A truck accident can be one of the most devastating events on the road. The size and weight of commercial trucks often lead to catastrophic injuries and significant property damage. Understanding what to do after a collision — and having the right legal help — can make all the difference in your recovery.
What Is a Truck Accident?
A truck accident occurs when a large commercial vehicle such as a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or delivery truck collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. These crashes often involve complex factors including driver fatigue, poor maintenance, or violations of federal safety regulations. Victims are often left with long-term injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming medical expenses.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Miami
Truck accidents are far more complicated than typical car crashes. Multiple parties may share liability — including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or even the cargo loaders. A Miami truck accident lawyer like Richard Guzman investigates every detail to determine who is responsible and how to secure the maximum compensation for you.
Richard Guzman’s role includes:
- Conducting a detailed investigation and preserving crucial evidence such as black box data, logbooks, and camera footage.
- Identifying all liable parties to ensure no one escapes accountability.
- Negotiating with trucking companies and their insurers to prevent lowball settlements.
- Working with medical and accident reconstruction experts to strengthen your case.
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if a fair settlement is not offered.
Florida Truck Accident Statistics
Florida’s busy highways and constant flow of commercial traffic make it a hotspot for trucking collisions. Miami-Dade County is among the most affected regions.These figures show how devastating truck collisions remain, even as vehicle safety technology improves.
| Year | Large Truck Crashes (FL) | Fatalities | Key Insight |
| 2021 | 8,949 | 344 | Increase linked to higher post-pandemic traffic volumes |
| 2022 | 9,206 | 366 | Fatal truck accidents rose nearly 6% statewide |
| 2023 | 9,180 | 352 | Slight decline but Miami-Dade remained among top counties |
| Miami-Dade (2022) | 820+ | 29 | One of Florida’s highest county-level crash totals |
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Distracted or fatigued driving
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Mechanical failures and brake defects
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poor driver training or supervision
- Adverse weather or road conditions
Each of these causes can involve multiple responsible parties, which is why professional legal guidance is critical.
How Richard Guzman Helps Truck Accident Victims
As a trusted Miami personal injury attorney, Richard Guzman represents victims with professionalism and compassion. He takes on powerful trucking and insurance companies to ensure clients are compensated for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage and out-of-pocket costs
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
His experience navigating Florida’s personal injury laws gives victims a strong advantage when seeking justice after a serious crash.
Truck Collision FAQs
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get witness contacts, and avoid speaking to insurance representatives before consulting an attorney.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Who can be held liable for a truck accident?
The driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, cargo loaders, or maintenance providers may all share responsibility.
Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered me money?
Yes. Early offers are often far below the true value of your claim. A lawyer ensures you receive full and fair compensation.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under Florida’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the truck driver was working for a large company?
Trucking companies are typically responsible for their employees’ negligence, so claims can often include the company as a defendant.
How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case?
It depends on the complexity. Some cases settle in months, while others may take longer if litigation is necessary.
Sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)