Brevard County Truck Accident Attorneys

Seriously Injured in a Truck Accident? We Fight for Full Compensation.

A collision with a commercial truck is not like a typical car accident. The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or large delivery vehicle means the resulting injuries are often catastrophic — and the legal battle that follows is far more complex. Insurance companies for trucking firms have aggressive legal teams working immediately to limit what they pay you. You need an attorney in your corner just as fast.

At Charpentier Law Firm, P.A., we have been representing injured victims in Brevard County since 1981. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident takes on victims and their families — and we know how to build the case that gets results.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident in Melbourne, Titusville, Cocoa, or anywhere in Brevard County, call us today for a free consultation: 321-308-8020.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different

Commercial trucking is heavily regulated at both the federal and state level. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules governing driver hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo loading, and licensing. When those rules are violated — and they frequently are — it creates liability that goes far beyond the driver alone.

In a truck accident case, potentially liable parties may include:

– The truck driver
– The trucking company
– The cargo loading company
– The truck manufacturer or parts supplier
– A maintenance contractor

Identifying every responsible party — and preserving the evidence to prove it — requires immediate action. Trucking companies often send accident response teams to the scene within hours to begin protecting their interests. Our firm moves quickly to investigate, secure black box data, pull driver logs, and build your case before critical evidence disappears.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Brevard County

Florida’s major corridors — including I-95, US-1, and SR-528 — carry heavy commercial truck traffic through Brevard County every day. Common causes of serious truck accidents in our area include:

– Driver fatigue from hours-of-service violations
– Distracted driving
– Speeding or reckless driving
– Improper cargo loading or unsecured loads
– Brake failure or mechanical defects
– Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
– Inadequate driver training or hiring of unqualified drivers
– Poor vehicle maintenance

Injuries Commonly Suffered in Truck Accidents

Due to the enormous force involved in truck collisions, victims frequently suffer injuries that are severe, permanent, or life-altering. These include:

– Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
– Spinal cord injury and paralysis
– Broken and shattered bones
– Internal organ damage
– Severe burns
– Neck and back injuries
– Amputations
– Wrongful death

Even injuries that appear moderate at first can worsen significantly over time. It is critical that you seek both medical attention and legal counsel as soon as possible after a truck accident.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Florida law allows truck accident victims to pursue compensation for the full range of losses caused by the crash. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to recover:

– Medical expenses — past and future
– Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
– Pain and suffering
– Emotional distress
– Permanent disability or disfigurement
– Loss of enjoyment of life
– Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Florida

The steps you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly affect the outcome of your claim. If you are physically able:

1. Call 911 — get police and emergency services to the scene
2. Stay at the scene — leaving can result in criminal charges
3. Document everything — photograph the vehicles, road conditions, signage, and your injuries
4. Get witness information — names and phone numbers
5. Seek medical attention immediately — even if you feel okay
6. Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without an attorney
7. Call Charpentier Law Firm — 321-308-8020 — for a free consultation

Florida Truck Accident Laws You Should Know

Florida operates under a modified comparative negligence system (Florida Statute §768.81). This means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault — and if you are found more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovery entirely. This is one of many reasons why having an experienced attorney is critical.

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident (Florida Statute §95.11). Do not wait — evidence disappears and deadlines are firm.

Frequently Asked Questions — Truck Accident Claims in Brevard County

How is a truck accident claim different from a car accident claim?

Truck accident cases involve multiple potentially liable parties, federal regulations, and much larger insurance policies than typical car accident cases. They require immediate investigation to preserve evidence like electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box recordings, and driver records.

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

Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation entirely. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Trucking companies sometimes attempt to avoid liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors. However, under Florida and federal law, the company may still be held liable depending on the level of control they exercised over the driver. An attorney can analyze the specific facts of your case.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you are not more than 50% at fault under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages are $500,000, you would recover $400,000.

What evidence is most important in a truck accident case?

Key evidence includes the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box/event data recorder, driver logs, maintenance records, the police accident report, witness statements, and surveillance footage. This evidence must be preserved quickly — our firm sends preservation letters immediately upon being retained.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

Every case is different. Value depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost income, long-term care needs, and the degree of negligence involved. Commercial trucking policies are often worth $1 million or more, meaning there is significant potential for full recovery of your losses.

Do I have to go to court?

Most truck accident cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to court — which is precisely why insurance companies take our clients’ claims seriously and offer fair settlements.

What does it cost to hire a truck accident attorney?

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win. There are no upfront costs and no fees if we do not recover compensation for you.

Which roads in Brevard County have the most truck accidents?

High-risk corridors in our area include I-95, US Highway 1, State Road 528 (the Beachline Expressway), and US-192. These routes carry significant commercial truck traffic connecting Central Florida to the coast and to major distribution hubs.

What should I say to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

Nothing — until you have spoken with an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to gather information that can be used to minimize or deny your claim. A simple statement made in the hours after an accident can significantly damage your case. Call us first: 321-308-8020.

Call Charpentier Law Firm Today — Free Consultation

If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident in Brevard County, do not wait. The trucking company is already building its defense. Let us build yours.

Charpentier Law Firm, P.A. offers free consultations with no obligation. We serve clients in Melbourne, Titusville, Cocoa, and throughout Brevard County, Florida.

📱 Stephen’s direct cell: 321-258-8448
📧 steve@brevardlawyer.com