Miami Truck Accident Lawyer – Serious Injury Claims

Truck accidents in Miami are more than just traffic incidents – they can be catastrophic events involving life-changing injuries, complex legal liability, and high-stakes insurance negotiations. Due to the sheer size of commercial trucks and 18-wheelers, collisions with passenger vehicles often result in severe damage or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need a skilled and aggressive advocate on your side.

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, our Miami truck accident attorneys help victims hold trucking companies, negligent drivers, and insurers accountable. We work tirelessly to secure maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.

Why Truck Accident Claims Are More Complex Than Car Accidents

Truck accident cases differ from standard car accident claims due to several unique factors:

Multiple Parties Can Be Liable: In many Miami truck crashes, more than one party shares responsibility. This could include the driver, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance crew, the company that loaded the cargo, or the manufacturer of a faulty truck component. Each party may be covered under different insurance policies, complicating the claims process.
Heavier Regulation: Commercial trucking is governed by extensive federal and state regulations, particularly the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). These laws dictate how long drivers can be on the road, how often trucks must be inspected, and how cargo should be secured. Violations of these rules often play a critical role in establishing negligence.
Greater Injury Severity: Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When they collide with standard passenger vehicles, the consequences are often devastating. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or fatalities. These injuries lead to high-value claims and require complex medical documentation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Miami

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 32,000 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles occurred in Florida in 2022. Miami-Dade County ranked among the top five counties for truck collisions, underscoring the local risk.

The most frequent causes include:

Driver Fatigue: Long-haul drivers often exceed their legal hours of service. Fatigue impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel.
Speeding or Reckless Driving: Many trucking companies impose strict delivery timelines, leading drivers to speed or cut corners to meet deadlines.
Improper Loading: Poorly loaded cargo may shift or spill during transit, making the vehicle harder to control or causing rollovers.
Mechanical Failures: Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and steering issues frequently result from missed inspections or faulty repairs.
Distracted Driving: Use of cell phones, onboard devices, or even eating while driving contributes to a significant number of truck crashes each year.

Liability and Insurance in Truck Accidents

Truck accident liability often involves overlapping legal responsibilities. Here’s how liability is typically assigned:

Truck Driver: May be held accountable for breaking traffic laws, driving under the influence, or ignoring hours-of-service rules.
Trucking Company: Can be found liable for negligent hiring, poor vehicle maintenance, or coercing drivers to violate safety rules.
Maintenance Providers: Responsible for substandard repairs or missed inspections.
Cargo Loaders: Liable if unsecured loads cause loss of control or jackknife accidents.
Truck or Parts Manufacturer: If faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems contributed to the crash.

Insurers representing commercial trucking fleets are known for aggressive tactics to delay, deny, or reduce claims. That is why we meticulously review:

Electronic logging device (ELD) data
Maintenance logs
Crash scene photos and surveillance
Black box recordings

These details form the backbone of a compelling claim.

Miami Truck Accident Cases Overview

Truck Accident Type	Common Injuries	Key Legal Concerns	Typical Locations
18-Wheeler Crashes	Traumatic brain injuries, fractures	Multiple-party liability, federal regulation violations	I-95, Florida Turnpike
Delivery Truck Collisions	Whiplash, back injuries	Employer negligence, driver records	Downtown Miami, Coral Gables
Dump/Garbage Truck Accidents	Crush injuries, amputations	Municipal liability, equipment failure	Residential streets
Tanker Truck Incidents	Burns, respiratory damage	Hazmat regulations, cargo manifests	Expressways, shipping routes
Underride/Override Accidents	Fatalities, spinal cord damage	Truck design standards, black box data	Intersections, highways
Flatbed/Construction Vehicle Accidents	Blunt trauma, lacerations	Load security violations, company liability	Construction zones, arterial roads

What Damages Can You Recover?

Our role as your Miami truck accident lawyer is to pursue full and fair compensation. Damages may include:

Medical expenses: Hospitalization, surgeries, rehab, therapy, and future care needs.
Lost income: Including missed work and reduced future earning ability.
Pain and suffering: Emotional trauma, anxiety, and loss of quality of life.
Property damage: Costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Disability and disfigurement: Permanent injuries that affect mobility or appearance.
Loss of consortium: For spouses of injured victims.
Wrongful death benefits: Funeral costs, loss of support, and companionship if a loved one was killed.

We use expert witnesses, medical records, and financial reports to quantify your losses and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. Explore our case results for real client success stories.

Why Choose Rafaeli Law PLLC as Your Personal Injury Lawyer

When your future is at stake, experience and strategy matter:

Extensive Truck Accident Experience: We focus on serious injury claims involving large commercial vehicles.
Federal Compliance Knowledge: We understand FMCSA regulations and how to prove violations.
Aggressive Litigation: Our attorneys are not afraid to take on national insurance carriers and big trucking companies.
Local Insight: We know Miami’s accident hotspots and court procedures.
Client-Centered Service: 24/7 availability, free consultations, and no fees unless we win.

Explore our client testimonials or meet our legal team.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Miami

Taking the right steps after a truck crash can significantly impact the outcome of your claim:

Call 911 – Get police and medical personnel on the scene. A police report is critical.
Get Medical Help – Document your injuries and symptoms immediately.
Document the Crash – Take photos of vehicle positions, damage, license plates, and road conditions. Talk to witnesses.
Avoid Insurance Statements – Don’t admit fault or accept early settlements.
Hire a Lawyer – Trucking companies act fast. You should too. We begin our investigations immediately to preserve black box data and witness statements.

Contact a Miami Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Truck accidents demand fast legal action, expert investigation, and an aggressive strategy. The sooner you call, the sooner we can preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Call Rafaeli Law PLLC at (954) 365-5639 or contact us online for your free consultation.

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

Florida law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It’s critical to act fast, as delays can result in lost evidence and reduced chances of recovery.

2. Who can be held liable for a Miami truck crash?

Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include the truck driver, trucking company, parts manufacturer, cargo loaders, and maintenance contractors. We investigate every angle to identify all liable parties.

3. What is the average settlement for a truck accident injury in Miami?

Settlements vary based on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and liability. However, truck accident settlements often exceed six figures and may reach millions in cases involving catastrophic injury or wrongful death.

4. How is a truck accident different from a regular car accident?

Truck accidents involve larger vehicles, federal regulations, higher insurance coverage, and more severe injuries. Multiple parties and more complex evidence also make these cases harder to resolve without an experienced attorney.

5. Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Their goal is to minimize payouts. Speak with a lawyer first. We handle all insurer communications to protect your rights and prevent lowball settlements.

6. Can I sue if a loved one died in a Miami truck crash?

Yes. Florida allows family members to file a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of income, emotional suffering, and other damages. We guide grieving families through this complex legal process.

7. What evidence is needed for a successful truck accident case?

We gather black box data, dashcam footage, driver logs, accident reconstructions, maintenance records, witness statements, and police reports. This forensic approach strengthens your claim.

8. Are commercial trucks required to carry more insurance in Florida?

Yes. Commercial trucks must carry significantly more liability insurance—up to $750,000 to $5 million, depending on cargo type. This gives victims access to greater compensation, but insurers aggressively defend these claims.

9. Where do most truck accidents happen in Miami?

High-risk zones include I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, US-1, and urban routes near PortMiami, where commercial traffic is heaviest. Residential areas are also seeing more delivery truck incidents due to rising e-commerce.

10. What does it cost to hire a Miami truck accident lawyer?

At Rafaeli Law PLLC, we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also offer free consultations.

Schedule a Consultation

Get a Free Consultation

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

Open 24 hours