Orlando Truck Accident Attorney

Why You Need an Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer

You share the road with commercial trucks every day—on I-4, State Road 528, and the Florida Turnpike. In a place like Orlando, our major highways are constantly filled with large 18-wheelers moving goods across the state and the country. When one of those big rigs crashes into a car, the people in the smaller vehicle often suffer the most.

In the days that follow a truck accident, you may be managing doctor visits, missed paychecks, and pain that interferes with everyday life. The trucking company has its own priorities. So, who’s looking out for you?

That’s where Osborne, Francis & Pettis comes in. When trucking companies ignore load limits, overwork drivers, or send unsafe rigs on the road, we hold them accountable. We know what you’re up against and have decades of combined experience taking on major trucking operations. 

Call (407) 655-3333 or contact us online to speak with an Orlando truck accident lawyer ready to help.

“I am incredibly grateful for the legal services provided by Ben Garcia at Osborne & Francis. From the very first consultation, they were not only highly professional but also deeply committed to understanding my case and needs, offering expert guidance throughout the entire process…”

- J.S. | Client

How Our Orlando Trucking Accident Lawyers Fight for You After a Crash

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you need a team that knows how to take on trucking companies and their powerful insurance adjusters. At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and fight to get the compensation you deserve.

Here’s how our Orlando truck accident attorneys work for you:

• We Act Fast to Investigate Your Case: Our team heads to the scene, gathers critical evidence, and collects the truck’s “black box” data, driver logs, inspection reports, dashcam footage, and photographs before anything disappears and to make sure no detail is overlooked.
• We Know the Rules Inside and Out: We check whether the driver broke any rules, like driving too many hours, skipping maintenance checks, or ignoring safety protocols.
• We Build a Strong Case Around Your Injuries: Our team works with medical and financial experts to show the true impact of your injuries. That includes not just your current medical bills, but future care, lost wages, and other long-term costs. This helps us fight for a settlement or verdict that truly covers your needs.
• We Consult Industry Experts: From accident reconstruction specialists and mechanics to medical professionals and forensic experts, we bring in the right specialists to help prove what happened and who’s at fault.
• We Negotiate Smartly With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies will often try to offer you a small amount of money, hoping you’ll accept it quickly. Our experience with these big companies means we won't be tricked. We handle all the tough talks and fight for the full value of your claim.
• We’re Ready to Go to Court if Needed: While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This sends a strong message to the trucking company: we are serious about getting you the justice you deserve, and we are not afraid to fight for you in a courtroom.

Why You Need an Orlando Truck Accident Lawyer: How Truck Accidents Are Different From Other Crashes

A crash with a big commercial truck isn’t just a scaled-up version of a car accident—it’s a whole different kind of case. The rules are more complicated, the injuries are often more serious, and the companies involved fight harder to protect their money. That’s why having an experienced Orlando truck accident lawyer makes such a big difference.

Here’s what makes these cases unique:

The Size and Force Make a Huge Difference

A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while most cars weigh around 4,000 pounds. When these two collide, the smaller vehicle almost always takes the worst hit. Victims often suffer catastrophic, life-changing injuries that require long-term medical care. 

More Insurance and Higher Stakes

Because trucks can cause so much harm, trucking companies are required to carry much larger insurance policies, often hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. That sounds like good news, but it also means the insurance companies and their lawyers will fight aggressively to limit what they pay. They may try to blame you, question your injuries, or delay your claim. Our team knows how to counter these tactics and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Complex Laws and Federal Rules

Unlike car accidents that mostly involve state traffic laws, truck accidents must also follow federal safety regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover things like:

• How long drivers can stay on the road each day.
• How often trucks must be inspected and maintained.
• Weight limits for loads and cargo.
• Special licenses and training for truck drivers.

Our attorneys understand these laws inside and out. We know how to spot when a trucking company or driver has broken the rules—and we use that to prove fault and strengthen your case.

More People Could Be Responsible

Truck accident cases often involve several different parties, not just the driver. Depending on what happened, we may be able to hold multiple groups accountable.

Investigations Are More Complicated

Truck accidents require a deeper, faster investigation than most car crashes. We often examine:

• The truck’s “black box” data and GPS records.
• Driver logs and inspection reports.
• Maintenance and repair records.
• Hiring and training files from the trucking company.
• Photos, videos, and dashcam footage from the crash.

What Causes Truck Crashes in Orlando?

Most drivers don’t get to choose who ends up next to them on the road. You can follow the rules, leave space, and stay alert—then still get hit by a freight hauler because someone else rushed through a checklist or skipped basic safety.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Orlando include:

• Driver fatigue. Long shifts without enough rest slow down reaction times.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Brake failure. Worn brake pads or broken air lines reduce a truck’s ability to stop.
• Tire blowouts. Heat, bald treads, and underinflation can send debris into nearby lanes.
• Improper cargo loading. Shifting weight or loose freight can cause a rollover.
• Aggressive lane changes. A sudden swerve by a multi-ton vehicle gives smaller cars nowhere to go.
• Distracted driving. Reaching for a phone or eating behind the wheel takes a driver’s eyes off the road.
• Blind spots. Missed checks before turning or merging can block a car from view.
• Speed on wet roads. Trucks that outpace conditions can lose control quickly.
• Poor training. A driver who hasn’t learned how to handle a rig under pressure creates a risk for everyone else.

More often than not, these causes are part of a bigger pattern. They reflect habits, routines, and shortcuts that put other people at risk. An Orlando truck accident attorney can look into where the chain broke—and who made the call that led to it.

The Dangers of Truck Accidents in Orlando and Across Florida

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows just how serious truck accidents are in Florida:

• Florida is one of the deadliest states for truck crashes. Only Texas and California had more fatal large-truck accidents.
• 366 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in Florida in the most recent year of reporting.
  
  • That’s 6.7% of all vehicles involved in deadly crashes statewide.
  • It also represents 6.4% of all fatal large-truck crashes in the U.S.
• 373 people lost their lives in these Florida truck crashes, including:
  
  • 46 truck drivers and passengers
  • 264 occupants of other vehicles
  • 63 non-occupants, such as bicyclists and pedestrians
• Florida ranked among the top three states in the nation for non-occupant deaths (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) caused by large trucks, with more than 60 lives lost in a single year.

These numbers highlight what many Orlando drivers already know: when a big truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the results can be catastrophic.

What Kinds of Injuries Happen in Orlando Truck Accidents?

Large trucks bring more than size—they carry more force, pressure, and risk when something goes wrong. That risk shows up across Orlando every year. In 2022, Orange County recorded 2,747 commercial vehicle crashes, leading to 1,032 injuries and 15 deaths, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Because of the weight and structure of these vehicles, injuries in truck accidents tend to be more serious—and more complicated. It’s not unusual for someone to suffer more than one type of injury, especially in high-speed collisions.

Common injuries in Orlando truck accidents include:

• Neck and spinal cord injuries. Herniated discs, nerve damage, and fractured vertebrae can limit movement or require long-term care.
• Traumatic brain injuries. A concussion or blunt force trauma can affect memory, speech, and balance.
• Broken bones. Arms, legs, ribs, and hips are especially vulnerable in side or rear-end collisions.
• Internal injuries. Organ damage or internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately.
• Burns and lacerations. Exposure to hazardous materials or sharp debris can leave lasting scars.
• Amputations. Crushed limbs in underride crashes may require surgical removal.

Even if you’re able to walk away from the crash, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Before giving a recorded statement to the other insurance company, talk to a truck accident attorney in Orlando. These injuries may take time to show up—and once they do, you need someone who can step in and protect your side of the story.

What Trucking Laws Apply in Orlando?

Trucking companies must follow rules before their vehicles hit the road. These rules come from both Florida and federal law and cover everything from how cargo gets loaded to how long a driver stays behind the wheel.

Several of these regulations can affect your truck accident claim:

• Truck size and load limits. Most trucks cap at 80,000 pounds without special permits. Heavier vehicles need more space to stop and put extra stress on brakes and tires.
• Driver hours. Federal guidelines limit driving time to 11 hours within a 14-hour window. Breaks are built into the schedule to reduce fatigue. Stretching drive time increases the odds of a missed cue or delayed response.
• Vehicle maintenance. Inspectors must regularly check trucks, including tires, brakes, lights, and other critical systems. Missed inspections leave room for problems that can endanger other drivers.
• Hazardous materials. Special rules apply to trucks carrying fuel, chemicals, and other dangerous loads. These include training requirements, placards, and additional safety checks.

When trucking companies skip steps or look the other way, the risk doesn’t just fall on them—it lands on the people they share the road with. An Orlando truck accident lawyer will review which rules applied, identify what was missed, and explain how that ties into the crash.

Who Can an Orlando Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Hold Liable?

One of the biggest differences between a car accident and a truck accident is who you can hold responsible. In a large truck crash, several people and companies can share the blame. 

We look beyond the driver to identify all parties that may be held legally responsible for your injuries:

• The Truck Driver: This is the most obvious party if they were speeding, distracted, or tired.
• The Trucking Company: The company that owns or leases the truck and employs the driver can be held responsible if they:
  
  • Hired an unqualified driver.
  • Forced the driver to break "Hours-of-Service" rest rules.
  • Didn't make sure the truck was maintained properly.
• The Truck Owner or Leasing Company: Sometimes, the driver or company doesn't own the truck. If a maintenance issue caused the crash, the owner might be responsible.
• The Cargo Loader: If the crash was caused by cargo shifting because it was loaded wrong or too heavily, the company that loaded the freight can be held liable. ‍
• The Parts Manufacturer: If a faulty part, like a tire or brake, failed and caused the crash, the company that made the defective part could be liable.

When the Crash Changes Everything, the Results Have to Count

Osborne, Francis & Pettis has handled some of the most difficult truck crash cases in Orlando—where injuries were severe, answers were hard to come by, and recovery meant more than a hospital discharge.

$7.5 Million. Our client was riding home from work in a pickup truck when a commercial vehicle slammed into the back of it at a red light on Colonial Drive. He suffered brain hemorrhages and multiple fractures. The settlement helped cover long-term care and supported his family during recovery.

$1 Million. A 38-year-old woman riding in a semi-truck lost her life after the vehicle left the road during a snowstorm. Onboard data confirmed unsafe speed for the conditions. The case was resolved in favor of her family, who needed answers and resources to carry on without her.

$985,000. A cement truck made an improper lane change and sideswiped our client’s car. They underwent neck and lower back fusion surgeries. The funds addressed medical costs and time away from work.

A recent Martindale-Nolo survey found that people who worked with a truck accident lawyer in Orlando received higher settlements than those who handled claims without legal help.

Truck accidents leave people with injuries and bills they didn’t ask for. Florida law allows you to seek compensation when someone else’s choices put you at risk.

Call (407) 655-3333 to speak with an Orlando truck accident lawyer at Osborne, Francis & Pettis, or contact us online for a free case review.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Orlando

After a truck crash in Orlando, investigators start reviewing records and inspecting vehicles right away. Commercial carriers often have teams assigned to protect their side from day one. Knowing what steps to take early on can help protect yours.

• Call 911. A police report documents the crash and can be important evidence for your potential claim.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injuries.
• Take photos. If safe to do so, document damage, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Get driver and company details. Ask for the driver’s name, trucking company, and DOT number.
• Be careful with your statements. The trucking company’s insurer may use your words against you, so stick to the basic facts when discussing the crash.

Additionally, avoid early settlement offers. Trucking companies try to close cases quickly, often before victims fully understand the extent of their injuries. Don’t accept any settlements without speaking to an Orlando truck accident attorney first.

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“When you’ve been hit by a truck, people expect you to bounce back fast. But it’s not just the crash—it’s everything that comes with it. I’ve talked to clients who can’t pick up their kids, who haven’t been able to work in months, who wake up every day in pain. They’re tired of not being heard. They don’t want apologies. They want someone to take their side and make it count.”

— Joseph Osborne | Osborne, Francis & Pettis

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What Can Compensation Cover After a Truck Accident in Orlando?

A truck crash can affect every part of your life—from medical care to missed paychecks to how you manage daily tasks. A personal injury claim allows you to recover what those losses cost you. That includes:

• Medical care—emergency transport, hospital visits, follow-up treatment, and long-term support.
• Income losses—missed work, reduced hours, and future wage loss tied to your injuries.
• Pain and suffering—both short-term symptoms and long-term discomfort.
• Property damage—repair or replacement of your vehicle and anything inside it.

Florida uses a modified comparative fault rule. That means the amount you can recover may be reduced if you’re found to share responsibility for the crash. An Orlando truck accident attorney at Osborne, Francis & Pettis can review your losses, gather documentation, and build a case that reflects the full scope of what you’ve been through.

Can an Orlando 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Help Me Recover Compensation If My Loved One Died in a Truck Accident?

When someone’s carelessness, such as a negligent truck driver or a reckless trucking company, causes that loss, Florida law gives families the right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim.

While no lawsuit can ever replace the person you love, a wrongful death claim can help ease the financial strain that often comes after such a tragedy.

Compensation in a Florida wrongful death claim can cover things like:

• Loss of Support and Services: The income, benefits, and household tasks (like childcare, home maintenance, etc.) that the deceased person provided to their family.
• Loss of Companionship and Protection: The emotional support, care, and guidance that family members have lost.
• Medical and Funeral Expenses: The costs of final medical care for the deceased person's injuries, and the cost of the funeral and burial.
• Pain and Suffering: The mental and emotional pain and suffering experienced by the surviving family members.

Our Orlando Truck Accident Attorneys Are in Your Corner

Every case starts with listening. Before the paperwork or reports, we want to know what changed—and what it’s taken for you to get to this point. From there, we move quickly to secure what others often miss:

• We gather maintenance logs, inspection reports, and onboard data to understand how the truck was operating.
• We review dispatch records, time logs, and training history to identify patterns behind the crash.
• We look beyond the driver. In many cases, fault can extend to multiple parties involved in loading, scheduling, or upkeep.
• We connect medical records and work history to show how the crash affected your health, income, and daily life.

Florida gives you two years to bring a truck accident claim. That deadline doesn’t pause while you’re in recovery or sorting through damage. Osborne, Francis & Pettis keeps track from the start so you don’t lose your chance to hold the right parties accountable.

Proudly Representing Orlando Residents