1. Pajcic & Pajcic
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, log truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, car accidents, motorcycle accidents
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, cargo spill accidents, log truck accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, black box data retrieval, cargo securement investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Litigating claims in Jacksonville and beyond for more than 50 years. Recovered over $1.5 billion for clients, including more than $500 million in the last five years alone. Published results include $141 million verdict for three victims severely injured in a log truck accident, $26 million settlement for truck accident victim’s family, $9 million wrongful death recovery, and multiple 8-figure settlements in trucking cases. Experience handling complex cases throughout Florida and nationally. Attorneys possess extensive experience in trucking industry regulations and standards.
Location: 1 Independent Drive, Suite 1900, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Contact: (904) 358-8881 | https://www.pajcic.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, confidential, contingency fee arrangement
2. Farah & Farah
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, dump truck accidents, cargo truck accidents, flatbed truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, car accidents
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, blind spot accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents, overloaded truck accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Fighting for crash victims for over 40 years. Recovered over $2 billion in verdicts and settlements for clients. Experienced team of trucking attorneys who understand trucking company tactics after accidents. Offices throughout Florida with extensive local knowledge of Jacksonville legal system and state-specific laws and regulations.
Location: 10 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Contact: (904) 549-6434 | https://farahandfarah.com
Consultation: Free case review available, contingency fee arrangement
3. Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, delivery truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, car accidents
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, blind spot accidents, cargo accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents, maintenance failure accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, black box data retrieval, driver history investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: One of only a few attorneys in Florida to be Board-Certified in Truck Accident Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Tried hundreds of cases to verdict. Focus on quality over quantity with willingness to take cases to trial. Attorneys conduct intensive investigation into liable parties, driver history and patterns. Direct attorney contact throughout case (not case managers). Experience in federal regulations and industry standards governing trucking industry.
Location: 136 East Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Contact: (904) 356-6071 | https://cokerlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement
4. Terrell Hogan Law
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, car accidents, maritime accidents
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, cargo accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents, mechanical deficiency accidents
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, vehicle inspection investigation, black box data retrieval, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Extensive trucking accident experience representing victims throughout Florida. Knowledge of government guidelines that trucking companies, drivers, and independent truck drivers must follow, including sleep requirements and driving hour limitations. Understanding that approximately one in four semi-trucks upon inspection are mechanically deficient enough to be declared out of service. Experience investigating trucking accidents promptly to counter trucking company investigations.
Location: 233 East Bay Street, 8th Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Contact: (904) 632-2424 | https://terrellhogan.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement
5. Harrell & Harrell, P.A.
Practice Focus: Truck accidents, semi-truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, traumatic brain injuries, car accidents
Case Types Handled: Jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, rear-end collisions with trucks, head-on truck collisions, wide turn accidents, cargo accidents, driver fatigue accidents, brake failure accidents, hours of service violations
Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act violations investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, black box data retrieval, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Won largest settlement to date in Clay County, $6.5 million, representing a young man who suffered mild traumatic brain injury after a truck driver hit him head-on. Attorneys are well-versed in transportation laws, both federal and Florida state, particularly Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Florida legislature incorporated federal truck regulations into state laws. Experience obtaining black box information and determining if trucks exceeded FMCSA hours of service standards.
Location: 8300 Baymeadows Way, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256
Contact: (904) 251-1111 | (800) 251-1111 | https://www.harrellandharrell.com
Consultation: Free case consultation available, no cost or obligation, contingency fee arrangement
Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Florida
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident under Florida Statutes Section 95.11 (as amended by HB 837 in March 2023). Prior to March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations was four years. The new two-year limit applies to accidents occurring after March 24, 2023.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of the accident (reduced from four years by 2023 tort reform).
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death.
Claims Against Government Entities: Different procedures apply. Must file a notice of claim with the appropriate government agency first. The agency has 180 days to investigate and respond before a lawsuit can be filed.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Florida is a no-fault insurance state requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, victims of serious injuries can pursue negligence-based claims against at-fault parties beyond PIP coverage.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Florida changed from pure comparative negligence to modified comparative negligence in 2023 (HB 837). Under the new modified comparative negligence rule, you can only recover damages if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. If you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Florida requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of $10,000 and Property Damage Liability coverage of $10,000. Bodily injury liability coverage is not required but is recommended.
14-Day Rule: Florida law requires accident victims to seek medical evaluation and treatment within 14 days of their crash to preserve PIP benefits.
Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets minimum insurance requirements for commercial trucks based on vehicle weight and cargo type. Requirements range from $750,000 to $5 million depending on cargo classification.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Requirements: Florida requires all drivers to carry $10,000 in PIP coverage, which pays regardless of fault for medical expenses and lost wages up to policy limits.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Not mandatory in Florida but available for purchase and recommended.
Damage Caps: Florida does not cap compensatory damages in truck accident cases. Punitive damages may be capped in certain circumstances.
Dram Shop Liability Laws: Florida has limited dram shop liability, primarily covering service to habitual drunkards and minors.
Vicarious Liability Rules: Florida recognizes respondeat superior, holding employers liable for employee negligence within the scope of employment. Trucking companies can be held liable for driver negligence when the driver is an employee acting within employment duties.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicability: FMCSRs apply to commercial trucks and were incorporated into Florida state law by the Florida Legislature. The same laws now govern both intrastate and interstate truck accidents in Florida.
Hours of Service Violation Admissibility: Hours of service violations are admissible in Florida litigation to establish driver fatigue and trucking company negligence.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data Preservation: Trucking companies must preserve ELD data. Black box data is critical evidence in truck accident cases.
Florida Department of Transportation Investigation: FDOT typically conducts comprehensive investigations of serious truck accidents, analyzing critical information from truck onboard systems and other evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Florida?
A: Under Florida Statutes Section 95.11, as amended by House Bill 837 signed into law on March 24, 2023, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This reduced deadline (previously four years) applies to accidents occurring after March 24, 2023. For accidents before that date, the four-year deadline still applies. Wrongful death claims also have a two-year statute of limitations running from the date of death. Missing these deadlines will result in losing your right to pursue compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be. Claims against government entities have different procedures, requiring you to file a notice of claim first and wait 180 days for investigation before filing suit.
Q: How does Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my truck accident compensation?
A: In 2023, Florida changed from a pure comparative negligence state to a modified comparative negligence state through HB 837. Under the new rule, you can only recover damages if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation. If your fault is 50% or less, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. This change makes it more critical to gather evidence establishing the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence and defending against any attempts to shift blame to you.
Q: What is Florida’s 14-day rule and how does it affect my truck accident claim?
A: Florida’s 14-day rule requires accident victims to seek medical evaluation and treatment within 14 days of their crash to preserve their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. If you fail to seek medical attention within this 14-day window, your PIP insurance may not cover your medical expenses and lost wages. This rule applies regardless of when symptoms appear. Even if you believe you are not seriously injured, you should seek medical evaluation promptly after a truck accident. Medical documentation created immediately after an accident also serves as important evidence linking your injuries to the crash, which is essential for any personal injury claim beyond PIP coverage.
Q: Can I pursue compensation beyond my PIP insurance after a truck accident in Florida?
A: Yes, although Florida is a no-fault insurance state requiring PIP coverage, you can pursue a negligence-based claim against at-fault parties when injuries are serious or damages exceed your PIP coverage. Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that far exceed the $10,000 PIP coverage limit. You can file a claim against the truck driver, trucking company, or other liable parties for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages not covered by PIP. Given the federal minimum insurance requirements for commercial trucks ($750,000 to $5 million depending on cargo), there is typically substantial coverage available in truck accident cases compared to standard car accidents.
Q: Who can be held liable in a Jacksonville truck accident case?
A: Multiple parties may be liable in a truck accident case. Potential defendants include the truck driver (for negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, or hours of service violations), the trucking company (under respondeat superior for employee negligence or for direct negligence in hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance), the owner of the truck (if different from the driver or trucking company), the truck or parts manufacturer (if mechanical defects contributed to the crash), cargo loading companies (if improper loading caused the accident), and maintenance providers (if negligent maintenance contributed to the crash). Florida incorporated federal trucking regulations into state law, so violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules can establish negligence. An experienced truck accident attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your recovery.