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

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything, You Need a Fighter

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through DeSoto County on your way to work, visiting family, or just living your life. The next, an 80,000-pound commercial truck has turned your world upside down. In the rural stretches of Florida’s Heartland, where I-75 cuts through cattle country and agricultural trucks share the road with passenger vehicles, these accidents happen with devastating frequency.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in DeSoto County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that understands federal trucking regulations, knows how to preserve critical evidence before it disappears, and has the resources to take on major trucking companies and their insurers. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Florida and throughout the United States. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by commercial vehicle crashes, and our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate from the inside.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in DeSoto County Are Different

The Geography of Risk

DeSoto County sits at a critical junction in Florida’s transportation network. Interstate 75, one of the busiest north-south freight corridors in the eastern United States, runs directly through the county, carrying thousands of commercial trucks daily between Tampa, Fort Myers, and points north. This isn’t just a local road—it’s a major artery for agricultural products from Florida’s Heartland, manufactured goods from the Gulf Coast, and consumer products moving between distribution centers.

The rural nature of DeSoto County creates unique dangers. Long stretches of highway with limited lighting, intersections without traffic signals, and the mixing of slow-moving agricultural equipment with high-speed commercial traffic all contribute to accident risk. When an 18-wheeler loses control on these roads, there are often few barriers to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

The Physics of Devastation

An 18-wheeler isn’t just a bigger car—it’s a fundamentally different type of vehicle with devastating destructive potential. Consider these facts:

• Weight differential: A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law. The average passenger vehicle weighs 3,500 to 4,000 pounds. The truck is 20 to 25 times heavier.

• Stopping distance: At 65 miles per hour, an 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. A passenger car needs about 300 feet. That extra 225 feet often means the difference between a near-miss and a fatal collision.

• Impact force: Force equals mass times acceleration. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at highway speed carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger vehicle. When that energy transfers to a smaller vehicle in a crash, the results are catastrophic.

These aren’t abstract statistics—they’re the physical realities that determine whether someone walks away from a DeSoto County trucking accident or suffers life-changing injuries.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in DeSoto County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab of an 18-wheeler skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle similar to a pocket knife. The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. On I-75 through DeSoto County, where traffic moves at high speeds and shoulders are limited, a jackknifed truck can block the entire roadway, causing multi-vehicle pileups.

Jackknife accidents typically result from sudden or improper braking, especially on wet roads or when a driver is traveling too fast for conditions. Empty or lightly loaded trailers are particularly prone to jackknifing because they lack the weight to maintain traction. Driver fatigue, which slows reaction times, is another major contributing factor.

Under 49 CFR § 393.48, trucking companies must maintain properly functioning brake systems. When brake failures contribute to jackknife accidents, we investigate maintenance records to prove negligence. We also examine ELD data to determine if hours-of-service violations caused driver fatigue, and we analyze ECM data to reconstruct exactly how the jackknife occurred.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents occur 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—something that happens frequently on the ramps and interchanges of I-75 through DeSoto County.

Rollovers often result from speeding on curves, taking turns too sharply, improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo, liquid cargo “slosh” that shifts the center of gravity, overcorrection after a tire blowout or lane departure, and driver fatigue causing delayed reaction. The agricultural nature of DeSoto County means that trucks carrying liquid cargo—whether agricultural chemicals, fuel, or food products—frequently travel these roads, creating particular rollover risks.

Under 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136, federal law establishes detailed cargo securement requirements. When cargo shifts cause rollovers, we examine loading records, tiedown specifications, and whether the trucking company followed federal securement standards. We also investigate whether the driver received proper training on rollover prevention and whether dispatch pressures contributed to unsafe driving.

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions occur 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. These are among the most fatal types of 18-wheeler accidents, with approximately 400 to 500 underride deaths occurring annually in the United States.

Rear underride accidents typically happen when a truck stops suddenly without adequate warning, or when a passenger vehicle rear-ends a truck at high speed. Side underride accidents occur during lane changes, turns, or at intersections when a truck’s trailer blocks a smaller vehicle’s path. On rural highways like those in DeSoto County, where lighting is limited and traffic signals are sparse, underride risks are elevated.

Under 49 CFR § 393.86, rear impact guards are required on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. These guards must prevent underride at 30 mph impact. However, NO FEDERAL REQUIREMENT exists for side underride guards, though advocacy continues. When underride accidents occur, we investigate whether the truck was equipped with compliant guards, whether those guards were properly maintained, and whether inadequate lighting or reflectors contributed to the accident.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers are particularly devastating due to the truck’s massive weight and extended stopping distance. When a truck rear-ends a passenger vehicle, the force of impact can crush the smaller vehicle or push it into other traffic. When a passenger vehicle rear-ends a truck, underride becomes a risk.

These accidents commonly result from following too closely, driver distraction, driver fatigue and delayed reaction, excessive speed for traffic conditions, brake failures from poor maintenance, and failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns. On I-75 through DeSoto County, where traffic patterns can change rapidly due to agricultural vehicles entering the highway, construction zones, or accidents ahead, these factors create constant danger.

Under 49 CFR § 392.11, federal law prohibits following another vehicle more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” When rear-end collisions occur, we examine ECM data to determine following distance and speed, ELD data for fatigue analysis, cell phone records for distraction evidence, and brake maintenance records. This comprehensive investigation often reveals multiple FMCSA violations that establish negligence.

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. These accidents are particularly common in urban and suburban areas, but they also occur at rural intersections throughout DeSoto County where trucks turn onto smaller roads.

Trucks must swing wide because the trailer tracks inside the path of the cab, and drivers need significant space to complete turns without hitting curbs, signs, or buildings. When other drivers don’t understand this maneuver—or when truck drivers fail to signal properly—disastrous collisions result.

These accidents typically involve failure to properly signal turning intention, inadequate mirror checks, improper turn technique, driver inexperience with trailer tracking, failure to yield right-of-way, and poor intersection design. Under state traffic laws and 49 CFR § 392.2, truck drivers must obey all traffic signals and operate safely. When wide turn accidents occur, we investigate turn signal activation data, mirror condition and adjustment, driver training records, and intersection geometry to establish liability.

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—areas known as “No-Zones.” These accidents are particularly dangerous because the truck driver often doesn’t realize a collision has occurred until it’s too late to prevent serious injury.

The four No-Zones are: the front No-Zone (20 feet directly in front where the driver cannot see low vehicles), the rear No-Zone (30 feet behind with no rear-view mirror visibility), the left side No-Zone (extending from cab door backward, smaller than right side), and the right side No-Zone (extending from cab door backward, much larger and MOST DANGEROUS).

Right-side blind spot accidents are especially common and deadly because the blind spot is largest on that side, and passenger vehicles often linger in this area when trucks are turning or changing lanes. On multi-lane highways like I-75 through DeSoto County, where traffic moves at high speeds and lane changes are frequent, these accidents occur with alarming regularity.

These accidents typically result from failure to check mirrors before lane changes, improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors, inadequate mirror checking during sustained maneuvers, driver distraction, and driver fatigue affecting situational awareness. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, mirrors must provide clear view to rear on both sides, and proper mirror adjustment is part of driver pre-trip inspection. When blind spot accidents occur, we examine mirror condition, lane change data from ECM/telematics, turn signal records, and driver training to prove negligence.

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, creating secondary accidents. With 18 tires on a typical tractor-trailer, each represents a potential failure point that can cause catastrophe.

Steer tire (front) blowouts are especially dangerous because they can cause immediate loss of control. When a steer tire fails at highway speed, the truck may swerve violently into adjacent lanes or off the road entirely. “Road gators”—strips of tire tread that separate and lie on the roadway—cause thousands of accidents annually when vehicles strike them or swerve to avoid them.

Tire blowouts typically result from underinflated tires causing overheating, overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity, worn or aging tires not replaced, road debris punctures, manufacturing defects, improper tire matching on dual wheels, heat buildup on long hauls, and inadequate pre-trip tire inspections. Florida’s extreme heat, particularly during summer months, significantly increases blowout risk as asphalt temperatures can exceed 140°F, causing tire pressures to spike and rubber to degrade.

Under 49 CFR § 393.75, federal law establishes tire requirements including tread depth minimums (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions) and condition standards. Section 396.13 requires pre-trip inspection to include tire check. When blowout accidents occur, we investigate tire maintenance and inspection records, tire age and wear documentation, inflation records, vehicle weight records from weigh stations, and tire manufacturer information to establish whether FMCSA violations caused the failure.

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. These accidents are particularly terrifying because they often involve high-speed impacts with devastating consequences.

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes according to federal data. Brake system violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations found during roadside inspections. Complete brake failure is often the result of systematic maintenance neglect rather than sudden mechanical failure—meaning these accidents are frequently preventable with proper care.

Brake failures typically result from worn brake pads or shoes not replaced, 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, and deferred maintenance to save costs. The flat terrain of much of Florida can lead to complacency about brake maintenance, but trucks traveling to and from DeSoto County often traverse hilly terrain elsewhere, making brake fade a real risk.

Under 49 CFR §§ 393.40-55, federal law establishes comprehensive brake system requirements. Section 396.3 requires systematic inspection and maintenance, while Section 396.11 mandates driver post-trip reports on brake condition. Air brake pushrod travel limits are specified in detail. When brake failure accidents occur, we examine brake inspection and maintenance records, out-of-service inspection history, ECM data showing brake application and effectiveness, post-crash brake system analysis, driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs), and mechanic work orders to prove that FMCSA violations caused the failure.

Cargo Spill and 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. These accidents create multiple dangers: the truck itself may lose control due to shifting weight, spilled cargo creates obstacles for other vehicles, and hazardous materials may create environmental and health risks.

Cargo securement violations are among the top ten most common FMCSA violations found during roadside inspections. Shifted cargo causes rollover accidents when the center of gravity changes unexpectedly. Spilled cargo on highways causes secondary accidents when other vehicles strike debris or swerve to avoid it. In agricultural areas like DeSoto County, where trucks frequently carry produce, livestock feed, and farming equipment, these accidents present particular risks.

Cargo accidents take several forms. Cargo shift involves load movement during transit that destabilizes the truck. Cargo spill involves load falling from the truck onto the roadway. Hazmat spill involves hazardous materials leaking or spilling, creating additional dangers that may require emergency response and long-term environmental remediation.

These accidents typically result from inadequate tiedowns (insufficient number or strength), improper loading distribution, failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats, tiedown failure due to wear or damage, overloading beyond securement capacity, failure to re-inspect cargo during trip, and loose tarps allowing cargo shift. Florida’s agricultural economy means many trucks on DeSoto County roads carry loads that shift easily—produce, grain, and livestock—that require particular attention to securement.

Under 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136, federal law establishes comprehensive cargo securement standards. Performance criteria require cargo securement systems to withstand specific forces: 0.8 g deceleration forward, 0.5 g acceleration rearward, 0.5 g lateral force, and at least 20% of cargo weight downward if not fully contained. Tiedown requirements specify aggregate working load limits and minimum numbers based on cargo dimensions. When cargo accidents occur, we investigate cargo securement inspection photos, bills of lading and cargo manifests, loading company records, tiedown specifications and condition, and compliance documentation to prove FMCSA violations caused the accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a DeSoto County 18-Wheeler Accident?

The Driver

The truck 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 inspections, and traffic violations. We pursue the driver’s complete record including driving history, ELD data, drug and alcohol tests, cell phone records, and training documentation.

The Trucking Company

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they carry the highest insurance limits and bear the most responsibility for safety. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Beyond vicarious liability, trucking companies face direct negligence claims for negligent hiring of unqualified drivers, negligent training on safety and hours of service, negligent supervision of driver performance, negligent maintenance of vehicles, and negligent scheduling that pressures drivers to violate regulations.

We subpoena driver qualification files, hiring policies, training records, dispatch logs showing schedule pressure, safety culture documentation, and CSA safety scores to prove trucking company negligence.

Cargo Owner and Loading Company

The companies that own and load cargo may be liable for improper loading instructions, failure to disclose hazardous cargo, overweight loading, and failure to use proper securement. We examine shipping contracts, loading instructions, and securement equipment to establish liability.

Manufacturers

Truck, trailer, and parts manufacturers may be liable for design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn of known dangers. We research recall notices, technical service bulletins, and similar defect complaints to build product liability cases.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for negligent repairs, failure to identify safety issues, and returning vehicles to service with known defects. We pursue maintenance work orders, mechanic qualifications, and parts records.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection, failure to verify insurance and authority, and failure to check safety records. We examine broker-carrier agreements and selection criteria.

Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for dangerous road design, failure to maintain roads, inadequate signage, and improper work zone setup. These cases involve special procedures and shorter deadlines.

Critical Evidence in DeSoto County 18-Wheeler Accidents

The 48-Hour Rule

Evidence in 18-wheeler accident cases disappears fast—much faster than in typical car accidents. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of a crash. If you don’t act immediately, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Electronic Data We Preserve

ECM/Black Box Data: The Engine Control Module records speed, braking, throttle position, engine RPM, cruise control status, and fault codes. This objective data often contradicts driver claims.

ELD Records: Electronic Logging Devices prove whether drivers violated federal hours-of-service regulations. Fatigue is a factor in approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

GPS and Telematics: Real-time location tracking reveals route history, speed patterns, and whether drivers took required rest breaks.

Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras show driver behavior, road conditions, and the moments before impact.

Dispatch Communications: Messages between drivers and dispatchers may reveal schedule pressure, route changes, or known safety issues.

The Spoliation Letter

Within 24 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This legal notice:

• Puts defendants on notice of their evidence preservation obligation
• Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
• Allows courts to impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or default judgment for spoliation

Once our letter is received, the duty to preserve extends beyond standard retention periods. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in jury instructions to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company.

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. When 80,000 pounds collide with 4,000 pounds at highway speed, the energy transfer causes devastating trauma.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when sudden trauma damages the brain. In 18-wheeler accidents, extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and personality changes. Severe TBI can cause permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, and need for ongoing care. Our firm has recovered over $5 million for TBI victims, including a logging accident case involving traumatic brain injury and vision loss.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis. Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) and quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) are catastrophic outcomes. Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million for paraplegia to $5 million or more for quadriplegia—and these figures represent only direct medical costs, not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

Amputation

Traumatic amputation occurs when limbs are severed at the scene. Surgical amputation becomes necessary when limbs are too severely damaged to save. Ongoing needs include prosthetic limbs ($5,000 to $50,000+ each, with replacements needed throughout life), physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling. Our firm secured $3.8 million for a client who suffered partial leg amputation following a car accident complicated by staph infection during treatment.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, and electrical fires can cause severe burns. Third and fourth-degree burns require skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and leave permanent scarring and disfigurement. The psychological trauma of burn injuries is often as severe as the physical damage.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. Damages include lost future income, loss of companionship and guidance, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages. Time limits apply—contact us immediately to protect your family’s rights.

FMCSA Regulations That Protect You

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. When trucking companies and drivers 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.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

These are the most commonly violated regulations in trucking accidents. For property-carrying drivers:

• 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. ELD data proves whether drivers violated these rules.

Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)

Motor carriers must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing:

• Employment application and background check
• Driving record from state licensing authority
• Road test certificate or equivalent
• Medical examiner’s certificate (valid maximum 2 years)
• Annual driving record review
• Previous employer inquiries (3-year history)
• Drug and alcohol test records

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Federal law requires:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, falling, or shifting
• Securement systems must withstand specified forces (0.8 g forward, 0.5 g rearward, 0.5 g lateral)
• Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions
• Required lighting and reflectors

Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Motor carriers must:

• Systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Maintain annual inspection records for 14 months
• Keep maintenance records for 1 year
• Document all repairs

Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Deferred maintenance records prove negligence.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your DeSoto County 18-Wheeler Accident Case

25+ Years of Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims

Ralph Manginello has represented injury victims since 1998. With federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, he can handle complex interstate trucking cases that require federal jurisdiction. His experience includes litigation against Fortune 500 corporations, including involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry settlements.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how large insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. He watched adjusters minimize claims, saw how they train their people to lowball victims, and learned what makes them settle. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for our clients. This isn’t just a bio fact—it’s your advantage in negotiations and litigation.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a client who suffered partial leg amputation after a car accident
• $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury
• $2.5+ million in truck crash recoveries
• Millions recovered in wrongful death cases

Currently, we’re litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity involving severe hazing allegations—demonstrating our capability to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against well-funded institutional defendants.

Client-Focused Service

Our 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews reflects our commitment to treating clients like family, not case numbers. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Donald Wilcox, whose case another firm rejected, said: “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.”

We take cases other firms reject. We resolve cases faster than competitors—Angel Walle told us, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” And we provide direct attorney access—Dame Haskett said, “Ralph reached out personally.”

Three Office Locations, Statewide Reach

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims throughout Texas and beyond. For DeSoto County clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to you for your case. Our federal court experience means we can represent you in DeSoto County regardless of where the trucking company is based.

Hablamos Español

Many trucking accident victims in DeSoto County speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. No communication barriers. No misunderstandings. Just clear, effective advocacy. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

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

Immediate Steps

If you’re able to take action after a DeSoto County trucking accident:

1. Call 911 and report the accident. Request emergency medical assistance even if injuries seem minor.
2. Seek medical attention immediately. Adrenaline masks pain, and internal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days.
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible. Capture vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and your injuries.
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information. This is critical for identifying all liable parties.
5. Collect witness contact information. Independent witnesses can make or break your case.
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company without legal counsel.
7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately. Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases.

Why Immediate Legal Action Matters

The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. Their rapid-response team may already be at the scene collecting evidence to protect their interests.

What are you doing to protect yours?

Within 48 hours of a trucking accident, critical evidence can disappear. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The physical evidence at the scene is cleaned up or altered.

We don’t wait. When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately begin preserving evidence. Our spoliation letters put the trucking company on legal notice that they must preserve all evidence related to your accident. We subpoena ECM and ELD data before it can be overwritten. We deploy investigators to the scene while physical evidence remains. We interview witnesses while memories are fresh.

This immediate action often makes the difference between a successful recovery and a denied claim.

DeSoto County 18-Wheeler Accident FAQ

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

Florida law gives you 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. However, you should never wait anywhere near that long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the trucking company is building their defense from day one. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Florida follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages are $500,000, you would recover $400,000. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and minimize any attribution of fault to you.

How much is my DeSoto County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors: severity of injuries, 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 than passenger vehicles—minimum $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries. Call us for a free case evaluation to discuss your specific situation.

Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. Our firm has the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of courtroom experience and federal court admission give us the credibility to negotiate from strength.

How do I pay for a lawyer if I can’t afford one?

You don’t pay anything upfront. Attorney911 works on contingency—you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket. This means you get the same quality representation as wealthy clients, with no financial risk. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.

What makes Attorney911 different from other trucking accident lawyers?

Three critical differences: First, 25+ years of experience specifically in trucking litigation, with federal court admission and a track record of multi-million dollar results against major carriers. Second, insider knowledge—our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate and minimize claims. Third, client-focused service—our 4.9-star rating from 251+ reviews reflects our commitment to treating clients like family, not case numbers. We take cases other firms reject, we resolve cases faster, and we provide direct attorney access throughout your case.

Hablamos Español—¿Necesita ayuda con su accidente de camión en DeSoto County?

Nuestro abogado asociado, Lupe Peña, habla español fluidamente y puede representarlo directamente sin intérpretes. No hay barreras de comunicación. No hay malentendidos. Solo defensa legal clara y efectiva. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Your Fight Starts Now

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their rapid-response team may already be at the scene protecting their interests.

What are you doing to protect yours?

Every hour you wait, evidence in your DeSoto County trucking accident case disappears. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The physical evidence at the scene is cleaned up or altered.

We don’t wait. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately begin preserving evidence, investigating liability, and building your case for maximum recovery.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use against you. We’ve recovered $50 million for our clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.

You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. And we treat you like family—not a case number.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7, and your consultation is free.

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

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC

• Houston (Main): 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
• Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
• Beaumont: Available for client meetings

Phone: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) | (713) 528-9070

Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com

Website: Attorney911.com

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