BOCA RATON TRUCK ACCIDENT Lawyers

TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN BOCA RATON

Protecting Your Rights After a Serious Collision

A truck accident can change everything in an instant. Serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost income create immediate stress, while insurance companies work to minimize payouts. Unlike regular car crashes, truck accidents involve federal trucking regulations, multiple liable parties, and corporate legal teams that start building their defense right away.

If you were injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to take on the trucking and insurance companies alone. The Boca Raton truck accident lawyers at Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel, PLLC will fight for justice and the compensation you deserve—call (561) 367-7799 for a free consultation today.

After the Accident: Protect Your Health & Your Case

The moments after a truck accident can feel overwhelming, but what you do next can impact both your recovery and your ability to seek compensation. Taking the right steps helps preserve evidence and prevents insurance companies from taking advantage of you.

Get Medical Attention Immediately

Calling 911 is the first step, even if injuries are not immediately obvious. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Seeking medical care creates a record that connects the injuries to the crash, which is important for both health and legal reasons.

Document the Accident Scene

If it is safe, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and the truck driver, including their employer and insurance provider. The trucking company may start building its defense immediately, so gathering your own evidence is important.

Be Careful When Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies might contact victims soon after the crash with questions or a quick settlement offer. Anything said to an adjuster can be used to minimize or deny a claim. It is best to avoid giving a recorded statement and to speak with an attorney before discussing the accident with the trucking company’s insurer.

Request a Copy of the Police Report

The police report includes key details about the accident, such as statements from drivers and witnesses, citations issued, and the officer’s initial assessment of fault. The police report can serve as important evidence in a claim.

Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney Before Accepting a Settlement

Once a settlement is accepted, no additional compensation can be pursued. Trucking companies can offer low settlements that do not cover long-term medical care, lost wages, or future expenses. An attorney can review the full impact of the accident and negotiate for a settlement that accounts for both current and future losses.

Why Truck Accidents Are More Complicated Than Car Crashes

Truck accidents involve greater risks, more severe injuries, and a more complex claims process than standard car accidents. The weight and size of commercial trucks increase the force of impact, and multiple parties could be responsible, which makes liability harder to determine.

Severe Injuries and Higher Medical Costs

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which makes collisions more dangerous than those involving passenger vehicles. Victims can suffer head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or internal damage, which can require extensive medical treatment. Recovery can take months or years, and some injuries lead to permanent disabilities. Medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care costs add financial strain on top of physical recovery.

How Trucking Companies and Insurers Work to Minimize Payouts

Trucking companies and their insurers begin building their defense immediately after a crash. They may send representatives to the accident scene, collect statements from witnesses, and preserve evidence that benefits them. At the same time, they may:

Offer quick settlements before victims know the full extent of their injuries
Delay claims to pressure victims into accepting less compensation
Argue that the victim was partially or fully responsible for the crash

Without the guidance of an experienced truck accident attorney there is a risk of accepting a settlement that does not cover the full cost of their medical care, lost earnings, and other damages.

Liability Extends Beyond the Truck Driver

Unlike a car accident, where fault is usually limited to the drivers involved, truck accident claims may involve multiple responsible parties. The truck driver might be at fault, but the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or truck manufacturers could also share liability. Each of these parties could have separate insurance coverage, which makes the case more complex.

Our experienced truck accident attorneys identify all potential sources of compensation, negotiate with multiple insurers, and make sure that victims receive the full amount they are owed.

Do I Have a Truck Accident Case?

Not every truck accident leads to a lawsuit, but when someone else’s negligence caused the crash, you might have the right to seek compensation. Negligence means that a driver, trucking company, or another party failed to act with reasonable care and it directly led to the accident and your injuries.

How Negligence Is Proven in a Truck Accident

To recover damages, you need to prove that someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused the crash. In truck accident cases, negligence can involve:

Driver errors – Speeding, distracted driving, falling asleep at the wheel, or driving under the influence.
Trucking company violations – Hiring unqualified drivers, not maintaining vehicles, or forcing drivers to work beyond legal limits.
Cargo loading mistakes – Improperly secured or overloaded freight that causes a truck to lose balance or jackknife.
Defective truck parts – Brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering system malfunctions that lead to a loss of control.

If the evidence shows that the accident happened because of any of these factors, you likely have a valid truck accident case.

What If the Truck Driver Was From Another State?

Many truck drivers travel across multiple states, meaning the person who caused your accident may not be a Florida resident. However, if the crash happened in Florida, Florida law applies to the case. The trucking company and its insurer can be held accountable regardless of where they are based.

Because trucking companies sometimes operate in multiple states, they are required to follow both federal and state laws, which can add another layer of complexity. Our Florida truck accident attorneys are experienced in truck accident litigation and know how to determine which laws apply.

How Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Your Case

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault. If you are more than 50% responsible for the accident, you cannot recover any damages.

For example, if you are awarded $500,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $400,000. Insurance companies try to shift blame to victims to reduce their payout, so our attorneys present evidence that clearly links negligence to the full extent of your injuries and losses.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered?

A truck accident can leave you with serious injuries, major medical bills, and financial uncertainty. The law allows victims to recover compensation for both economic losses (tangible costs like medical expenses and lost wages) and non-economic losses (the personal impact of the accident, such as pain and suffering).

Financial Losses

Truck accidents can lead to extensive medical treatment and significant financial strain. Our attorneys work to recover the full compensation you deserve, including the following:

Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
Lost wages – Compensation for time missed at work because of your injuries.
Reduced earning capacity – If injuries prevent returning to the same type of work or limit future income.
Property damage – The cost of vehicle repairs or replacement.

Personal and Emotional Losses

Beyond medical bills and lost income, a truck accident can have a lasting effect on your daily life. Compensation may also account for:

Pain and suffering – The physical pain and discomfort caused by serious injuries.
Emotional distress – Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or the mental toll of a life-changing accident.
Loss of companionship – Available to family members in wrongful death cases when a loved one is lost in a truck accident.

How Much Is a Truck Accident Case Worth?

The value of a truck accident case can vary from thousands to millions, but depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost income, and how the crash has affected daily life. Insurance companies may downplay the long-term impact, which is why a lawyer gathers medical records, employment history, and expert testimony to prove the full value of the case.

Every case is different, but an experienced truck accident attorney can assess all damages and negotiate for the compensation needed to cover both financial and personal losses.

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle

Truck accidents happen in many ways, and the cause of the crash plays a major role in determining liability. Our attorneys handle cases involving:

Collisions with 18-Wheelers and Semi-Trucks

High-speed crashes on highways can involve truck drivers who fail to brake in time, make unsafe lane changes, or lose control. Black box data, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction help establish fault.

Jackknife, Rollover, and Underride Accidents

Some crashes involve the truck itself becoming unstable:

Jackknife accidents – Happen when the trailer swings out and blocks multiple lanes.
Rollovers – Occur when a truck tips onto its side, sometimes crushing smaller vehicles.
Underride accidents – Happen when a car slides under a truck’s trailer, which can lead to fatal injuries.

Crashes Caused by Overloaded or Unsecured Cargo

Improperly loaded cargo can shift or spill, which can cause dangerous accidents. Some trucks exceed weight limits, making it harder to stop in time. A review of cargo records and truck inspections can help determine liability.

Driver Fatigue and Violations of Federal Safety Rules

Truck drivers are required to follow strict limits on driving hours. Fatigue-related crashes can involve violations of these rules, which can be proven through electronic logging records, GPS data, and black box reports.

Fatal Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims

When a truck crash results in loss of life, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim for lost financial support, medical expenses, and other damages. Our attorneys investigate company policies, driver history, and maintenance records to identify negligence and build a case that holds all responsible parties accountable.

What to Look for in a Truck Accident Attorney

The attorney you choose can make a significant difference in your case. Truck accident claims involve federal safety laws, multiple liable parties, and insurance companies that work to minimize payouts. A lawyer with the right experience and resources knows how to handle these challenges and fight for maximum compensation.

When hiring a truck accident attorney, consider:

A proven track record of handling complex truck accident cases.
Experience with trucking industry regulations and federal safety laws.
The ability to take cases to trial if the insurance company refuses to settle.
A commitment to recovering full compensation, not just quick payouts.

Our attorneys understand how trucking companies and insurers operate and will be prepared to counter their tactics and protect your case.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Liability in a truck accident is not always limited to the driver. Depending on what caused the crash, multiple parties may be responsible. Our attorneys conduct detailed investigations to determine who should be held accountable and recover full compensation for victims.

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers have a duty to operate safely, but some crashes happen because of reckless behavior. Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and impaired driving cause many truck accidents. Some drivers violate federal hours-of-service regulations by staying on the road longer than legally allowed, which increases the risk of fatigue-related crashes.

Trucking Companies

Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, properly implementing safety protocols, and maintaining their fleets. Some companies put profit over safety and choose unqualified drivers, create unrealistic schedules that encourage speeding, or neglect vehicle maintenance. If a crash happens because of these failures, the company may be liable.

Cargo Loaders

Improperly loaded cargo can make a truck unstable and increase the risk of rollovers, jackknife accidents, or cargo spills. Cargo loading companies may be liable if they overloaded the truck, failed to secure freight properly, or transported hazardous materials without following safety regulations.

Manufacturers and Mechanics

Mechanical failures contribute to truck accidents when brakes, tires, or steering systems fail. If a defective part played a role in the crash, the truck manufacturer, parts supplier, or maintenance provider may be responsible. Poor maintenance, skipped inspections, or faulty repairs can also lead to preventable accidents.

Government Agencies

Poor road conditions, missing signs, or unsafe construction zones can contribute to truck accidents. A government agency may be responsible if road design flaws, potholes, or malfunctioning traffic signals played a role in the crash.

Determining fault in a truck accident is complex, but our attorneys examine every factor to hold all responsible parties accountable. Identifying multiple sources of compensation helps victims recover the maximum amount they are owed.

How Trucking Companies and Insurers Fight Claims

Trucking companies and their insurers start working against accident victims almost immediately. Their goal is to reduce liability and minimize payouts, even when the truck driver or company is clearly at fault.

Rushing to Control the Narrative

Trucking companies may send investigators to the crash scene within hours. They’ll collect statements, take photos, and gather evidence that supports their version of events. Before the injured party has a chance to secure a truck accident attorney, the company may already have a defense strategy in place.

Pushing Quick Settlements

Insurance companies know that accident victims are dealing with medical bills and financial stress. They may offer a fast settlement before the full extent of the injuries is clear. Early offers like this usually fail to cover future medical expenses, lost earning potential, and long-term care needs. Once a settlement is accepted, additional compensation cannot be pursued.

Shifting Blame

Insurance adjusters look for ways to place some or all of the blame on the victim. They may argue that the injured driver was speeding, following too closely, or failed to take proper evasive action. Florida’s comparative negligence law allows insurance companies to reduce payouts based on the percentage of fault assigned to the victim, so they work aggressively to shift responsibility.

Delaying the Claim Process

Some insurers slow down the claims process to wear victims down. Delays in returning calls, unnecessary paperwork requests, and extended investigations are tactics used to push accident victims into accepting lower settlements out of frustration.

Losing or Concealing Evidence

Trucking companies control access to key evidence, including black box data, driver logs, and vehicle maintenance records. If this evidence proves negligence, they may resist turning it over. In some cases, records disappear or are altered to protect the company. Our lawyers can file legal demands to preserve evidence before it is lost.

A trucking company’s defense strategy begins the moment a crash happens. Without an attorney, victims may be pressured into unfair settlements or struggle to access the evidence needed to prove fault. Our attorneys push back against these tactics to protect clients and recover the compensation they deserve.

Why Black Box Data and Other Evidence Are Important

Certain types of evidence provide clear proof of negligence in a truck accident and help establish liability. Trucking companies control much of this information, and without pressure from an attorney, critical records may be lost or withheld.

Black box data records speed, braking, and hours of service leading up to the crash.
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) track driver hours to determine if rest requirements were violated.
Dashcam footage and surveillance videos capture how the crash happened.
Maintenance and inspection records show whether mechanical failures contributed to the accident.
Cargo records help determine if improper loading played a role.

Evidence like black box data, maintenance records, and dashcam footage can establish liability and counter claims made by the trucking company or its insurers. A lawyer can take action to obtain and preserve these records before they disappear.

How Our Truck Accident Lawyers Build a Winning Case

Winning a truck accident case starts with collecting evidence before it disappears and proving liability against all responsible parties.

Investigating the Cause of the Crash

A thorough investigation begins with collecting crash reports, black box data, and trucking company records, which can reveal whether the truck driver was speeding, fatigued, or failed to follow required safety protocols. Maintenance logs and inspection reports can help determine if mechanical failures contributed to the accident.

Using Expert Analysis to Strengthen the Case

Truck accident cases may require specialized experts to analyze key aspects of the crash. Accident reconstruction specialists can review things like impact points, debris patterns, and traffic signal data to determine how the collision happened. Medical experts can provide testimony on the extent of injuries and long-term care needs, while financial experts can calculate lost income and future expenses.

Proving Liability When Multiple Parties Are Involved

Liability in a truck accident is rarely limited to the driver. Trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and manufacturers may all share responsibility. Our attorneys review employment records, cargo manifests, and company safety policies to determine if a violation of federal or state trucking laws contributed to the crash.

Negotiating with Insurers for Full Compensation

If insurance companies offer quick settlements that do not cover the true cost of the accident on your life, our attorneys push back by presenting clear, documented evidence of financial and personal losses. If negotiations do not result in a fair offer, we will prepare to take the case to court.

Taking Legal Action When a Settlement Is Not Enough

Some trucking companies and insurers refuse to take responsibility, even when clear evidence proves negligence. When that happens, our attorneys file lawsuits and prepare cases for trial. A well-documented case forces the other side to take settlement negotiations seriously, and if needed, we are ready to present the case in front of a jury.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Truck accident lawsuits have to be filed within a set time frame. If the deadline passes, the right to seek compensation may be lost.

Florida’s Two-Year Filing Deadline

The Florida statute of limitations for personal injury gives truck accident victims two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, the deadline is two years from the date of death.

What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?

Once the statute of limitations expires, the case will likely be dismissed. Even with strong evidence, insurance companies will not negotiate a settlement once the legal window has closed.

Exceptions That May Apply

If a government-owned truck was involved, a claim may need to be filed within a few months. Cases involving defective truck parts could have different deadlines depending on the circumstances.

The best way to avoid missing a deadline is to act quickly. A lawyer can handle the required filings and make sure all required steps are taken on time.

Trust Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel to Win Your Case

Truck accident claims are not just about securing compensation—they are about holding negligent trucking companies accountable and making sure you have the resources to recover. Our attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination to take on powerful insurance companies and win cases that change lives.

Call Lesser, Landy, Smith & Siegel at (561) 367-7799 for a free, no-obligation consultation.