Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale sits at one of South Florida’s most active commercial trucking intersections. Port Everglades — one of the busiest cargo ports in the southeastern United States — generates a constant stream of tractor-trailers, fuel tankers, and container trucks moving through the city’s streets and onto I-95, I-595, and US-1. Construction projects throughout downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard, and along Broward Boulevard bring heavy construction vehicles into daily contact with commuters. Delivery trucks serving the city’s dense commercial corridors add to the mix.

When a crash happens between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle in Fort Lauderdale, the consequences are rarely minor. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than the average passenger car. That weight difference translates directly into catastrophic injury for the occupants of smaller vehicles. Medical costs accumulate rapidly, time away from work may extend for months or years, and the claims process — involving multiple trucking industry parties and high-value commercial insurance policies — can quickly overwhelm anyone trying to navigate it alone.

A Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato may be able to help. Our team is led by a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney with nearly three decades of experience litigating serious injury cases in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit and throughout Florida. We have recovered over $200 million for injured clients. We handle truck accident cases on a contingency-fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Call 844-643-7200 for a free case evaluation, available 24/7.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Fort Lauderdale

The actions you take immediately after a truck crash in Fort Lauderdale may significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Trucking companies often deploy their own investigators and legal teams within hours of a serious accident — having an attorney in your corner early is the most effective counter to that reality.

1. Call 911 and stay at the scene. Ensure law enforcement and emergency services are dispatched. Wait for the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or Broward County Sheriff’s Office to arrive and file an official crash report. Never leave the scene of a serious accident.
2. Seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries appear minor, get evaluated at Broward Health or a local emergency facility as soon as possible. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and internal bleeding frequently do not present full symptoms immediately. Your initial medical records are critical evidence — a gap in treatment will be used by trucking insurers to minimize your claim.
3. Document everything at the scene. Photograph the truck, your vehicle, the crash scene, skid marks, road conditions, cargo, the truck’s license plate, DOT numbers displayed on the cab, and the trucking company name. Note weather conditions and the time of day.
4. Collect witness information. Get the names and phone numbers of any bystanders who saw the crash. Independent witness accounts carry significant weight in Broward County Circuit Court.
5. Do not speak with the trucking company’s insurer before consulting a Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement. Commercial trucking insurers are experienced at minimizing large claims. Let our team handle all communications from the start. Call 844-643-7200 — no fee unless we win.

Why Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale Are Different

Truck accident cases in Fort Lauderdale are fundamentally more complex than standard car accident claims — and that complexity works against injured victims who are unrepresented.

Fort Lauderdale’s specific combination of port-driven freight activity, year-round construction, dense commercial traffic, and major highway access creates conditions where commercial trucks and passenger vehicles are in constant contact. This is not a generic observation — it is the daily reality on Fort Lauderdale’s most dangerous corridors.

Port Everglades freight activity. Port Everglades is one of Florida’s primary cargo entry points, handling petroleum, consumer goods, and container freight. Trucks carrying loads from the port move through Fort Lauderdale’s surface streets before accessing I-95 and I-595 — creating a consistent pattern of heavy freight vehicles sharing roads with commuters and visitors unfamiliar with truck traffic patterns.

Year-round construction zones. Fort Lauderdale’s ongoing development creates active construction zones throughout the city where concrete mixers, dump trucks, flatbeds, and crane vehicles operate in proximity to moving traffic. Driver visibility is reduced, traffic patterns shift without warning, and construction vehicle operators may be under pressure to meet project deadlines.

Tourism and seasonal congestion. Fort Lauderdale’s peak tourism season brings significantly higher traffic volume — including more unfamiliar drivers sharing highways with experienced commercial truck operators. This combination elevates crash risk on I-95 exit ramps, along Las Olas Boulevard, and at the Andrews Avenue corridor.

Multiple liable parties. A truck accident in Fort Lauderdale may involve the driver, the trucking company, a cargo loader, a maintenance contractor, a truck or parts manufacturer, and in some cases a government agency responsible for road conditions. Identifying and pursuing all responsible parties requires a more extensive investigation than a standard car accident claim — and local experience with how Broward County courts handle these complex multi-party cases is critical.

Truck Accident Statistics — Fort Lauderdale and Broward County

According to the FLHSMV 2023 Traffic Crash Report, Florida recorded over 40,000 commercial truck accidents statewide in a single year. Broward County alone accounted for over 4,500 commercial motor vehicle crashes, with 20 fatalities recorded in that period.

These numbers place Broward County consistently among Florida’s highest counties for commercial truck crash volume — a reflection of Fort Lauderdale’s unique combination of port freight activity, highway density, and year-round population and tourism pressure. For crash victims, the consequences are disproportionately severe: the occupants of passenger vehicles bear the overwhelming majority of serious injuries and fatalities in truck-versus-car collisions.

Fort Lauderdale’s most crash-prone corridors for commercial vehicle incidents include:

• I-95 through Broward County — One of the most heavily trafficked freight corridors in Florida, with consistent tractor-trailer volume between Miami and Palm Beach County
• I-595 connecting I-95 to Port Everglades — High-volume interchange used daily by port freight vehicles
• Broward Boulevard — Urban commercial corridor with frequent delivery truck activity and limited lane separation from passenger traffic
• Andrews Avenue — Known for intersection collisions involving commercial vehicles, particularly at cross-streets near downtown Fort Lauderdale
• US-1 (Federal Highway) — Mixed commercial and residential traffic with frequent turning conflicts involving large trucks
• Las Olas Boulevard area — Dense pedestrian and passenger vehicle activity near active construction zones creates elevated conflict with construction vehicles

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale

Most commercial truck crashes in Broward County involve preventable factors — many of which represent direct violations of federal or state safety regulations. Identifying the cause of your crash is the first step toward identifying who is legally responsible.

Driver fatigue — the most common and most regulated cause Federal FMCSA hours-of-service regulations place strict limits on how long a commercial driver may operate a vehicle without mandatory rest. When drivers falsify logs, skip required rest periods, or are pressured by their employers to violate these rules to meet delivery quotas, and a crash results, both the driver and the trucking company may be held legally responsible. Fatigue impairs judgment and slows reaction time — on I-95 at highway speeds, the consequences can be fatal.

Distracted driving Texting, GPS adjustment, eating, and in-cab system interaction remain leading contributors to commercial truck crashes across Broward County. Federal regulations prohibit commercial drivers from using handheld devices while operating their vehicles — a violation of this rule that causes a crash may independently establish negligence.

Speeding and aggressive driving Excessive speed on I-95, I-595, and Fort Lauderdale’s high-volume surface streets dramatically increases both the likelihood and severity of commercial truck crashes. A fully loaded semi-truck requires a stopping distance approximately 40% greater than a passenger vehicle — speeding makes that disparity even more dangerous.

Impaired driving Commercial drivers are subject to a stricter blood alcohol standard (0.04% BAC) than passenger vehicle drivers under federal regulations. DUI crashes involving commercial trucks in Broward County produce some of the most catastrophic injuries our team handles and may support punitive damages claims.

De-powered front brakes One particularly dangerous practice in the trucking industry involves deliberately disabling a truck’s front brakes to reduce wear and maintenance costs. This significantly increases jackknife risk and stopping distance. When an investigation reveals this practice contributed to a crash, it may support both negligence and punitive damages claims against the trucking company.

Poor vehicle maintenance Federal regulations require commercial truck operators to maintain detailed maintenance logs and conduct pre-trip inspections of brakes, tires, lights, and safety equipment. When a maintenance failure — brake failure, tire blowout, or defective equipment — causes a crash, the maintenance contractor, the trucking company, or both may share liability.

Improper cargo loading Overloaded, unbalanced, or improperly secured cargo can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, and debris hazards. Cargo loaders and the companies that contracted them may be independently liable when improper loading contributes to a crash on Fort Lauderdale roads.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Fort Lauderdale

Jackknife accidents Jackknife crashes occur when a truck’s trailer swings outward at an angle against the cab — often triggered by sudden braking, slippery road conditions, or de-powered brakes. On Fort Lauderdale’s I-95 and I-595 corridors, jackknife accidents frequently block multiple lanes simultaneously, creating secondary multi-vehicle pile-ups involving passenger cars that had no ability to avoid the collision.

Underride accidents Among the most dangerous crash types, underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer during a collision. These crashes occur when truck drivers stop suddenly or are struck from the side. The structural mismatch between trailer height and passenger vehicle roofline frequently causes catastrophic head, neck, and upper body injuries. Fort Lauderdale intersections and highway entrance ramps are common underride locations.

Rollover accidents Commercial trucks’ elevated center of gravity makes them more susceptible to rolling over, particularly when taking curves too fast, carrying improperly balanced loads, or encountering sudden road surface changes. Fort Lauderdale’s on- and off-ramps, particularly near the I-95/Broward Boulevard and I-595/I-95 interchanges, present rollover risk for drivers exceeding safe entry speeds.

Rear-end collisions A fully loaded tractor-trailer requires significantly longer stopping distance than a passenger vehicle. Drivers who follow too closely or fail to adjust speed before traffic slows — particularly on congested sections of I-95 through Broward County — create serious rear-end crash risk. Even moderate-speed rear-end impacts from a truck of this size can cause catastrophic occupant injuries.

Blind spot collisions Commercial trucks have extensive blind zones on all four sides — areas where passenger vehicles become invisible to the driver. Lane changes on Fort Lauderdale’s multi-lane corridors and wide turns at downtown intersections are common scenarios where blind spot failures produce serious collisions.

Lost load accidents Debris falling from improperly secured cargo creates immediate road hazards for all vehicles traveling behind the truck. These incidents are particularly dangerous on I-95 at highway speeds, where a fallen load gives drivers almost no time to react.

Head-on collisions When a truck driver crosses the center line due to fatigue, distraction, or impairment, the resulting head-on collision produces some of the most severe and frequently fatal injuries in the entire category of motor vehicle crashes. These incidents on divided Fort Lauderdale highways and surface streets are among the highest-stakes cases our team handles.

Multi-vehicle pile-ups A single truck accident on a Fort Lauderdale highway can trigger a cascade of secondary collisions involving multiple passenger vehicles. Establishing liability distribution across multiple parties in these complex scenarios requires thorough reconstruction and experienced legal representation.

Common Injuries from Fort Lauderdale Truck Accidents

The size and weight disparity between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle means truck accident injuries are frequently severe, permanently disabling, or fatal. Injuries our Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorneys regularly handle include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) — From concussion to severe, permanently disabling brain damage requiring long-term care
• Spinal cord injuries — Including herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and partial or complete paralysis
• Internal bleeding and organ damage — Life-threatening injuries that may not present symptoms immediately after the crash
• Broken and crushed bones — Particularly ribs, pelvis, arms, and legs in high-impact collisions
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries — Even in lower-speed impacts, the force generated by a commercial truck can cause serious cervical and lumbar damage
• Burns — From fuel fires following fuel tanker crashes or mechanical failures
• Lacerations, contusions, and scarring — From glass, metal, and crash debris
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Wrongful death — Fatalities occur in a disproportionate share of truck-versus-passenger-vehicle collisions

Emergency trauma care is available at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Your initial medical records — including the date and circumstances of your first evaluation — are critical evidence in your compensation claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident

One of the defining characteristics of truck accident claims — as distinct from standard car accident claims — is the number of parties that may share legal responsibility. Our investigation may identify liability extending across:

• The truck driver — for negligent operation, fatigue, distraction, impairment, or violation of FMCSA regulations
• The trucking company — for negligent hiring, inadequate driver training, pressure to violate hours-of-service rules, failure to maintain vehicles, or de-powering brakes
• The cargo loading company — for improperly secured or overloaded freight that contributed to the crash
• The maintenance contractor — for negligent inspection or repair of safety-critical systems including brakes and tires
• The truck or parts manufacturer — for defective equipment that caused or contributed to the accident
• A government agency — for road design defects or inadequate maintenance of Broward County roadways that played a role in the collision

Our team files claims against all responsible parties simultaneously — because maximizing your recovery means pursuing every available source of compensation, not just the most obvious one.

How Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Claims Work

Truck accident claims in Fort Lauderdale are handled through Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit Court when litigation becomes necessary and involve commercial insurance policies that are substantially larger — and more aggressively defended — than standard auto policies. Here is how the process works with our team:

Immediate evidence preservation Our first action upon retention is issuing spoliation letters — formal legal notices requiring the trucking company and all involved parties to preserve all evidence in their possession. This includes driver logs, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, black box Event Data Recorder (EDR) information, maintenance histories, cargo documentation, employment and training records, and any internal communications about the crash or the driver. This evidence is time-sensitive and may be altered or destroyed if not formally preserved immediately.

Full accident investigation We collect the official crash report from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department or Broward County Sheriff’s Office, obtain and analyze ELD and black box data, work with certified accident reconstruction specialists, interview independent witnesses while their memories are fresh, and review all records related to the driver’s qualifications and the truck’s maintenance history.

Identifying all liable parties and filing all claims We determine whether responsibility extends beyond the driver to the trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance contractor, manufacturer, or other parties — and pursue claims against each simultaneously.

Calculating complete damages We document every economic and non-economic loss — including future medical expenses, reduced earning capacity, and long-term rehabilitation costs — working with medical professionals and financial analysts to build a complete damages record.

Insurance negotiation with commercial carriers Commercial trucking insurers are staffed by experienced claims professionals whose job is to minimize payouts on high-value claims. We handle all communications and negotiations, using our evidentiary record and trial-readiness to create genuine leverage in settlement discussions.

17th Judicial Circuit Court litigation If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file in Broward County Circuit Court. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer team is experienced in this venue and fully prepared to litigate truck accident cases before a jury. You can review our case results for context on the types of matters we have handled.

Florida Laws That Affect Your Truck Accident Claim

Statute of Limitations — 2 Years to File

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, most personal injury claims arising from truck accidents must be filed within two years of the date of the crash. For wrongful death claims, the same two-year window begins on the date of death. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to seek compensation in court — and the trucking company’s insurer will have no reason to negotiate further.

Some commercial trucking insurers are aware of this deadline and intentionally extend settlement discussions past the filing window. Our team manages all deadlines and ensures your case is fully protected from the moment you retain us.

Modified Comparative Fault — The 50% Bar

Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your own percentage of fault. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages. Trucking company insurers routinely attempt to assign fault to the injured victim — even in cases where FMCSA violations, equipment failures, or driver impairment clearly caused the crash. Our team builds the evidentiary record needed to counter these arguments from the start, including testimony from accident reconstruction specialists and analysis of regulatory compliance records.

Important: Florida’s 2-year filing deadline is strictly enforced and trucking insurers know it. If you were injured in a Fort Lauderdale truck accident, do not delay. Call 844-643-7200 — free case evaluation, no fee unless we win.

Compensation Available After a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident

Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Past and future medical expenses — emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medication, and long-term specialist care
• Lost wages during your recovery period
• Reduced future earning capacity if injuries cause permanent limitations
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Home or vehicle modifications required by disability
• Transportation costs to medical appointments

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
• Loss of enjoyment of life and daily activities
• Loss of consortium — the impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Permanent disability

Wrongful Death Damages

If a loved one was killed in a Fort Lauderdale truck accident, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim through our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyer team. Recoverable damages may include funeral and burial expenses, the deceased’s lost future income and benefits, and loss of companionship and support. The two-year filing deadline applies from the date of death.

Punitive damages In cases involving particularly reckless conduct — such as knowingly allowing a fatigued driver to operate in violation of FMCSA rules, deliberately de-powering brakes, or impaired driving — the court may award punitive damages intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct by the trucking industry.

Why Choose Wolf & Pravato — Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Team

The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato has represented injury victims in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County with a commitment to individualized attention, thorough investigation, and trial-ready advocacy. Unlike high-volume firms that process cases quickly and settle early, we take the time to build each truck accident case properly — because these cases are too complex and the stakes too high for any other approach.

Richard P. Pravato — Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney

Richard P. Pravato, Esq. is the Managing Partner of the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato and a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer — a designation held by fewer than 2% of Florida attorneys, earned through the Florida Bar’s rigorous certification process in 2004 and maintained in good standing since.

Our firm has recovered over $200 million for injured clients across Florida and has handled truck accident cases at every stage — from initial demand through jury trial — in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit. We handle all truck accident cases on a contingency-fee basis — you pay no attorney fees unless and until we recover compensation for you.

This page has been reviewed for legal accuracy by Richard P. Pravato, Esq. Last reviewed: April 2026.

Serving Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, and Broward County

The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato serves truck accident victims throughout Broward County and the broader South Florida region. While Fort Lauderdale is our primary focus in this market, our team represents injured victims from across the county, including:

• Plantation — The US-441 corridor and Broward Boulevard through Plantation see regular commercial truck traffic; victims of truck crashes in Plantation may have the same recovery options as those injured in Fort Lauderdale
• Hollywood — The I-95 corridor through Hollywood and US-1 along the eastern edge of Broward County carry significant commercial freight volume
• Pompano Beach — I-95 through Pompano Beach and the Atlantic Boulevard corridor see consistent tractor-trailer activity
• Deerfield Beach — The northern Broward corridor along I-95 and Sample Road handles port-bound and outbound freight truck traffic
• Davie / Weston — I-595 connecting these communities to Port Everglades generates consistent commercial vehicle exposure on surface streets
• Hallandale Beach / Aventura border areas — Southern Broward corridors with spillover truck traffic from Miami-Dade

If you were injured in a truck accident anywhere in Broward County or surrounding South Florida communities, call 844-643-7200 for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident

How is a Fort Lauderdale truck accident case different from a regular car accident claim?

Truck accident cases are significantly more complex. They typically involve multiple potentially liable parties — the driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and possibly manufacturers. Commercial trucking companies carry much larger insurance policies than individual drivers, which means higher potential recoveries but also more experienced and aggressive insurance defense teams. Federal FMCSA regulations add a layer of legal complexity that standard car accident claims do not involve. Local experience in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit matters in these cases.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Fort Lauderdale?

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, most personal injury claims from truck accidents must be filed within two years of the date of the crash. For wrongful death claims, the same two-year deadline begins on the date of death. Missing this deadline permanently bars recovery. Some trucking insurers intentionally delay negotiations to let this deadline pass — our team manages all deadlines from the moment you retain us.

What courts handle Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawsuits?

Truck accident lawsuits in Fort Lauderdale are typically filed in Broward County Circuit Court — the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Our team is familiar with local court procedures, filing requirements, case management timelines, and the litigation practices of the insurance defense firms that most commonly represent trucking companies in this venue.

Are trucking companies required to carry higher insurance in Florida?

Yes. Commercial trucking companies operating in interstate commerce are required under federal FMCSA regulations to carry substantially higher liability insurance minimums than passenger vehicle drivers — commonly between $750,000 and $1,000,000 or more depending on cargo type, with hazardous materials carriers required to carry even higher coverage. This higher coverage means larger potential recoveries but also more aggressively defended claims from the outset.

What if the trucking company contacts me directly after the crash?

Do not speak with the trucking company’s representatives or their insurance adjusters without an attorney present. Direct them to contact your attorney. Even a casual, well-intentioned answer to their questions can be used to minimize or deny your claim later. Our team handles all communications on your behalf from the moment you retain us.

What if I was partly at fault for the Fort Lauderdale truck accident?

Under Florida’s modified comparative fault rule (Florida Statutes § 768.81), you may still recover compensation as long as you are found 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced proportionally by your fault percentage. Trucking insurers routinely attempt to inflate the victim’s assigned fault percentage — often pointing to speed, lane position, or following distance — to reduce their payout obligation. Strong evidence counters this tactic.

Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver was an independent contractor?

Possibly. Trucking and shipping companies sometimes attempt to reduce liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, Florida law and federal regulations may still hold a motor carrier responsible for a contractor’s negligence under certain circumstances depending on the level of control the company exercised over the driver’s work. Our team analyzes the specific employment relationship in every case to identify all available liability theories.

How long does a truck accident case take to resolve in Fort Lauderdale?

The timeline depends on injury severity, the number of liable parties, and whether the case resolves through settlement or requires full litigation. Many cases resolve through settlement negotiations within 12 to 24 months of filing. Cases that proceed to trial in Broward County Circuit Court may take longer depending on court scheduling and case complexity. We keep you informed throughout every stage of the process.

Speak With a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a truck accident in Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, or anywhere in Broward County, do not face the trucking company’s insurers alone. The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is ready to evaluate your case at no cost, issue evidence preservation notices immediately, and begin building your claim.

📞 Call 844-643-7200 — No fee unless we win. Free case evaluation — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. wolfandpravato.com/contact-us/