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

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving along Highway 98 through Franklin County, Florida—the next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is jackknifing across your lane or barreling through a red light in Apalachicola. In an instant, everything changes.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. Over 5,000 people die annually in trucking accidents—and 76% of those deaths are people in the smaller vehicle, not the truck. Here in Franklin County, Florida, our position along the Gulf Coast puts us at the crossroads of heavy freight traffic: Highway 98 runs the length of our county, connecting Panama City to Tallahassee, while US-319 and US-98 Alternate serve as critical corridors for timber, seafood, and agricultural shipping.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Franklin County, Florida, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. Since 1998, he’s been admitted to federal court, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The trucking company already called their lawyers. What are you doing?

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Franklin County, Florida Are Different

The Physics Are Brutal

An 18-wheeler isn’t just a big car—it’s a weapon on wheels. Here’s what you’re up against:

Factor	Passenger Car	18-Wheeler	Impact
Weight	3,500-4,000 lbs	Up to 80,000 lbs	20-25x heavier
Stopping Distance at 65 mph	~300 feet	~525 feet	75% longer
Height	~5 feet	~13.5 feet	Underride risk
Blind Spots	Minimal	Four “No-Zones” covering 360°	Invisible to driver

When 80,000 pounds hits 4,000 pounds, the math is simple—and devastating. The energy transfer in a truck collision is approximately 80 times that of a car-to-car crash. That’s why catastrophic injuries are the norm, not the exception.

Franklin County, Florida’s Unique Trucking Risks

Our Gulf Coast location creates specific dangers you won’t find inland:

Highway 98 Corridor: This 150-mile stretch along the Forgotten Coast is our primary trucking artery. Timber trucks from the Apalachicola National Forest, seafood haulers from the docks, and agricultural transports share narrow two-lane sections with tourist traffic. The scenic but winding route through Franklin County, Florida creates limited passing zones and frequent speed differentials between loaded trucks and passenger vehicles.

Port of Apalachicola Traffic: While smaller than major Florida ports, our historic harbor still generates significant commercial traffic. Oyster and shrimp boats require supply deliveries, and timber exports move through local facilities. These short-haul trucks often make multiple daily trips on Highway 98, increasing interaction frequency with local traffic.

Seasonal Surges: Franklin County, Florida’s economy creates predictable trucking spikes. The Florida Seafood Festival in Apalachicola brings increased food service deliveries. Summer tourism season means more supply trucks for hotels and restaurants. Hurricane season (June-November) creates emergency supply convoys and debris removal operations that stress normal traffic patterns.

Weather Hazards: Our subtropical climate affects trucking safety year-round. Summer thunderstorms reduce visibility and create hydroplaning risks on Highway 98’s flat stretches. Hurricane season brings evacuation traffic that mixes unfamiliar drivers with heavy freight movements. Winter fog from the Apalachicola Bay can blanket morning highways, creating multi-vehicle pileup conditions.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Franklin County, Florida Trucking Accident

Most law firms sue the driver and trucking company—and stop there. That’s leaving money on the table. At Attorney911, 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 subpoena their driving record, ELD data, cell phone records, and drug test results.

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 face direct liability for:

• Negligent hiring – failing to check driver backgrounds
• Negligent training – inadequate safety instruction
• Negligent supervision – ignoring HOS violations
• Negligent maintenance – deferring critical repairs
• Negligent scheduling – pressuring drivers to violate hours limits

Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—far more than individual drivers.

3. Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo may be liable if they:

• Required overweight loading
• Failed to disclose hazardous materials
• Pressured unsafe delivery schedules
• Provided improper loading instructions

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secured cargo may be liable for:

• Inadequate tiedowns (49 CFR § 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Failure to use proper blocking/bracing
• Exceeding securement capacity

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Defective design or manufacturing can create liability for:

• Brake system failures
• Stability control defects
• Fuel tank placement (fire risk)
• Structural failures

6. Parts Manufacturer

Component makers may be liable for defective:

• Brakes or brake parts
• Tires causing blowouts
• Steering mechanisms
• Lighting systems

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party repair shops may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard parts
• Returning vehicles with known defects

8. Freight Broker

Brokers who arranged transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent carrier selection (hiring unsafe companies)
• Failure to verify carrier insurance/authority
• Ignoring poor carrier CSA safety scores

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may face:

• Negligent entrustment liability
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver unfitness

10. Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain safe roads
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Improper work zone setup

Sovereign immunity limits government liability, and strict notice requirements apply—contact us immediately if you suspect government liability.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence in Your Franklin County, Florida Trucking Accident

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every 18-wheeler on American highways. When trucking companies violate these federal rules, they’ve broken the law—and that negligence proves your case.

Part 390: General Applicability

49 CFR § 390.3 establishes that FMCSA regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. This includes virtually every 18-wheeler on Franklin County, Florida’s highways.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

49 CFR § 391.11 requires drivers to:

• Be at least 21 years old (interstate)
• Pass medical examinations every 2 years maximum
• Hold valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Complete required entry-level driver training

49 CFR § 391.51 requires trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver containing employment application, driving record, medical certification, drug test results, and training documentation.

Why This Matters: Missing or incomplete DQ files prove negligent hiring. We subpoena these records in every case.

Part 392: Driving Rules

49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating while fatigued, ill, or impaired: “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired… as to make it unsafe.”

49 CFR § 392.4 & 392.5 prohibit drug and alcohol use:

• No Schedule I substances
• No alcohol within 4 hours of driving
• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% (half the car driver limit)

49 CFR § 392.6 prohibits scheduling routes that require speeding.

49 CFR § 392.11 requires safe following distance.

49 CFR § 392.80 & 392.82 prohibit texting and hand-held mobile phone use while driving.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement

49 CFR § 393.40-55 establish brake system requirements. Brake violations are found in approximately 29% of truck crashes.

49 CFR § 393.75 requires minimum tire tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions.

49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors providing clear rear view.

49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards (underride protection) on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998.

49 CFR § 393.100-136 establish comprehensive cargo securement standards:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, falling, or shifting
• Securement systems must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration, 0.5g rearward acceleration, 0.5g lateral force
• Aggregate working load limit must be at least 50% of cargo weight

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

These are the most commonly violated regulations in trucking accidents.

Property-Carrying Drivers (Most 18-Wheelers):

Rule	Requirement	Violation Consequence
11-Hour Driving Limit	Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty	Fatigue-related accidents
14-Hour Duty Window	Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty	Driver exhaustion
30-Minute Break	Must take 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving	Impaired alertness
60/70-Hour Limit	Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days	Cumulative fatigue
34-Hour Restart	Can restart 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off	Inadequate recovery
10-Hour Off-Duty	Must have minimum 10 consecutive hours off duty before driving	Insufficient rest

49 CFR § 395.8 requires Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for most drivers since December 18, 2017. ELDs automatically record driving time and cannot be altered like paper logs.

Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all CMVs.

49 CFR § 396.11 requires drivers to prepare written post-trip inspection reports covering:

• Service brakes
• Parking brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lighting devices and reflectors
• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Rear vision mirrors
• Coupling devices
• Wheels and rims
• Emergency equipment

49 CFR § 396.17 requires annual comprehensive vehicle inspections with decal display. Records must be retained for 14 months.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Time Is Your Enemy

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 accident scene. What are you doing?

Critical Evidence Destruction Timeline:

Evidence Type	Destruction Risk	Why It Matters
ECM/Black Box Data	Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events	Proves speed, braking, throttle position before crash
ELD Records	FMCSA only requires 6-month retention	Proves hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue
Dashcam Footage	Often deleted within 7-14 days	Shows actual crash and driver behavior
Surveillance Video	Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days	Independent witness to accident
Witness Memory	Fades significantly within weeks	Critical for establishing fault
Physical Evidence	Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped	Damage patterns prove impact forces
Drug/Alcohol Tests	Must be conducted within specific windows	Proves impairment at time of accident

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to:

• The trucking company
• Their insurance carrier
• The driver
• Any third-party maintenance or loading companies
• Vehicle and parts manufacturers

This letter puts them on legal notice that litigation is anticipated and all evidence must be preserved. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions — juries told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Monetary sanctions — penalties imposed by the court
• Default judgment — automatic loss in extreme cases
• Punitive damages — additional punishment for intentional destruction

What We Demand Be Preserved:

• ECM/Black box data downloads
• ELD records and GPS tracking
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dispatch logs and communications
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Drug and alcohol test results
• The physical truck and trailer themselves

The Clock Started When That Truck Hit You

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. The trucking company is building their defense. Their insurance company is calculating how little they can pay you. Their lawyers are looking for ways to blame you.

What are you doing?

Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send a preservation letter today. We’ll deploy investigators to Franklin County, Florida. We’ll secure the evidence that wins your case—before it’s gone forever.

Catastrophic Injuries: When Trucks Destroy Lives

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries inevitable. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car. When that energy transfers to your vehicle, the results are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when sudden trauma damages the brain—common when your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, or from the sheer forces of impact.

Severity Levels:

Level	Symptoms	Long-Term Impact
Mild (Concussion)	Confusion, headache, brief unconsciousness	Usually recovers, but may have lasting effects
Moderate	Extended unconsciousness, memory problems	Significant recovery possible with rehabilitation
Severe	Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment	Lifelong disability, may require 24/7 care

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

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

Attorney911 has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. As client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis

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

Types of Paralysis:

Type	Definition	Impact
Paraplegia	Loss of function below waist	Cannot walk, may affect bladder/bowel control
Quadriplegia	Loss of function in all four limbs	Cannot walk or use arms, may need breathing assistance
Incomplete Injury	Some nerve function remains	Variable—may have some sensation or movement
Complete Injury	No nerve function below injury	Total loss of sensation and movement

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

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

Attorney911 has secured $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injury victims.

Amputation

Types:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at scene due to crash forces
• Surgical Amputation: Limb too damaged to save, 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+ each)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling

Attorney911 recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims—including a $3.8 million settlement for a client who lost a limb after a car crash led to staph infection during treatment.

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:

Degree	Depth	Treatment
First	Epidermis only	Minor, heals without scarring
Second	Epidermis and dermis	May scar, may need grafting
Third	Full thickness	Requires skin grafts, permanent scarring
Fourth	Through skin to muscle/bone	Multiple surgeries, possible amputation

Internal Organ Damage

Common injuries include liver laceration, spleen damage, kidney injury, lung collapse, internal bleeding, and bowel damage. These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening without emergency surgery.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills, surviving family members may recover:

• 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)

Attorney911 has recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families who lost loved ones in fatal trucking accidents.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Franklin County, Florida Trucking Accident

Most law firms sue the driver and trucking company—and stop there. That’s leaving money on the table. At Attorney911, 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 subpoena their driving record, ELD data, cell phone records, and drug test results.

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 face direct liability for:

• Negligent hiring – failing to check driver backgrounds
• Negligent training – inadequate safety instruction
• Negligent supervision – ignoring HOS violations
• Negligent maintenance – deferring critical repairs
• Negligent scheduling – pressuring drivers to violate hours limits

Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—far more than individual drivers.

3. Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo may be liable if they:

• Required overweight loading
• Failed to disclose hazardous materials
• Pressured unsafe delivery schedules
• Provided improper loading instructions

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secured cargo may be liable for:

• Inadequate tiedowns (49 CFR § 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Failure to use proper blocking/bracing
• Exceeding securement capacity

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Defective design or manufacturing can create liability for:

• Brake system failures
• Stability control defects
• Fuel tank placement (fire risk)
• Structural failures

6. Parts Manufacturer

Component makers may be liable for defective:

• Brakes or brake parts
• Tires causing blowouts
• Steering mechanisms
• Lighting systems

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party repair shops may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard parts
• Returning vehicles with known defects

8. Freight Broker

Brokers who arranged transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent carrier selection (hiring unsafe companies)
• Failure to verify carrier insurance/authority
• Ignoring poor carrier CSA safety scores

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may face:

• Negligent entrustment liability
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver unfitness

10. Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain safe roads
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Improper work zone setup

Sovereign immunity limits government liability, and strict notice requirements apply—contact us immediately if you suspect government liability.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence in Your Franklin County, Florida Trucking Accident

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every 18-wheeler on American highways. When trucking companies violate these federal rules, they’ve broken the law—and that negligence proves your case.

Part 390: General Applicability

49 CFR § 390.3 establishes that FMCSA regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. This includes virtually every 18-wheeler on Franklin County, Florida’s highways.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

49 CFR § 391.11 requires drivers to:

• Be at least 21 years old (interstate)
• Pass medical examinations every 2 years maximum
• Hold valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Complete required entry-level driver training

49 CFR § 391.51 requires trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver containing employment application, driving record, medical certification, drug test results, and training documentation.

Why This Matters: Missing or incomplete DQ files prove negligent hiring. We subpoena these records in every case.

Part 392: Driving Rules

49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating while fatigued, ill, or impaired: “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired… as to make it unsafe.”

49 CFR § 392.4 & 392.5 prohibit drug and alcohol use:

• No Schedule I substances
• No alcohol within 4 hours of driving
• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% (half the car driver limit)

49 CFR § 392.6 prohibits scheduling routes that require speeding.

49 CFR § 392.11 requires safe following distance.

49 CFR § 392.80 & 392.82 prohibit texting and hand-held mobile phone use while driving.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement

49 CFR § 393.40-55 establish brake system requirements. Brake violations are found in approximately 29% of truck crashes.

49 CFR § 393.75 requires minimum tire tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions.

49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors providing clear rear view.

49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards (underride protection) on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998.

49 CFR § 393.100-136 establish comprehensive cargo securement standards:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, falling, or shifting
• Securement systems must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration, 0.5g rearward acceleration, 0.5g lateral force
• Aggregate working load limit must be at least 50% of cargo weight

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

These are the most commonly violated regulations in trucking accidents.

Property-Carrying Drivers (Most 18-Wheelers):

Rule	Requirement	Violation Consequence
11-Hour Driving Limit	Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty	Fatigue-related accidents
14-Hour Duty Window	Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty	Driver exhaustion
30-Minute Break	Must take 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving	Impaired alertness
60/70-Hour Limit	Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days	Cumulative fatigue
34-Hour Restart	Can restart 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off	Inadequate recovery
10-Hour Off-Duty	Must have minimum 10 consecutive hours off duty before driving	Insufficient rest

49 CFR § 395.8 requires Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for most drivers since December 18, 2017. ELDs automatically record driving time and cannot be altered like paper logs.

Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all CMVs.

49 CFR § 396.11 requires drivers to prepare written post-trip inspection reports covering:

• Service brakes
• Parking brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lighting devices and reflectors
• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Rear vision mirrors
• Coupling devices
• Wheels and rims
• Emergency equipment

49 CFR § 396.17 requires annual comprehensive vehicle inspections with decal display. Records must be retained for 14 months.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Time Is Your Enemy

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 accident scene. What are you doing?

Critical Evidence Destruction Timeline:

Evidence Type	Destruction Risk	Why It Matters
ECM/Black Box Data	Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events	Proves speed, braking, throttle position before crash
ELD Records	FMCSA only requires 6-month retention	Proves hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue
Dashcam Footage	Often deleted within 7-14 days	Shows actual crash and driver behavior
Surveillance Video	Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days	Independent witness to accident
Witness Memory	Fades significantly within weeks	Critical for establishing fault
Physical Evidence	Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped	Damage patterns prove impact forces
Drug/Alcohol Tests	Must be conducted within specific windows	Proves impairment at time of accident

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to:

• The trucking company
• Their insurance carrier
• The driver
• Any third-party maintenance or loading companies
• Vehicle and parts manufacturers

This letter puts them on legal notice that litigation is anticipated and all evidence must be preserved. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions — juries told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Monetary sanctions — penalties imposed by the court
• Default judgment — automatic loss in extreme cases
• Punitive damages — additional punishment for intentional destruction

What We Demand Be Preserved:

• ECM/Black box data downloads
• ELD records and GPS tracking
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dispatch logs and communications
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Drug and alcohol test results
• The physical truck and trailer themselves

The Clock Started When That Truck Hit You

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. The trucking company is building their defense. Their insurance company is calculating how little they can pay you. Their lawyers are looking for ways to blame you.

What are you doing?

Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send a preservation letter today. We’ll deploy investigators to Franklin County, Florida. We’ll secure the evidence that wins your case—before it’s gone forever.

Commercial Truck Insurance: Why Trucking Cases Are Worth More

FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements

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

Cargo Type	Minimum Coverage
Non-Hazardous Freight (10,001+ lbs GVWR)	$750,000
Oil/Petroleum (10,001+ lbs GVWR)	$1,000,000
Large Equipment (10,001+ lbs GVWR)	$1,000,000
Hazardous Materials (All)	$5,000,000
Passengers (16+ passengers)	$5,000,000
Passengers (15 or fewer)	$1,500,000

Why This Matters For Your Franklin County, Florida 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.

Types of Damages Recoverable

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

Category	What’s Included
Medical Expenses	Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost Wages	Income lost due to injury and recovery
Lost Earning Capacity	Reduction in future earning ability
Property Damage	Vehicle repair or replacement
Out-of-Pocket Expenses	Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
Life Care Costs	Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

Category	What’s Included
Pain and Suffering	Physical pain from injuries
Mental Anguish	Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of Enjoyment	Inability to participate in activities
Disfigurement	Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of Consortium	Impact on marriage/family relationships
Physical Impairment	Reduced physical capabilities

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 Damage Rules

Franklin County, Florida follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. This means:

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

Florida’s Statute of Limitations:

• Personal injury: 4 years from accident date
• Wrongful death: 2 years from death date

Important: While you have time under Florida law, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies build their defenses. Contact us immediately.

Punitive Damages in Florida:

Florida caps punitive damages at the greater of:

• Three times compensatory damages, OR
• $500,000

However, no cap applies if the defendant was motivated by unreasonable financial gain and knew of the high probability of injury, or if the defendant had specific intent to harm.

18-Wheeler Accident Types: What Happened to You Matters

Every trucking accident is different, and the type of accident affects who’s liable, what evidence matters, and what injuries result. Here are the most common 18-wheeler accident types we see in Franklin County, Florida:

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.

Why It Happens in Franklin County, Florida:

• Sudden braking on wet roads from summer thunderstorms
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (common with seafood haulers returning from Apalachicola)
• Speeding on Highway 98’s flat but occasionally slick stretches
• Brake failures from deferred maintenance

Common Injuries: Multi-vehicle pileups, TBI, spinal cord injuries, crushing injuries, wrongful death.

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake malfunction), 49 CFR § 393.100 (improper cargo securement), 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).

Rollover Accidents

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

Why It Happens in Franklin County, Florida:

• Speeding on curves along Highway 98’s coastal route
• Improperly secured liquid cargo (fuel, chemicals) shifting weight
• Overcorrection after tire blowout on hot summer highways
• Driver fatigue on long hauls through rural Florida

Common Injuries: Crushing injuries, TBI, spinal cord injuries, burns from fuel fires, wrongful death.

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement), 49 CFR § 392.6 (excessive speed), 49 CFR § 392.3 (fatigued operation).

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 height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Statistics: Among the most fatal truck accidents. Approximately 400-500 underride deaths occur annually. Rear underride and side underride are both deadly; side underride has no federal guard requirement.

Why It Happens in Franklin County, Florida:

• Sudden stops on Highway 98 without adequate warning
• Low visibility from fog rolling in from Apalachicola Bay
• Inadequate rear lighting or reflectors on trailers
• Truck lane changes into blind spots on narrow coastal highway

Common Injuries: Decapitation, severe head and neck trauma, death of all occupants, TBI, spinal cord severance. Almost always fatal or catastrophic.

FMCSA/NHTSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. Guards must prevent underride at 30 mph impact. NO FEDERAL REQUIREMENT for side underride guards.

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 massive weight and longer stopping distances, these accidents cause devastating injuries.

Statistics: 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.

Why It Happens in Franklin County, Florida:

• Following too closely on Highway 98’s congested stretches
• Driver distraction from dispatch communications or GPS
• Driver fatigue on long hauls through rural Florida
• Brake failures from poor maintenance in humid, salty coastal air
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns near Apalachicola

Common Injuries: Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, TBI from high-speed impact, internal organ damage, crushing injuries, wrongful death.

FMCSA Violations: 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).

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 It Happens in Franklin County, Florida:

• Tight turns in historic downtown Apalachicola with narrow streets
• Failure to properly signal turning intention on Highway 98
• Inadequate mirror checks before and during turn
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking on coastal curves

Common Injuries: Crushing injuries from being caught between truck and curb/building, sideswipe injuries, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, TBI, amputations.

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes), 49 CFR § 392.2 (failure to obey traffic signals).

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.

The Four No-Zones:

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

Why It Happens in Franklin County, Florida:

• Lane changes on Highway 98’s two-lane stretches with limited visibility
• Improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors from salt air corrosion
• Driver distraction during lane changes near Apalachicola Bay bridges
• Failure to use turn signals allowing other drivers to anticipate

Common Injuries: Sideswipe injuries causing vehicle loss of control, rollover of passenger vehicle, crushing injuries, ejection from vehicle, TBI, spinal injuries.

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors providing clear view to rear on both sides.

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.

Statistics: 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.

Why It Happens in Franklin County, Florida:

• Extreme heat on Highway 98’s unshaded stretches causing tire degradation
• Underinflated tires from temperature fluctuations
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity (common with timber and seafood hauls)
• Worn or aging tires not replaced due to cost-cutting
• Road debris from coastal storms puncturing tires

Common Injuries: Resulting jackknife or rollover causes catastrophic injuries. Tire debris strikes following vehicles causing windshield impacts, loss of control. TBI, facial trauma, wrongful death.

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.75 requires minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions. 49 CFR § 396.13 requires pre-trip inspection including tire check.

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.

Statistics: 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.

Why It Happens in Franklin County, Florida:

• Corrosion from salt air on coastal Highway 98 degrading brake components
• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced due to maintenance cost-cutting
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose) from inexperienced mechanics
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

Common Injuries: Severe rear-end collision injuries, multi-vehicle pileups, TBI from high-speed impact, spinal cord injuries, wrongful death, crushing injuries.

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).

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.

Statistics: Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. Shifted cargo causes rollover accidents when center of gravity changes.

Why It Happens in Franklin County, Florida:

• Inadequate tiedowns on timber loads from Apalachicola National Forest
• Improper loading of seafood containers with shifting ice
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats on agricultural hauls
• Tiedown failure due to wear from salt air corrosion
• Overloading beyond securement capacity
• Failure to re-inspect cargo during long Gulf Coast hauls

Common Injuries: Vehicles struck by falling cargo, chain-reaction accidents from spilled loads, hazmat exposure injuries, rollover injuries when cargo shifts.

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (complete cargo securement standards). Working load limits for tiedowns specified. Specific requirements by cargo type.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Act Now or Lose Forever

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 accident scene. What are you doing?

Critical Evidence Destruction Timeline:

Evidence Type	Destruction Risk	Why It Matters
ECM/Black Box Data	Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events	Proves speed, braking, throttle position before crash
ELD Records	FMCSA only requires 6-month retention	Proves hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue
Dashcam Footage	Often deleted within 7-14 days	Shows actual crash and driver behavior
Surveillance Video	Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days	Independent witness to accident
Witness Memory	Fades significantly within weeks	Critical for establishing fault
Physical Evidence	Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped	Damage patterns prove impact forces
Drug/Alcohol Tests	Must be conducted within specific windows	Proves impairment at time of accident

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to:

• The trucking company
• Their insurance carrier
• The driver
• Any third-party maintenance or loading companies
• Vehicle and parts manufacturers

This letter puts them on legal notice that litigation is anticipated and all evidence must be preserved. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions — juries told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Monetary sanctions — penalties imposed by the court
• Default judgment — automatic loss in extreme cases
• Punitive damages — additional punishment for intentional destruction

What We Demand Be Preserved:

• ECM/Black box data downloads
• ELD records and GPS tracking
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dispatch logs and communications
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Drug and alcohol test results
• The physical truck and trailer themselves

The Clock Started When That Truck Hit You

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. The trucking company is building their defense. Their insurance company is calculating how little they can pay you. Their lawyers are looking for ways to blame you.

What are you doing?

Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll send a preservation letter today. We’ll deploy investigators to Franklin County, Florida. We’ll secure the evidence that wins your case—before it’s gone forever.

Frequently Asked Questions: Franklin County, Florida 18-Wheeler Accidents

Immediate After-Accident Questions

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Franklin County, Florida?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Franklin County, Florida, take these steps immediately 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 if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

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. Franklin County, Florida 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.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Franklin County, Florida?

Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Franklin County, Florida?

IMMEDIATELY—within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Trucking Company & Driver Questions

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Franklin County, Florida?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company/motor carrier
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• The truck owner (if different from carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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

Franklin County, Florida uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you’re not 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.

Evidence & Investigation Questions

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—similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately—once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

Legal Process Questions

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

In Franklin County, 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.

However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most 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. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of courtroom experience, including federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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.

Our standard contingency fee is 33.33% if settled before trial, 40% if trial is required. This is standard in personal injury law and means we only get paid when you do.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Franklin County, Florida 18-Wheeler Accident

25+ Years of Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims

Ralph Manginello has been representing injury victims since 1998. That’s more than two decades of taking on trucking companies, insurance giants, and corporate defendants—and winning. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him federal court capability for complex interstate trucking cases.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

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 Lupe 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

We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families across all practice areas. Our trucking accident results include:

Case Type	Settlement
Traumatic Brain Injury (logging accident)	$5+ million
Car accident amputation (medical complications)	$3.8+ million
Maritime back injury (Jones Act)	$2+ million
Commercial truck crash	$2.5+ million
Multiple wrongful death trucking cases	Millions

Currently Litigating a $10 Million Case

We’re not resting on past results. Right now, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This case has been covered by KHOU 11, ABC13, KPRC 2, the Houston Chronicle, and national media. We fight just as hard for every client.

Three Offices, Coast-to-Coast Reach

With offices in Houston (main), Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Texas and beyond. Ralph Manginello’s dual-state licensure (Texas and New York) allows him to handle cases that cross state lines. For Franklin County, Florida clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to you when needed.

4.9-Star Client Satisfaction

Our clients speak for us:

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

“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.” — Donald Wilcox

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” — Glenda Walker

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

“I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” — Kiimarii Yup

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

251+ Google reviews. 4.9-star average. We’re not a billboard firm that treats you like a case number. We’re the firm that treats you like family.

Hablamos Español

Many trucking accident victims in Franklin County, Florida speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. No translation errors. No communication gaps. Just clear, effective advocacy.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company that hit you has teams of lawyers. Rapid-response investigators. Millions in insurance. You need someone who fights back.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years making trucking companies pay. Lupe Peña knows their playbook from the inside. Together, they’ve recovered over $50 million for families devastated by catastrophic accidents.

We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve critical evidence.

The clock started when that truck hit you. Every hour you wait, evidence disappears.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (888-288-9911). Available 24/7. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Franklin County, Florida 18-wheeler accident victims deserve justice. We’re here to deliver it.