Orlando Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys

When you’re hit by a semi-truck, life changes in an instant. From devastating injuries to overwhelming medical bills and confusing insurance claims,  you need a fierce advocate who understands the complexity of commercial vehicle cases. That’s where the Martindale Law Group comes in. 

Schedule your free consultation with an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer in Orlando, and get the support you deserve.

Why Choose Martindale Law Group for Your Truck Accident Case?

Not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle the challenges of a semi-truck accident claim. These complex cases involve federal trucking regulations, corporate insurance policies, and multiple liable parties. 

As the top semi-truck accident attorney in Orlando, Rick Martindale brings the legal firepower needed to go head-to-head with large trucking companies and their insurers.

Here’s what sets Martindale Law Group apart:

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Orlando

Semi-truck accidents often result from a mix of driver negligence, regulatory failures, and mechanical problems. In high-traffic corridors like Orlando, the risks are even greater.

Here are the most common causes of semi-truck accidents that Martindale Law Group investigates:

  • Driver fatigue and hours-of-service (HOS) violations
  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Poor maintenance or mechanical failures
  • Improperly secured or overloaded cargo
  • Aggressive or speeding drivers
  • Dangerous weather or road conditions

What To Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Orlando

The steps you take after a semi-truck car accident can protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what the Martindale Law Group recommends:

Step 1 – Call 911 Immediately

Make sure law enforcement and first responders arrive to assist with injuries and to document the scene. This creates an official crash report for your case.

Step 2 – Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel “fine,” you may have hidden injuries like whiplash or internal trauma. A medical exam documents your condition and helps ensure a safer recovery.

Step 3 – Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.

Step 4 – Gather Information

Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, insurance details, DOT number, trucking company info, and contact information from witnesses.

Step 5 – Do NOT Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurance

Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts or shift blame. Let your semi-truck accident attorney handle all communications.

Step 6 – Contact Rick Martindale Right Away

The sooner Rick gets involved, the faster evidence can be preserved and your claim can be protected. Reach out to us today if you need a semi-truck accident attorney in Orlando.

Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident Case

To secure compensation after a semi-truck crash, your attorney must prove negligence—often not just by the driver, but also by the trucking company, maintenance crew, or cargo team.

Rick Martindale builds strong legal claims using a proven four-part framework:

Establishing Duty of Care

Truck drivers and carriers are legally obligated to operate safely and follow both Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Florida rules.

Proving Breach of Duty

This could include logbook falsification, overloaded trailers, missed inspections, or distracted driving.

Causation

Rick connects the breach directly to the accident, showing how the company’s or driver’s negligence caused your injuries.

Damages

Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other impacts are documented and quantified as part of your case.

Because truck accident litigation is often complex and data-heavy, working with experienced Orlando semi-truck accident attorneys is essential to getting the full compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries in Semi-Truck Accidents

Collisions with 18-wheelers often cause more severe injuries than typical auto accidents due to the size and force of impact. We’ve helped accident victims in Florida recover from a wide range of injuries, including:

Martindale Law Group works with treating physicians, specialists, and independent medical experts to ensure every injury is documented and accounted for when building your semi-truck accident claim.

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Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck crash in Orlando, you may be entitled to several categories of compensation, including:

  • Medical Expenses
    Covers ER visits, surgeries, rehab, prescription meds, and anticipated future care.

     

  • Lost Wages
    Compensates you for the time you missed from work as well as potentially reduced future earnings.

     

  • Pain and Suffering
    Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD, or changes in lifestyle.

     

  • Property Damage
    Includes vehicle repair or replacement, as well as damaged belongings inside the vehicle.

     

  • Punitive Damages
    In cases of gross negligence (e.g., intoxicated driving, falsified records), additional damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party.

 

Your semi-truck accident attorney in Orlando will build a case that reflects the total impact the crash has had on your life, not just what shows up on a repair invoice.

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How Insurance Companies Try to Limit Your Payout

Semi-truck accident claims often involve large corporate insurers whose job is to protect profits, not your recovery. Rick Martindale knows their playbook and shuts it down at every turn.

Common tactics insurance adjusters use:

  • Offering Quick, Lowball Settlements
    Hoping you’ll accept before understanding the long-term cost of your injuries.
  • Disputing Injury Severity
    Claiming your pain is exaggerated or preexisting.
  • Shifting Partial Blame
    Using Florida’s comparative negligence rule to reduce their liability.
  • Minimizing Property Damage
    Downplaying the cost of repairs or replacing your vehicle.

How Rick fights back:

  • Gathers comprehensive evidence before negotiations
  • Consults medical and financial experts
  • Pushes back with aggressive counteroffers or litigation
  • Keeps you in control of decisions, not the insurer

 

Don’t let the insurance company pressure you. Talk to Martindale Law Group before signing anything.

Key Trucking Laws and Regulations

Semi-truck accident cases go beyond basic traffic rules. These claims often hinge on complex regulations set by FMCSA and Florida state law. 

The Martindale Law Group uses these regulations to hold companies accountable. Some of the most important include:

  • FMCSA Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules
    Drivers must follow limits on driving hours and rest breaks. Violations can lead to fatigue-related accidents.

     

  • Maintenance and Inspection Requirements
    Both the FMCSA and Florida law require routine inspections of brakes, tires, lights, and other systems. Skipping maintenance is negligence.

     

  • Cargo Securement and Weight Regulations
    Improper loading or overweight trailers can lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or spilled cargo. These are violations of FMCSA rules and clear signs of negligence.

     

  • Employer Liability for Drivers
    Trucking companies are legally responsible for hiring safe drivers, providing proper training, and enforcing safety protocols.

 

With a skilled semi-truck accident lawyer in Orlando on your side, you’ll have someone who knows how to dig into records, identify violations, and present the evidence in a way that strengthens your case.

The Truck Accident Claims Process in Orlando

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the legal aftermath of a truck crash, you’re not alone. The Martindale Law Group simplifies the process, managing the legal burden so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.

Here’s what to expect when you work with our team of experienced semi-truck accident attorneys in Orlando:

Step 1 – Free Consultation

Start with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. You’ll speak directly with an attorney about your case, rights, and potential compensation.

Step 2 – Investigation Begins

Our legal team gathers evidence, including crash reports, logbooks, black box data, witness statements, and more.

Step 3 – Expert Review

Accident reconstructionists, engineers, and medical professionals help build your case.

Step 4 – Claim Filing

A demand letter is sent to insurers and all responsible parties, detailing your damages.

Step 5 – Negotiation

Rick fights for a fair settlement and keeps you informed every step of the way.

Step 6 – Lawsuit Filing (if needed)

If a fair deal isn’t offered, Rick is prepared to take your case to court.

Step 7 – Trial or Mediation

Many cases settle through mediation, but Rick is always ready to present a strong case to a jury if needed.

Throughout this process, your Orlando semi-truck accident lawyer will explain your options, answer your questions, and advocate fiercely for your best interests.

Florida Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims

Under Florida law, you typically have two years from the date of a semi-truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

However, there are a few important exceptions:

Failing to act quickly could result in lost evidence or forfeiting your right to sue. That’s why it’s crucial to reach out to a semi-truck attorney in Orlando as soon as possible after a crash.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Truck accidents typically involve greater damages, more severe injuries, and more complex laws. There are usually multiple parties involved—including the driver, the trucking company, and their insurers. Cases require detailed investigations and legal experience with federal trucking regulations.

There are no upfront fees. The Martindale Law Group works on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if compensation is successfully recovered for your case.

Truck crashes in Florida often involve drivers and companies based elsewhere. As long as the accident happened in Florida, your case can be handled here. Martindale Law Group frequently represents clients in claims against out-of-state carriers.

Florida uses a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. However, this does not prevent you from recovering damages. Martindale Law Group will work to minimize your liability and present a clear case for full compensation.

Every semi-truck accident case is different. Some settle within a few months, while others may take longer, especially if court litigation is involved. Your attorney will provide a realistic timeline and keep you informed throughout.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck crash in Florida, don’t delay. The Martindale Law Group has the experience, proven results, and dedication needed to stand up to large trucking companies and secure the full compensation you deserve.

Whether you’re dealing with physical injuries, lost income, vehicle damage, or emotional trauma, you don’t have to face the process alone. Our Orlando semi-truck accident attorneys are ready to take on the burden, protect your rights, and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

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