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

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything: Your Fight Starts Here

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

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Glades County, Florida, where US-27 and State Road 80 carry heavy freight through rural corridors connecting to major distribution networks, the risk is even higher. The trucking corridors serving Glades County see significant commercial traffic moving between Florida’s interior and coastal ports, making this stretch particularly dangerous for local families.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Glades County, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. He’s admitted to federal court, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours.

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

Why Glades County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Glades County sits at a critical junction in Florida’s freight network. US-27 runs north-south through the county, carrying commercial traffic between the Gulf Coast and interior Florida, while State Road 80 connects to major east-west corridors. These aren’t just local roads—they’re vital links in the supply chain moving goods between Florida’s ports, agricultural regions, and population centers.

The rural nature of Glades County creates unique dangers. Long stretches of highway with limited services mean fatigued drivers push through rather than stopping. The agricultural economy brings seasonal spikes in truck traffic—harvest season sees massive increases in freight movement. And when accidents happen, emergency response times can be longer than in urban areas.

Florida’s 4-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases gives you more time than many states—but waiting is dangerous. Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is already building their defense.

Don’t let them get away with it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

The 10 Parties Who May Owe You Money

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

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We 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 (failed background checks)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
• Negligent supervision (ignored HOS violations)
• Negligent maintenance (deferred repairs)
• Negligent scheduling (pressure to violate rest rules)

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for 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.

3. Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo may be liable for improper loading instructions, overweight requirements, or pressuring unsafe delivery schedules.

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secured the cargo may be liable for 49 CFR Part 393 violations—improper tiedowns, unbalanced distribution, or inadequate blocking.

5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer

Design defects in brakes, stability control, or fuel tank placement can create product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Parts Manufacturer

Defective brakes, tires, or steering components from parts suppliers may support separate product liability claims.

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party repair shops who performed negligent maintenance—improper brake adjustments, substandard parts, or returning vehicles with known defects—may be liable.

8. Freight Broker

Brokers who arranged transportation may face negligent selection claims for choosing carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the vehicle owner may share liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

10. Government Entity

Florida DOT or local governments may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions—though sovereign immunity limits recovery and creates strict notice requirements.

We investigate every possible defendant. The trucking company hopes you don’t know this. Let’s change that.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations are the rulebook for safe trucking. When companies break these rules, they’re negligent by definition. Here are the violations we most commonly find in Glades County trucking accidents.

49 CFR Part 395 — Hours of Service (The Fatigue Rules)

These are the most commonly violated regulations in fatal truck crashes.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) — Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use ELDs that automatically record driving time. This data is objective evidence of HOS violations. We subpoena it immediately.

49 CFR Part 391 — Driver Qualification

Trucking companies must verify drivers are qualified and safe.

Required in Driver Qualification File:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical examiner’s certificate (physical exam)
• Driving record from state licensing authority
• Previous employer verification (3-year history)
• Pre-employment drug test results
• Road test certificate or equivalent

Common Violations We Find:

• Hiring drivers with suspended CDLs
• No medical certification (or expired)
• Failed to check driving history
• Ignored previous employer warnings
• No drug testing program

Negligent Hiring Doctrine: When companies skip these checks and hire dangerous drivers, they’re directly liable for resulting injuries.

49 CFR Part 393 — Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement

Brake Requirements (§ 393.40-55):

• Service brakes on all wheels
• Proper adjustment maintained
• Air brake systems meet specifications
• Pre-trip inspection required

Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136):

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
• Tiedowns must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration
• Minimum working load limits specified by cargo type
• Driver must inspect cargo within first 50 miles and every 3 hours/150 miles

Common Violations:

• Worn brakes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment
• Inadequate tiedowns for load weight
• Unbalanced cargo distribution
• No cargo inspection records

49 CFR Part 396 — Inspection & Maintenance

Systematic Maintenance Required (§ 396.3):
Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles.

Driver Post-Trip Reports (§ 396.11):
After each day’s driving, drivers must report on:

• Service brakes
• Parking brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lighting devices
• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wipers
• Mirrors
• Coupling devices
• Wheels and rims
• Emergency equipment

Annual Inspection (§ 396.17):
Every CMV must pass comprehensive annual inspection. Records retained 14 months.

Why This Wins Cases: When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, they create dangerous conditions. Maintenance records prove they knew about problems and ignored them.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Evidence in trucking cases disappears FAST. The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. And critical evidence is being destroyed right now.

Critical Evidence Timelines

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This formal legal notice:

• Puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation
• Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
• Allows courts to impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or default judgment for spoliation
• Extends retention requirements beyond normal FMCSA minimums

What We Demand Preserved

Electronic Data:

• ECM/Black box downloads
• ELD records and GPS tracking
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and background check
• Medical certification and drug test results
• Training records and performance reviews
• Previous accident and violation history

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire and brake replacement history

Company Records:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Safety policies and training curricula
• CSA scores and inspection history

Physical Evidence:

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices

The trucking company hopes you don’t know this evidence exists. We do. And we get it.

Catastrophic Injuries: When Everything Changes

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. 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 body, the results are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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

Severity Levels:

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.

Our Experience: We’ve 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

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

Types of Paralysis:

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.

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

Our Experience: We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims. In one case, we recovered over $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after medical complications following a crash.

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 a loved one, Florida law allows surviving family members to recover compensation through wrongful death claims.

Who Can Bring a Claim:

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

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)

Our Experience: We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families who lost loved ones in trucking accidents. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

FMCSA Regulations: The Rulebook Trucking Companies Break

Every 18-wheeler on Florida highways must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When companies break these rules, they’re negligent by definition. Here are the violations we most commonly find in Glades County trucking accidents.

Hours of Service Violations — The #1 Cause of Fatal Crashes

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) — Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use ELDs that automatically record driving time. This data is objective evidence of HOS violations. We subpoena it immediately.

Driver Qualification Failures — Negligent Hiring

49 CFR § 391.11 requires drivers to:

• Be at least 21 years old (interstate)
• Read and speak English sufficiently
• Be physically qualified per § 391.41
• Hold valid CDL
• Pass road test or equivalent

49 CFR § 391.51 requires Driver Qualification Files containing:

• Employment application
• Motor vehicle record
• Road test certificate
• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Annual driving record review
• Previous employer inquiries
• Drug and alcohol test records

When companies skip these checks and hire dangerous drivers, they’re directly liable for negligent hiring.

Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement Violations

Brake Requirements (49 CFR § 393.40-55):

• Service brakes on all wheels
• Proper adjustment maintained
• Air brake systems meet specifications
• Pre-trip inspection required

Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136):

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
• Tiedowns must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration
• Minimum working load limits specified by cargo type
• Driver must inspect cargo within first 50 miles and every 3 hours/150 miles

Inspection & Maintenance Failures

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

49 CFR § 396.11 requires post-trip reports covering:

• Service brakes and parking brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lighting devices and reflectors
• Tires, horn, windshield wipers
• Mirrors, coupling devices
• Wheels, rims, emergency equipment

49 CFR § 396.17 requires annual comprehensive inspection with 14-month record retention.

When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, they create dangerous conditions. Maintenance records prove they knew about problems and ignored them.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Evidence in trucking cases disappears FAST. The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. And critical evidence is being destroyed right now.

Critical Evidence Timelines

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This formal legal notice:

• Puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation
• Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
• Allows courts to impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or default judgment for spoliation
• Extends retention requirements beyond normal FMCSA minimums

What We Demand Preserved

Electronic Data:

• ECM/Black box downloads
• ELD records and GPS tracking
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and background check
• Medical certification and drug test results
• Training records and performance reviews
• Previous accident and violation history

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire and brake replacement history

Company Records:

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Safety policies and training curricula
• CSA scores and inspection history

Physical Evidence:

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices

The trucking company hopes you don’t know this evidence exists. We do. And we get it.

Catastrophic Injuries: When Life Changes Forever

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm. 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 body, the results are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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

Severity Levels:

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Our Experience: We’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury

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

Types of Paralysis:

Lifetime Care Costs:

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

Amputation

Types:

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

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

Our Experience: We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims. In one case, we recovered over $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after medical complications following a crash.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Florida law allows surviving family members to recover compensation.

Who Can Bring a Claim:

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

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)

Our Experience: We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families who lost loved ones in trucking accidents.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Worth More

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

Federal Minimum Liability Limits

Why This Matters for Your Glades County 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):

• Medical expenses (past, present, future)
• Lost wages and income
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Physical impairment

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
Available when trucking companies act with:

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

Florida law allows punitive damages to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct, though recent reforms have modified some aspects of these awards.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Glades County Trucking Accident

Ralph Manginello — 25+ Years Fighting for Victims

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has made trucking companies pay. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations including BP in the Texas City refinery explosion, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

Lupe Peña — The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how commercial trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims—from the inside. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

As Lupe told ABC13 Houston in our $10 million University of hazing lawsuit coverage: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

That same fighting spirit applies to every trucking accident case we handle.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

Specific results include:

• $5+ million for traumatic brain injury (falling log at logging company)
• $3.8+ million for partial leg amputation (car accident with medical complications)
• $2.5+ million for commercial truck crash recovery
• $2+ million for maritime back injury (Jones Act)

Client Satisfaction: 4.9 Stars, 251+ Reviews

Our clients say it better than we ever could:

“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

Three Office Locations, Serving Glades County and Beyond

For Glades County clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to you when needed. Our federal court experience means we can represent you in Florida regardless of where our offices are located.

Contingency Fee — No Fee Unless We Win

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. No recovery means no fee.

Hablamos Español — Spanish Language Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. For Glades County’s Hispanic community, we offer:

• Direct Spanish-language consultations
• No interpreter delays or miscommunications
• Cultural understanding of your situation

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Glades County 18-Wheeler Accidents

Immediate After-Accident Questions

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Glades County, 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. Glades County hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Glades County?

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 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 Glades County?

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 Glades County?

Multiple parties may be liable: 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); and 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), and negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep).

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

Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of 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, and 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.

FMCSA Regulations Questions

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate: maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off; cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty; 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving; 60/70 hour weekly limits. Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find: hours of service violations (driving too long); false log entries (lying about driving time); brake system deficiencies; cargo securement failures; drug and alcohol violations; unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate); failure to inspect vehicles.

Legal Process Questions

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

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 4 years from the date of injury. For wrongful death claims, you have 2 years. 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 may resolve in 6-12 months; complex cases with multiple parties can take 1-3 years; cases that go to trial may take 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. 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.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Black box data is being overwritten. Evidence is disappearing.

What are you doing?

You have one chance to get this right. One chance to hold the trucking company accountable. One chance to secure the resources your family needs for recovery.

Attorney911 has been fighting for trucking accident victims for over 25 years. We’ve recovered $50 million+ for Texas families. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola, and BP. We know every tactic the trucking companies use—and we know how to beat them.

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. 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.

We offer:

• Free consultations — no cost to evaluate your case
• Contingency fees — you pay nothing unless we win
• 24/7 availability — call anytime, day or night
• Spanish language services — Lupe Peña is fluent, no interpreters needed

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

Contact Attorney911 Today

Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont — serving Glades County and all of Florida

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC. Legal Emergency Lawyers™. When disaster strikes, we strike back.