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

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything in an Instant

The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours. That’s illegal under federal law. And now you’re paying the price.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. On Hillsborough County’s busy corridors—where I-4 meets I-75, where the Port of Tampa generates massive freight traffic, where distribution centers feed Florida’s growing population—that risk is even higher. If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Hillsborough County, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands federal trucking regulations, who knows how to hold trucking companies accountable, and who has the resources to take on Fortune 500 carriers.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court, has litigated against multinational corporations like BP, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for insurance companies—now he fights against them. That insider knowledge gives our clients an unfair advantage.

We know Hillsborough County’s trucking landscape. From the Port of Tampa’s container terminals to the I-4 corridor connecting Orlando, from the distribution hubs in Plant City to the agricultural freight moving through eastern Hillsborough County—we understand where trucks travel, where accidents happen, and how to build winning cases here.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The trucking company already has lawyers working. What are you doing?

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Hillsborough County Are Different

The Physics of Catastrophe

Your car weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight.

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. A car needs about 300 feet. That 40% longer stopping distance means truck drivers cannot avoid obstacles as quickly, and when they can’t stop, the impact force is devastating.

Force equals mass times acceleration. An 80,000-pound truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger vehicle. When that energy transfers to your car in a crash, the results are catastrophic.

Hillsborough County’s Unique Trucking Risks

Hillsborough County presents specific dangers for trucking accidents:

Port of Tampa Freight Corridor
The Port of Tampa is Florida’s largest and most diversified port, handling over 36 million tons of cargo annually. This generates massive truck traffic on I-4, I-75, and local connector roads. Container trucks, tankers, and flatbeds move constantly between the port and distribution centers—often on tight schedules that pressure drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.

I-4/I-75 Interchange
One of Florida’s busiest highway junctions, where east-west freight from Orlando meets north-south traffic on Florida’s primary interstate. The volume, speed differentials between cars and trucks, and complex merging patterns create constant accident risks.

Agricultural and Distribution Traffic
Hillsborough County’s eastern areas produce significant agricultural freight—strawberries, tomatoes, citrus—that moves via truck to processing facilities and markets. Meanwhile, distribution centers in Plant City, Brandon, and Tampa’s industrial areas generate constant commercial vehicle traffic.

Tourism and Event Traffic
Tampa’s status as a major tourist destination means additional truck traffic serving hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Event weekends—Gasparilla, Super Bowls, conventions—create unusual traffic patterns that challenge truck drivers unfamiliar with local roads.

Weather Hazards
Florida’s subtropical climate creates year-round trucking hazards: sudden afternoon thunderstorms reducing visibility, wet roads causing hydroplaning, fog in low-lying areas, and hurricane season disruptions that create emergency freight movements on damaged roads.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Hillsborough County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle like a pocket knife. The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic.

Jackknife accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking-related deaths. They frequently result in multi-vehicle pileups when the trailer blocks multiple lanes. Once a jackknife begins, nearby drivers have almost no chance to avoid impact.

Common causes in Hillsborough County:

• Sudden braking on wet roads during afternoon thunderstorms
• Speeding on I-4 or I-75 curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers more prone to swing
• Improperly loaded cargo shifting during Tampa port corridor turns
• Brake system failures from deferred maintenance
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

FMCSA violations often present:

• 49 CFR § 393.48 – Brake system malfunction
• 49 CFR § 393.100 – Improper cargo securement
• 49 CFR § 392.6 – Speeding for conditions

We investigate skid mark patterns, brake inspection records, weather conditions, ECM data showing speed before braking, and cargo manifest documentation to prove negligence.

Rollover Accidents

A rollover occurs when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to the truck’s high center of gravity and massive weight, rollovers are among the most catastrophic trucking accidents.

Approximately 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves. Rollovers frequently lead to secondary crashes from debris and fuel spills. They’re often fatal or cause catastrophic injuries to both truck occupants and other vehicles.

Common causes in Hillsborough County:

• Speeding on I-4/I-75 interchange ramps and curves
• Taking turns too sharply at excessive speed in distribution center areas
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo from Port of Tampa
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity in tanker trucks
• Overcorrection after tire blowout on hot Florida roads
• Driver fatigue from long hauls into Tampa Bay area

FMCSA violations often present:

• 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo securement violations
• 49 CFR § 392.6 – Exceeding safe speed
• 49 CFR § 392.3 – Operating while fatigued

We pursue ECM data for speed through curves, cargo manifest and securement documentation, load distribution records, and driver training on rollover prevention.

Underride Collisions

An underride collision occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level.

Among the most FATAL types of 18-wheeler accidents. Approximately 400-500 underride deaths occur annually in the United States. Rear underride and side underride are both deadly; side underride has no federal guard requirement.

Common causes in Hillsborough County:

• Inadequate or missing underride guards on trailers entering from Port of Tampa
• Worn or damaged rear impact guards from salt air corrosion
• Truck sudden stops without adequate warning on I-4/I-75
• Low visibility conditions during afternoon thunderstorms
• Truck lane changes into blind spots in heavy Tampa traffic
• Wide right turns cutting off traffic near distribution centers

FMCSA/NHTSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.86 – Rear impact guards required on trailers manufactured after 1/26/1998
• Guards must prevent underride at 30 mph impact
• NO FEDERAL REQUIREMENT for side underride guards (advocacy ongoing)

We investigate underride guard inspection and maintenance records, rear lighting compliance, crash dynamics showing underride depth, and guard installation certification.

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision occurs when an 18-wheeler strikes the back of another vehicle or when a vehicle strikes the back of a truck. Due to the truck’s massive weight and longer stopping distances, these accidents cause devastating injuries.

18-wheelers require 20-40% more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. Rear-end collisions are the second most common type of large truck crash.

Common causes in Hillsborough County:

• Following too closely in heavy I-4/I-75 traffic
• Driver distraction from cell phones or dispatch communications
• Driver fatigue from long hauls into Tampa Bay
• Excessive speed for traffic conditions during rush hour
• Brake failures from poor maintenance in humid climate
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns near port exits

FMCSA violations often present:

• 49 CFR § 392.11 – Following too closely
• 49 CFR § 392.3 – Operating while fatigued
• 49 CFR § 392.82 – Mobile phone use
• 49 CFR § 393.48 – Brake system deficiencies

We pursue ECM data showing following distance and speed, ELD data for driver fatigue analysis, cell phone records for distraction evidence, and brake inspection records.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing or striking the vehicle that entered the gap.

Why trucks make wide turns in Hillsborough County:

• 18-wheelers need significant space to complete turns on Tampa’s narrower streets
• Trailer tracks inside the path of the cab
• Drivers must swing wide to avoid curbs, signs, or buildings near Port of Tampa exits

Common causes:

• Failure to properly signal turning intention in heavy traffic
• Inadequate mirror checks before and during turn
• Improper turn technique (swinging too early or too wide)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Failure to yield right-of-way when completing turn
• Poor intersection design forcing wide turns near distribution centers

FMCSA violations often present:

• 49 CFR § 392.11 – Unsafe lane changes
• 49 CFR § 392.2 – Failure to obey traffic signals

We investigate turn signal activation data from ECM, mirror condition and adjustment records, driver training records on turning procedures, and intersection geometry analysis.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Blind spot accidents occur when an 18-wheeler changes lanes or maneuvers without seeing a vehicle in one of its four major blind spots (No-Zones).

The Four No-Zones:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab—driver cannot see low vehicles
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer—no rear-view mirror visibility
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward—smaller than right side
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward, much larger than left—MOST DANGEROUS

Right-side blind spot accidents are especially dangerous due to larger blind spot area. Many blind spot accidents occur during lane changes on I-4 and I-75.

Common causes in Hillsborough County:

• Failure to check mirrors before lane changes in heavy Tampa traffic
• Improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors
• Inadequate mirror checking during sustained maneuvers
• Driver distraction during lane changes
• Driver fatigue affecting situational awareness
• Failure to use turn signals allowing other drivers to anticipate

FMCSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.80 – Mirrors must provide clear view to rear on both sides
• Proper mirror adjustment is part of driver pre-trip inspection

We investigate mirror condition and adjustment at time of crash, lane change data from ECM/telematics, turn signal activation records, and driver training on blind spot awareness.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowout accidents occur when one or more tires on an 18-wheeler suddenly fail, causing the driver to lose control. Debris from the blown tire can also strike other vehicles.

18-wheelers have 18 tires, each of which can fail. Steer tire (front) blowouts are especially dangerous—can cause immediate loss of control. “Road gators” (tire debris) cause thousands of accidents annually.

Common causes in Hillsborough County:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating in Florida’s extreme heat
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity from Port of Tampa freight
• Worn or aging tires not replaced in humid climate
• Road debris punctures on I-4 and I-75
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels
• Heat buildup on long hauls into Tampa Bay
• Inadequate pre-trip tire inspections

FMCSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.75 – Tire requirements (tread depth, condition)
• 49 CFR § 396.13 – Pre-trip inspection must include tire check
• Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions

We pursue tire maintenance and inspection records, tire age and wear documentation, tire inflation records and pressure checks, vehicle weight records from weigh stations, and failed tire for defect analysis.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failure accidents occur when an 18-wheeler’s braking system fails or underperforms, preventing the driver from stopping in time to avoid a collision.

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Brake system violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations. Complete brake failure is often the result of systematic maintenance neglect.

Common causes in Hillsborough County:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced in humid, salty air
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip brake inspections
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

FMCSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.40-55 – Brake system requirements
• 49 CFR § 396.3 – Systematic inspection and maintenance
• 49 CFR § 396.11 – Driver post-trip report of brake condition
• Air brake pushrod travel limits specified

We investigate brake inspection and maintenance records, out-of-service inspection history, ECM data showing brake application and effectiveness, post-crash brake system analysis, and driver vehicle inspection reports.

Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Cargo spill and shift accidents occur when improperly secured cargo falls from a truck, shifts during transport causing instability, or spills onto the roadway.

Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. Shifted cargo causes rollover accidents when center of gravity changes. Spilled cargo on highways causes secondary accidents.

Types:

• Cargo Shift: Load moves during transit, destabilizing truck
• Cargo Spill: Load falls from truck onto roadway
• Hazmat Spill: Hazardous materials leak or spill, creating additional dangers

Common causes in Hillsborough County:

• Inadequate tiedowns (insufficient number or strength) on Port of Tampa container loads
• Improper loading distribution
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
• Tiedown failure due to wear or damage in humid climate
• Overloading beyond securement capacity
• Failure to re-inspect cargo during trip
• Loose tarps allowing cargo shift

FMCSA requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Complete cargo securement standards
• Working load limits for tiedowns specified
• Specific requirements by cargo type (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

We investigate cargo securement inspection photos, bill of lading and cargo manifest, loading company records, tiedown specifications and condition, and 49 CFR 393 compliance documentation.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions occur when an 18-wheeler crosses into oncoming traffic and strikes vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.

Head-on collisions are among the deadliest accident types. Even at moderate combined speeds, the force is often fatal. They often occur on two-lane highways or from wrong-way entry onto interstates.

Common causes in Hillsborough County:

• Driver fatigue causing lane departure on long I-4 or I-75 stretches
• Driver falling asleep at the wheel during overnight hauls
• Driver distraction from cell phones, GPS, or dispatch communications
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Medical emergency (heart attack, seizure)
• Overcorrection after running off road
• Passing on two-lane roads in rural eastern Hillsborough County
• Wrong-way entry onto divided highways

FMCSA violations often present:

• 49 CFR § 395 – Hours of service violations
• 49 CFR § 392.3 – Operating while fatigued
• 49 CFR § 392.4/5 – Drug or alcohol violations
• 49 CFR § 392.82 – Mobile phone use

We pursue ELD data for HOS compliance and fatigue, ECM data showing lane departure and steering, cell phone records for distraction, driver medical records and certification, and drug and alcohol test results.

The 10 Parties Who May Owe You Compensation

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 the accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct including speeding, distracted driving, fatigued driving beyond legal limits, impaired driving, failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections, and violation of traffic laws.

We pursue the driver’s complete driving record, ELD data showing hours of service, drug and alcohol test results, cell phone records, previous accident history, and training records.

2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they carry the deepest insurance—typically $750,000 to $5 million or more.

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies face direct negligence claims:

• Negligent hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, hours of service
• Negligent supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance
• Negligent maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicle in safe condition
• Negligent scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

We subpoena Driver Qualification Files, hiring policies, training records, supervision practices, dispatch records showing schedule pressure, safety culture documentation, and CSA scores.

3. Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged shipment may be liable for providing improper loading instructions, failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo, requiring overweight loading, or pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits.

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo may be liable for improper securement under 49 CFR 393, unbalanced load distribution, exceeding vehicle weight ratings, or failure to use proper blocking, bracing, and tiedowns.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

The manufacturer may be liable for design defects in brake systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement; manufacturing defects like faulty welds; or failure to warn of known dangers.

6. Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture brakes, tires, steering components, or other parts may be liable for defective products that fail and cause accidents.

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for negligent repairs, failure to identify critical safety issues, improper brake adjustments, or using substandard parts.

8. Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records, failure to verify carrier insurance and authority, or failure to check CSA scores.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for negligent entrustment, failure to maintain equipment, or knowledge of driver’s unfitness.

10. Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for dangerous road design, failure to maintain roads, inadequate signage, or improper work zone setup—though sovereign immunity limits recovery.

Federal Regulations That Protect You—And Prove Negligence

Every 18-wheeler on American highways must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.

The Six Critical Parts of FMCSA Regulations

Hours of Service Violations—The Most Common Cause of Fatigue Crashes

Property-Carrying Drivers (Most 18-Wheelers):

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate (49 CFR § 395.8):

Since December 18, 2017, most CMV drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time, synchronize with vehicle engine, cannot be altered after the fact, and record GPS location, speed, and engine hours.

Why ELD Data Wins Cases:

ELDs prove exactly how long the driver was on duty, whether breaks were taken as required, speed before and during the accident, GPS location history, and any HOS violations. This objective data often contradicts driver claims.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Why Every Hour Matters

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.

Critical Timelines:

The Spoliation Letter—Your Evidence Shield

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
• The sooner sent, the more weight it carries

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

What Our Spoliation Letter Demands

Electronic Data:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU) data
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages
• Qualcomm or fleet management system data

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and resume
• Background check and driving record
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results (pre-employment and random)
• Training documentation

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records
• Parts purchase and installation records

Company Records:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Insurance policies
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies

Physical Evidence:

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved

Catastrophic Injuries From 18-Wheeler Accidents in Hillsborough County

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. When 80,000 pounds collides with 4,000 pounds, the results are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In 18-wheeler accidents, extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

Common Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, sensory problems, speech difficulties, personality changes.

Long-Term Consequences: Permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, need for ongoing care and supervision, increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, depression and emotional disorders.

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury victims. As client Glenda Walker told us after her case settled, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

Level of Injury Matters: Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions. C1-C4 injuries may require ventilator for breathing. Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms.

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

These figures represent direct medical costs only—not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

Amputation

Types:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crash forces
• Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed

Common in 18-Wheeler Accidents Due To:

• Crushing forces from truck impact
• Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
• Severe burns requiring surgical removal
• Infections from open wounds

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Impact on Life: Permanent disability, career limitations or total disability, phantom limb pain, body image and psychological trauma, need for home modifications, dependency on others for daily activities.

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Severe Burns

How Burns Occur in 18-Wheeler Accidents:

• Fuel tank rupture and fire
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn Classification:

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

Internal Organ Damage

Common Internal Injuries:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Why Dangerous: May not show immediate symptoms. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening. Requires emergency surgery. Organ removal affects long-term health.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills, surviving family members can recover compensation through wrongful death claims.

Who Can Bring a Claim in Florida:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (if no spouse or children)
• Estate representative

Types of Claims:

• Wrongful Death Action: Compensation for survivors’ losses
• Survival Action: Compensation for decedent’s pain/suffering before death

Damages Available:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death trucking cases.

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

Statute of Limitations

In Florida, you have 4 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is 2 years from the date of death.

But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies are building their defense right now. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

Comparative Negligence in Florida

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

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing

Example: If you’re awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you receive $70,000. If found 51% at fault, you receive $0.

This makes thorough investigation and evidence preservation critical. The trucking company will try to shift blame to you. We fight back with objective data from ECM, ELD, and accident reconstruction.

Florida Damage Caps

Good news for Florida trucking accident victims: Florida does NOT cap compensatory damages (economic or non-economic) in personal injury cases involving motor vehicles.

However, Florida does have a punitive damages cap: the greater of 3x compensatory damages or $500,000, with some exceptions for intentional misconduct.

This means your full medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages are recoverable without artificial limits—making thorough documentation and aggressive representation essential.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hillsborough County Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims

Ralph Manginello has represented trucking accident victims since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving him federal court capability for complex interstate trucking cases. He’s litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion case that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more.

Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families across all practice areas, with multi-million dollar settlements specifically in trucking accident cases.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.

As we tell every client: “Our firm includes an attorney who used to work for insurance companies—now he fights against them. That’s your advantage.”

We Know Hillsborough County

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims throughout Texas and beyond. But we understand what makes Hillsborough County unique:

• The Port of Tampa generates massive container, tanker, and flatbed traffic
• I-4 and I-75 create one of Florida’s busiest and most dangerous trucking corridors
• Distribution centers in Plant City, Brandon, and Tampa’s industrial areas create constant commercial vehicle traffic
• Agricultural freight from eastern Hillsborough County adds seasonal trucking pressure
• Tourism and event traffic creates unusual patterns that challenge unfamiliar drivers

We know the local courts, the local trucking companies that operate here, and the specific challenges of building cases in Hillsborough County.

24/7 Availability—Because Trucking Accidents Don’t Wait

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 any time, day or night. We answer trucking accident calls immediately. We send spoliation letters within hours, not days. We deploy investigators to preserve evidence before it disappears.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency. You pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Hillsborough County

Immediate Steps (If You’re Able)

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor—adrenaline masks pain, and internal injuries may not show immediately
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible—vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Why You Need a Lawyer Within 48 Hours

Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly:

• ECM/Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD records may be retained only 6 months
• Dashcam footage often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 7-30 days
• Witness memory fades significantly within weeks

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, putting the trucking company on legal notice to preserve all evidence. Once they receive our letter, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or even default judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Hillsborough County

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Hillsborough County?

In Florida, you have 4 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is 2 years from the date of death.

But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies are building their defense right now. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.

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

Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses (past and future), lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, degree of defendant’s negligence, and available insurance coverage.

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, and wrongful death cases.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Florida uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation reduced by your percentage of fault—unless you were more than 50% at fault.

Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes—and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident—including ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained.

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

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

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?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Free consultation. 24/7 availability. No fee unless we win.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims throughout Texas, Florida, and nationwide. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission means we can handle your case wherever it needs to be filed.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
25+ Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims
Multi-Million Dollar Results | Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
4.9★ Google Reviews (251+ Reviews) | Hablamos Español