Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Melbourne, FL

Immediately after any commercial vehicle collision, your first priority is safety. Move out of traffic, call 911, and seek medical attention even for minor symptoms. Never admit fault or discuss case details with the commercial driver or their insurance. Photographs of vehicles, license plates, cargo, and the accident scene are crucial evidence. Secure names and contact info for witnesses. Promptly notify your own insurer, but avoid detailed statements until you’ve consulted a qualified attorney. Large companies often deploy rapid-response teams, so legal guidance helps level the playing field. Early representation ensures black box data and video surveillance are preserved, which can be critical in winning your case. Trust a law firm with major commercial vehicle trial success for maximum results.

To protect your rights under Florida’s PIP (Personal Injury Protection) laws, you must seek medical care within 14 days after your accident. This includes urgent care, ER, or your primary doctor. Many injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma may appear hours or days later. Even if aches seem minor, prompt documentation is essential for your claim. Notify every medical provider that your injuries are accident-related so records clearly link them. If you delay, you risk losing critical insurance benefits, and the trucking company’s lawyers may argue your injuries aren’t connected to the crash. Always consult a personal injury attorney if symptoms worsen over time. You may still have a valid claim for evolving injuries.

In Florida, your own PIP insurance pays up to 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, up to $10,000, even if you aren’t at fault. For injuries and costs beyond PIP limits, you can file a claim against the commercial driver and their employer’s insurer. These policies are often much larger due to federal and state commercial vehicle requirements. In major cases, multiple parties may share financial responsibility, including the trucking company, vehicle owner, or even a shipper. Law firms with a track record of large verdicts, like the $28.5 million won by Douglas R. Beam, are skilled at maximizing every available source for compensation, ensuring you aren’t left with unpaid bills or lost income.

You have two years from the date of your commercial vehicle accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. Missing this deadline almost always eliminates your right to compensation, so swift action preserves your claim and critical evidence.

Depending on the case, you may sue the commercial driver, their employer, the truck owner, and sometimes even shippers or contractors. Companies can often be held liable, even if the driver is an independent contractor due to control over routes, vehicles, or cargo.

Yes, you can still recover damages if a commercial vehicle crash aggravated your pre-existing condition. Florida law recognizes that defendants are liable for new injuries and for worsening old ones caused by their negligence.

Most commercial vehicle accident claims in Melbourne are resolved within 6-18 months, but complicated evidence, severe injuries, and multi-defendant disputes can extend the process. Serious cases with high damages may take several years if they go to trial.

Location matters. Proving fault means showing traffic, weather, driver actions, and possible regulation violations. Crashes on highways or during rush hour may involve more complex factors and require prompt evidence collection and local accident reconstruction experts.

Get the truck’s USDOT number, company name, driver’s details, and photos of vehicle markings. File your claim with both your own insurer and the delivery company’s insurance. Keep all accident reports, medical records, and witness information for documentation.

You need a lawyer experienced in complex commercial vehicle litigation, not just car accidents. These cases require deep knowledge of federal and state trucking laws, accident reconstruction, and multi-party corporate liability for the best results.