When a fully loaded commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are almost always catastrophic. An 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds. A typical sedan weighs around 3,500. The physics of that mismatch are devastating — and so are the legal battles that follow.
Trucking accident cases are fundamentally different from car accident cases. They involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, corporate legal teams, and evidence that can disappear within hours if it is not preserved. That is why you need a law firm with deep experience in trucking litigation — not just personal injury law in general.
At Terrell Hogan Law, our attorneys have handled trucking accident cases in Jacksonville and across Florida since 1974. Our founding attorney, Wayne Hogan, is recognized as one of the state’s leading trucking accident litigators.
What Makes Truck Accident Cases So Complex
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
Unlike a standard car accident, a trucking accident can involve several responsible parties:
- The truck driver (fatigue, distraction, impairment)
- The trucking company (hiring practices, safety culture, pressure to deliver)
- The cargo loading company (improper weight distribution, unsecured loads)
- The truck or parts manufacturer (brake failure, tire blowouts, defective equipment)
- Maintenance providers (missed inspections, deferred repairs)
Identifying all liable parties is essential to maximizing recovery for the victim. A Jacksonville truck accident lawyer with experience in these cases knows where to look.
Federal Regulations Add Another Layer
Commercial trucking is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Drivers must comply with hours-of-service limits, mandatory rest periods, drug and alcohol testing requirements, and vehicle inspection protocols. When these rules are violated, it can be powerful evidence of negligence — but only if your attorney knows how to find and use it.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
Trucking companies are required to retain certain records, but electronic logging device (ELD) data, dashcam footage, and GPS records can be overwritten or lost if not preserved quickly. An experienced trucking accident attorney will send a spoliation letter immediately to prevent the destruction of critical evidence.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
- Distracted driving (phone use, GPS systems)
- Speeding and aggressive driving under delivery pressure
- Improperly loaded or overweight cargo
- Mechanical failures from deferred maintenance
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Florida’s I-95 corridor, I-10, and the Jacksonville port area see heavy commercial truck traffic daily. These high-volume routes are where many of the most serious trucking accidents in Northeast Florida occur.
Wayne Hogan: A Trucking Accident Attorney Who Has Seen It All
Wayne Hogan, founding attorney of Terrell Hogan Law, has dedicated decades of his career to representing victims of trucking accidents. A Jacksonville native and graduate of Florida State University, Wayne has built a reputation as one of the most effective trucking accident litigators in the state. His deep understanding of the trucking industry — its regulations, its shortcuts, and its corporate defense strategies — gives our clients a significant advantage.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Trucking Accident?
Because of the severity of trucking accident injuries, the damages in these cases are often substantial:
- Current and future medical expenses (surgeries, rehabilitation, long-term care)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental health treatment
- Wrongful death damages for families who have lost a loved one
Terrell Hogan Law has recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in trucking accident cases, including an $810,000 recovery in a trucking collision and numerous other significant results. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, because that is how you get results.
Do Not Wait to Get Legal Help
Trucking companies and their insurers begin building their defense immediately after an accident. Their investigators are often on scene within hours. You need someone fighting for your side just as quickly. Contact Terrell Hogan Law today for a free consultation.
Call (904) 632-2424 or contact us online for a free case review.
