Truck Accident Lawyer in Melbourne, FL
Mann Law, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath can be. You may face physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardships. We step in early to preserve vital evidence, investigate causes, and hold negligent trucking companies and their insurers accountable.
Melbourne and the greater Brevard County region experience heavy truck traffic on major roads such as Interstate 95, U.S. 1, and Wickham Road. Local law enforcement, including the Melbourne Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol Troop D, regularly respond to commercial vehicle collisions along these thoroughfares. These agencies gather critical evidence used in the claims process, making timely documentation essential after a crash.
When you work with us, you work directly with Attorney David Mann, a former insurance defense attorney who knows how to counter aggressive insurance tactics. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no upfront attorney fees unless we win your case.
Request a free in-person, phone, or virtual consultation with our Melbourne truck accident attorney. Call us at (321) 461-5482 or reach us online for assistance.
Common Injuries and Damages After Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents
Truck collisions tend to cause much more severe injuries than typical car crashes. Victims may face injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures, burns, internal injuries, and even amputations. These injuries often require prolonged medical care, rehabilitation, or surgery, sometimes resulting in lifelong disabilities.
Compensation in Florida truck accident cases often considers the full range of losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the cost of ongoing care. Families may also pursue compensation for wrongful death when a loved one loses their life in a truck or tractor-trailer accident. Due to the significant resources required for recovery, insurance limits, or multiple liable parties in truck wrecks, it’s important to understand both the breadth and value of recoverable damages.
In Brevard County, local medical centers such as Holmes Regional Medical Center and Palm Bay Hospital provide trauma care for severe accident injuries. Access to quality care and rehabilitation can have a direct impact on recovery outcomes and long-term well-being.
How Truck Crashes Happen
Truck accidents often occur on high-traffic corridors in and around Melbourne, including Interstate 95, U.S. 1, and State Roads 518 and 507. These roads see constant commercial traffic, especially I-95, a central north–south freight route. Their congestion and speed limits create significant risks for drivers sharing the road with large trucks.
Weather conditions, construction zones on Brevard County highways, and seasonal traffic increases during events like launches at Kennedy Space Center can intensify crash risks for heavy vehicles. Even experienced truck drivers may struggle with sudden slowdowns or detours on local routes, which often contribute to unexpected collisions. When commercial vehicles pass through busy intersections or residential neighborhoods, the tight turns and limited visibility add challenges that increase the likelihood of wide-turn and underride incidents.
Common truck accidents and causes in our area include:
- Rear-end collisions
- Underride accidents
- Wide-turn collisions
- Driver fatigue, violating federal hours-of-service regulations
- Poor maintenance or equipment failure
- Improper cargo loading
Every case requires immediate investigation, diligent documentation, and skill in uncovering evidence that trucking companies might withhold.
Proving liability requires an in-depth investigation of driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and possible violations of federal trucking regulations.
Mann Law can handle all aspects of the investigation and build a well-founded claim. We seek full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other relevant damages.
Our familiarity with Brevard County’s accident reporting protocols and local resources benefits every stage of your claim. We regularly interact with regional adjusters and local medical providers and understand the expectations of the courts serving Melbourne and the surrounding area. This local knowledge helps us pursue fair outcomes suited to your circumstances.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Deadly?
Tractor-trailers, semis, and other large commercial trucks are massive, often weighing 10,000 pounds or more. According to federal data, large trucks are involved in about eight percent of all fatal crashes and account for 12 percent of total traffic fatalities each year. In 2022, 5,936 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks, 70 percent of whom were occupants of other vehicles. These statistics reflect the harsh realities of truck collisions and the catastrophic damage they cause.
The risk of catastrophic injury increases when large trucks collide with smaller passenger vehicles, given the extreme height and weight difference. In urban and suburban areas of Melbourne, narrow streets, frequent stops, and busy intersections like Eau Gallie Boulevard and Hibiscus Boulevard increase the potential for dangerous truck wrecks. Emergency responders in Brevard County are trained to navigate these complexities, but accident survivors still face significant recovery paths and complicated claims processes.
Florida Laws and Safety Regulations for Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial trucking in Florida is regulated by both state law and federal agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern driver qualifications, required rest periods, allowable driving hours, drug and alcohol testing, and safe vehicle operation. Trucking companies must carefully monitor driver logs and vehicle maintenance records to comply with these standards. Violations of these regulations, such as driver fatigue or improper cargo securement, can serve as critical evidence in a truck accident claim.
Florida law requires truck drivers to carry higher minimum insurance limits, and local law enforcement regularly inspects trucks for compliance at checkpoints throughout Brevard County. If a company fails to keep vehicles in safe condition or allows drivers to operate without following safety protocols, state and federal authorities may impose fines or other penalties. Understanding these regulations helps you know what steps local authorities may take after an accident, and why certain procedures—like electronic logging device checks—matter for your claim.
In the aftermath of an accident, knowing which party broke a law or violated a safety rule is essential for building your case. Our firm stays current with changes to trucking regulations and uses this knowledge to support claims for those seriously hurt in commercial vehicle accidents across Central Florida.
Rely on the expertise of a skilled 18-wheeler accident attorney in Melbourne. Contact us or call (321) 461-5482 now to arrange your consultation without delay.
The Right Lawyer Can Make All the Difference
At Mann Law, You're Always the Priority
At Mann Law, we're more than just a law firm—we’re your advocate, your guide, and your trusted partner through some of life’s toughest moments. With insider experience, local roots, and a personal approach, we’re here to fight smart and treat you right.
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We Know the Opposition
Before founding Mann Law, David Mann defended insurance companies—so he doesn’t have to guess what they’re thinking. He uses that insight to build stronger, smarter cases for you.
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Recognized for Excellence
Named a New York Times Power Lawyer and honored in 40 Under 40, David Mann brings award-winning advocacy and leadership to every case he takes.
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Client-First Approach
You'll work directly with your attorney—not handed off to a staffer. David is committed to giving every client the attention, communication, and respect they deserve.
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Local Roots, Real Results
As a lifelong resident of Brevard County, David understands the needs of his community. He’s earned a reputation for caring service and powerful results throughout Florida.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Florida Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often have more than one at-fault party. In Florida, you can seek compensation from any entity whose actions contributed to your crash. Responsible parties commonly include the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, vehicle parts manufacturers, and even third-party maintenance providers.
If a driver breaks federal hours-of-service regulations or drives while distracted or fatigued, they could be liable for the accident. Trucking companies that fail to maintain their fleet, push drivers to meet unsafe schedules, or ignore safety standards can also be at fault. If poorly loaded cargo shifts during transit and causes a crash, the party responsible for loading may share liability. Florida law allows injured parties to seek damages from any entity that contributed to the incident, even if the injured person is partially at fault due to the state’s comparative negligence rule.
Local courts in Melbourne and Brevard County review these cases based on a complete investigation of all parties involved. Working with a law firm that understands the local legal landscape can help you navigate these complexities and pursue compensation from every responsible party. Connect with a professional truck accident attorney in Melbourne as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Truck or Semi-Truck Accident in Melbourne
Taking prompt action after a truck or 18-wheeler accident helps ensure your safety and support your claim. Always check for injuries and call 911 right away to request police and medical assistance. Seek medical attention for any injury, even those that seem minor, as symptoms can worsen over time. When possible, move vehicles out of the flow of traffic on busy Brevard County roads to reduce further hazards.
Document the crash scene by taking photos of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Collect the names, contact details, driver's license numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well.
File a formal report with local law enforcement, such as the Melbourne Police Department or Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Keep all documentation, including the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and communications from insurance companies. Promptly reporting the accident and protecting evidence gives you the best chance for a thorough investigation and a fair outcome. If you were involved in a truck accident, do not hesitate to reach out to a seasoned big rig accident attorney at Mann Law.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Truck accident cases are legally and technically complicated. You must prove:
- The truck driver and carrier owed you a duty of care
- One or more parties breached that duty by speeding, fatigued driving, improper cargo loading, poor truck maintenance, or defective vehicles or components
- This breach caused your crash and injuries
- You suffered real damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or disability
Trucking companies and insurers hire teams of defense lawyers, investigators, and experts to minimize payouts. Without seasoned legal counsel, you risk being outmatched and undercompensated.
Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing truck accident claims. The statute of limitations limits the time you have to seek compensation, and missing these deadlines may prevent you from recovering damages. Gathering evidence quickly after a crash matters—many trucking companies only retain key records, like driver logs and maintenance documents, for a short period under federal law. Taking action as soon as possible helps protect your eligibility for a full recovery.
Connect with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Melbourne without delay. Submit an online form to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the crash. Some circumstances can alter this timeline. Consulting a lawyer soon after your accident helps protect your right to seek compensation.
Should I talk to the insurance company after a truck accident?
You should report the accident, but avoid providing recorded statements or accepting settlements before consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often move quickly to protect their interests and may not offer the full amount you deserve for your losses.
What damages can I recover after a big rig or 18-wheeler accident?
You may be able to recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, future loss of earning potential, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, loss of enjoyment of life. The specific damages available depend on the details of your accident and injury. Turn to a trusted tractor trailer accident attorney to learn more.
Our qualified semi-truck accident attorney is here to assist you. Call (321) 461-5482 to schedule your free initial consultation without delay.
How Mann Law Helps Truck Accident Victims
We bring crucial advantages:
- Strategic insight: David Mann’s experience defending insurers gives us a unique perspective on their tactics and how to counter them.
- Local access: Based in Brevard County, we know local roads, accident reconstruction experts, and injury specialists.
- Full-service investigation: We gather police reports, deploy accident reconstruction, subpoena electronic trucking logs, inspect truck maintenance histories, and interview witnesses.
- Care-centered advocacy: You work directly with David throughout the case without intermediaries.
- Our commitment: We advance costs, work on a contingency fee, and are available 24/7 for clients in crisis.
Along with handling the legal complexities, we guide you through essential steps like coordinating medical care, managing correspondence from insurance adjusters, and explaining your rights under Florida’s personal injury laws. As a locally oriented law firm with deep Brevard County ties, we’re familiar with the local court system, judges, and procedures, all of which can make a real difference in your case.
Call (321) 461-5482 or contact us online for a free case review with our Melbourne truck accident attorney.
