If you’re hit by a commercial truck in Florida, move to safety, call 911, seek medical care within 14 days, document the scene, notify your insurer, and contact a lawyer. Following the right steps early protects your health, rights, and ability to claim compensation.
Accidents involving commercial trucks, whether semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, or other large transport rigs, rarely result in minor consequences. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean the damage, injuries, and trauma they cause are often severe.
This guide breaks down, step-by-step, exactly what to do if you’re hit by a commercial truck in Florida. We’ll cover the 14-day medical treatment rule, explain how uninsured and hit-and-run cases are handled, and provide answers to real questions accident victims face every day.
Whether you’re still at the scene or navigating the weeks ahead, this article will help you protect your health, your rights, and your legal options.
Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene of a Commercial Truck Accident in Florida
1. Move to Safety and Prevent Further Harm
Your first move should be about protection, yours and others’. If you’re physically able, shift your vehicle out of active traffic lanes. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and reduce the chance of secondary collisions.
- Use emergency triangles or flares if available.
- Don’t move anyone who’s seriously injured unless they’re at risk (e.g., fire, incoming traffic).
Being calm and deliberate in those first few minutes sets the tone for the rest of your recovery process.
2. Call 911 and Request Emergency Help
Florida law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant damage. Calling 911 also ensures the incident is logged in a police report, a core document in any insurance or legal case.
- Share only facts: the location, time, and number of vehicles involved.
- Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault.
- Ask responding officers how you can access the police report later.
This step isn’t just about compliance, it creates a paper trail that protects you down the line.
3. Document Everything
Before any cleanup begins, document the crash scene thoroughly. Your phone is a powerful tool here, use it to take photos from multiple angles, especially of the vehicle damage, skid marks, signage, and road conditions.
- Collect the truck driver’s name, contact info, CDL number, insurance provider, and DOT number.
- Talk to witnesses nearby. Ask for their name, phone number, and a brief summary of what they saw.
These details may not seem urgent in the moment, but they can make or break your personal injury claim later.
Within Hours: Secure Medical Care (And Your Legal Standing)
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately, even if You Feel “Fine”
Truck accident injuries can be deceptive. What feels like a sore neck could be a spinal issue. Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries often emerge after the adrenaline wears off.
- Visit an ER, urgent care clinic, or primary care doctor without delay.
- Save every record: hospital forms, x-rays, medication receipts, and even emails from your provider.
Getting checked out isn’t just about recovery, it’s about proving your injuries are tied to the crash.
5. Understand the 14-Day Rule in Florida
Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) law requires you to begin treatment within 14 days of the accident, or you may lose access to coverage altogether. This timeline applies whether the crash was a hit-and-run or not.
- Your medical claim could be denied if you miss this window.
- Even a checkup counts toward meeting the requirement.
- Florida 14-Day Accident Law | What You Need To Know
What if I didn’t go to the hospital because I couldn’t afford it?
Get care anyway. Many doctors work with personal injury attorneys and will delay billing until your case is resolved. It’s called lien-based care, and it means no out-of-pocket costs upfront.
What Happens Next? How to Protect Your Rights
6. Notify Your Insurance Company, but Be Cautious
Yes, you must report the crash to your insurer. But don’t assume they’re on your side. Insurance companies are businesses first, and your words matter.
- Stick to the basics: date, time, location, and parties involved.
- Don’t describe your injuries or speculate who was at fault.
- Decline recorded statements until you speak with a legal professional.
Even if the truck driver caused the crash, your PIP coverage could still help with immediate medical bills.
7. Don’t Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurer
You might get a call from the trucking company’s insurance adjuster within hours. Their job is to protect the company, not you.
- Redirect the call to your attorney.
- Never sign documents or agree to recorded statements.
- Be aware: calls may be recorded even if they don’t clearly say so.
These companies move fast to minimize payouts. You need to move just as quickly to avoid being cornered into a lowball settlement.
8. Contact a Lawyer, Even if You’re Not Planning to Sue
Hiring legal help doesn’t mean you’re gearing up for a lawsuit. A truck accident attorney can gather key evidence, like black box data and DOT compliance records, before it’s lost.
- Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so there’s no upfront cost.
- If you’re unhappy with your current lawyer, you can change representation at any point.
Legal professionals aren’t just for lawsuits, they’re your frontline defense in the complex world of truck accident claims.
Florida-Specific Legal and Insurance Issues You Need to Know
9. Who Can Be Sued in a Commercial Truck Crash?
In Florida, liability in a truck accident isn’t limited to the person behind the wheel. Multiple parties may share legal responsibility depending on how the crash occurred.
- The truck driver – If they were speeding, distracted, or under the influence.
- The trucking company – For negligent hiring, training, or unrealistic delivery schedules.
- Maintenance or cargo contractors – If mechanical failure or unsecured cargo caused the accident.
- Government entities – If poor road design, missing signage, or lack of maintenance played a role.
Can you sue more than one person? Yes. Florida law allows for multiple parties to be held liable. That can increase your chances of full compensation, especially when commercial insurance limits are in play.
10. What If the Truck Driver Has No Insurance?
You’re not out of options if the driver is uninsured, or if their coverage is insufficient.
- If you carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, that may cover your injuries and damages.
- You can still pursue legal action against the driver or their employer.
- A truck accident lawyer can trace other responsible parties and identify alternative insurance layers.
- UM coverage often bridges the gap when the at-fault driver can’t pay.
11. Does Insurance Cover Hit and Run in Florida?
Hit-and-run cases are distressingly common, and they can leave victims uncertain about where to turn. Florida’s no-fault system and optional UM coverage offer some protection.
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection) will cover initial medical treatment regardless of fault.
- If the at-fault driver can’t be identified, UM coverage can step in.
- Always file a police report immediately. Without it, your claim may be denied.
These steps preserve your eligibility to recover compensation, even when the other driver disappears.
Maximizing Your Truck Accident Compensation
12. Keep Every Document and Receipt
In a personal injury claim, documentation equals leverage. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case, and the higher the potential compensation.
Save everything, including:
- Medical records and treatment plans
- Time-off work slips or employer emails
- Repair estimates and vehicle appraisals
- Prescription receipts and therapy costs
Even Uber rides to your doctor’s office may count.
13. Understand What Damages You Can Claim
Truck accident victims may be entitled to several types of compensation:
- Economic damages cover out-of-pocket losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages reflect the impact on your quality of life, pain, emotional distress, PTSD.
- Punitive damages may apply if the driver was reckless (e.g., intoxicated or knowingly overloaded the truck).
An experienced personal injury attorney can assess what applies in your specific case.
Real Questions & Common Worries, Answered
“Do I really need to hire a lawyer?”
Yes. Trucking companies often send their adjusters and legal teams out within hours. Without legal help, you risk settling for less or missing details that could affect your outcome. A lawyer levels the playing field.
“What if I can’t afford medical care?”
You may qualify for lien-based medical care. That means doctors agree to treat you now and get paid later, from your eventual settlement. No upfront payment required.
“How long will this take?”
It varies. A straightforward injury claim could resolve in 6–8 weeks. But if your case involves multiple defendants, severe injuries, or disputed liability, expect a longer timeline, sometimes a year or more.
“Will this raise my insurance if it wasn’t my fault?”
Possibly. Some insurers adjust rates even after no-fault claims. However, using UM coverage generally has less impact on premiums than filing an at-fault claim. It’s still better than absorbing the full cost alone.
You Took the First Step. Let Us Handle the Rest.
If you’ve just been hit by a commercial truck in Florida, you’re not just dealing with a damaged vehicle, you’re navigating a legal maze, mounting bills, and insurers trying to cut corners.
Applebaum Accident Group was built for moments like this. We take over the complexity, connect you with attorneys who know exactly how to handle truck accident claims, and make sure you get the medical care you need, fast.
Here’s how we help:
- We match you with the right truck accident lawyer, not just the next one in line.
- We help you access medical providers who understand PIP, documentation, and lien-based care, so you’re not stuck paying out-of-pocket.
- We guide your next legal steps, so you avoid mistakes that could cost you your entire claim.
This is for you if:
- You’ve been in a commercial truck accident in Florida.
- You’re unsure who to call or what to do next.
- You want a trusted attorney and medical team working for you, without upfront fees.
This is not for you if you’re already working with a legal team you trust and feel well-supported.
What happens if you act now?
- You’ll have a clear legal strategy within hours.
- You’ll be scheduled with the right medical provider, not shuffled around.
- You’ll stop wondering, “What now?”, because we’ll already be one step ahead.
Don’t wait for paperwork to pile up or deadlines to pass.
📞 855-225-5728 | No pressure. No confusion. Just action.
Contact Applebaum Accident Group and Request Your Free Consultation Now.
