed under the weight of a semi-truck. The sound, the shock, and the chaos hit all at once. Then come the hospital bills, the phone calls from insurance, and the questions you can’t answer without a truck accident lawyer.
Many people in Florida wait too long before speaking with a lawyer. They assume the insurance company will be fair, or that their injuries will heal quickly. But truck crashes aren’t like ordinary fender benders. They involve commercial carriers, multiple insurance layers, and evidence that can disappear in days.
At MANGAL, PLLC, we see what happens when people wait too long to get help. We’ve helped countless clients across Central Florida recover from devastating truck accidents.
Why does timing matter after a truck crash in Florida?
The clock starts the moment the crash happens. Trucking companies have lawyers and investigators who move immediately. Their goal is to limit what they owe and they never thik of protecting you or car for you.
Evidence like skid marks, dash-cam footage, and electronic driver logs can vanish quickly. Without fast action, all evidence can be wiped off.
Your health also depends on timing. Florida’s no-fault system gives you 14 days to seek medical treatment under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. You miss that, and you could lose up to $7,500 of available coverage.
Calling a Florida truck accident lawyer early isn’t about rushing into a lawsuit. It’s about protecting your rights while you heal. Our Clermont truck accident attorney can send preservation letters, collect police reports, and handle the insurance calls before you say something that could hurt your claim.
Why act fast:
- Trucking companies start investigating immediately.
- ECM and dash-cam data can be deleted within days.
- Witness memories fade quickly.
- Early treatment supports both recovery and your claim.
At MANGAL, PLLC, we handle the legal side from day one.
What makes truck accident claims different from car accidents?
A truck crash isn’t just a “bigger car accident.” It’s an entirely different process. Commercial trucks are heavily regulated, carry massive insurance policies, and are backed by corporate legal teams ready to fight from day one.
When a semi-truck is involved, responsibility rarely stops at the driver. The trucking company, the shipper, the maintenance crew, and even the manufacturer of a faulty part could share the blame. Proving fault means untangling all those pieces — and that takes experience.
A Florida truck accident lawyer knows what to look for:
- Driver fatigue: Was the trucker on the road longer than allowed by law?
- Maintenance issues: Were brakes, tires, or inspections ignored?
- Logbook and ELD records: Do the driver’s logs match GPS data?
- Black box data: How fast was the truck going, and when did the brakes engage?
- Company violations: Did the carrier push deadlines or overload the truck?
Each detail can tell the real story of how the crash happened. The trucking company will already be building its defense. Our experts know how to get those records before they disappear. We don’t wait for the insurer’s version of the story.
When should you call a Florida truck accident lawyer right away?
Not every crash means you need an attorney. But with a truck accident, the stakes are higher, and waiting can cost you.
If any of the following apply, call our lawyer immediately:
- You or someone else was seriously injured or hospitalized.
- The truck driver’s story doesn’t match what happened.
- The trucking company or their insurer contacts you first.
- You’re asked to give a recorded statement.
- The police report contains errors or missing details.
- You’ve been offered a quick settlement.
- There’s any sign of driver fatigue, DUI, or equipment failure.
Truck carriers are required by law to keep logs, inspection reports, and “black box” data. But they don’t have to keep them forever. Without legal action, that evidence can be erased or written over within weeks.
A lawyer can send preservation letters right away and even formal legal notices that stop the company from deleting critical data. This ensures that when it’s time to prove fault, the facts are still there.
Who can be held responsible in a Florida truck accident?
Truck crashes often involve more than one at-fault party. Finding them all is key to getting full compensation.
Your lawyer will look beyond the driver to identify others who share the blame, including:
- The trucking company, for poor hiring, unsafe schedules, or pushing drivers to skip rest breaks.
- The maintenance contractor, if faulty brakes or tires played a role.
- The cargo loader or shipper, if the load was unbalanced or overweight.
- The manufacturer, if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash.
- Third-party brokers, who coordinate shipments and may influence unsafe deadlines.
Each of these entities may carry separate insurance coverage. By identifying all responsible parties, your lawyer widens the available pool of compensation — which can make a major difference in your final recovery.
Truck accident cases in Florida often require deep investigation, subpoenas for company records, and expert analysis. That’s why experience matters.
How does Florida’s comparative negligence law affect your claim?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation depends on how much of the crash was your fault.
If you’re 50% or less at fault, your award is reduced by that percentage. But if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover anything.
Here’s a simple example:
If your case is worth $200,000 but you’re found 20% at fault, your recovery would drop to $160,000.
This rule gives insurance companies a strong incentive to shift blame onto you. Their adjusters might argue that you were speeding, distracted, or following too closely.
To protect yourself, your lawyer needs to build a clear, evidence-backed case showing what really happened. That includes:
- Crash scene photos and skid mark analysis.
- Data from the truck’s black box or electronic logging device (ELD).
- Dash-cam and surveillance footage.
- Witness statements and 911 transcripts.
- Police reports and expert accident reconstruction.
What evidence needs to be preserved right away?
In truck accident cases, evidence is everything — and it disappears fast. Skid marks fade, vehicles get repaired, and trucking companies quietly “lose” data once their lawyers step in.
Here’s what must be preserved immediately:
- Electronic Control Module (ECM) data – the truck’s “black box,” showing speed, braking, and engine activity before the crash.
- Driver’s electronic logbooks – proof of hours worked and rest breaks.
- Inspection and maintenance records – show whether the truck was safe to drive.
- Cargo loading records – reveal if the truck was overloaded or improperly balanced.
- Camera footage – from dash-cams, traffic cameras, or nearby businesses.
At MANGAL, PLLC, we usually send out spoliation letters the same day we take a case. These letters legally require the trucking company to preserve all electronic and paper evidence. Once that data is gone, it’s gone forever, and that’s exactly what some companies count on.
What does a lawyer do in the first week after a truck accident?
The first week after a crash is crucial. You’re likely focused on medical care and family, not paperwork — and that’s exactly when insurance companies move in.
Here’s what a good Florida truck accident lawyer handles right away:
- Gets the full crash report from law enforcement.
- Sends preservation letters to the carrier, shipper, and mechanic.
- Orders black box and ELD downloads before they’re deleted.
- Tracks down witnesses and nearby surveillance footage.
- Coordinates medical care and treatment documentation.
- Handles all communication with adjusters and insurers.
This early action sets the tone for your entire case. It stops companies from controlling the story and ensures you’re the one backed by evidence, not guesswork.
At MANGAL, PLLC, we take over everything from the moment you hire us.
What compensation can you recover after a Florida truck crash?
Truck accidents often cause more serious harm than standard car crashes. Victims face long hospital stays, lasting injuries, and major financial strain. Florida law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages.
You can claim compensation for:
Economic losses:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle damage, towing, and rental costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses (medication, travel, childcare, etc.)
Non-economic losses:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
- Scarring or permanent disability
In rare cases, punitive damages may apply if the trucking company or driver acted recklessly such as driving under the influence, falsifying logs, or ignoring maintenance rules.
The goal is simple: to make you financially whole and give you the resources to move forward.
What deadlines apply to truck accident cases in Florida?
Florida’s new statute of limitations (as of 2023) gives most injury victims two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. But there are exceptions:
- Wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death
- Property damage: 4 years
- Claims against government agencies: shorter notice deadlines
Miss these timelines, and your claim may be permanently barred — no matter how strong your evidence is. That’s why acting early with a lawyer is so critical.
What mistakes quietly cost Floridians money after truck crashes?
Truck accident victims often make simple mistakes that lower their case value. Avoid these:
- Waiting too long to see a doctor
- Giving a recorded statement to insurance
- Posting about the crash on social media
- Accepting a “quick” settlement before knowing your injuries
- Ignoring long-term treatment or skipping therapy
- Not hiring a lawyer when trucking companies already have teams defending them
A quick call to MANGAL, PLLC can help you avoid these costly errors.
FAQs About Florida Truck Accidents
Do I really need a lawyer after a truck accident?
Yes. Trucking companies have their own attorneys and investigators from day one. You should too.
When should I call a lawyer?
As soon as possible — ideally within days of the crash — to protect evidence and your rights.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes, if you’re 50% or less responsible. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Two years from the crash date for injury cases in Florida.
Can I handle the insurance claim myself?
You can, but you risk losing valuable evidence or settling for less than your case is worth.
What if the trucking company is out of state?
You can still bring the claim in Florida if the crash happened here.
Key Takeaways for Florida Drivers
- Timing is everything — call a lawyer early.
- Trucking companies move fast to protect themselves.
- Evidence like black box data can disappear in days.
- Florida’s 2-year injury deadline is strict.
- Never give statements or sign papers before legal advice.
- A lawyer can level the field and protect your recovery.
Ready to Talk to a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer?
After a truck crash, you don’t need to face the system alone. At MANGAL, PLLC, we’ve helped hundreds of Floridians get their lives back after devastating truck accidents.
We’re proud to be voted #1 Injury Firm in Central Florida, with 5-star ratings on Google and Avvo. Attorney Mangal personally oversees every case.
Get a free consultation today. We’re available 24/7 and serve clients in Clermont, Orlando, and across Central Florida. We’ll handle the fight so you can focus on recovery.
