Commercial truck accidents can turn your life upside down in an instant. With heavy commercial traffic constantly moving through I-95, Florida's Turnpike, and local routes like Hollywood Boulevard, the risk of a severe collision in Hollywood is unfortunately a daily reality. At the Altman Law Firm, lead attorney Jeffrey S. Altman and our team understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these crashes take on victims and their families. We focus on holding negligent trucking companies accountable while treating you with the compassion and respect you deserve.
Unlike standard car crashes, accidents involving semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, and large commercial rigs involve a web of state and federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules regarding driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. When a crash occurs near Port Everglades or on Sheridan Street, multiple parties may share liability—from the driver who may have been fatigued to the trucking company that failed to perform routine maintenance. Unraveling these details requires a thorough investigation of logbooks, electronic logging devices, and maintenance records.
In Florida, personal injury claims are governed by a modified comparative negligence standard. This means you may still pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault for the collision, as long as you are not found to be more than 50 percent responsible. However, insurance companies representing large commercial fleets often work aggressively to shift the blame away from their drivers. Having an advocate who understands how to navigate Broward County civil courts and counter these tactics is essential to protecting your right to seek fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Following a severe collision, your primary focus should always be on your physical recovery. However, it is important to be aware of the legal deadlines that apply to your situation. Florida law recently updated the statute of limitations for general negligence claims, reducing the time frame to file a lawsuit to two years from the date of the accident in most injury cases. Wrongful death claims also carry a strict two-year deadline. Waiting too long can result in the loss of crucial evidence, such as dashcam footage or black box data, and may permanently bar you from seeking compensation.
Liability in a truck accident can be shared among several parties. This may include the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the cab or trailer, the cargo loaders, or even the manufacturer of defective truck parts. A careful investigation is required to identify all responsible parties.
First, prioritize your safety and health by seeking immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine. Call law enforcement to the scene so an official crash report is generated. If possible, document the scene with photos, get the DOT number of the truck, and collect witness contact information. Finally, consider consulting with a personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster of the trucking company.
FMCSA regulations govern almost every aspect of the commercial trucking industry, including how many hours a driver can be on the road without resting, mandatory drug and alcohol testing, and weight limits for cargo. If evidence shows that the driver or trucking company violated these federal safety rules, it can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your claim.
Many truck accident claims are resolved through negotiated settlements with the insurance companies involved. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses and other damages, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and present your case before a judge or jury in Broward County.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck collision in Hollywood, contact the Altman Law Firm today to discuss your legal options. Call (305) 373-3730.