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

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Union County on your way to work, to pick up your kids, to live your life. The next, an 80,000-pound truck has turned your world upside down. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Florida and beyond. We know what you’re facing—and we know how to make the trucking company pay.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Union County, Florida, the risk is even higher. Our position along major freight corridors means heavy truck traffic passes through our communities daily. When those trucks are driven by fatigued operators, maintained by negligent companies, or loaded by careless shippers, innocent people in Union County pay the price.

Why Union County Trucking Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Experience

Union County sits in North Florida, where Interstate 75 serves as a critical north-south freight corridor connecting Florida to Georgia and beyond. This interstate carries massive commercial truck traffic—everything from produce haulers heading south to distribution centers to manufacturing freight moving between the Southeast’s industrial hubs. The convergence of agricultural, manufacturing, and distribution freight creates unique risks for Union County drivers.

But geography isn’t the only factor making Union County trucking accidents complex. Florida’s legal landscape creates specific challenges—and opportunities—for accident victims. Our state operates under a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes thorough investigation and skilled legal representation absolutely critical in Union County trucking cases.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Florida is four years from the date of the accident—longer than many states. But waiting is never wise. Evidence in trucking cases disappears with alarming speed. Electronic logging device (ELD) data, engine control module (ECM) recordings, and dashcam footage can be overwritten or deleted within days or weeks. Witness memories fade. Physical evidence at the accident scene is cleaned up or weathered away. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained to preserve every shred of evidence.

The Federal Regulations That Protect Union County Drivers

Commercial trucking isn’t just regulated by Florida law—it’s governed by comprehensive federal regulations through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules, codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), create strict safety standards that trucking companies and drivers must follow. When they don’t—and when those violations cause accidents in Union County—we use these regulations to prove negligence and maximize recovery.

Hours of Service Regulations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents nationwide, and Union County’s long freight corridors make it particularly relevant here. FMCSA regulations strictly limit how long drivers can operate:

11-hour driving limit: No driver may drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-hour duty window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
30-minute break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly limits: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
34-hour restart: Drivers can reset their weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have been federally mandated since December 18, 2017, making it harder for drivers to falsify their hours. But violations still happen—and when they do, the ELD data becomes powerful evidence of negligence.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Not just anyone can drive an 18-wheeler. FMCSA sets strict qualification requirements that trucking companies must verify before putting drivers on the road:

Minimum age of 21 for interstate commerce
Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) appropriate for vehicle type
Medical certification from FMCSA-approved examiner (valid up to 2 years)
Ability to read and speak English sufficiently
Safe driving record with no disqualifying offenses

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver, containing employment applications, background checks, driving records, medical certifications, and drug test results. When companies fail to properly screen drivers—or when they hire drivers with poor safety records—they can be held liable for negligent hiring.

Vehicle Safety and Maintenance (49 CFR Parts 393 & 396)

An 80,000-pound vehicle with faulty brakes or worn tires is a weapon on wheels. FMCSA regulations mandate:

Equipment Requirements (Part 393):

Properly functioning brakes on all wheels
Adequate lighting and reflectors
Safe tires with minimum tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others)
Proper cargo securement meeting performance criteria
Underride guards on trailers

Inspection and Maintenance (Part 396):

Pre-trip inspections by drivers before every trip
Post-trip inspection reports documenting any defects
Systematic maintenance programs by motor carriers
Annual vehicle inspections by qualified inspectors
Immediate repair of any defects affecting safety

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When we investigate Union County trucking accidents, we subpoena maintenance records to prove whether the trucking company knew about dangerous conditions and failed to fix them.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)

Impaired driving is unacceptable in any vehicle—it’s catastrophic in an 80,000-pound truck. FMCSA mandates:

Pre-employment drug testing
Random drug and alcohol testing throughout employment
Post-accident testing (within 32 hours for drugs, 8 hours for alcohol)
Reasonable suspicion testing when supervisors observe impairment
Return-to-duty testing after violations

A positive drug test or refusal to test is automatic grounds for disqualification from commercial driving. When drivers cause accidents while impaired, both they and their employers face severe liability.

The 18-Wheeler Accident Types That Threaten Union County Drivers

Not all trucking accidents are the same—and not all require the same legal approach. At Attorney911, we’ve handled virtually every type of 18-wheeler accident across Florida and the Southeast. Here’s what Union County drivers need to know about the accidents that can happen on our roads.

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 often sweeps across multiple lanes, creating a deadly obstacle that other drivers cannot avoid.

On Union County’s stretches of I-75, jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous due to high-speed traffic and limited escape routes. These accidents typically result from sudden braking on wet roads, improper brake maintenance, or driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers.

The injuries from jackknife accidents are often catastrophic. Vehicles struck by the swinging trailer experience crushing forces. Multi-vehicle pileups are common. We’ve seen traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death result from these accidents.

Rollover Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck tips onto its side or roof, the results are devastating. Rollovers account for a disproportionate share of trucking fatalities, often because the truck’s cargo spills onto the roadway, creating secondary hazards for other vehicles.

Union County’s rural roads and highway curves create rollover risks, especially when trucks travel too fast for conditions. Improperly loaded cargo—particularly liquid cargo that “sloshes” and shifts the center of gravity—is a common contributing factor.

Rollover accidents frequently cause crushing injuries to occupants of vehicles caught beneath the truck. Fuel spills can ignite, causing severe burns. The complexity of these cases requires thorough investigation of loading procedures, driver training, and vehicle maintenance.

Underride Collisions

Among the most horrific trucking accidents, underride collisions occur 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.

Federal regulations require rear underride guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, but these guards often fail in real-world crashes. Critically, there is NO federal requirement for side underride guards—despite side underride accidents being equally deadly.

On Union County’s highways, underride accidents typically occur when trucks stop suddenly without adequate warning, when visibility is poor, or when trucks make wide turns that cut off traffic. The injuries are almost always fatal or catastrophic—decapitation, severe head and neck trauma, and spinal cord severance.

Rear-End Collisions

When an 18-wheeler strikes the rear of another vehicle, the physics are brutal. A fully loaded truck at highway speed needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely, drive distracted, or experience brake failure, they cannot stop in time to avoid collision.

Rear-end truck accidents on Union County’s I-75 corridor often occur during traffic slowdowns, construction zones, or adverse weather. The injuries include whiplash, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury from impact, and crushing injuries when vehicles are pushed into other objects.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

18-wheelers need significant space to complete turns—the trailer tracks inside the path of the cab, requiring drivers to swing wide. When trucks swing left before making a right turn, they create a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.

These accidents are common at Union County intersections, particularly in areas with tight turning radii or inadequate signage. Driver inexperience, failure to signal, and inadequate mirror checks contribute to these crashes. The resulting injuries—crushing injuries, amputations, and fatalities—are devastating.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Collisions)

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides—areas where the driver cannot see other vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous, extending from the cab door backward and covering multiple lanes.

When truck drivers change lanes without proper mirror checks, or when passenger vehicles linger in blind spots, collisions result. On Union County’s multi-lane highways, these accidents occur with frightening regularity. The sideswipe forces often cause loss of control, leading to secondary crashes, rollovers, and catastrophic injuries.

Tire Blowout Accidents

With 18 tires in operation, commercial trucks experience blowouts frequently. When a steer tire (front tire) blows, the driver often loses immediate control. When trailer tires blow, debris creates hazards for following vehicles. The “road gator”—a strip of tire tread left on the roadway—causes thousands of accidents annually.

Union County’s hot Florida summers and long highway stretches create conditions conducive to tire failures. Underinflation, overloading, and deferred maintenance are common contributing factors. The resulting accidents—jackknifes, rollovers, and multi-vehicle pileups—cause catastrophic injuries.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When 80,000 pounds cannot stop, the results are predictable and horrific. Brake failures result from worn components, improper adjustment, air system leaks, overheating on long descents, and systematic maintenance neglect.

On Union County’s highway grades and in stop-and-go traffic, brake failures create deadly situations. The rear-end collisions, runaway truck incidents, and multi-vehicle pileups that result cause some of the most severe injuries in trucking accidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Union County Trucking Accident

Most people assume that only the truck driver is responsible for a trucking accident. This assumption costs victims millions in compensation every year. The reality is that 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties—and each party may carry separate insurance coverage.

At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant because more defendants means more insurance pools means higher compensation for our clients. Here’s who we look at in every Union County trucking accident case.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident is the most obvious defendant—and often the most personally liable. Drivers can be held responsible for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, eating, adjusting GPS)
Driving while fatigued beyond legal limits
Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Violating traffic laws (running red lights, failure to yield, improper lane changes)
Following too closely for conditions

We pursue the driver’s personal assets and insurance when available. But more importantly, we use the driver’s conduct to establish liability against deeper-pocketed defendants.

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

The trucking company is often the most important defendant in your case. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior—”let the master answer”—employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts committed within the scope of employment. When a truck driver causes an accident while performing job duties, the trucking company is vicariously liable.

But trucking companies can also be directly negligent in ways that multiply their liability:

Negligent Hiring: The company failed to properly screen the driver. Maybe they didn’t check driving records, verify CDL status, or investigate previous accidents. When companies hire dangerous drivers, they’re responsible for the predictable consequences.

Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training, failure to teach proper cargo securement, or insufficient instruction on hours-of-service compliance creates liability when untrained drivers cause accidents.

Negligent Supervision: Companies must monitor driver performance, ELD compliance, and safety violations. Failure to supervise—allowing known problems to continue—makes companies directly liable.

Negligent Maintenance: Systematic failure to maintain vehicles in safe operating condition. When companies defer brake repairs, ignore tire wear, or skip inspections to save money, they’re responsible for the crashes that result.

Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations to meet delivery deadlines. When dispatchers push drivers beyond legal limits, the company shares liability for fatigue-related accidents.

Trucking companies carry substantial insurance—typically $750,000 to $5 million or more—making them the primary target for recovery in serious Union County trucking accidents.

The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo being transported may share liability when their actions contributed to the accident. Shippers can be liable when they:

Provide improper loading instructions that lead to unsafe weight distribution
Fail to disclose the hazardous nature of cargo
Require overweight loading that exceeds vehicle capacity
Pressure carriers to expedite delivery beyond safe limits
Misrepresent cargo weight or characteristics

In Union County’s agricultural and manufacturing economy, shippers range from produce distributors to industrial manufacturers. When their negligence contributes to accidents, we pursue them for full compensation.

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically place cargo onto trucks can be directly liable for accidents caused by improper loading. Their negligence includes:

Failure to properly secure cargo per 49 CFR 393 requirements
Unbalanced load distribution creating instability
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, and tiedown devices
Inadequate training of loading personnel on securement requirements

When cargo shifts during transit—causing rollovers, jackknifes, or loss of control—the loading company shares liability with other defendants.

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

The companies that designed and built the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable when defects contribute to accidents. Product liability claims against manufacturers include:

Design defects in brake systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement
Manufacturing defects such as faulty welds or component failures
Failure to warn of known dangers
Defective safety systems including ABS, electronic stability control, or collision warning systems

When we suspect a defect contributed to your Union County accident, we preserve the vehicle and components for expert analysis and pursue product liability claims against manufacturers.

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufactured specific components—brakes, tires, steering systems, lighting—can be liable when their defective products fail and cause accidents. Common parts liability claims involve:

Defective brake components causing failure to stop
Defective tires leading to blowouts and loss of control
Defective steering mechanisms preventing proper vehicle control
Defective lighting or reflectors reducing visibility
Defective coupling devices causing trailer separation

We work with engineering experts to identify failed components, research recall histories, and build product liability claims against parts manufacturers.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers that service trucking fleets can be liable for negligent repairs that contribute to accidents. Their negligence includes:

Failure to properly repair identified problems
Failure to identify critical safety issues during inspection
Improper brake adjustments or repairs
Use of substandard or incorrect parts
Returning vehicles to service with known dangerous defects

When poor maintenance contributes to Union County trucking accidents, we pursue maintenance companies for their share of liability.

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation between shippers and carriers—but don’t own trucks—can be liable for negligent selection of unsafe carriers. Broker liability arises when they:

Select carriers with poor safety records despite available alternatives
Fail to verify carrier insurance and operating authority
Ignore concerning CSA scores or inspection histories
Choose the cheapest carrier without regard to safety

In Union County’s busy freight market, brokers play a significant role in matching loads to carriers. When their negligence contributes to accidents, we hold them accountable.

Truck Owners (Separate from Carriers)

In owner-operator arrangements where the driver owns the truck but leases to a carrier, the owner may have separate liability through:

Negligent entrustment of the vehicle to an unqualified driver
Failure to maintain owned equipment in safe condition
Knowledge of the driver’s unfitness that was ignored

We investigate all ownership arrangements to identify every potentially liable party.

Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may share liability when dangerous road conditions contribute to Union County trucking accidents. Government liability arises from:

Dangerous road design that creates unnecessary hazards
Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
Inadequate signage for known dangerous conditions
Failure to install appropriate safety barriers
Improper work zone setup creating unexpected hazards

Government claims involve special procedures including strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines. Our experience with federal court litigation—Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—positions us to handle complex government liability cases.

The Catastrophic Injuries That Change Everything

18-wheeler accidents don’t cause minor injuries. The physics of 80,000 pounds traveling at highway speed against a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle guarantees catastrophic consequences. At Attorney911, we’ve helped Union County families recover from virtually every type of trucking injury—and we understand that compensation isn’t about greed, it’s about rebuilding lives.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The forces in a trucking accident cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in traumatic brain injury. TBI ranges from mild concussions to severe injuries causing permanent cognitive impairment.

Symptoms Union County victims should watch for:

Headaches, dizziness, nausea
Memory loss and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes, depression, anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems (vision, hearing)
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 range from $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity.

Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims in trucking accidents. These funds don’t erase the injury, but they provide resources for the best possible recovery and quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis. The level and completeness of the injury determine the extent of disability.

Types of paralysis:

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 need breathing assistance
Incomplete injury: Some nerve function remains—variable recovery possible
Complete injury: No nerve function below injury level—total loss of sensation and movement

Lifetime care costs:

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

These figures represent direct medical costs only—not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life. Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injury victims.

Amputation

Traumatic amputations occur when crash forces sever limbs at the scene. Surgical amputations become necessary when limbs are too severely damaged to save. Both types create permanent disability and profound life changes.

Ongoing medical needs:

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

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

Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, including a $3.8 million settlement for a client who lost a limb after a car crash and subsequent medical complications.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, and electrical fires in trucking accidents cause severe burns. The severity depends on burn depth, percentage of body surface affected, and location.

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: Permanent scarring and disfigurement, multiple reconstructive surgeries, skin graft procedures, chronic pain, infection risks, psychological trauma.

Internal Organ Damage

The massive forces in trucking accidents cause internal injuries that may not show immediate symptoms. Common internal injuries include liver laceration, spleen damage, kidney injury, lung contusion, internal bleeding, and bowel damage.

These injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening. Delayed diagnosis worsens outcomes. Emergency surgery is often required. Organ removal affects long-term health.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members face unimaginable loss. Florida law allows wrongful death claims to recover compensation and hold negligent parties accountable.

Who can bring claims: Surviving spouse, children (minor and adult), parents (especially if no spouse or children), estate representative.

Damages available: Lost future income and benefits, loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance), mental anguish and emotional suffering, funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses before death, punitive damages for gross negligence.

Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families in wrongful death cases. While no amount can replace a loved one, these recoveries provide financial security and send a message that negligent trucking companies will be held accountable.

The Evidence That Wins Union County Trucking Cases

Trucking companies don’t wait to protect their interests—and neither should you. Within hours of an accident, trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams: investigators, lawyers, and insurance adjusters whose sole job is to minimize the company’s exposure. They arrive at the scene before police finish their investigation. They contact witnesses before you can. They begin building their defense while you’re still in the hospital.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our 48-hour evidence preservation protocol ensures that critical evidence is secured before it can be destroyed or altered.

Electronic Data: The Objective Truth

Modern commercial trucks are rolling data centers. Multiple electronic systems record operational information that often contradicts what drivers and companies claim happened.

Engine Control Module (ECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU): The truck’s “black box” continuously records engine performance, vehicle speed, throttle position, RPM, cruise control status, and fault codes. In the seconds before a crash, it captures critical data about driver actions.

Event Data Recorder (EDR): Triggered by sudden deceleration or airbag deployment, the EDR captures pre-crash data including speed, brake application, steering inputs, and seatbelt usage. This data is often decisive in proving what really happened.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD): Federally mandated since December 18, 2017, ELDs automatically record driver hours of service. They synchronize with the vehicle engine to prevent falsification. ELD data proves whether drivers violated federal rest requirements—critical evidence in fatigue-related accidents.

GPS and Telematics: Real-time tracking systems record location history, route data, speed, and driver behavior patterns. This data can prove speeding, route deviations, and other negligent conduct.

Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras provide video evidence of road conditions, driver behavior, and crash dynamics. This footage is often deleted within days or weeks if not preserved.

Critical Timeline: ECM and EDR data can be overwritten within 30 days—or sooner with new driving events. ELD data may be retained for only 6 months. Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days. Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 7-30 days.

This is why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These formal legal notices put trucking companies, insurers, and all potentially liable parties on notice that they must preserve all evidence related to the accident. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in court sanctions, adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), or even default judgment.

Driver Records: Proving Systemic Negligence

The driver’s history and qualifications often reveal patterns of dangerous behavior that trucking companies knew—or should have known—about.

Driver Qualification File: FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain comprehensive files on every driver, including:

Employment application and resume
Background check and driving record from state licensing authorities
Previous employer verification and safety performance history
Medical certification from FMCSA-approved examiner
Drug and alcohol test results (pre-employment and random)
Training documentation and certifications
Annual driving record reviews
Disciplinary records

Missing or incomplete DQ files prove negligent hiring. When companies fail to verify qualifications, ignore poor driving records, or hire drivers with medical conditions that affect safety, they become directly liable for the harm those drivers cause.

Hours of Service Records: ELD data and paper logs (for older vehicles) prove whether drivers violated federal rest requirements. Pattern violations—repeated instances of driving beyond 11 hours, skipping required breaks, or falsifying logs—demonstrate systemic safety failures.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Records: Positive tests, refusals to test, or post-accident testing failures prove impairment and automatic disqualification from commercial driving.

Cell Phone Records: Text messages, call logs, and app usage data prove distracted driving. We subpoena these records to show when drivers were using phones instead of watching the road.

Vehicle Records: Exposing Deferred Maintenance

Trucking companies are required to maintain vehicles in safe operating condition. Their own records often prove they failed.

Maintenance and Repair Records: Work orders, parts receipts, and mechanic notes reveal whether companies addressed known problems or deferred critical repairs to save money.

Inspection Reports: Pre-trip and post-trip driver inspection reports, annual vehicle inspections, and roadside inspection records document safety violations and out-of-service orders.

Out-of-Service Orders: When inspectors find critical safety violations, they place vehicles out of service until repairs are made. A history of out-of-service orders proves a pattern of safety neglect.

Tire Records: Age, mileage, and replacement history of tires. Worn tires, improper inflation, and aged rubber contribute to blowouts and loss of control.

Brake Inspection Records: Brake adjustment records, pad/shoe replacement history, and air system maintenance. Brake failures cause 29% of truck crashes.

Corporate Records: Proving Profit Over Safety

The trucking company’s internal documents often reveal the most damning evidence—conscious decisions to prioritize profit over human safety.

Dispatch Records and Communications: Messages between dispatchers and drivers revealing pressure to violate hours-of-service regulations, speed, or take unsafe routes to meet deadlines.

Safety Policies and Procedures: Written safety rules that look good on paper but were ignored in practice. The gap between policy and implementation proves systemic negligence.

Training Curricula and Records: What drivers were actually taught—or not taught—about safety procedures, emergency maneuvers, and regulatory compliance.

Hiring and Supervision Policies: Whether the company conducted proper background checks, monitored driver performance, or addressed known safety problems.

Previous Accident and Violation History: Pattern evidence showing the company knew it had safety problems but failed to address them.

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) Scores: FMCSA’s public safety rating system. Poor scores in categories like unsafe driving, hours-of-service compliance, vehicle maintenance, or driver fitness prove the company was on notice of safety failures.

The Insurance Coverage That Funds Your Recovery

Trucking accidents differ fundamentally from car accidents in one critical respect: the insurance coverage available. While a typical Florida car accident might involve $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection and perhaps $50,000 to $100,000 in liability coverage, commercial trucking accidents involve exponentially higher insurance limits.

Federal Minimum Insurance Requirements

Federal law mandates minimum liability coverage for commercial motor vehicles based on cargo type:

Cargo Type	Minimum Coverage
Non-hazardous freight (10,001+ lbs GVWR)	$750,000
Oil/petroleum products	$1,000,000
Large equipment transport	$1,000,000
Hazardous materials (all types)	$5,000,000
Passenger transport (16+ passengers)	$5,000,000
Passenger transport (15 or fewer)	$1,500,000

Many motor carriers carry coverage well above these minimums—$1 million to $5 million is common, and some carriers maintain $10 million or more in coverage. Additionally, excess or umbrella policies may provide coverage above primary limits.

Multiple Insurance Policies

Complex trucking accidents often involve multiple insurance policies that can be stacked to maximize recovery:

Motor carrier’s primary liability policy
Trailer interchange insurance (when trailers are exchanged between carriers)
Cargo insurance (may provide coverage for certain damages)
Owner-operator’s individual policy (when drivers are independent contractors)
Excess/umbrella coverage above primary limits
Shipper’s or broker’s insurance (in certain circumstances)

Identifying and accessing all available coverage requires sophisticated legal analysis and aggressive discovery. At Attorney911, we leave no stone unturned in pursuing every available insurance dollar.

MCS-90 Endorsements

The MCS-90 endorsement is a critical but often overlooked insurance provision. Required for commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce, this endorsement guarantees that minimum damages will be paid to any injured victim, regardless of policy exclusions or coverage disputes.

The MCS-90 kicks in when:

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

Even if the trucking company disputes coverage, the MCS-90 endorsement ensures victims can recover minimum damages. Understanding and invoking this endorsement is part of our comprehensive approach to maximizing recovery.

The Damages You Can Recover in Your Union County Trucking Case

Understanding what you can recover is essential to evaluating settlement offers and making informed decisions about your case. Florida law allows recovery of three categories of damages in personal injury cases: economic damages, non-economic damages, and—in appropriate cases—punitive damages.

Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)

Economic damages compensate for calculable financial losses:

Medical Expenses (Past, Present, and Future):

Emergency room and hospital bills
Surgical procedures and anesthesia
Physician visits and specialist consultations
Prescription medications
Medical equipment (wheelchairs, prosthetics, home medical devices)
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Long-term care and nursing home expenses
Future medical needs projected over lifetime

Lost Income and Earning Capacity:

Wages lost during recovery
Lost bonuses, commissions, and benefits
Reduced earning capacity due to disability
Lost career advancement opportunities
Cost of vocational retraining if career change required
Value of lost household services

Property Damage:

Vehicle repair or replacement
Personal property destroyed in accident
Rental vehicle expenses
Diminished value of repaired vehicle

Out-of-Pocket Expenses:

Transportation to medical appointments
Home modifications for accessibility
Childcare during medical treatment
Travel expenses for specialized care

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that profoundly affect quality of life:

Pain and Suffering:

Physical pain from injuries
Chronic pain conditions
Pain from medical procedures
Anticipated future pain

Mental Anguish:

Psychological trauma from the accident
Anxiety and depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Fear of driving or riding in vehicles
Emotional distress from disability

Loss of Enjoyment of Life:

Inability to participate in hobbies and recreational activities
Loss of independence
Reduced social activities
Inability to travel or enjoy previous lifestyle

Disfigurement and Scarring:

Visible scars from injuries or surgeries
Facial disfigurement
Loss of limbs
Body image issues

Loss of Consortium:

Impact on marital relationship
Loss of companionship and affection
Loss of sexual relations
Impact on parental relationship with children

Physical Impairment:

Reduced physical capabilities
Need for assistive devices
Limitations on daily activities
Dependency on others for care

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages are available in Florida when defendants act with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or conscious disregard for human safety. Unlike compensatory damages that make victims whole, punitive damages punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct.

Circumstances supporting punitive damages in Union County trucking cases:

Trucking company knowingly hired a driver with a dangerous safety record
Pattern of hours-of-service violations ignored by management
Systematic maintenance neglect despite known safety issues
Destruction of evidence (spoliation) after litigation notice
Falsification of logs or inspection records
Conscious disregard for federal safety regulations
Previous similar accidents showing failure to learn

Florida law does not cap punitive damages in most personal injury cases, though the U.S. Supreme Court has suggested that awards exceeding a single-digit ratio to compensatory damages may violate due process. In practice, punitive damages in Florida trucking cases have reached into the hundreds of millions in egregious cases.

Why Union County Families Choose Attorney911

When everything changes in an instant, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter who understands what you’re going through and has the experience to make the trucking company pay. Here’s why Union County families trust Attorney911 with their trucking accident cases.

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has been representing injury victims since 1998. For more than two decades, he’s been taking on trucking companies and winning. His federal court admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas gives him the capability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that other attorneys cannot.

This experience matters in Union County trucking cases. We’ve seen every tactic trucking companies use to avoid responsibility. We know how to counter them. We’ve built relationships with the experts—accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, vocational experts, economists—who can prove the full extent of your damages.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Here’s something most law firms can’t offer: our team includes an attorney who used to work for insurance companies. Lupe Peña spent years as a national insurance defense attorney. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. He learned their formulas, their tactics, their playbook.

Now Lupe uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR accident victims, not against them. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate trucking accident claims—and he knows how to maximize your recovery. When the trucking company’s adjuster makes an offer, Lupe knows whether it’s fair or whether they’re bluffing. That knowledge translates directly into higher settlements for our clients.

Lupe is also fluent in Spanish, providing direct representation to Union County’s Hispanic community without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients across all practice areas, with substantial trucking accident recoveries including:

$5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
$3.8+ million for a client who suffered partial leg amputation after a car accident and subsequent medical complications
$2.5+ million in commercial trucking crash recoveries
$2+ million for a maritime worker with back injury under the Jones Act
Millions in wrongful death recoveries for families devastated by fatal trucking accidents

These aren’t just numbers—they represent lives rebuilt, families supported, and justice secured. As our client Glenda Walker said after we resolved her case: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast—much faster than most people realize. That’s why we’ve developed a rapid-response protocol that begins the moment you call us.

Within 24 hours of being retained, we:

Send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence

Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data and ELD records

Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving

Obtain police crash reports and 911 call recordings

Canvass the accident scene for security camera footage from nearby businesses

Photograph all vehicle damage, tire marks, debris patterns, and road conditions

Interview witnesses before memories fade

Deploy accident reconstruction experts when needed

Critical evidence we preserve:

Evidence Type	What It Shows	Destruction Risk
ECM/Black Box Data	Speed, braking, throttle, fault codes	Overwrites in 30 days
ELD Records	Hours of service, fatigue violations	6-month retention
Dashcam Footage	Video of crash and driver behavior	Deleted in 7-14 days
Driver Qualification File	Hiring negligence, training gaps	Can be “lost” after termination
Maintenance Records	Deferred repairs, known defects	1-year minimum, often purged
Cell Phone Records	Distracted driving proof	Carrier-dependent, months only
Surveillance Video	Third-party crash footage	Overwrites in 7-30 days

The trucking company is already building their defense. Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. What are you doing to protect your rights?

Understanding FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to protect motorists in Union County and across America. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal regulations strictly limit driving time to prevent exhausted operators from endangering others:

11-hour driving limit: Maximum driving time 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 limits: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
34-hour restart: Weekly clock can be reset with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have been mandatory since December 18, 2017, making falsification more difficult. But violations still occur—and the ELD data becomes powerful evidence of negligence.

Driver Qualification Requirements (49 CFR Part 391)

FMCSA mandates strict qualifications for commercial drivers. Trucking companies must verify and document:

Minimum age of 21 for interstate commerce
Valid CDL appropriate for vehicle type
Medical certification from approved examiner (valid up to 2 years)
English proficiency for reading road signs and communicating
Safe driving record with no disqualifying offenses

The Driver Qualification File must contain employment applications, background checks, previous employer verifications, medical certifications, drug test results, and training records. When these files are incomplete or missing, it proves negligent hiring.

Vehicle Safety and Maintenance (49 CFR Parts 393 & 396)

An 80,000-pound vehicle with defective equipment is a lethal weapon. Federal regulations mandate:

Equipment Standards (Part 393):

Properly functioning brakes on all wheels
Adequate lighting and reflectors
Safe tires with legal tread depth
Proper cargo securement
Required underride guards

Maintenance Requirements (Part 396):

Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance programs
Pre-trip inspections by drivers before every trip
Post-trip inspection reports documenting defects
Annual comprehensive vehicle inspections
Immediate repair of safety-critical defects

Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes. When we investigate Union County accidents, we subpoena maintenance records to prove whether companies knew about dangerous conditions and chose not to fix them.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)

Impaired commercial driving is inexcusable. FMCSA mandates comprehensive testing:

Pre-employment drug screening
Random drug and alcohol testing throughout employment
Post-accident testing within 32 hours (drugs) and 8 hours (alcohol)
Reasonable suspicion testing when impairment is observed
Return-to-duty testing after violations

A positive test or refusal to test automatically disqualifies a driver from commercial operation. When impaired drivers cause accidents, both they and their employers face severe liability.

The Liable Parties We Pursue in Union County Trucking Cases

Most law firms sue the driver and trucking company—and stop there. At Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

The Complete List of Potentially Liable Parties

Party	Basis for Liability	Typical Insurance Coverage
Truck Driver	Direct negligence: speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment	Personal auto policy (often minimal)
Trucking Company	Vicarious liability, negligent hiring/training/supervision/maintenance	$750K-$5M+ commercial policy
Cargo Owner/Shipper	Improper loading instructions, undisclosed hazards, overweight pressure	Commercial general liability
Loading Company	Improper cargo securement, unbalanced loads, securement failures	Commercial liability policy
Truck Manufacturer	Design defects, manufacturing defects, failure to warn	Product liability insurance
Parts Manufacturer	Defective brakes, tires, steering, lighting, coupling devices	Product liability coverage
Maintenance Company	Negligent repairs, failure to identify safety issues, improper work	Commercial liability policy
Freight Broker	Negligent carrier selection, failure to verify safety records	Errors & omissions insurance
Truck Owner (if different)	Negligent entrustment, failure to maintain, knowledge of unfitness	Commercial policy
Government Entity	Dangerous road design, inadequate maintenance, improper signage	Governmental immunity limits

Why Multiple Defendants Matter

Consider a hypothetical Union County accident: A fatigued driver operating for a small trucking company causes a catastrophic crash. The driver has minimal personal assets. The trucking company carries $750,000 in insurance—insufficient for the victim’s $3 million in damages.

But investigation reveals:

The cargo was loaded by a third-party company that failed to properly secure it, contributing to loss of control
The trailer was manufactured with a defective braking system
A freight broker with deep pockets negligently selected this carrier despite its poor safety record

Suddenly, multiple insurance policies are available. The loading company’s $2 million policy, the manufacturer’s product liability coverage, and the broker’s errors and omissions insurance can all contribute to a full recovery. Without investigating all liable parties, the victim would have been limited to the trucking company’s inadequate $750,000 policy.

This is why we pursue every potentially liable party. It’s not about being greedy—it’s about ensuring our clients have the resources they need for lifelong care and support.

What to Do After a Union County Trucking Accident

The moments after a trucking accident are chaotic and overwhelming. But the actions you take—or fail to take—can profoundly affect your legal rights and your ability to recover full compensation. Here’s what you need to know.

Immediate Steps (If You Are Able)

Call 911 immediately. Report the accident, request emergency medical assistance, and ensure police respond to the scene. A police report creates an official record that will be crucial to your case.

Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel “okay,” adrenaline masks pain and serious injuries may not be immediately apparent. Internal bleeding, traumatic brain injury, and spinal damage can worsen without prompt treatment. Medical documentation also creates the essential link between the accident and your injuries.

Document the scene. If you are physically able, photograph everything: all vehicles involved, damage from multiple angles, the accident scene including skid marks and debris, street signs and traffic signals, weather and road conditions, and your visible injuries. Take more photos than you think you need—you can always delete extras, but you can’t go back in time.

Gather information. Obtain the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and insurance information. Collect names and contact information from all witnesses. Note the responding officers’ names and badge numbers.

Do NOT give statements to insurance companies. The trucking company’s insurer will contact you quickly—sometimes before you leave the hospital. They want a recorded statement. Do NOT give one. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.

Do NOT sign anything without legal review. Insurance companies may present “quick settlement” offers or medical authorizations. These documents often contain fine print that harms your rights. Never sign without having an attorney review.

Within 24-48 Hours: Contact Attorney911

The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already building a case against you. What are you doing to protect yourself?

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer 24/7 because we know trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours.

When you call, we immediately:

Begin our 48-hour evidence preservation protocol
Send spoliation letters to preserve ECM, ELD, and other critical data
Deploy investigators to document the scene before evidence disappears
Coordinate your medical care to ensure proper documentation
Handle all insurance company communications so you can focus on healing

We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. There is zero financial risk to you.

The Weeks and Months Ahead: Your Recovery and Our Fight

While you focus on physical recovery, we focus on building your case. This includes:

Ongoing medical coordination: We help ensure you receive appropriate treatment and that all care is properly documented. We work with medical providers who understand personal injury cases and can provide the detailed records we need.

Comprehensive investigation: We continue gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, consulting experts, and building the factual foundation of your case.

Insurance negotiations: We present your complete damages to the insurance companies and negotiate for full and fair settlement. We reject lowball offers and prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

Litigation preparation: If fair settlement cannot be reached, we file lawsuit and proceed through discovery, depositions, and trial preparation. Our willingness to try cases—and our track record of success—creates leverage in negotiations.

Throughout this process, we keep you informed. You’ll know what’s happening with your case, what to expect next, and how we’re fighting for you. As our client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Union County Trucking Accidents

Immediate After-Accident Questions

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

If you’re able, call 911 and request emergency medical assistance. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor—adrenaline masks pain and serious conditions may not be immediately apparent. 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 experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately.

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

Absolutely yes. Adrenaline and shock mask pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, traumatic brain injury, and spinal damage may not show symptoms for hours or days. Union County hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident or aren’t as serious as you claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

Document everything possible: truck and trailer license plates; DOT number (on truck door); trucking company name and logo; driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information; photos of all vehicle damage; photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks, and debris; photos of your visible injuries; witness names and phone numbers; responding officer’s name and badge number; and weather and road conditions.

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

Never. 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. Let us handle all communications with insurance companies.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Union County?

Immediately—within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears with alarming speed. Black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage, and surveillance video can be destroyed or overwritten within days or weeks. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a formal 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. Once we send this letter, the trucking company has a legal duty to preserve everything. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or even default judgment.

Trucking Company and Driver Questions

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Union 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, training, supervision, maintenance, and scheduling.

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

Florida uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather objective evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s CSA scores, inspection history, crash history, and safety rating. A poor safety record proves the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road—and we use that evidence to support punitive damages claims.

Evidence and 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 continuously record operational data—similar to airplane black boxes. This data shows speed before and during the crash, brake application timing, engine RPM and throttle position, cruise control status, and GPS location. This objective data often contradicts driver claims and proves negligence.

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 drivers violated federal rest requirements and were driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents—and ELD data provides objective proof.

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 immediate legal action is critical—once data is overwritten, it’s gone forever.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue: ECM/black box data; ELD records; complete Driver Qualification File; maintenance and repair records; inspection reports; dispatch logs and communications; drug and alcohol test results; training records; cell phone records; insurance policies; and the physical truck and trailer for inspection.

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable, impose monetary sanctions, or even enter default judgment. Our spoliation letters put trucking companies on immediate notice and create serious consequences for evidence destruction.

FMCSA Regulations Questions

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

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

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

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

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a comprehensive file for every driver containing: employment application; driving record check; previous employer verification; medical certification; drug test results; training documentation. Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring—companies that don’t properly screen drivers are responsible when those drivers cause harm.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence. We use inspection records to prove whether safety problems were known and ignored.

Injury and Medical Questions

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Union County?

Due to massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents 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 Union County?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses (past and future), lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, degree of defendant negligence, and available insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Union County?

Florida allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover: lost future income; loss of companionship and guidance; mental anguish; funeral expenses; and punitive damages if gross negligence is proven. Time limits apply—contact us immediately to protect your rights.

Legal Process Questions

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

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is four years from the accident date. 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 may take 2-4 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Insurance Questions

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage: $750,000 for non-hazardous freight; $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment; $5,000,000 for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies: motor carrier’s liability policy; trailer interchange coverage; cargo insurance; owner-operator’s policy; excess/umbrella coverage. We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes—and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Union County Families Trust Us

When everything changes in an instant, you need more than legal representation—you need a team that treats you like family and fights like your future depends on it. Because it does.

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s seen every tactic trucking companies use, and he knows how to counter them. His federal court admission expands our capability to handle complex interstate cases that other attorneys cannot touch.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Lupe Peña worked inside the insurance industry. He knows their formulas, their tactics, their training manuals. Now he uses that knowledge against them. When Lupe evaluates a settlement offer, he knows whether it’s fair or whether they’re bluffing. That insider knowledge translates directly into higher recoveries for our clients.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients. Our trucking accident results include $5+ million for TBI, $3.8+ million for amputation, $2.5+ million for commercial truck crashes, and millions more in wrongful death cases. These aren’t just numbers—they represent lives rebuilt.

Family Treatment

Our clients aren’t case numbers. As Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We return calls promptly. We explain everything in plain English. We treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve during the hardest time of your life.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. The trucking company has lawyers working right now. You deserve the same.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Fight Starts Now

The trucking company is already building their defense. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their lawyers are already strategizing how to minimize your claim.

What are you doing to protect yourself?

At Attorney911, we fight back. We’ve been doing it for 25+ years. We’ve recovered millions for families just like yours. We know Union County’s roads, Florida’s courts, and every tactic trucking companies use to avoid responsibility.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. The clock is ticking.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

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

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

Your fight starts with one call. We’re ready to answer.