Truck Accident Lawyers - Rafaeli Law, PLLC

Experienced Legal Representation for Trucking Accident Victims

Truck accidents can cause devastating injuries, property damage, and financial strain. At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we understand the complexity of commercial vehicle crashes and the aggressive defense tactics trucking companies use. Our attorneys are committed to helping accident victims recover full compensation for their losses and holding negligent drivers and corporations accountable. Learn more about our personal injury practice and explore our case results to see how we’ve helped past clients.

Understanding Truck Accidents and Their Impact

Large trucks, including semis, tractor-trailers, and commercial delivery vehicles, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The sheer size and weight make these vehicles particularly dangerous in collisions with passenger cars. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 33,000 commercial vehicle crashes reported in Florida in 2023, resulting in thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities (FLHSMV Crash Data).

Unlike typical car accidents, truck collisions often involve multiple liable parties and complex federal safety regulations. Understanding these layers of responsibility is essential to building a strong claim. Visit our car accident page to understand how these cases differ from standard vehicle collisions.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Several factors can contribute to a truck crash, including negligence by the driver, trucking company, or third-party contractors. Common causes include:

Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often face long hours behind the wheel, leading to slower reaction times and reduced awareness.
Distracted driving: Using GPS, phones, or dispatch devices while driving can divert a driver’s attention.
Improper maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or mechanical defects can cause catastrophic failures.
Overloaded or unsecured cargo: When loads are not properly balanced or secured, trucks become unstable and more prone to jackknife or rollover accidents.
Speeding or reckless driving: Tight delivery schedules can pressure drivers to exceed speed limits.

These factors often combine, leading to serious injuries and fatalities. For more insights into similar accidents, see our motorcycle accident and bicycle accident pages.

Determining Liability in a Truck Accident Case

Truck accident claims can involve several parties, each potentially responsible for the crash:

Truck driver: For negligent driving, fatigue, or drug/alcohol use.
Trucking company: For poor training, maintenance neglect, or unrealistic delivery schedules.
Cargo loaders: For improperly loaded or unbalanced freight.
Manufacturers: For defective truck parts or mechanical systems.
Maintenance contractors: For failure to inspect or repair critical components.

Understanding who is responsible requires a deep investigation into driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and federal safety compliance reports. Our team works with accident reconstruction experts and industry specialists to uncover every contributing factor.

Trucking Regulations and Compliance

The trucking industry is governed by strict federal and state laws, including regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover:

Hours of service (HOS): Limits how long drivers can operate before mandatory rest periods.
Weight limits: Prevent overloading that increases the risk of brake or tire failure.
Vehicle inspections and maintenance: Require regular safety checks.
Driver qualification standards: Ensure commercial operators hold valid licenses and clean driving records.

When trucking companies or drivers violate these regulations, they can be held legally liable for the consequences. Violations like falsifying logbooks or ignoring maintenance schedules often become central evidence in truck accident lawsuits.

Common Injuries in Truck Collisions

Truck accidents frequently result in severe or life-altering injuries, such as:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Multiple fractures or crush injuries
Severe burns
Internal bleeding and organ damage

Victims often face long recoveries and permanent disability. Visit our wrongful death page if a loved one was tragically lost in a trucking accident.

Areas We Serve

Weston

Miami

Atlanta

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Knowing what to do after a collision can make a significant difference in your case:

Call 911 immediately and request emergency assistance.
Document the scene with photos and witness information.
Seek medical attention, even for minor symptoms.
Avoid communication with trucking company representatives or insurers.
Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence.

For more accident preparation resources, visit our contact page or download our legal checklist via the resources section.

Types of Compensation Available

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (current and future)
Lost income and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Wrongful death damages for family members who lost loved ones

Truck accident settlements vary widely. The average payout in serious trucking cases can range from $150,000 to over $1 million, depending on severity and liability evidence (FMCSA Data Trends).

Why Hire Rafaeli Law PLLC

Experience with commercial vehicle litigation – We understand FMCSA regulations and how to apply them effectively.
Proven results – Our firm has recovered millions for accident victims across Florida.
Client-centered advocacy – You’ll receive regular updates and direct communication with your attorney.
No upfront fees – We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

To learn more about our success stories, visit our Case Results page or read Client Testimonials.

How Our Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we have the experience and resources to take on powerful trucking corporations and insurers. Our approach includes:

Conducting thorough accident reconstructions.
Gathering driver qualifications, maintenance logs, and inspection reports.
Identifying all liable parties and insurance policies.
Negotiating settlements or litigating aggressively in court.

Learn more about our firm’s values on our Our Story & Core Values page or explore testimonials from clients we’ve helped.

Truck Collision Case Overview

Case Element	Description	Example or Range
Common Parties Involved	Truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance contractor, parts manufacturer, and injured motorists.	Multi-vehicle pileup involving a semi-truck and passenger cars.
Primary Causes	Driver fatigue, improper maintenance, speeding, overloaded cargo, or distracted driving.	Violations of FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
Injuries Often Sustained	Spinal injuries, head trauma, fractures, burns, internal organ damage.	Catastrophic injuries requiring surgery and long-term rehab.
Average Settlement Range	Based on severity and liability; settlements often range from $150,000 – $1,000,000+.	Severe cases can exceed several million in damages.
Evidence Collected	Black box data, driver logs, inspection records, police reports, and dashcam footage.	Electronic Control Module (ECM) data used to reconstruct crash.
Legal Process Steps	Accident investigation, claim filing, negotiation, and potential litigation.	Cases typically take 8–24 months depending on complexity.
Damages Recoverable	Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and punitive damages.	Wrongful death claims include loss of consortium and future earnings.
Liability Factors	Federal regulation violations, employer negligence, defective equipment, or third-party fault.	Trucking company failed to maintain braking systems.
Attorney’s Role	Conducts investigation, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurers, and represents clients in court.	Legal strategy focuses on proving multiple layers of negligence.

Florida Truck Accident Statistics

Florida consistently ranks among the top states for truck-related fatalities. In 2022, the NHTSA reported that trucks accounted for nearly 9% of all fatal crashes in the state. Additionally, Broward and Miami-Dade counties have some of the highest concentrations of commercial traffic, making collisions more likely in these areas (NHTSA Florida Report).

Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

Hear from the clients who trusted us to fight for their justice—and found peace, resolution, and results.

Rafaeli Law is top-notch! From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and clearly knew what they were doing. They didn’t waste any time — they moved fast, kept me informed, and went after results with real determination. You can tell they’re go-getters who truly care about their clients. If you need a law firm that’s sharp, efficient, and fights for you, I highly recommend Rafaeli Law.

Maurice M.

Kerollos A.

Can't say enough good things about Rafaeli Law. Their team is incredibly professional, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping you through every step of the process. Their attention to detail and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome truly sets them apart. If you're looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and results-driven legal team, Rafaeli Law is the place to go.

Heather H.

I had a great experience with Rafaeli Law after my car accident. They were professional, responsive and always made sure I understood each step of the process. A special thank you to Jindy - she was absolutely amazing. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful every time I had questions or concerns. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal help after an accident.

Lorena Z.

Rafaeli Law, not only took the time to really listen to my situation but made me feel like they truly listened so they could understand and do the best they possibly could in asserting my case. In every step of the process they communicated with me. If I ever need a lawyer in the future I will be reaching out to them and will be recommending them to my friends and family.

Vanessa C.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes truck accident cases different from car accidents?

Truck accidents involve federal regulations, multiple insurers, and corporate defendants, making them more complex.

2. How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida?

Florida generally allows two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.

3. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which allows you to recover reduced damages based on your percentage of fault.

4. What evidence is most valuable in a truck accident case?

Black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and police reports are key in proving liability.

5. Do I need to go to court to settle a truck accident claim?

Not always. Many cases are resolved through negotiation, but our attorneys are fully prepared to go to trial if necessary.

6. What types of trucks are most commonly involved in accidents?

Semi-trucks, delivery trucks, dump trucks, and tankers are frequently involved in serious collisions.

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If you are facing a personal injury or insurance dispute, Rafaeli Law PLLC is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

1500 Weston Rd Suite 200, Weston, FL 33326

info@rafaelilaw.com

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