When someone is hit by a big truck, it can change everything. Injuries are usually worse. Bills pile up fast. And figuring out who is at fault can be a mess. In Florida, when a trucking company is careless, it makes the whole case harder but also more serious. These aren’t simple fender benders. These are big events that shake lives. Knowing how a trucking company’s bad choices affect your accident claim can help you take the next right step.
The Problem with Big Trucks
Trucks are huge. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That kind of weight doesn’t stop fast. It doesn’t turn sharp. And it takes full attention from the driver and the company to keep things safe. But some companies push drivers too hard. They skip checks. They cut corners to save money. When this happens, people get hurt. Families suffer. And the rules meant to protect all of us get ignored.
Where Trucking Companies Go Wrong
Many crashes come from things that could have been fixed. Sometimes drivers are too tired because the company told them to keep driving. Other times the truck wasn’t cared for—bad brakes, worn tires, or broken lights. Companies might not train their drivers well. They may not check backgrounds. Some may even look the other way if their driver has a history of speeding or using drugs. When companies act this way, they put everyone on the road at risk.
How It Changes a Legal Claim
Florida law lets people hurt in crashes ask for help with their bills, pain, and more. But when a trucking company is careless, it adds another layer. Now, it’s not just the driver who may be responsible—it’s the company too. This means more people are involved in the case. More rules come into play. And the company’s insurance is often bigger than the driver’s. That can mean more help for your recovery—but only if you can show how the company failed.
Michael Serrano
Founding Attorney
Candace “Cea” Hartley
Associate Attorney
What Makes These Cases Tough
Trucking companies don’t give up without a fight. They often have legal teams ready to shift the blame. They may claim the driver acted alone. Or say that weather or road conditions were to blame. They may even hide records—like driver logs or repair reports—that show what really happened. It takes work to find the truth. It takes someone who knows what to ask for, where to look, and how to explain it to a court.
What You Can Do After a Crash
If you or someone you love was hit by a truck, time matters. The truck company already has people working to protect itself. You should have someone doing the same for you. Try to write down everything you remember about the crash. If you can, take photos. Get names of witnesses. Keep records of your doctor visits and bills. And don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurance without help. Their goal is to pay as little as possible.
Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”
- Mary
Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"
- Kylie Collier Border
I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."
- Sandy Carter
How Florida Law Looks at Truck Company Mistakes
Florida lets people seek more money when the other side was reckless. If the truck company knew something was wrong and ignored it, your case may qualify for what’s called punitive damages. This is extra money meant to punish the company and make others think twice before doing the same thing. It’s not easy to get. But it can make a big difference in how your case turns out.
Why It’s Not Just About One Driver
In regular car crashes, the driver is usually the main focus. But with trucking, you have to look deeper. Was the truck too heavy? Did the company skip safety checks? Did they push the driver to meet a deadline even if it meant driving while sleepy? Did they fail to fix something that broke again and again? These aren’t little details. They’re the heart of the story. And they can turn a simple case into something much more serious.
The Role of Federal and State Rules
Truck companies must follow both state and federal laws. These rules cover how long a driver can be on the road, how trucks must be kept up, and even how cargo should be loaded. When a company breaks these rules, it’s not just a traffic ticket—it’s proof that they didn’t do their job. And that matters a lot when you’re trying to show who’s at fault and why they should help pay for your losses.
Why Getting Legal Help Early Matters
The longer you wait, the harder it is to get the truth. Evidence disappears. People forget. And trucking companies know how to delay things until they work in their favor. An experienced lawyer knows how to act fast. They can send letters to keep records from being destroyed. They can talk to the right experts. They can speak for you so you don’t say something that hurts your case.
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Why These Cases Often Involve More Than One Party
One of the hardest parts about truck crash cases in Florida is that there’s often more than just one person or company involved. You might think it’s just the driver who’s at fault. But when you look closer, there might be others who share the blame. Maybe the truck was owned by one company but driven by someone who worked for another. Maybe a third company was in charge of loading the cargo. If that cargo wasn’t secured right, and it shifted during the drive, that could’ve caused the crash too.
There are also times when the people who fixed or checked the truck missed a problem. If the brakes failed because someone didn’t spot a clear warning sign during a routine check, they could be part of the case. This is why truck crash cases are rarely simple. They need a full look at the whole picture. Every person and every step that went into putting that truck on the road has to be looked at.
Case Results
Where to Go from Here
If a trucking company’s bad actions caused your crash, you have every right to ask for help. You don’t have to face this alone. The team at Serrano Law has handled cases just like yours. We’ve seen how these accidents affect families. And we know how to hold trucking companies accountable. Let’s talk about your case and what your next step should be. Call Serrano Law today. Let’s make sure your story is told—and heard.
