18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Charlotte County, Florida

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Charlotte County on I-75 or US-41, and the next, an 80,000-pound commercial truck has turned your life upside down. Maybe it was a jackknife on the interstate near Port Charlotte. Perhaps a tired trucker rear-ended you on the Tamiami Trail. Or maybe your loved one didn’t survive at all.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Florida and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner since 1998, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—including a $5 million traumatic brain injury case and a $3.8 million amputation settlement. When trucking companies think they can push victims around, we push back harder.

And here’s what makes us different: our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system watching adjusters minimize claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you. As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Charlotte County, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. You need someone protecting you.

Why Charlotte County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Charlotte County sits at a critical junction of Florida’s freight network. I-75 cuts through the heart of the county, carrying massive commercial traffic between Tampa and Fort Myers. US-41—the Tamiami Trail—runs parallel, serving as a major trucking corridor for local and regional freight. The Port of Punta Gorda and nearby Port Charlotte create significant maritime-to-truck transfer activity. And with Charlotte County’s growing population—now over 190,000 residents—local delivery trucks, construction vehicles, and waste haulers fill our roads daily.

This concentration of commercial traffic creates unique dangers. The I-75 corridor through Charlotte County sees some of Florida’s heaviest truck volumes, with 18-wheelers often traveling at 70+ mph just feet from passenger vehicles. The interchange at I-75 and US-17 is particularly notorious for truck accidents. Summer thunderstorms—common from June through September—create sudden hydroplaning hazards that truck drivers often fail to adjust for. And the winter “snowbird” season brings thousands of additional vehicles to Charlotte County roads, increasing congestion and accident risk.

When a trucking accident happens here, you need attorneys who understand Charlotte County’s specific challenges—not just Florida law, but the local roads, the local courts, and the local trucking patterns that affect your case.

The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Charlotte County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating an uncontrolled barrier across multiple lanes. On I-75 through Charlotte County, where trucks travel at highway speeds and sudden braking is common, jackknifes cause devastating multi-vehicle pileups.

These accidents typically result from sudden braking on wet roads, equipment failures, or driver overcorrection. The physics are unforgiving: an 80,000-pound trailer sliding sideways cannot be stopped by anything in its path. We investigate ECM data to prove whether improper braking or equipment failure caused the jackknife, and we hold trucking companies accountable when their maintenance failures or driver training gaps create these deadly situations.

Rollover Accidents

Charlotte County’s flat terrain might seem to reduce rollover risk, but the I-75 corridor’s high speeds and the frequent presence of liquid cargo trucks create significant dangers. Tanker trucks carrying fuel, chemicals, or other liquids are particularly prone to rollovers when drivers take curves too quickly or when cargo “slosh” shifts the center of gravity.

Rollovers often result in cargo spills, fires, and multi-vehicle accidents. The truck’s massive weight—up to 80,000 pounds—crushes anything in its path when it tips. We investigate whether improper cargo loading, driver fatigue, or excessive speed contributed to the rollover, and we pursue claims against all responsible parties.

Underride Collisions

Among the most horrific trucking accidents, underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level, causing decapitation or catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Rear underrides typically happen when a truck stops suddenly and a following vehicle cannot stop in time. Side underrides occur during lane changes or turns when a truck driver fails to see a vehicle in the blind spot. Despite decades of advocacy, federal law still does not require side underride guards—only rear guards on trailers manufactured after 1998.

We investigate whether missing, damaged, or inadequate underride guards contributed to the severity of injuries, and we pursue claims against trucking companies and manufacturers when their failure to implement available safety technology costs lives.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler rear-ending a passenger vehicle is catastrophic. The truck’s massive weight and 40% longer stopping distance mean that even attentive drivers struggle to stop in time. Distracted, fatigued, or speeding truck drivers cause devastating rear-end collisions on Charlotte County’s highways.

These accidents often cause whiplash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, and wrongful death. The force of impact can push smaller vehicles into other lanes or off the road, causing secondary collisions. We investigate ECM data to prove speed and following distance, ELD data to prove driver fatigue, and cell phone records to prove distraction.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

18-wheelers require enormous turning radiuses—up to 55 feet. To complete right turns, truck drivers must often swing left first, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the “squeeze play.”

These accidents occur frequently at Charlotte County intersections, particularly near shopping centers and industrial areas where trucks make frequent deliveries. They often involve pedestrians and cyclists as well as other vehicles. We investigate whether proper turn signals were used, whether mirrors were properly adjusted, and whether the driver followed safe turning procedures.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides—areas where the driver cannot see other vehicles even with mirrors. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous, extending from the cab door back along the entire trailer length.

Blind spot accidents occur when truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in these “No-Zones.” They often result in sideswipe collisions that can push smaller vehicles off the road or into other lanes. We investigate whether mirrors were properly adjusted, whether turn signals were used, and whether the driver checked blind spots before maneuvering.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Commercial truck tires are subjected to extreme stress—80,000 pounds of vehicle weight, high speeds, and long distances. When tires fail, the resulting blowout can cause immediate loss of control, particularly if it’s a front “steer” tire.

Blowout debris—often called “road gators”—creates hazards for following vehicles. The sudden noise and vehicle instability can startle drivers into overcorrection. We investigate tire maintenance records, inflation logs, and whether worn or defective tires were allowed to remain in service.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Air brake systems on 18-wheelers are complex and require regular maintenance. When brakes fail or fade, an 80,000-pound vehicle becomes an unstoppable missile.

Brake fade—loss of effectiveness from overheating—is particularly dangerous on long descents. We investigate maintenance records, inspection reports, and whether the driver performed required pre-trip brake checks. We also analyze ECM data to determine whether brakes were applied before impact.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Improperly secured cargo creates multiple dangers. Shifting loads can destabilize trucks, causing rollovers or jackknifes. Spilled cargo creates road hazards and often causes secondary accidents as drivers swerve to avoid debris.

Hazardous materials spills add fire, explosion, and toxic exposure risks. We investigate loading procedures, securement equipment, and whether cargo was properly distributed and secured according to federal regulations.

Head-On Collisions

When an 18-wheeler crosses into oncoming traffic, the results are almost always fatal for occupants of smaller vehicles. The combined closing speed and massive weight disparity create catastrophic forces.

These accidents often result from driver fatigue, distraction, impairment, or medical emergencies. We investigate ELD data for hours of service violations, cell phone records for distraction, and whether the trucking company knew of driver fitness concerns.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Charlotte County Trucking Accident

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We investigate EVERY potentially liable party—because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We pursue their personal assets and insurance when available.

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

This is often your primary recovery target. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance. They carry the highest insurance limits—typically $750,000 to $5 million or more.

The Cargo Owner / Shipper

Companies that own the cargo and arranged shipment may be liable for improper loading instructions, overweight requirements, or pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits.

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secured cargo may be liable for improper securement, unbalanced distribution, or failure to use proper tiedowns—violations of 49 CFR § 393.100-136.

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Design defects in brake systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement; manufacturing defects in welds or components; and failure to warn of known dangers can all create manufacturer liability.

Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tires, steering mechanisms, or lighting components that fail and cause accidents create liability for the specific parts makers.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party repair shops that performed negligent repairs, failed to identify critical safety issues, or returned vehicles to service with known defects may be liable.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who negligently selected carriers with poor safety records, failed to verify insurance and authority, or chose the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns can be held responsible.

Government Entities

When dangerous road design, inadequate maintenance, or missing safety barriers contribute to accidents, federal, state, or local government may share liability—though sovereign immunity creates special challenges.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Trucking Company Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to winning your case.

49 CFR Part 390 — General Applicability

These regulations establish who must comply with federal trucking rules. They apply to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with GVWR over 10,001 pounds, vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers, and any vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.

Why This Matters: If the truck that hit you meets these criteria, the driver and company were subject to strict federal safety requirements. Violations of these requirements prove negligence.

49 CFR Part 391 — Driver Qualification Standards

These regulations establish who is legally qualified to drive a commercial truck. Key requirements include:

• Age: Minimum 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Medical Certification: Valid medical examiner’s certificate (maximum 2 years)
• CDL: Valid commercial driver’s license for the vehicle class
• English Proficiency: Ability to read and speak English sufficiently
• Background Check: Complete driving record review
• Previous Employer Verification: 3-year employment history investigation

Driver Qualification File (§ 391.51): Motor carriers MUST maintain a complete file for every driver containing all qualification documents. Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Why This Matters: We subpoena these files in every case. If the trucking company hired an unqualified driver, failed to verify their background, or allowed an expired medical certificate, they are directly liable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 392 — Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

These regulations govern how drivers must operate CMVs safely.

Ill or Fatigued Operators (§ 392.3): “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.”

Drugs and Alcohol (§ 392.4-5): Prohibits operation under the influence of any substance that impairs safe driving. Alcohol use within 4 hours of duty is prohibited. BAC of .04 or higher creates automatic liability.

Speeding (§ 392.6): Prohibits scheduling runs that would require exceeding speed limits. This creates liability when trucking companies pressure drivers to meet impossible deadlines.

Following Too Closely (§ 392.11): Requires maintaining reasonable following distance. Violations cause rear-end collisions.

Mobile Phone Use (§ 392.82): Prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction.

Why This Matters: These regulations create specific duties. When drivers violate them—driving fatigued, distracted, or too fast—they breach their duty of care. We use ECM data, ELD records, and cell phone records to prove these violations.

49 CFR Part 393 — Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

These regulations establish equipment standards for CMVs.

Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Comprehensive rules for securing cargo to prevent shifting, falling, or leaking. Key requirements:

• Cargo must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration, 0.5g rearward and lateral acceleration
• Tiedown working load limits must equal at least 50% of cargo weight
• Specific requirements for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

Brakes (§ 393.40-55): Requires properly functioning brake systems on all wheels, including service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency systems. Air brake systems must meet specific pressure and adjustment requirements.

Lighting (§ 393.11-26): Mandates headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, clearance lights, side markers, and reflectors. Proper lighting prevents nighttime accidents.

Why This Matters: Equipment violations directly cause accidents. Improper cargo securement causes rollovers and spills. Brake failures cause rear-end collisions. Inadequate lighting causes nighttime crashes. We subpoena maintenance records to prove these violations.

49 CFR Part 395 — Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

These are THE MOST COMMONLY VIOLATED regulations—and THE MOST IMPORTANT for proving driver fatigue.

Property-Carrying Drivers (most 18-wheelers):

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate (§ 395.8): Since December 18, 2017, most CMV drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time, synchronize with vehicle engines, and cannot be altered like paper logs.

Why This Matters: Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. ELD data provides objective proof of HOS violations. We subpoena this data immediately—before it can be overwritten or deleted.

49 CFR Part 396 — Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

These regulations ensure CMVs are kept in safe operating condition.

Systematic Maintenance (§ 396.3): “Every motor carrier… must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain… all motor vehicles.”

Driver Inspection Requirements:

• Pre-Trip (§ 396.13): Driver must be satisfied vehicle is safe before driving
• Post-Trip (§ 396.11): Written report required on vehicle condition, covering brakes, steering, lighting, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels, and emergency equipment

Annual Inspection (§ 396.17): Every CMV must pass comprehensive annual inspection covering 16+ systems. Records retained for 14 months.

Why This Matters: Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Deferred maintenance saves trucking companies money but costs lives. We subpoena maintenance records to prove negligence—and we find it more often than you’d think.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost of Trucking Negligence

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded truck weighs 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of an average passenger car. At 65 mph, this mass requires nearly two football fields to stop. When that force impacts a human body, the results are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when sudden trauma causes the brain to impact the skull’s interior. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause this damage even without direct head impact—whiplash alone can cause the brain to slosh within the skull.

Severity levels:

• Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness. May seem to resolve but can cause lasting cognitive effects.
• Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits. Significant recovery possible with intensive rehabilitation.
• Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment. Often requires lifelong care and supervision.

Long-term consequences: Permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, need for ongoing care, increased dementia risk, depression, personality changes, and destroyed relationships. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to over $3 million.

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between brain and body, often resulting in paralysis. The forces in trucking accidents—crushing impacts, violent rollovers, ejections—frequently sever or damage the spinal cord.

Types of paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist. Cannot walk; may affect bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs. Cannot walk or use arms; may require ventilator assistance.
• Incomplete injury: Some nerve function remains; variable recovery possible.
• Complete injury: No nerve function below injury level; permanent total loss.

Lifetime costs: Paraplegia ranges from $1.1 million to $2.5 million+. Quadriplegia ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million+. These figures represent only direct medical costs—not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

We’ve secured spinal cord injury settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million. We understand the lifetime of challenges you face, and we fight for the resources you’ll need.

Amputation

Trucking accidents cause amputation through two mechanisms: traumatic amputation at the scene from crushing forces, and surgical amputation when limbs are too damaged to save. Both result in permanent disability and profound life changes.

Ongoing medical needs: Initial surgery and hospitalization, prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ each), replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime, physical and occupational therapy, psychological counseling, and home modifications.

Life impact: Permanent disability, career limitations or total disability, phantom limb pain, body image trauma, dependency on others, and relationship strain.

We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims. We understand that no amount of money restores what you’ve lost—but it can provide the resources for the best possible adaptation.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, and post-crash fires cause severe burns in trucking accidents. The thermal energy released when thousands of gallons of diesel fuel ignite creates devastating injuries.

Burn classification:

• First degree: Epidermis only; minor, heals without scarring
• Second degree: Epidermis and dermis; may scar, may need grafting
• Third degree: Full thickness; requires skin grafts, permanent scarring
• Fourth degree: Through skin to muscle/bone; multiple surgeries, possible amputation

Long-term consequences: Permanent scarring and disfigurement, multiple reconstructive surgeries, skin graft procedures, chronic pain, infection risks, and psychological trauma.

Internal Organ Damage

The crushing forces in trucking accidents frequently damage internal organs. Liver lacerations, spleen rupture, kidney damage, lung contusion, and internal bleeding may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

These injuries require emergency surgery and often cause permanent organ dysfunction. The medical complexity creates significant legal challenges in proving causation and future damages—challenges we have extensive experience overcoming.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. In Florida, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of death—shorter than the four years for personal injury.

Damages available include lost future income and benefits, loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance), mental anguish, funeral expenses, medical expenses before death, and punitive damages for gross negligence.

We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death cases. We understand that no amount of money replaces your loved one—but holding the responsible parties accountable can provide justice and financial security for your family’s future.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Charlotte County Trucking Accident

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We investigate EVERY potentially liable party—because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We pursue their personal assets and insurance when available.

2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

This is often your primary recovery target. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance. They carry the highest insurance limits—typically $750,000 to $5 million or more.

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

Companies that own the cargo may be liable for improper loading instructions, overweight requirements, or pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders may be liable for improper securement, unbalanced distribution, or failure to use proper tiedowns—violations of 49 CFR § 393.100-136.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn of known dangers create manufacturer liability.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tires, steering components, or lighting systems that fail and cause accidents create parts manufacturer liability.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party repair shops that performed negligent repairs, failed to identify critical safety issues, or returned vehicles with known defects may be liable.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who negligently selected carriers with poor safety records, failed to verify insurance, or chose the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns can be held responsible.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

10. Government Entities

When dangerous road design, inadequate maintenance, or missing safety barriers contribute to accidents, government entities may share liability—though sovereign immunity creates special challenges.

Critical Evidence: The 48-Hour Rule

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Evidence Destruction Timelines

The Spoliation Letter: Your Evidence Protection

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.

Why It Matters:

• Puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation
• Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
• Courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment for spoliation

When We Send It: IMMEDIATELY—within 24-48 hours of being retained. We don’t wait.

What Our Spoliation Letter Demands

Electronic Data:

• ECM/Black Box data
• ELD records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam footage
• Dispatch communications
• Cell phone records

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and background check
• Medical certification
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Previous accident history

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports
• Tire and brake records
• Parts purchase records

Company Records:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs
• Safety policies and procedures
• Insurance policies

Physical Evidence:

• The truck and trailer
• Failed components
• Cargo and securement devices

ECM/Black Box Data: The Objective Truth

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data—similar to airplane black boxes.

What It Records:

• Speed before crash: Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
• Brake application: Shows when and how hard brakes were applied
• Throttle position: Reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting
• Following distance: Calculated from speed and deceleration data
• Hours of service: Proves fatigue and HOS violations
• GPS location: Confirms route and timing
• Fault codes: May reveal known mechanical issues driver ignored

Why This Data Wins Cases: ECM/ELD data is objective and tamper-resistant. It directly contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” This data has led to multi-million dollar verdicts in trucking cases.

FMCSA Record Retention: Minimum Periods

Why Our Spoliation Letter Extends These: Once we send a preservation demand and litigation is anticipated, the duty to preserve extends beyond these minimum periods. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in adverse inference instructions, sanctions, monetary penalties, or even default judgment.

Commercial Truck Insurance: Why These Cases Are High-Value

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies.

Federal Minimum Liability Limits

Why This Matters For Your Case

Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents typically have at least $750,000 available—and often much more. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage.

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills and financial ruin.

Damages You Can Recover in Your Charlotte County Trucking Accident

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Florida’s Punitive Damage Cap: Florida limits punitive damages to the greater of three times compensatory damages or $500,000, with some exceptions for intentional misconduct. However, this cap does not apply to compensatory damages for your actual losses.

Florida Law: What Charlotte County Trucking Accident Victims Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Florida, you have four years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of death.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Comparative Negligence

Florida follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. This means:

• You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Example: If you are found 20% at fault and your damages are $1 million, you recover $800,000.

We investigate thoroughly to minimize any attributed fault and maximize your recovery.

Damage Caps

Florida does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Your actual losses and pain and suffering are fully recoverable.

Punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $500,000, with exceptions for intentional misconduct.

No-Fault Insurance

Florida is a no-fault state for auto insurance, which affects initial medical coverage. However, trucking accidents typically exceed no-fault limits immediately due to catastrophic injuries. We navigate both no-fault and at-fault systems to maximize your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions: Charlotte County 18-Wheeler Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Charlotte County?

If you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

Yes. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Charlotte County hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Charlotte County?

Florida gives you four years from the accident date for personal injury claims, and two years for wrongful death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies build their defenses. Contact us within days, not months.

Who can be held liable in my Charlotte County trucking accident?

Multiple parties may be liable: the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, truck owner, and government entities. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data—speed, braking, throttle position, and more. This objective data often contradicts driver claims and proves negligence. But it can be overwritten in 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Charlotte County?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage—far more than typical car accidents. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Florida allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover lost future income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages for gross negligence. Time limits apply—contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Charlotte County Trucking Accident

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. When we say we know how to beat trucking companies, we have the track record to prove it.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He watched adjusters minimize claims, saw how they train their people to lowball victims, and learned every tactic they use. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation. As he told ABC13 Houston, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our documented settlements include:

• $5+ million for traumatic brain injury (falling log case)
• $3.8+ million for partial leg amputation (car accident with medical complications)
• $2.5+ million for truck crash recovery
• $2+ million for maritime back injury (Jones Act)
• $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death cases

Total recoveries exceed $50 million for Texas families.

24/7 Availability & Immediate Response

Trucking companies send lawyers to accident scenes before ambulances leave. You need attorneys who move just as fast. We answer calls 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve black box data, ELD records, and maintenance logs before they’re destroyed.

Spanish-Language Services

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many of our staff, including Zulema, are bilingual. We serve Charlotte County’s Hispanic community with the same dedication we bring to every client.

Three Office Locations, Statewide Reach

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims throughout Texas and beyond. For Charlotte County clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to Florida for your case. Our federal court experience means we can represent you in Charlotte County regardless of where our physical offices are located.

The Attorney911 Difference: What Our Clients Say

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what real clients have said about working with Attorney911:

Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Donald Wilcox: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Glenda Walker: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Kiimarii Yup: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Ernest Cano: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Angel Walle: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

These aren’t just testimonials—they’re proof of how we treat every client. When you call Attorney911, you’re not a case number. You’re family. And we fight for family.

Call Attorney911 Now: Your Charlotte County Trucking Accident Attorneys

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. What are you doing?

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The clock started the moment that truck hit you.

At Attorney911, we don’t wait. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve critical evidence. We subpoena ELD data, maintenance records, and driver qualification files. We deploy accident reconstruction experts when needed. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s how you get maximum settlements.

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. Lupe Peña knows their playbook from the inside. Together with our dedicated team—including case workers Leonor and Crystal, praised by clients for their communication and care—we’ve recovered over $50 million for families devastated by trucking accidents.

We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. You never receive a bill from us.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Charlotte County—whether on I-75, US-41, or any local road—call Attorney911 now. Your fight starts with one call.

1-888-ATTY-911
(888) 288-9911

24/7 availability. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
Serving Charlotte County and trucking accident victims nationwide