Under federal law, trucking companies are required to retain electronic logging device (ELD) records for only six months — and some carriers’ systems overwrite black box data even sooner. By the time most injured victims consult an attorney, critical evidence is already at risk of being gone permanently. If you or a family member was struck by a semi-truck, big rig, or commercial vehicle on I-95, I-595, the Florida Turnpike, Port Everglades access roads, or any Florida highway, the carrier’s legal team may already be on site. These cases require a full investigation of the cab’s ownership and registration, the trailer’s registration, the contracting company, the cargo owner, all applicable insurance policies, compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, and a forensic review of the truck’s black box and ELD records. Rothenberg Law has significant experience in this area, knows the federal regulations that govern commercial carriers, and is fully capable of holding trucking companies responsible. Call immediately.
Rothenberg Law handles all types of commercial vehicle and semi-truck accident cases in Florida, including:
Trucking accidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries that require extensive long-term treatment. Recoverable compensation in a Florida trucking accident case may include:
Who can be held liable in a Florida trucking accident?
Liability can extend beyond the driver to the motor carrier, cargo loading company, trailer owner, leasing company, and maintenance contractor. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) carrier safety records are public and document a carrier’s inspection history and prior out-of-service orders. Rothenberg Law pulls these records in every trucking case.
What are the FMCSRs and why do they matter in a trucking accident case?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), issued by the FMCSA, govern commercial trucking: hours-of-service limits, mandatory vehicle inspections, driver qualification standards, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing. Violations of these regulations are direct evidence of negligence and can be used at trial to establish liability.
What is black box data in a trucking accident case?
Commercial trucks carry an electronic control module (ECM) — the black box — that records vehicle speed, braking, acceleration, and engine activity in the moments before a crash. ELDs record the driver’s hours of service. Both are critical evidence. Federal law requires retention for only six months — which is why Rothenberg Law sends a preservation demand the same day you call.
How much is a trucking accident case worth in Florida?
Trucking cases typically produce higher recoveries than standard car accident cases because injuries are more severe and insurance policy limits are substantially larger. Federal law requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage for general freight carriers; many carry $1 million or more. Cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death can result in multi-million-dollar recoveries. Rothenberg Law evaluates all available coverage and damages on the first call at no charge.
What if the truck driver was classified as an independent contractor?
Trucking companies sometimes classify drivers as independent contractors to limit liability exposure. Florida courts and FMCSA regulations look past this when the carrier controlled the driver’s route, schedule, equipment, or operating authority. Rothenberg Law investigates the actual working relationship in every case to determine carrier liability regardless of paper classification.
Rothenberg Law handles trucking accident cases on I-95, I-595, the Florida Turnpike, Port Everglades corridors, and all major commercial routes throughout Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County. Clients with catastrophic trucking injuries regularly receive trauma care at Broward Health Medical Center, Memorial Regional Hospital (a Level I Trauma Center) in Hollywood, and Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale. Cases are litigated in Broward County’s 17th Judicial Circuit Court and, where federal jurisdiction applies, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
If you or a family member was injured in a semi-truck or commercial vehicle crash in Florida, call Rothenberg Law immediately.
Free consultation. No fee unless we recover compensation for you.
In trucking cases, calling within 24 hours of the crash can be the difference between preserving critical evidence and losing it permanently.
