18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Saint Lucie County, Florida

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Saint Lucie County on Florida’s Treasure Coast—perhaps on I-95 heading toward Port St. Lucie, or on US-1 making your way through Fort Pierce. The next moment, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has jackknifed across your lane, or slammed into your vehicle from behind, or rolled over on the highway in front of you.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Saint Lucie County, with its position along Florida’s eastern seaboard and its growing logistics infrastructure, the risk is even higher. The trucking companies that operate here have teams of lawyers. Rapid-response investigators. Millions in insurance. You need someone who fights back.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies—now he fights against them. That’s your advantage.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Saint Lucie County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The clock is already ticking.

Why Saint Lucie County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Saint Lucie County sits at a critical junction of Florida’s freight network. I-95, the primary north-south interstate along the eastern United States, runs directly through the county, carrying massive volumes of commercial truck traffic between Miami, Jacksonville, and beyond. The Florida Turnpike extension and US-1 provide additional freight corridors, while the Port of Fort Pierce and nearby Port St. Lucie logistics centers generate significant local trucking activity.

This concentration of commercial vehicle traffic creates unique risks for Saint Lucie County residents:

High-Speed Corridor Dangers: I-95 through Saint Lucie County carries trucks at 70+ mph, with limited stopping distance and high-impact potential when accidents occur.

Port and Logistics Traffic: The growing distribution infrastructure around Port St. Lucie brings heavy truck traffic to local roads, with drivers unfamiliar with area conditions.

Tourist and Seasonal Traffic: Saint Lucie County’s position as a retirement and vacation destination means mixed traffic patterns, with elderly drivers and seasonal residents sharing roads with commercial trucks.

Weather Hazards: Florida’s sudden thunderstorms, hurricane season impacts, and wet road conditions create treacherous driving environments for 80,000-pound vehicles.

When these factors combine with driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or negligent trucking company practices, the results are catastrophic.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Saint Lucie County Trucking Accident

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We investigate ALL potentially liable parties—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, fatigued driving beyond legal limits, impaired driving, failure to conduct proper inspections, or traffic violations. We subpoena their driving record, ELD data, drug test results, and cell phone records.

2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

This is often your primary recovery target. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, trucking companies face direct liability for:

• Negligent hiring: Failed to check driver’s background or qualifications
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance and ELD compliance
• Negligent maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations

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

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo may be liable for providing improper loading instructions, failing to disclose hazardous materials, requiring overweight loading, or pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations), unbalanced load distribution, exceeding vehicle weight ratings, or failure to use proper blocking and bracing.

5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement), manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures), or failure to warn of known dangers.

6. The Parts Manufacturer

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

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for negligent repairs, failure to identify critical safety issues, improper brake adjustments, or using substandard parts.

8. The Freight Broker

Brokers who arranged transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing carriers with poor safety records, failing to verify insurance and authority, or selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may face liability for negligent entrustment, failure to maintain equipment, or knowledge of driver unfitness.

10. Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for dangerous road design, failure to maintain roads, inadequate signage, or improper work zone setup. Special rules and short deadlines apply to government claims.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence in Saint Lucie County Trucking Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. When trucking companies and drivers violate these federal rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.

49 CFR Part 391 — Driver Qualification Standards

Federal law establishes who is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Key requirements include:

• Age: At least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Medical certification: Valid medical examiner’s certificate (maximum 2 years)
• CDL: Valid commercial driver’s license for vehicle type
• Training: Completed required entry-level driver training
• Background check: 3-year driving history investigation

The Driver Qualification File: Motor carriers MUST maintain a complete file for every driver containing employment application, motor vehicle record, road test certificate, medical certification, annual driving record review, previous employer inquiries, and drug/alcohol test records.

Why This Matters: If the trucking company failed to maintain a proper DQ file, failed to check the driver’s background, or hired a driver with a poor safety record, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 392 — Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

This part establishes rules for safe operation:

§ 392.3 — Ill or Fatigued Operators: “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.”

§ 392.4/5 — Drugs and Alcohol: Prohibits operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards than regular drivers (.04 BAC vs. .08).

§ 392.6 — Speeding: Prohibits scheduling runs that would require speeding to complete.

§ 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

Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling. Specific performance criteria require securement systems to withstand:

• Forward: 0.8 g deceleration
• Rearward: 0.5 g acceleration
• Lateral: 0.5 g side-to-side

Brake Requirements (§ 393.40-55): All CMVs must have properly functioning brake systems, including service brakes on all wheels, parking/emergency brake system, and properly adjusted air brakes.

Lighting Requirements (§ 393.11-26): Required lighting includes headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, clearance and side marker lamps, reflectors, and turn signal lamps.

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

These are the MOST COMMONLY VIOLATED regulations in trucking accidents.

Property-Carrying Drivers:

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate: Since December 18, 2017, most CMV drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time, synchronize with vehicle engine, and cannot be altered after the fact.

Why ELD Data Wins Cases: ELDs prove exactly how long the driver was on duty, whether breaks were taken, speed before and during the accident, GPS location history, and any HOS violations. This objective data often contradicts driver claims.

49 CFR Part 396 — Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Systematic Maintenance Required (§ 396.3): “Every motor carrier… must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain… all motor vehicles subject to its control.”

Driver Inspection Requirements:

• Pre-Trip (§ 396.13): Must be satisfied vehicle is in safe operating condition before driving
• Post-Trip Report (§ 396.11): Must prepare written report on vehicle condition after each day’s driving, covering service brakes, parking brake, steering, lighting, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels, and emergency equipment

Annual Inspection (§ 396.17): Every CMV must pass comprehensive annual inspection covering 16+ systems. Records must be retained for 14 months.

Why This Matters: Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. If the trucking company failed to maintain proper records or deferred maintenance, they are liable for negligence.

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

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence 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 Legal Shield

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

ECM/Black Box Data: The Smoking Gun

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data—similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:

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

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened. When we prove a driver was speeding, or never hit the brakes, or had been driving for 14 hours straight, the trucking company’s defense collapses.

But this data overwrites in as little as 30 days. That’s why immediate action is critical.

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents in Saint Lucie County

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

The Brutal Mathematics of Truck Crashes

An 80,000-pound truck at 65 mph carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a car. This energy transfers to the smaller vehicle in a crash.

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 TBI Symptoms:

• Headaches, dizziness, nausea
• Memory loss, confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Long-Term Consequences: Permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, need for ongoing care, increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, depression and emotional disorders.

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

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury 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.

Level of Injury Matters: Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions. C1-C4 injuries may require ventilator support. Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms.

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

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

We’ve secured $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injury victims.

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

Impact on Life: Permanent disability, career limitations or total disability, phantom limb pain, body image and psychological trauma, need for home modifications, dependency on others for daily activities.

Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

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, surviving family members can recover compensation through wrongful death claims.

Who Can Bring a Claim (Florida Law):

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (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)

We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death cases.

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

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle similar to a pocket knife. The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic.

Statistics: Jackknife accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking-related deaths. Often result in multi-vehicle pileups when the trailer blocks multiple lanes. Nearly impossible for nearby drivers to avoid once a jackknife begins.

Common Causes in Saint Lucie County:

• Sudden braking on wet roads during Florida’s sudden thunderstorms
• Speeding on I-95 or Florida’s Turnpike
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
• Brake system failures from poor maintenance
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

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

Rollover Accidents

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

Statistics: Approximately 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves. Rollovers frequently lead to secondary crashes from debris and fuel spills. Often fatal or cause catastrophic injuries.

Common Causes in Saint Lucie County:

• Speeding on curves, ramps, or turns on I-95 interchanges
• Taking turns too sharply at excessive speed
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowout or lane departure
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reaction

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

Underride Collisions

An underride collision occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level.

Statistics: Among the most FATAL types of 18-wheeler accidents. Approximately 400-500 underride deaths occur annually in the United States.

Types:

• Rear Underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer, often at intersections or during sudden stops
• Side Underride: Vehicle impacts side of trailer during lane changes, turns, or at intersections

Common Causes in Saint Lucie County:

• Inadequate or missing underride guards
• Worn or damaged rear impact guards
• Truck sudden stops without adequate warning
• Low visibility conditions during Florida’s sudden rainstorms
• Truck lane changes into blind spots
• Wide right turns cutting off traffic

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

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end collision occurs when an 18-wheeler strikes the back of another vehicle or when a vehicle strikes the back of a truck. Due to the truck’s massive weight and longer stopping distances, these accidents cause devastating injuries.

Statistics: 18-wheelers require 20-40% more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop. Rear-end collisions are the second most common type of large truck crash.

Common Causes in Saint Lucie County:

• Following too closely on I-95’s congested stretches
• Driver distraction from cell phone or dispatch communications
• Driver fatigue and delayed reaction
• Excessive speed for traffic conditions
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns

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

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing or striking the vehicle that entered the gap.

Why Trucks Make Wide Turns: 18-wheelers need significant space to complete turns. Trailer tracks inside the path of the cab. Drivers must swing wide to avoid curbs, signs, or buildings.

Common Causes in Saint Lucie County:

• Failure to properly signal turning intention
• Inadequate mirror checks before and during turn
• Improper turn technique on narrow Saint Lucie County roads
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Failure to yield right-of-way when completing turn

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Blind spot accidents occur when an 18-wheeler changes lanes or maneuvers without seeing a vehicle in one of its four major blind spots.

The Four No-Zones:

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

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowout accidents occur when one or more tires on an 18-wheeler suddenly fail, causing the driver to lose control. Debris from the blown tire can also strike other vehicles.

Statistics: 18-wheelers have 18 tires, each of which can fail. Steer tire (front) blowouts are especially dangerous. “Road gators” (tire debris) cause thousands of accidents annually.

Common Causes in Saint Lucie County:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating in Florida’s extreme heat
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures on I-95 or local roads
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels

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

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failure accidents occur when an 18-wheeler’s braking system fails or underperforms, preventing the driver from stopping in time.

Statistics: Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Brake system violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations.

Common Causes in Saint Lucie County:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

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

Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Cargo spill and shift accidents occur when improperly secured cargo falls from a truck, shifts during transport causing instability, or spills onto the roadway.

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

Types:

• Cargo Shift: Load moves during transit, destabilizing truck
• Cargo Spill: Load falls from truck onto roadway
• Hazmat Spill: Hazardous materials leak or spill, creating additional dangers

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 establishes complete cargo securement standards. Working load limits for tiedowns specified. Specific requirements by cargo type (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.).

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions occur when an 18-wheeler crosses into oncoming traffic and strikes vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.

Statistics: Head-on collisions are among the deadliest accident types. Even at moderate combined speeds, the force is often fatal.

Common Causes in Saint Lucie County:

• Driver fatigue causing lane departure on I-95
• Driver falling asleep at the wheel during long hauls
• Driver distraction from phone, GPS, or dispatch
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Medical emergency (heart attack, seizure)
• Overcorrection after running off road

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

Florida Law: What Saint Lucie County Trucking Accident Victims Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Florida, you have 4 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is 2 years from the date of death.

But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies are building their defense right now. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

Comparative Negligence in Florida

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

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing

Example: If you’re awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you receive $70,000. If you’re found 60% at fault, you receive $0.

This makes thorough investigation and evidence preservation critical. The trucking company will try to shift blame to you. We fight to prove what really happened.

Damage Caps in Florida

Florida has NO cap on compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) in personal injury cases. This means your full damages are recoverable.

Punitive damages are capped at the greater of:

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

However, these caps do not apply if the defendant was motivated by unreasonable financial gain, or if the harm was specifically intended.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System

Florida is a no-fault state for auto insurance, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault, up to your policy limits (typically $10,000).

However, trucking accidents are different. Commercial trucking companies are required to carry much higher liability insurance ($750,000 to $5 million), and serious injuries typically exceed PIP limits. This allows you to pursue a claim directly against the trucking company.

The “Serious Injury” Threshold: To step outside Florida’s no-fault system and sue the at-fault party directly, you must have suffered:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

Most 18-wheeler accident injuries meet this threshold.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Saint Lucie County Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has represented trucking accident victims since 1998. For over two decades, the Manginello Law Firm has made trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. With admission to federal court and 25 years of trial experience, Ralph brings authority to every case.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.

This is your advantage. When the trucking company’s insurance adjuster makes a lowball offer, Lupe knows exactly how they calculated it—and how to counter it.

Multi-Million Dollar Track Record

Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families. Specific results include:

Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for hazing-related injuries—demonstrating our capability to handle complex, high-stakes litigation.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court. Many attorneys lack this capability—we have it.

Three Office Locations, Serving Saint Lucie County and Beyond

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Attorney911 handles 18-wheeler cases throughout Texas and beyond. For Saint Lucie County, Florida residents, our federal court experience and trucking litigation expertise translate directly to your case—we understand the FMCSA regulations that apply nationwide, and we know how to hold trucking companies accountable regardless of location.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. That’s why we’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. When you call, you get a real person who understands the urgency of your situation.

Contingency Fee—No Fee Unless We Win

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation expenses. Our standard contingency fee is 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Hablamos Español

Many trucking accident victims in Saint Lucie County speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Saint Lucie County

Immediate Steps (If You’re Able)

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Why Immediate Medical Attention Matters

Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Saint Lucie 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.

Critical Evidence to Gather at the Scene

• 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

Why You Shouldn’t Talk to the Insurance Adjuster

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.

Don’t give them the advantage. Let us handle all communications.

The Most Common FMCSA Violations in Saint Lucie County Trucking Accidents

Based on our 25+ years of trucking litigation experience, these are the violations we find most often:

1. Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driving beyond 11-hour limits, no required breaks, falsified logs. Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

2. False Log Entries (49 CFR § 395.8)

Falsifying ELD or paper log records to hide HOS violations. ELDs make this harder but drivers still find ways.

3. Brake System Deficiencies (49 CFR §§ 393.40-55, 396.3)

Worn brakes, improper adjustment, air brake leaks. Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes.

4. Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR §§ 393.100-136)

Inadequate tiedowns, shifting loads, improper blocking/bracing. Causes rollovers and spills.

5. Unqualified Drivers (49 CFR Part 391)

Operating without valid CDL, expired medical certificate, or inadequate training.

6. Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR §§ 382, 392.4-5)

Operating under influence. Commercial drivers held to stricter .04 BAC standard.

7. Mobile Phone Use (49 CFR § 392.82)

Texting or hand-held phone use while driving. Distracted driving is increasingly common.

8. Failure to Inspect (49 CFR §§ 396.11, 396.13)

No pre-trip inspection, ignored known defects. Pre-trip inspections catch problems before they cause crashes.

9. Improper Lighting (49 CFR §§ 393.11-26)

Non-functioning lights, missing reflectors. Critical for visibility, especially at night.

10. Negligent Hiring (49 CFR Part 391)

No background check, incomplete DQ file. Companies that don’t vet drivers put everyone at risk.

Saint Lucie County Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Understanding where trucking accidents occur in Saint Lucie County helps us investigate your case and prove negligence.

I-95: The Deadliest Corridor

Interstate 95 runs north-south through the entire length of Saint Lucie County, carrying massive volumes of commercial truck traffic between Miami and Jacksonville. This corridor sees:

• High-speed truck traffic (70 mph speed limit)
• Heavy congestion, especially near Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie exits
• Frequent lane changes by trucks entering/exiting
• Fatigued drivers on long hauls

Florida’s Turnpike Extension

The Turnpike provides another major north-south freight route, with heavy truck traffic and high speeds. The interchange with I-95 is a particularly complex and dangerous area.

US-1 (Federal Highway)

This historic coastal highway runs parallel to I-95 and carries significant local and regional truck traffic. Narrower lanes, frequent intersections, and mixed vehicle types create hazardous conditions.

State Roads 70, 68, and 714

These east-west connectors link I-95 to US-1 and local communities, carrying agricultural and commercial freight. Rural characteristics and limited shoulders increase accident risks.

Port and Distribution Areas

The Port of Fort Pierce and growing logistics centers around Port St. Lucie generate significant heavy truck traffic on local roads, with large vehicles navigating areas not designed for them.

Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence 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

What We Do Immediately

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we take immediate action:

1. Send spoliation letters within 24 hours to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence

2. Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene if needed

3. Obtain police crash report and 911 call recordings

4. Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped

5. Identify all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage

6. Subpoena ELD and black box data before it can be overwritten

7. Interview witnesses before memories fade

The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing?

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are High-Value

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

Federal Minimum Liability Limits

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.

Types of Damages Recoverable

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

• Medical expenses (past, present, and 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 the trucking company or driver acted with gross negligence, willful misconduct, conscious indifference to safety, or fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence).

Frequently Asked Questions: Saint Lucie County 18-Wheeler Accidents

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Saint Lucie 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 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

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. Saint Lucie 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.

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

In Florida, you have 4 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 2 years from the date of death. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

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, negligent training, negligent supervision, and negligent maintenance. They also carry much higher insurance than individual drivers.

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

Florida uses modified comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Saint Lucie 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.

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.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences. We send these within 24 hours of being retained.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Saint Lucie County Trucking Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Saint Lucie County, Florida, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations, knows how to preserve critical evidence, and has the experience to take on major trucking companies and their insurers.

At Attorney911, we bring:

• 25+ years of experience fighting for trucking accident victims
• Former insurance defense attorney on staff who knows their tactics
• Multi-million dollar track record in catastrophic injury cases
• Federal court admission for complex interstate cases
• 24/7 availability because accidents don’t wait for business hours
• Contingency fee representation—you pay nothing unless we win

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let evidence disappear. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for your free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence. We’ll fight for every dollar you’re owed.

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

Your fight starts with one call. We’re ready when you are.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Managing Partner: Ralph P. Manginello
Associate Attorney: Lupe E. Peña
25+ Years Experience | Federal Court Admitted | Multi-Million Dollar Results

Serving Saint Lucie County, Florida and nationwide trucking accident victims

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com