Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a trucking accident in Fort Lauderdale, you might be eligible to pursue compensation. However, going up against a large trucking organization and its insurance company can be a daunting experience. They may pressure you to sign documents to gain information about your past and present medical treatment. They may also try to blame you for the accident or deny liability. It is important to work with legal counsel instead of handling the situation alone.

A truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can help you recover the compensation you deserve, rather than what insurance companies may think you should receive. They will identify all potential defendants who may share liability and provide skilled legal representation in the event of a truck accident lawsuit.

Why Clients Trust David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm

When trying to recover compensation for your injuries and losses following a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, you want to choose the right attorney for your case. Our law firm has more than 36 years of experience handling truck accident claims in Florida, and we deliver personalized attention and aggressive advocacy to improve your odds of getting the successful outcomes you expect and deserve.

David I. Fuchs is Fort Lauderdale’s Trusted Truck Accident Attorney

David I. Fuchs has over 36 years of experience in personal injury law and can determine the cause of the truck crash, protecting your rights throughout all stages of your case.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We will work diligently to hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries and losses, helping you obtain the funds necessary to move forward with your life.

Recent Settlements We Have Won

Speaking of results, we have obtained substantial verdicts and settlements for our injured clients, including numerous six-figure settlements for those injured in trucking accidents. While results vary based on the circumstances of each case, we are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation available.

For a thorough review of your case from a dedicated Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney who has your interests at heart, contact the David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Our recent settlements include:

• $1.8 million settlement for the victim of a traumatic brain injury.
• $325,000 settlement for a client hurt in a multi-vehicle accident.
• $250,000 settlement in a car accident case.
• $225,000 settlement for the family of a victim in a wrongful death lawsuit.
• $120,000 settlement in a Broward County car wreck case.

What Clients Say About David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm

“I recommend The Law Offices of David Fuchs. They are very professional and care about their clients. I got into a car accident, and the whole process was really smooth.” — Wendy M.

“David Fuchs and his staff were consummate professionals when I needed a law office to represent my injury case. They communicated the process in detail and kept me apprised of the progress as necessary. It was a relief to be able to rely on them during a stressful time. It was nice to have the personalized attention of a smaller law firm as my champion.” — Lynne N.

“When you’re involved in an accident and have injuries you need an attorney who is experienced AND who will give you the personal attention you need. You want someone who the insurance companies know won’t just accept any offer to make a commission. That’s what separates Mr. Fuchs from the rest, especially the large law firms. He knows the law and he will fight for you like you are a member of his family. I highly recommend him to anyone who has been in an accident and needs aggressive representation for their injuries and other financial losses that happen as a result!” — C.G.

Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale Are Unique

It’s important to understand that commercial vehicle accidents differ from typical car accident cases in several important ways:

• Commercial vehicle accidents often present a much greater risk of serious injury due to the large size and heavy weight of many vehicles. Generally, the weight and size of tractor-trailers and other large trucks substantially change the outcome of a collision with a much smaller automobile, particularly in terms of property damage and the severity of the injuries incurred.
• Commercial vehicle accidents typically require that you pursue the corporate entity and its commercial insurance carrier if you need to make a claim.
• Insurance companies are never simple to deal with, as the claim process may become even more complicated in the context of a commercial vehicle accident. The corporate structure shields the business from claims and may not even be responsible for owning and operating the vehicle.
• Commercial vehicle accidents also raise several unique issues because the driver of the vehicle was likely driving as part of their job.

Truck Accident Laws and Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) heavily regulates commercial vehicles. This federal agency creates and enforces trucking regulations. When you are hit or rear-ended by a semi-truck, attorney David Fuchs will gather as much evidence as possible to determine what happened and why.

He will scrutinize the cause of the accident to determine if the driver or other liable defendants violated one or more trucking laws. Evidence of a regulatory violation may help prove the other party’s negligence and liability for your injuries.

There are many trucking regulations that companies and truckers must follow, including:

• Hours of service regulations define how long a trucker can drive within a certain period.
• Intoxication regulations set the legal limit for a trucker’s blood-alcohol level at .04 percent, which is lower than the typical limit of .08 percent.
• Load regulations, including the maximum size and weight of the vehicle with the cargo.
• Inspection regulations, including when and how often a truck driver must inspect the vehicle.
• Hiring regulations dictate that trucking companies cannot hire drivers with histories of DUIs, poor driving records, or other issues that make them unable to drive safely.
• Licensing regulations require that truck drivers have a valid commercial driver’s license and any additional endorsements necessary for specific types of trucks or cargo.

If a trucking company violates laws and requirements and their truck causes an accident that injures you or claims the life of a close family member, you should hold them accountable with the help of a Fort Lauderdale trucking accident attorney.

What Does Florida Consider a Commercial Vehicle?

According to Florida Statutes §320.01(25), a commercial vehicle is defined as:

• It is not owned or operated by a government entity.
• It uses special fuel on public highways.
• It has a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more.
• It has three or more axles, regardless of weight.
• When used in combination with other vehicles, it has a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more.

This definition focuses almost exclusively on size and weight. The definition of a commercial vehicle listed in the Broward County Code is perhaps more helpful. It defines a commercial vehicle as “any vehicle designed, intended, or used for transportation of people, goods, or things, other than private passenger vehicles and recreational vehicles.”

Types of Commercial Vehicles Often Involved in Crashes

Some examples of commercial vehicles include:

• Semi-trucks
• Delivery trucks
• Buses and vehicles designed to carry 10 or more people
• Dump trucks
• Tow trucks
• Utility vehicles
• Any vehicle with a business name displayed on it

Any of these commercial vehicles could become involved in a sudden crash, and our Fort Lauderdale team is here to help in the event of an accident.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Most truck drivers are professionals who strive for safety, but many of them, especially long-distance truckers, often work long hours and are under enormous pressure from trucking companies to stay on schedule. This constant pressure can lead to driver fatigue, stress, and, ultimately, driving errors. Truck driver inexperience can also lead to judgment errors, as can improper driver training. All of these actions can, unfortunately, lead to devastating wrecks.

Intoxicated Driving

Alcohol and drug use by truck drivers or drivers of other vehicles can lead to crashes. Unlike the 0.08 percent alcohol limit for most drivers, the blood alcohol limit (BAC) for truckers is 0.04 percent.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a deadly and prevalent driver habit. Despite being responsible for heavy and dangerous commercial vehicles, many truck drivers are guilty of distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims distracted driving caused accidents that took the lives of 3,275 people in 2023 alone.

Distracted driving can describe eating, drinking, texting, making phone calls, chatting with passengers, personal grooming, looking at a map, or engaging in any other activity that distracts a driver’s attention from the road. Avoid distracted driving accidents by always paying attention to the road and steering clear of truckers who appear distracted.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Due to their sheer size and weight, large trucks require a longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles. A tractor-trailer going 65 mph will require a much longer distance to stop when compared to the average passenger vehicle. This scenario often leads to rear-end collisions because a semi-truck cannot stop in time to avoid an accident.

Unsecured or Overloaded Cargo

Loading trucks in an unsafe manner can lead to the vehicles becoming unbalanced and cause tip-overs, rollovers, and other accidents. Open flatbed trucks carrying cargo such as logs can be extremely dangerous for passenger vehicles. Cargo can fall from the trailer and land on a vehicle, crushing the occupants inside. Falling cargo can also create havoc on the road as cars swerve to avoid the debris. These scenarios can lead to serious accidents in which the truck is not directly involved, but parties such as the truck driver and cargo loaders could be held accountable.

Turning Truck Accidents

Large trucks and trailers can’t make sharp turns. Instead, they must bow outward, making a wide turn. A turning accident can occur if a passenger vehicle tries to pass a turning truck or gets trapped between it and the curb.

Parts Defects and Equipment Malfunctions

Big rigs depend on various components to operate safely. A failure of just one part can lead to serious accidents like tire blowouts, brake failure, rollovers, and lost loads.

You can avoid these accidents by keeping your distance, even if you can’t control how well a trucking company maintains its fleet. Always keep enough room between yourself and a commercial truck to brake or maneuver away in the event of an equipment malfunction. The trucking company or part manufacturer may be liable for these types of accidents.

Violating Trucking Regulations

As mentioned previously, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has trucking regulations in place to make the industry safer. When these regulations are violated, either by trucking companies or drivers, accidents can happen.

Road Construction or Poorly-Designed Roads

Sometimes, road construction and other road conditions cause dangers for trucks. Bad weather can also be a factor. If a truck driver is driving too fast for the weather conditions, your attorney could use that to establish liability. Likewise, if a poorly maintained road caused the truck accident, you could have a claim against the local or state government responsible for road maintenance.

Other Motorists

The dangerous actions of other drivers may cause large trucks to crash and potentially harm innocent drivers on the road. For example, a vehicle might cut a truck off, and because large trucks can’t maneuver quickly, the truck might swerve to avoid crashing with that vehicle and hit other vehicles on the road.

Fort Lauderdale lawyer David Fuchs can assess the cause of any truck accident to prove who is responsible and help hold this party accountable through a civil claim.

Types of Truck Accidents

Trucks can get into many of the same types of accidents as passenger vehicles, such as head-on collisions and T-bone accidents. However, trucks can also cause accidents that are unique based on the size and design of the truck itself. These types of accidents include:

• Jackknife accidents: This occurs when the trailer of a truck swings outward, forming an angle with the cab. It can happen when the driver loses control and the trailer swings to the side.
• Rollover accidents: Trucks can roll over onto their sides due to factors such as high speeds, abrupt steering maneuvers, uneven road surfaces, and shifting cargo.
• Underride accidents: An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a truck. This type of accident is particularly dangerous and can result in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
• Override accidents: In contrast to underride accidents, an override accident happens when a truck runs over a smaller vehicle. Such accidents can occur if the truck fails to stop in time or misjudges the distance.
• Blind spot accidents: Trucks have large blind spots where smaller vehicles may not be visible to the truck driver. When a vehicle is in the truck’s blind spot and the truck changes lanes or makes a turn, accidents can occur.

Understanding these common types of truck accidents is crucial for promoting road safety and developing strategies to prevent such incidents. If you’re involved in a truck accident, seeking legal advice promptly is important to protect your rights and pursue compensation for any injuries or damages. David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm has handled a wide range of truck-related cases, so contact us today for a free consultation on how we can help you hold a negligent truck driver or trucking company accountable so you can get the money you need.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, taking certain steps immediately after the incident is crucial for your safety, well-being, and potential legal claims. Here’s a guide on what to do after a truck accident.

Prioritize Safety

Help yourself and assist others by moving to a safe location away from traffic and potential hazards. Turn on hazard lights and use warning triangles if available.

Call Emergency Services

Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if needed. The police will also document the scene and create an official accident report.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t believe your injuries are severe, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can assess your condition. Additionally, you will need documentation that you suffered injuries and received treatment to pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Exchange Information

Exchange contact, insurance, and registration information with the truck driver and any other involved parties. Obtain names, phone numbers, addresses, and license plate numbers.

Document the Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damages, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. This documentation can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes.

Get Witness Information

If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Witness statements can be valuable in determining liability.

Do Not Admit Fault

Avoid making statements that insurance companies may interpret as admitting fault. Stick to the facts when speaking with the police, other parties, and insurance representatives.

Cooperate With Law Enforcement

Provide accurate and truthful information to the police when they arrive. Be cooperative, but refrain from making speculative statements.

Preserve Evidence

Preserve any evidence related to the accident, such as damaged vehicles, personal belongings, and clothing. Do not repair or dispose of your vehicle until investigators thoroughly document the damage.

Obtain Truck Information

Collect information about the truck, including the trucking company’s name, the truck’s license plate number, and the truck driver’s information.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the necessary information and cooperate with their investigation.

Seek Legal Advice

Consult a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney who has experience in handling truck accident cases. An attorney from David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm can guide you on your rights, help preserve evidence, and assist in dealing with insurance companies.

Remember That Your Well-Being Is the Priority

If you are seeking compensation after a truck accident, consulting with a personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale can provide valuable assistance.

Fort Lauderdale Truck Accidents Can Result in Catastrophic Losses

These accidents often lead to serious injuries, fatalities, property damage, and long-term financial and emotional consequences due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, including smaller ones like ambulances.

Some common truck accident injuries that truck accident victims often suffer include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Burns and lacerations
• Soft tissue injuries (whiplash, sprains, strains)
• Facial disfigurement
• Emotional and psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

When a truck driver causes a Florida truck accident due to their negligence, you could suffer catastrophic injuries because of the size of the vehicle. Trucks hauling oversized loads can cause particularly severe accidents because of the increased weight and bulk of the cargo.

Calculating Compensation for a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale

When you suffer injuries in a trucking accident in Fort Lauderdale, an attorney from David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Depending on the circumstances, attorney Fuchs may pursue a claim with the truck driver, the trucking company’s insurer, and a lawsuit directly against the liable party.

Through this claim or lawsuit, you can seek compensation for your:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages 
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Reduced earning capacity
• Punitive damages

If a semi-truck hit you, a settlement might be the right course for you to pursue. By working with an experienced attorney who will negotiate your settlement, you can have the funds you need to move forward in life months before the courts can resolve a lawsuit.

Too many factors can influence your potential recovery. By hiring a Fort Lauderdale lawyer, you receive accurate information and experienced insights at each step of the truck accident claims process. Attorney Fuchs will work closely with you, your medical providers, and various experts to increase the value of your case and to determine the scenarios for a settlement or jury award.

Who Can I Hold Liable for a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

Determining liability in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale involves assessing various factors, and multiple parties may share responsibility. Potential parties that could be held liable for a truck accident include:

• Truck driver: The truck driver may be liable if their negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impaired driving, contributed to the accident.
• Trucking company: The company that owns or operates the truck may be held responsible for the actions of its employees. This type of responsibility can include inadequate training, negligent hiring, or failure to maintain the trucks properly.
• Truck owner: If the truck is owned separately from the company operating it, the owner may bear responsibility for maintenance issues or other factors contributing to the accident.
• Maintenance and repair contractors: Entities responsible for maintaining or repairing the truck may be held liable if their negligence in servicing the vehicle leads to a mechanical failure causing the accident.
• Truck manufacturer: If a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable for product liability.
• Cargo loading companies: If the accident resulted from improperly loaded or secured cargo, the company responsible for loading the cargo may share liability.
• Third-party contractors: If a third-party contractor, such as a maintenance or logistics company, played a role in the accident, they may be held liable for their contribution.
• Government entities: In some cases, government entities may be responsible for accidents caused by poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other infrastructure issues.

Determining liability is a complex process that requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, truck maintenance records, and electronic logging device (ELD) data can be critical in establishing who is at fault.

Truck Employer Negligence

In many truck accidents, fault and liability lie with the driver’s employer, the trucking company. Trucking companies have significant resources to spend on combating lawsuits and insurance claims. Don’t let them step on your rights in the name of profitability.

The trucking company is ultimately responsible for the safety of other drivers on Florida’s roadways. Many trucking accidents in Florida come down to acts of truck employer negligence, such as:

• Failing to conduct background checks before hiring drivers
• Hiring unfit, unsafe, or unqualified drivers
• Ignoring driver drug and alcohol testing requirements
• Maintaining inadequate new driver training procedures
• Pressuring drivers to meet deadlines, even if it means driving past hours-of-service regulations
• Offering bonuses to drivers who beat their deadlines
• Failing to maintain fleet trucks
• Disobeying truck inspection requirements
• Breaking cargo securement rules to save time or money

In many situations, a truck employer is also vicariously liable for the actions and behaviors of its truck drivers. Our dedicated Fort Lauderdale attorney can help prove vicarious liability and keep a commercial vehicle accident claim on track.

Can You Pursue Compensation if You Were Partially at Fault for the Truck Accident?

As of 2025, Florida follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. You are still entitled to damages even if you bear some of the blame. However, you can no longer recover damages if you are more than 50 percent responsible for the accident. If you are 50 percent or less at fault, the law requires courts to deduct that amount from your compensation.

Comparative Negligence Example Settlement

For example, if a jury awarded you $500,000 in damages, but the court found you 20 percent at fault, you would recover $400,000, 20 percent less than the award. Under the old law, you could recover 100 percent of the damages the jury awarded you, regardless of the percentage of fault.

Unfortunately, insurance companies take advantage of this new law, making it more difficult to recover the compensation you deserve, especially without the help of an experienced truck accident attorney.

Fatal Truck Accident Claims

We will compassionately listen to your story and get you what you need.

Attorney Fuchs also represents families who have lost loved ones in a trucking accident. He will explain Florida’s wrongful death law, whether you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit, and, if so, the potential compensation you and your loved ones may receive.

Your loved one’s estate and the surviving family members may have the right to compensation for:

• Burial and funeral expenses
• Medical expenses
• Future earnings
• Lost support and services
• Lost companionship and protection
• Lost parental companionship, instruction, and guidance
• Mental pain and suffering

Losing a loved one to a commercial vehicle accident is a traumatic experience, but our compassionate legal team in Fort Lauderdale is here to help.

What Is the Average Semi-Truck Accident Settlement?

It is impossible to determine the average semi-truck accident settlement, as every case is different. Factors that can affect your settlement include:

• The severity of your injuries
• The number of people liable for your injuries and other damages
• The insurance coverage available from all liable defendants
• Whether you will have ongoing medical expenses for the rest of your life
• Whether the accident caused emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression

A person who has suffered traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries that will have lifelong effects may receive hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in compensation. In contrast, someone who experiences less serious injuries, such as broken bones that heal without complications, may recover tens of thousands of dollars.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Claim After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for personal injuries is two years from the date of the accident. Individuals must file their lawsuit or settle their injury claim within this time frame. If they fail to file or settle within that timeframe, they may forever lose their rights to seek compensation for their injuries and other damages.

Our Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

After a serious trucking accident in Florida that leaves you injured or mourning the loss of a loved one, call attorney David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm as soon as possible. By hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer right away, you have someone to guide you in obtaining appropriate medical care and preserving your rights during a truck accident lawsuit. An attorney from our law firm will gather evidence to support your compensation claim and will fight hard to obtain the financial recovery you deserve.

To talk with a Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney, contact David I. Fuchs Injury Law Firm at 954-568-3636 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Our staff can speak English and Spanish.

If you’re unable to visit our Fort Lauderdale office, we can arrange for a representative to come to you.