1. Farah and Farah

Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, big rig accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions with trucks, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, head-on truck collisions, underride accidents, wide turn accidents, blind spot accidents, cargo spill accidents, brake failure accidents, driver fatigue accidents, distracted driving accidents

Legal Services: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis, black box data retrieval, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, punitive damage claims

Background: Farah and Farah has been representing Florida accident victims since the firm’s founding in 1979. The firm has established a proven track record including a $3.4 million truck accident verdict and a $2 million tractor-trailer accident verdict. Members of the legal team have been recognized as Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. The firm is family-centered and active participants in the Tampa community.

Location: Tampa, Florida (serves Tampa Bay area)

Contact: (813) 358-1155 | https://farahandfarah.com/

Consultation: Free consultation available, no cost to hire unless compensation is recovered, contingency fee basis


2. Distasio Law Firm

Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents, catastrophic injuries, cargo truck accidents

Case Types Handled: Port Tampa truck accidents, highway truck collisions, rear-end collisions with trucks, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, driver fatigue accidents, hours of service violations, cargo securement failures, brake failure accidents, distracted driving truck accidents

Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, safety standards investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, property damage claims

Background: Distasio Law Firm attorneys understand federal trucking safety standards and can identify when defendants have been negligent in adhering to them. The firm recognizes that Port Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest port handling more than 37 million tons of cargo annually, making Tampa a significant hub for trucking activity. Their attorneys focus on truck accident law specifically rather than placing blame solely on truck drivers, investigating trucking companies and other liable parties.

Location: Tampa, Florida (Hillsborough County)

Contact: (813) 259-0022 | https://distasiofirm.com/

Consultation: Free legal consultation available


3. The Truck Accident Law Firm

Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, big rig accidents, catastrophic injuries from trucking accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents

Case Types Handled: Tractor-trailer collisions, semi-truck accidents, tanker truck accidents, delivery truck accidents, logging truck accidents, cargo spill accidents, rollover accidents, jackknife accidents, underride accidents, rear-end truck collisions, head-on truck collisions

Legal Services: Federal trucking regulations investigation, FMCSA compliance analysis, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, electronic logging device analysis, vehicle maintenance investigation, cargo securement investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims

Background: The Truck Accident Law Firm focuses specifically on truck accident litigation. The firm’s attorneys are National Board of Trial Advocacy certified in trucking law, possessing specialized skills and experience required to navigate the intricate legal landscape of truck accidents. The firm treats each client with dignity, respect, and compassion while focusing on holding all at-fault parties accountable. The Florida Bar does not yet offer a board certification in Truck Accident Law, making the NBTA certification significant.

Location: Florida (serves Tampa and statewide)

Contact: (352) 777-8900 | https://truckcrashlaw.com/

Consultation: Free consultation available 24/7


4. Paul Knopf Bigger

Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, semi-truck accidents, big rig accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death from truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries

Case Types Handled: Semi-truck collisions, tractor-trailer accidents, delivery truck accidents, tanker truck accidents, construction truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, override accidents, cargo spill accidents, brake failure accidents

Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, cargo loader negligence claims, maintenance provider negligence claims, vehicle manufacturer defect claims, evidence gathering and investigation, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, catastrophic injury claims

Background: Paul Knopf Bigger attorneys have a proven record of success in complex truck accident lawsuits. The firm has experience, knowledge, and resources to build solid cases against big trucking companies and their insurers. The legal team is committed to fighting injustice and making a difference in the lives of Tampa injury victims. The firm handles the legal details while clients focus on healing.

Location: 511 W. Bay Street, Suite 450, Tampa, FL 33606

Contact: (813) 609-2993 | https://www.pkblawfirm.com/

Consultation: Free consultation available, contingency fee arrangement


5. Abrahamson and Uiterwyk

Practice Focus: Truck accidents, 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, semi-truck accidents, tractor-trailer accidents, big rig accidents, catastrophic injuries from truck accidents, wrongful death from truck accidents

Case Types Handled: Commercial truck accidents, tractor-trailer collisions, delivery truck accidents, tanker truck accidents, rear-end truck collisions, head-on truck collisions, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, brake failure accidents, tire blowout accidents, cargo shift accidents

Legal Services: FMCSA compliance investigation, trucking company negligence claims, driver negligence claims, hours of service violation investigation, black box data analysis, electronic logging device review, accident reconstruction, insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, wrongful death claims, back and spine injury claims, traumatic brain injury claims

Background: Abrahamson and Uiterwyk has been representing trucking accident victims in Tampa for over 35 years. The firm has achieved millions in recoveries for clients and is proud of that track record. The firm has a team of 10+ attorneys and 40+ professional staff members, fully equipped to handle complex commercial truck accident claims. Their attorneys understand the complexities of 18-wheeler accident cases and Florida comparative negligence rules.

Location: Multiple offices across Tampa Bay area

Contact: (866) 504-2029 | https://www.theinjurylawyers.com/

Consultation: Free consultation available, no legal fees or costs unless case is won


Truck Accident Laws and Regulations in Florida

Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident under Florida Statutes section 95.11(3)(a).

Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Four years from the date of the accident under Florida Statutes section 95.11(3)(c).

Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death under Florida Statutes section 95.11(4)(d).

Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Florida is a no-fault insurance state for automobile accidents. Drivers must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and file claims with their own insurance first. However, victims can step outside the no-fault system and file a liability claim against at-fault parties if injuries meet the serious injury threshold.

Serious Injury Threshold: To pursue a claim against an at-fault driver in Florida, your injury must consist of significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.

Comparative Negligence Rules: As of March 2023, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard under HB 837. If you are more than 50% at fault for an accident, you cannot recover damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Florida requires minimum liability insurance coverage of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL). Bodily injury liability coverage is not required by state law but is required if you are found at fault in an accident.

Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements: Florida follows Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements. Trucks operating in interstate commerce weighing less than 10,000 pounds require $300,000 minimum coverage. Trucks weighing 10,001 pounds or more require $750,000 minimum coverage. Trucks carrying hazardous materials require $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on cargo type.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Requirements: Florida requires drivers to carry minimum $10,000 PIP coverage. Under Florida Statutes section 627.736, accident victims have only 14 days to seek medical treatment to qualify for PIP benefits.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Florida requires commercial truck drivers to obtain a CDL through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Requirements include passing knowledge and skills tests, meeting medical certification requirements, and maintaining appropriate endorsements.

Hours of Service Requirements: Florida truck drivers must comply with federal Hours of Service regulations. Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers may not drive beyond 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty. A 30-minute break is required after 8 hours of driving.

Vicarious Liability and Employer Liability: Florida recognizes respondeat superior, holding employers liable for negligent acts of employees within the scope of employment. Trucking companies can be held directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or vehicle maintenance.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Applicability: FMCSA regulations apply in Florida state courts. Florida ranks among the 10 states with the most semi-truck crashes according to FMCSA data. Violations of federal regulations can serve as evidence of negligence.

Punitive Damages: Punitive damages may be awarded in Florida truck accident cases if there is clear and convincing evidence of intentional misconduct or gross negligence by the defendant.

Damage Caps: Florida does not impose caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases arising from truck accidents.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit in Tampa, Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims from truck accidents is two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, you have four years. Wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. Additionally, under Florida’s PIP requirements, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to qualify for Personal Injury Protection benefits. Missing these deadlines can significantly impact or eliminate your ability to recover compensation.

How does Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule affect truck accident claims?

Since March 2023, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault for a truck accident, you are barred from recovering any damages. If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 30% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you would recover $70,000. This is a significant change from Florida’s previous pure comparative negligence system that allowed recovery regardless of fault percentage.

What is the serious injury threshold in Florida truck accident cases?

Florida is a no-fault state requiring drivers to first file claims with their own PIP insurance. However, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault truck driver or trucking company if your injury meets the serious injury threshold. This includes significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death. Given the severity of most truck accidents, injuries often meet this threshold.

What parties can be held liable in a Tampa truck accident?

Multiple parties may share liability in a Florida truck accident case. Potentially liable parties include the truck driver for negligent driving, the trucking company for negligent hiring or training or for pressure to violate safety regulations, cargo loaders for improper loading causing weight imbalances, maintenance companies for failing to properly maintain vehicles, truck or parts manufacturers for defective equipment, and other drivers whose negligence contributed to the crash. An experienced attorney can investigate all potential sources of recovery.

What compensation is available in a Florida truck accident lawsuit?

Florida truck accident victims may recover compensatory damages including economic damages such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement. Punitive damages may be available if there is clear and convincing evidence of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Wrongful death cases allow surviving family members to recover damages including funeral expenses, lost support, and loss of companionship.