In January 2025, a tragic accident on the Florida Turnpike near Miami Gardens resulted in the death of a woman and left another person injured. The crash involved two tractor-trailers and a sedan, leading to significant traffic delays and an ongoing investigation into what went wrong. While the full details remain under review, cases like this highlight the serious consequences of truck accidents and the challenges in determining fault.
When a semi-truck collides with another vehicle, the question of truck accident liability isn’t always clear-cut. Unlike a typical car crash, multiple parties could share responsibility. Holding the right party accountable is one of the most important steps in seeking compensation if you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a Miami truck accident.
Who Can Be Liable for a Truck Accident?
Determining who is responsible for a truck accident requires looking beyond just the driver. Depending on the circumstances, liability could fall on:
- The Truck Driver – If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or driving under the influence, they may be liable for the crash.
- The Trucking Company – If the company failed to train the driver properly, enforced unsafe schedules, or ignored maintenance issues, it could be held responsible.
- The Truck Manufacturer – A mechanical defect, such as faulty brakes or defective tires, could mean the manufacturer shares liability.
- The Loading Company – If improperly loaded cargo shifts and causes a rollover or jackknife accident, the company that loaded the truck may be responsible.
- Another Negligent Driver – In some cases, a third-party driver who cut off the truck or caused an unsafe lane change could be at fault.
Florida follows comparative negligence laws, meaning multiple parties can be assigned a percentage of fault in a crash, impacting how much compensation you can recover.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents and How They Affect Liability
Truck accidents happen for various reasons, but certain factors arise more often than others. The cause of the crash plays a major role in determining who is legally responsible and what evidence is needed to prove fault.
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Truck drivers often work under tight deadlines, leading to long hours on the road. Federal regulations limit drivers to 11 hours of driving per shift, but some exceed these limits to meet company expectations. If a driver falls asleep at the wheel or shows signs of fatigue, the driver and the trucking company could be liable for the accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Large commercial trucks require more time to stop than passenger vehicles. If a truck driver was speeding, tailgating, or weaving through traffic, their reckless behavior could make them liable for the crash. Dashcam footage, black box data, and eyewitness statements can help prove reckless driving.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent mechanical failures. If faulty brakes, worn tires, or engine issues contributed to a crash, the trucking company or a maintenance contractor may share responsibility.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Trucks carrying overloaded or unbalanced cargo are at a higher risk of rollovers and jackknife accidents. If shifting cargo led to a crash, the company that loaded the truck may be liable for failing to follow weight distribution guidelines.
Negligent Hiring or Training by the Trucking Company
Trucking companies must thoroughly vet their drivers before hiring them. If a company failed to conduct background checks, ignored safety violations, or neglected proper training, it could be responsible for an accident caused by an incompetent or unqualified driver.
How to Prove Liability in a Miami Truck Accident
1. Reviewing the Truck’s Black Box Data
Most commercial trucks are equipped with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record speed, braking patterns, and hours of operation. This data can reveal whether the driver was speeding, fatigued, or failed to brake before the crash.
2. Obtaining Dashcam or Surveillance Footage
Many trucks and roadways have dashcams and traffic cameras that capture accidents in real time. Footage can provide clear evidence of reckless driving, sudden lane changes, or other contributing factors.
3. Examining Trucking Company Records
Driver logs, maintenance reports, and company hiring policies can reveal violations that contributed to the crash. A history of exceeding work-hour limits or skipping vehicle inspections may indicate company negligence.
4. Analyzing the Accident Scene and Vehicle Damage
Skid marks, debris patterns, and impact points help reconstruct the accident to determine what happened. If the truck’s brakes failed or cargo spilled onto the road, these details can indicate where liability lies.
5. Reviewing Police and Accident Reports
Law enforcement reports provide official documentation of the crash, including driver statements, eyewitness accounts, and any citations issued at the scene.
How Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law Affects Your Claim
As mentioned earlier, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under Florida Statute § 768.81:
- If you were partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages from the other party.
For example, if you were 20% at fault for a truck accident and were awarded $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000, making proving liability a critical part of your claim.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases are more complex than standard car accidents because of multiple liable parties, federal regulations, and high-stakes insurance claims. Whether you’re dealing with severe injuries, a trucking company’s legal team or insurance adjusters looking to minimize payouts, having an attorney can make a significant difference.
How an Attorney Can Help
- Investigating Liability – A truck accident attorney can gather black box data, review driver logs, and analyze maintenance records to determine fault.
- Handling Insurance Companies – Trucking insurers often deny or undervalue claims; an attorney fights for a fair settlement.
- Building a Strong Case – From accident reconstruction experts to witness testimony, legal representation helps strengthen your case.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Needed – If negotiations fail, your attorney can take the case to court to seek full compensation.
With Miami’s heavy commercial trucking presence, taking on a trucking company alone can be overwhelming. A truck accident attorney can protect your rights, gather key evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case.
Hold Trucking Companies Accountable
The recent tragic truck accident on the Florida Turnpike near Miami Gardens is a reminder of how devastating these crashes can be. Whether it’s an out-of-control tractor-trailer, a fatigued driver, or a trucking company ignoring safety regulations, victims and their families are often left dealing with serious injuries, financial burdens, and unanswered questions about liability.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a Miami truck accident, you shouldn’t have to take on trucking companies and their insurers alone. At Ward Ruddock, we have over 20 years of combined legal experience helping victims secure the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost income, and the long-term impact of these accidents.
When you work with us, you’ll have direct access to your attorney, clear communication at every step, and personalized legal guidance to build the strongest case possible. For our Spanish-speaking clients, we offer bilingual services to ensure every aspect of your case is fully understood.
Your online search for “truck accident lawyer” or “PI attorney near me” brought you here for a reason. Call (305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259 or complete our confidential online form to schedule your free consultation today. We’ll listen to your situation, explain your legal options, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Copyright © 2025. Ward Ruddock. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Ward Ruddock
4770 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 600
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 390-4259(305) 390-4259
https://wardruddock.com/
