18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Palm Beach County

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

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. On Palm Beach County’s busy corridors—where I-95 meets the Florida Turnpike, where the Port of Palm Beach feeds freight onto local highways, where agricultural trucks haul produce from the Everglades Agricultural Area—the risk is even higher. Over 5,000 people die in trucking accidents every year. 76% of them were in the smaller vehicle.

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

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years making sure trucking companies don’t get away with it. Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations. And he’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours in Palm Beach County and throughout Florida.

Why Palm Beach County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Palm Beach County sits at a dangerous intersection of freight corridors. The Port of Palm Beach—Florida’s fourth busiest container port—pushes massive cargo onto local roads. I-95, the backbone of East Coast commerce, barrels through the county with trucks running from Miami to Jacksonville and beyond. The Florida Turnpike feeds agricultural freight from the Everglades Agricultural Area—one of the nation’s most productive farming regions—onto highways shared with commuters and tourists.

This mix creates unique hazards. Container trucks leaving the port may be improperly loaded or overweight. Agricultural haulers often operate on tight seasonal schedules, pushing drivers toward fatigue violations. Tourist traffic on I-95 creates congestion that leads to rear-end collisions and dangerous lane changes. And Florida’s sudden afternoon thunderstorms—common from June through September—create slick roads where 80,000-pound trucks struggle to stop.

We’ve handled cases involving all of these scenarios. We know the local trucking companies that serve the port. We understand the seasonal pressures on agricultural haulers. And we know how Florida’s weather patterns contribute to accidents on Palm Beach County highways.

The 10 Parties Who May Owe You Compensation

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That’s leaving money on the table. 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 failure to conduct proper inspections. 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, training, supervision, and maintenance. They carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—far more than individual drivers.

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

Companies that arranged shipment may be liable for improper loading instructions, undisclosed hazardous cargo, or pressure to expedite beyond safe limits. Port of Palm Beach cargo owners are particularly relevant in our local cases.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secured cargo may be liable for improper securement under 49 CFR Part 393. We examine their securement procedures, training records, and equipment used.

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

Defective brakes, stability control systems, or fuel tank placement can create manufacturer liability. We research recall notices, technical service bulletins, and similar defect complaints.

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms from parts suppliers can create separate liability. We preserve failed components for expert analysis.

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who serviced the truck may be liable for negligent repairs, failure to identify safety issues, or improper brake adjustments.

8. The Freight Broker

Brokers who arranged transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may face negligent entrustment liability for allowing an unfit driver to operate their equipment.

10. Government Entities

Florida DOT or local governments may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions on Palm Beach County highways.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations are the backbone of trucking safety law. When trucking companies violate these rules, they’ve broken federal law—and that proves negligence in your case.

49 CFR Part 390 — General Applicability

These regulations define who must comply with federal trucking laws. Any vehicle over 10,001 pounds GVWR, designed for 16+ passengers, or transporting hazardous materials must follow FMCSA rules. Violations here can invalidate a carrier’s operating authority.

49 CFR Part 391 — Driver Qualification

Trucking companies cannot let just anyone drive an 18-wheeler. Federal law requires:

• Drivers must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with proper endorsements
• Current medical examiner’s certificate (maximum 2 years)
• Clean driving record or disclosed violations
• Verified employment history for past 3 years
• Pre-employment drug test with negative result

We subpoena the Driver Qualification File for every case. Missing documents prove negligent hiring. A driver with a suspended CDL or failed drug test should never have been behind the wheel.

49 CFR Part 392 — Driving Rules

These rules govern how drivers must operate their vehicles:

§ 392.3 — Ill or Fatigued Operator: No driver shall operate a CMV while their ability or alertness is impaired through fatigue, illness, or any other cause. This makes BOTH driver and company liable for fatigue-related accidents.

§ 392.4 — Drugs and Other Substances: Prohibits operating under the influence of Schedule I substances, amphetamines, narcotics, or any substance rendering the driver incapable of safe operation.

§ 392.5 — Alcohol: Prohibits alcohol use within 4 hours before duty, alcohol possession while on duty, or operating with BAC of .04 or higher.

§ 392.6 — Speeding: Prohibits scheduling runs that would require exceeding speed limits.

§ 392.11 — Following Too Closely: Requires reasonable and prudent following distance.

§ 392.82 — Mobile Phone Use: Prohibits hand-held mobile telephone use and texting while driving.

49 CFR Part 393 — Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

These regulations cover vehicle equipment and cargo securement:

§ 393.40-55 — Brake Systems: All CMVs must have properly functioning service brakes, parking brakes, and air brake systems meeting specific requirements.

§ 393.75 — Tire Requirements: Minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions. Prohibits tires with exposed ply or cord.

§ 393.80 — Mirrors: Must provide clear view to rear on both sides.

§ 393.100-136 — Cargo Securement: Comprehensive rules for securing cargo to prevent shifting, falling, or leaking. Performance criteria require securement systems to withstand 0.8g forward deceleration, 0.5g rearward acceleration, and 0.5g lateral forces.

49 CFR Part 395 — Hours of Service

These are among the most commonly violated regulations—and the most dangerous:

Property-Carrying Drivers:

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

Since December 18, 2017, most CMV drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time, synchronize with the vehicle engine, and cannot be altered. ELD data is objective evidence of hours of service compliance—or violations.

49 CFR Part 396 — Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

§ 396.3 — Systematic Inspection and Maintenance:

Every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all CMVs under its control.

§ 396.11 — Driver Vehicle Inspection Report:

After each day’s driving, drivers must prepare written reports on vehicle condition covering: service brakes, parking brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear vision mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment.

§ 396.13 — Pre-Trip Inspection:

Before driving, drivers must be satisfied the CMV is in safe operating condition and must review the last driver vehicle inspection report if defects were noted.

§ 396.17 — Annual Inspection:

Every CMV must pass a comprehensive annual inspection. Records must be retained for 14 months.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

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

Critical Evidence Timelines

The Spoliation Letter: Your Evidence Shield

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

Why It Matters:

• Puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation
• Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
• Courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment for spoliation
• The sooner sent, the more weight it carries

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

What Our Spoliation Letter Demands

Electronic Data:

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

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and resume
• Background check and driving record
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records and certifications
• Previous accident and violation history
• Performance reviews and disciplinary records

Vehicle Records:

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

Company Records:

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

Physical Evidence:

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

Catastrophic Injuries: When Trucks Destroy Lives

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

The Brutal Mathematics of Truck Crashes

This isn’t a collision. It’s a demolition.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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

Common Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, confusion, 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.

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

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

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

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

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

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 a car crash with medical complications.

Severe Burns

How Burns Occur:

• 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

Classification:

Internal Organ Damage

Common injuries include liver laceration, spleen damage requiring removal, kidney damage, lung contusion or collapse, internal bleeding, and bowel damage. These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

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

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium and parental guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Punitive damages for gross negligence

We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death cases. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

The Insurance Battle: Why Trucking Cases Are Worth More

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

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

But accessing these policies requires knowing how trucking law works. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters trained to minimize your claim. Our firm 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.

50+ Questions Answered: Your Palm Beach County Trucking Accident FAQ

Immediate After-Accident Questions

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

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. Palm Beach County hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case.

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

Document everything: truck and trailer license plates, DOT number, trucking company name and logo, driver’s name and CDL number, photos of all vehicle damage, photos of the accident scene and road conditions, 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 Palm Beach County?

IMMEDIATELY—within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases 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 Palm Beach 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 respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision, and negligent maintenance.

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 were not more than 50% responsible. 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. 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, and 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, false log entries, brake system deficiencies, cargo securement failures, unqualified drivers, drug and alcohol violations, mobile phone use, failure to inspect vehicles, improper lighting, and negligent hiring.

Injury & Medical Questions

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Palm Beach County?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries: traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injuries and paralysis, amputations, severe burns, internal organ damage, multiple fractures, and wrongful death.

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

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 insurance coverage available. Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

Legal Process Questions

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

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 4 years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death, it’s 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 often take 1-3 years; cases that go to trial can 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.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Palm Beach County Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience Fighting for Victims

Ralph Manginello has represented trucking accident victims since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. He’s litigated against Fortune 500 corporations including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion case. And he’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you. As he told ABC13 Houston, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

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

Client Satisfaction That Proves Our Commitment

With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star average, our clients consistently tell the same story. As Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Donald Wilcox put it simply: “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.”

Geographic Reach with Local Knowledge

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Texas and beyond. Our federal court admission means we can handle interstate cases anywhere in the country. But we bring local knowledge to every case—we know the trucking corridors, the port operations, the seasonal pressures, and the local courts.

Spanish-Language Services

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. As client Celia Dominguez noted, “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.” Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for service in your language.

The Clock Is Ticking: Evidence Disappears Fast

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Palm Beach County trucking accident case is disappearing. 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—what are you doing?

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. We demand immediate preservation of ECM data, ELD records, maintenance logs, driver files, and all physical evidence. We deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene. We subpoena records before they can be destroyed.

This urgency has won cases. In one matter, our immediate action preserved black box data showing the driver had been speeding and had not applied brakes until seconds before impact—directly contradicting his claim that the car had “cut him off.” That data was worth millions.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Palm Beach County, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. You need someone who knows federal trucking regulations inside and out. Someone who has recovered multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest trucking companies in America. Someone who treats you like family, not a case number.

That’s Attorney911. That’s Ralph Manginello. That’s our team.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

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

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t wait until the evidence is gone.

Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
25+ years fighting for trucking accident victims
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
Serving Palm Beach County and nationwide