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

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

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Pasco County on your morning commute. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has turned your life upside down. In an instant, everything changes—your health, your ability to work, your family’s financial security, your future.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Florida and throughout the United States. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We answer 24/7.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Pasco County Are Different

Pasco County sits at a critical junction in Florida’s transportation network. With Interstate 75 running through the heart of the county and connecting Tampa to the north, and U.S. Highway 19 serving as a major commercial corridor, our roads see heavy commercial truck traffic daily. The Port of Tampa Bay—just south of Pasco County—generates massive freight movement through our area. Distribution centers in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, and throughout the county create constant truck activity.

This commercial density creates unique dangers. Truck drivers pushing tight delivery schedules on I-75. Fatigued operators navigating U.S. 19’s busy intersections. Overloaded vehicles heading to and from Pasco County’s growing warehouse sector. When these factors combine with Florida’s sudden afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane-season flooding, the results can be deadly.

The statistics tell a sobering story. Nationally, over 5,000 people die in trucking accidents annually—with 76% of those deaths occurring to occupants of the smaller vehicle. In Florida specifically, commercial vehicle crashes claim hundreds of lives each year. Pasco County’s position on major freight corridors means our residents face elevated risk.

But here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: most of these accidents are preventable. They happen because drivers violate federal safety regulations, companies cut corners on maintenance, and profit pressures override safety. When they do, we hold them accountable.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Pasco County Trucking Accident

Most law firms only sue the truck driver and maybe the trucking company. That’s leaving money on the table—and justice undelivered. 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 backgrounds)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
• Negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations)
• Negligent maintenance (deferring repairs to save money)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate hours limits)

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies try to hide these violations—and now he uses that insider knowledge to expose them.

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

Companies that own the cargo may be liable for improper loading instructions, overweight requirements, or pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secured the cargo may be liable for securement failures under 49 CFR Part 393. We examine tiedown specifications, loading procedures, and training records.

5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Defective design or manufacturing can create liability for brake system failures, stability control defects, or fuel tank placement issues. We research recall histories and similar defect complaints.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that made specific failed components—brakes, tires, steering systems—may face product liability claims.

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party repair shops that performed negligent maintenance or failed to identify critical safety issues can be held liable.

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 vehicle owner may face separate liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

10. Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate maintenance, or improper work zone setup. Special rules apply to government claims—shorter deadlines and notice requirements.

Every additional liable party means additional insurance coverage. That’s why our investigation goes deeper than other firms. We don’t stop until we’ve identified every potential defendant.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial truck on American highways. These regulations exist because 80,000-pound vehicles require strict safety standards. When trucking companies violate these rules, they cause catastrophic accidents—and we use those violations to prove negligence.

49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability

Establishes who must comply with federal trucking regulations. Applies to all motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce—all vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR, vehicles designed for 16+ passengers, or vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Critical for proving negligent hiring. Trucking companies must verify that every driver:

• Is at least 21 years old (interstate) with valid CDL
• Can read and speak English sufficiently
• Is physically qualified per medical examiner certification
• Has passed required entry-level driver training
• Has no disqualifying criminal history or drug violations

The Driver Qualification File must contain employment application, motor vehicle records, road test certificate, medical certification, annual driving record reviews, previous employer inquiries, and drug/alcohol test records. Missing or incomplete files prove the company hired dangerously.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Prohibits operation while impaired. Key provisions:

• § 392.3: No driving 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”
• § 392.4: Prohibits Schedule I substances and amphetamines
• § 392.5: Alcohol restrictions—no use within 4 hours of duty, no possession while on duty, .04 BAC limit
• § 392.6: No scheduling that requires speeding
• § 392.11: Following too closely prohibited
• § 392.82: Hand-held mobile phone use prohibited while driving

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

Equipment and cargo securement standards. Critical for rollover, jackknife, and cargo spill cases:

• § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements
• § 393.75: Tire requirements (minimum tread depth: 4/32″ steer, 2/32″ other)
• § 393.80: Mirror requirements
• § 393.86: Rear impact guards required on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998
• § 393.100-136: Complete cargo securement standards—cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, falling, or shifting that affects stability

Performance criteria: Securement systems must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration, 0.5g rearward acceleration, 0.5g lateral force, and at least 20% of cargo weight downward.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

THE MOST COMMONLY VIOLATED REGULATIONS. These rules prevent driver fatigue:

Property-Carrying Drivers:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Can reset weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate: Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time, synchronize with vehicle engines, and cannot be altered. This data proves HOS violations and is critical evidence in fatigue-related crashes.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Vehicle upkeep requirements. Critical for brake failure and maintenance-related accidents:

§ 396.3: Every motor carrier must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” all vehicles subject to its control.

Driver Requirements:

• § 396.13: Pre-trip inspection—driver must be satisfied vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving
• § 396.11: Post-trip report—after each day’s driving, driver must prepare written report on vehicle condition covering: service brakes, parking brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear vision mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, emergency equipment

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

Maintenance Records (§ 396.3): Must show identification, inspection schedule, and repair history—retained for 1 year.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: evidence in your case is disappearing right now. While you’re dealing with medical appointments, insurance calls, and trying to keep your family together, the trucking company has already deployed its rapid-response team. Their lawyers and investigators are at the scene before the ambulance leaves. They’re building their defense while you’re still in shock.

Critical evidence has a short shelf life:

That’s why we act immediately.

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours—sometimes the same day. These formal legal notices put the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties on notice that they must preserve all evidence related to your accident.

Once that letter is sent, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can:

• Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages for intentional destruction

The clock started the moment that truck hit you. Every hour you wait, your case gets harder to prove. The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We answer 24/7.

Catastrophic Injuries: When Everything Changes

The physics of an 18-wheeler collision make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded semi weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of an average passenger car. At highway speeds, this creates impact forces that human bodies were never designed to withstand.

We’ve represented Pasco County families facing the full spectrum of trucking accident trauma. Each injury type carries unique challenges—and significant settlement potential when properly documented and pursued.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Brain injuries occur when the extreme forces of a truck collision cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Even “mild” concussions can have lasting effects. Moderate to severe TBI can permanently alter cognition, personality, and independence.

Symptoms victims and families should watch for:

• Persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating or processing information
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste changes)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Long-term consequences include permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, need for ongoing care and supervision, increased dementia risk, and profound psychological effects on both victims and families.

Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. These funds don’t erase what happened—but they provide resources for the best possible recovery, including specialized rehabilitation, home modifications, and lifetime care.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between brain and body, often resulting in paralysis. The level of injury determines the extent of disability—higher injuries affect more body functions.

Types of spinal cord injury:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist—cannot walk, may affect bladder/bowel control
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs—cannot walk or use arms, may require breathing assistance
• Incomplete injury: Some nerve function remains—variable recovery potential
• Complete injury: No nerve function below injury level—total loss

Lifetime care costs are staggering:

• 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. Our firm has secured $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injury victims, ensuring they have resources for comprehensive care and adapted living.

Amputation

Trucking accidents cause amputation through two mechanisms: traumatic amputation (limb severed at the scene by crash forces) and surgical amputation (limb too damaged to save, removed surgically). Crushing forces, entrapment requiring extraction, severe burns, and post-accident infections can all lead to amputation.

Ongoing medical needs include:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ each)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Home modifications for accessibility

The impact extends far beyond medical costs. Career limitations or total disability. Phantom limb pain. Body image trauma. Dependency on others for daily activities. Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, providing resources for prosthetic technology, vocational rehabilitation, and lifetime support.

Severe Burns

Burns in trucking accidents typically result from fuel tank rupture and fire, hazmat cargo spills and ignition, electrical fires, or chemical exposure from transported materials.

Burn classification:

• First degree: Epidermis only—minor, heals without scarring
• Second degree: Epidermis and dermis—may scar, may need grafting
• Third degree: Full thickness—requires skin grafts, permanent scarring
• Fourth degree: Through skin to muscle/bone—multiple surgeries, possible amputation

Long-term consequences include permanent scarring and disfigurement, multiple reconstructive surgeries, skin graft procedures, chronic pain, infection risks, and profound psychological trauma.

Internal Organ Damage

The crushing forces of truck collisions frequently cause liver laceration or rupture, spleen damage requiring removal, kidney damage, lung contusion or collapse, internal bleeding, and bowel and intestinal damage. These injuries are particularly dangerous because symptoms may not appear immediately—adrenaline masks pain, and internal bleeding can become life-threatening without warning.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Florida law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims. You may recover lost future income and benefits, loss of companionship and guidance, mental anguish and emotional suffering, funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses before death, and—in cases of gross negligence—punitive damages.

Our firm has secured $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families who lost loved ones to trucking company negligence. Nothing can replace your family member—but holding the responsible parties fully accountable provides resources for your family’s future and sends a message that profit-driven negligence has consequences.

If you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries in a Pasco County trucking accident, call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll evaluate your case for free and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

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

Understanding Florida’s specific legal framework is essential for maximizing your recovery. Our attorneys apply these laws daily in Pasco County courts.

Statute of Limitations

You have four years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. This is longer than many states—but waiting is still dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies build their defenses. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years from the date of death.

Critical exception: If a government entity is involved (poor road design, inadequate maintenance), notice requirements may be as short as six months. Contact us immediately to preserve these claims.

Comparative Negligence

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

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

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to shift blame to you. We fight back with ECM data, ELD records, and accident reconstruction to prove the truck driver and company were primarily responsible.

Damage Caps

Florida does NOT cap compensatory damages for personal injury cases. This means you can recover the full amount of your economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish) without arbitrary limits.

Punitive damages are capped at the greater of:

• Three times the amount of compensatory damages, OR
• $500,000

However, these caps don’t apply if the trucking company acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Given the pattern of safety violations we often uncover, punitive damages are frequently available in serious trucking cases.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System

Florida is a no-fault state for automobile insurance, which creates unique challenges for trucking accidents. Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provides up to $10,000 in medical and disability benefits regardless of fault.

However, PIP is often insufficient for trucking accident injuries. The good news: Florida law allows you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue the at-fault trucking company directly if you suffer:

• Permanent injury
• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

Given the catastrophic nature of most trucking accidents, these thresholds are typically met—allowing full access to the trucking company’s substantial liability insurance.

MCS-90 Endorsement: Your Safety Net

Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain minimum liability insurance—and the MCS-90 endorsement guarantees that injured victims will be covered even if standard policy exclusions would otherwise apply. This endorsement kicks in when:

• The standard policy doesn’t cover the accident
• The driver was at fault
• The injured party is not an employee
• No other compensation source exists

Even if the trucking company claims their insurance doesn’t apply, the MCS-90 endorsement may provide coverage. We know how to access these funds.

Understanding Florida’s trucking accident laws is complex—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll explain how these laws apply to your specific case.

The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Pasco County

Every trucking accident is different—and the type of accident often reveals what went wrong and who’s responsible. Our experience with every major accident type allows us to quickly identify violations and build strong cases.

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 perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes.

Why it happens: Sudden or improper braking—especially on wet roads during Florida’s afternoon thunderstorms. Speeding on curves. Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing). Improperly loaded cargo. Brake system failures. Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers.

The violation: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunction), § 393.100 (improper cargo securement), § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).

Pasco County relevance: I-75’s curves through the county, combined with sudden summer downpours, create prime conditions for jackknife accidents. We’ve seen multiple-vehicle pileups when trailers swing across all lanes.

Rollover Accidents

A rollover occurs when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to high center of gravity and 80,000-pound weight, rollovers are among the most catastrophic accidents.

Why it happens: Speeding on curves, ramps, or turns. Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo. Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity. Overcorrection after tire blowout. Driver fatigue causing delayed reaction.

The violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement violations), § 392.6 (exceeding safe speed), § 392.3 (operating while fatigued).

Pasco County relevance: The curved ramps connecting I-75 to U.S. 19 and State Road 54 see frequent rollovers. Tanker trucks serving Pasco County’s growing industrial areas are particularly vulnerable to liquid cargo shifts.

Underride Collisions

An underride occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Why it happens: Inadequate or missing underride guards. Worn or damaged rear impact guards. Truck sudden stops without adequate warning. Low visibility conditions during Florida’s heavy rain or fog. Wide right turns cutting off traffic.

The violation: 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. NO FEDERAL REQUIREMENT exists for side underride guards—though advocacy continues.

Pasco County relevance: Underride accidents on I-75 and U.S. 19 are often fatal. The combination of high-speed traffic and sudden stops creates deadly conditions. We push for maximum recovery in these devastating cases.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when an 18-wheeler strikes another vehicle from behind—or when a vehicle strikes a stopped truck. Due to massive weight and longer stopping distances, these accidents cause devastating injuries.

The physics: An 80,000-pound truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. That’s 40% longer than a passenger car needs.

Why it happens: Following too closely. Driver distraction (cell phone, dispatch). Driver fatigue and delayed reaction. Excessive speed. Brake failures from poor maintenance. Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns.

The violation: 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely), § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), § 392.82 (mobile phone use), § 393.48 (brake system deficiencies).

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when a truck swings wide (often left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.

Why it happens: Failure to properly signal. Inadequate mirror checks. Improper turn technique. Driver inexperience with trailer tracking. Failure to yield right-of-way.

Pasco County relevance: The tight intersections of downtown Dade City, the commercial corridors of Wesley Chapel, and the construction zones throughout the county create frequent wide-turn hazards.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Blind spot accidents occur when a truck changes lanes without seeing a vehicle in one of four major blind spots.

The four No-Zones:

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

The violation: 49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors providing clear view to rear on both sides. Proper mirror adjustment is part of driver pre-trip inspection.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts occur when one or more tires suddenly fail, causing loss of control. Debris from blown tires (“road gators”) causes thousands of secondary accidents annually.

Why it happens: Underinflated tires causing overheating. Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity. Worn or aging tires not replaced. Road debris. Manufacturing defects. Heat buildup on long hauls.

The violation: 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements), § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection must include tire check). Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions.

Pasco County relevance: Florida’s extreme summer heat—often exceeding 95°F with high humidity—creates dangerous conditions for tire failure. We see increased blowout accidents during the hottest months.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures cause approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Complete failure typically results from systematic maintenance neglect.

Why it happens: Worn brake pads not replaced. Improper brake adjustment. Air brake system leaks. Overheated brakes (“brake fade”) on long descents. Contaminated brake fluid. Deferred maintenance to save costs.

The violation: 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements), § 396.3 (systematic inspection and maintenance), § 396.11 (driver post-trip report of brake condition).

Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers when center of gravity shifts, and spills create secondary accidents when loads fall onto roadways.

Why it happens: Inadequate tiedowns. Improper loading distribution. Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats. Tiedown failure from wear. Overloading.

The violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (complete cargo securement standards). Working load limits specified. Specific requirements by cargo type.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions occur when a truck crosses into oncoming traffic. These are among the deadliest accident types due to combined closing speeds.

Why it happens: Driver fatigue causing lane departure. Falling asleep at the wheel. Driver distraction. Impaired driving. Medical emergency. Overcorrection after running off road.

The violation: 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service violations), § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), § 392.4/5 (drug or alcohol violations), § 392.82 (mobile phone use).

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

The actions you take in the hours and days after a trucking accident can determine whether you recover full compensation or settle for pennies on the dollar. Here’s what you need to know:

Immediately at the Scene (If Able)

Call 911. Report the accident and request emergency medical services. Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal damage may not show symptoms for hours or days.

Document everything. If you’re physically able and it’s safe:

• Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles
• Capture damage close-ups and wide scene shots
• Photograph street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions
• Document weather conditions
• Photograph your visible injuries
• Get the truck’s DOT number (on the door), company name, and driver information
• Collect witness names and phone numbers

Get the truck driver’s information:

• Name and CDL number
• Trucking company name and contact
• Insurance information
• DOT number
• License plate numbers (tractor and trailer)

Do NOT:

• Admit fault or apologize
• Give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Sign anything from the trucking company or their insurer
• Post about the accident on social media

In the Days Following

Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you declined at the scene, see a doctor within 24-48 hours. Pasco County has excellent medical facilities—Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, Bayonet Point Hospital, and Tampa General Hospital (just south in Hillsborough County) all handle trauma cases. Medical documentation creates the foundation of your legal case.

Follow all medical advice. Attend all appointments, take prescribed medications, and follow treatment plans. Insurance companies use “gaps in treatment” to argue you’re not really injured.

Keep detailed records. Document everything: medical appointments, medications, pain levels, how injuries affect daily activities, time missed from work, and expenses related to the accident.

Contact an experienced trucking accident attorney immediately. The trucking company has lawyers working right now. You need someone protecting your interests. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve critical evidence.

Hablamos Español. For our Spanish-speaking clients in Pasco County’s growing Hispanic community, associate attorney Lupe Peña provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Pasco County Trucking Accident Case

You have choices when selecting a law firm. Here’s why trucking accident victims across Florida and throughout the United States choose Attorney911:

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas), giving him the capability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that require federal jurisdiction. He’s litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, including involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—a $2.1 billion disaster case that demonstrated our firm’s capacity to take on the world’s largest companies.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software like Colossus to undervalue suffering. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you. As he 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.”

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)
• $2.5+ million for commercial truck crash recovery
• $2+ million for maritime back injury (Jones Act)
• Millions recovered for wrongful death families
• $10 million lawsuit currently active against University of Houston (demonstrating our litigation capacity)

Total recoveries: $50+ million for clients across all practice areas.

Three Office Locations Serving Florida and Beyond

With offices in Houston (main), Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims throughout Texas and across the United States. Our federal court admission means we can represent you in Pasco County and anywhere else your case requires. For Florida clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to you when needed.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. That’s why we answer calls 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. When you call, you reach a real person who can begin protecting your interests immediately—not a voicemail system that responds tomorrow.

Contingency Fee—No Fee Unless We Win

You pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and litigation expenses. Our standard contingency fee is 33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if trial is required. You never receive a bill from us—our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. For Pasco County’s significant Hispanic community, Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. This ensures accurate communication, cultural understanding, and stronger attorney-client relationships. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con un abogado en español.

Client Satisfaction: 4.9 Stars

Our 251+ Google reviews average 4.9 out of 5 stars. Clients consistently mention our family-like treatment, personal attention, and results. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Donald Wilcox told us: “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.”

Frequently Asked Questions: Pasco County 18-Wheeler Accidents

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

Call 911, seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company’s DOT number and driver information, collect witness contacts, and call an experienced trucking attorney immediately. Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Florida?

Four years from the accident date for personal injury claims, two years for wrongful death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears quickly. Contact us within days, not months.

Who can be held liable in a trucking accident?

Multiple parties: the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, truck owner, and potentially government entities for road defects. We investigate all possibilities to maximize your recovery.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?

A formal legal notice demanding preservation of all accident-related evidence. We send these within 24 hours of being retained. Once sent, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—a serious legal violation with penalties including adverse jury instructions and monetary sanctions.

How much is my case worth?

Depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage—far more than typical car accidents. We’ve recovered millions for clients with serious injuries.

What if I was partially at fault?

Florida’s modified comparative negligence allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault, with damages reduced by your percentage. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. We fight to minimize any fault attributed to you.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case as if going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements to attorneys with proven trial capability. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

How do I pay for an attorney?

We work on contingency—no fee unless we win. We advance all costs. You never receive a bill. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What makes Attorney911 different?

25+ years of experience. Former insurance defense attorney on staff who knows their tactics. Federal court admission. Multi-million dollar results. 4.9-star client satisfaction. 24/7 availability. Spanish language services. We treat you like family, not a case number.

Have more questions? Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7 and consultations are always free.

Your Fight Starts Now

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

What are you doing?

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. Black box data overwrites. Dashcam footage deletes. Witnesses forget. The trucking company builds their defense while you struggle to heal.

At Attorney911, we don’t let that happen. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we:

• Answer immediately—24/7, no voicemail
• Send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve evidence
• Deploy investigators to document the scene
• Subpoena ECM, ELD, and maintenance records before they disappear
• Identify all liable parties and insurance coverage
• Build your case for maximum recovery from day one

Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years making trucking companies pay. Lupe Peña knows their playbook from the inside. Together with our dedicated team, we’ve recovered $50+ million for families just like yours.

You didn’t ask for this fight. But now you need someone in your corner.

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

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

Your fight starts with one call. Make it now.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Pasco County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com
Houston • Austin • Beaumont