Hit by an 18-Wheeler or Semi-Truck in Tampa?
A loaded big rig can weigh 20 times more than your car. When one hits you, the trucking company's insurer starts building its defense within hours. The Reyes Firm levels the field — and you pay nothing unless we recover for you.
- We hold trucking companies and their insurers accountable
- We move fast to preserve driver logs, ELD data, and dashcam footage
- Led by Tampa attorney Edward Reyes, Esq. — 20+ years of experience
- Free, no-obligation case review — talk to a real attorney
Get Your Free Case Review
Tell us what happened. We respond fast.
A Message From Attorney Edward Reyes
Hear directly from Edward about what to do — and what not to do — after a serious truck or commercial vehicle crash in Tampa.
Why an 18-Wheeler Case Is Not Just a Bigger Car Accident
Semi-truck claims are fought on a different battlefield — federal regulations, corporate insurers, and evidence that disappears fast.
- Commercial trucks are governed by federal FMCSA rules, not just Florida traffic law.
- Big rigs carry liability policies of $750,000 or more under 49 C.F.R. § 387.9 — so insurers fight hard.
- Multiple parties can be liable: driver, motor carrier, cargo loader, maintenance vendor, parts maker.
- Critical evidence — driver logs, ELD data, dashcam — can be overwritten in weeks.
- You have two years to file under Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a).
Corporate Defense Teams
Trucking companies send rapid-response investigators to the scene — sometimes before the tow truck arrives. Their job is to limit what the company pays you.
Layers of Liability
The driver may be one of several at-fault parties. The motor carrier, a separate loading company, or a maintenance contractor can each share the blame — and the coverage.
Evidence That Vanishes
Electronic logging device data, hours-of-service records, and dashcam footage can be lawfully overwritten on a short cycle unless a lawyer demands preservation immediately.
⚠️ Deadline Warning: Under Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a), you generally have just two years from the date of your crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss it and you can lose your right to recover anything. Don't wait to call a lawyer.
💡 Did You Know? According to FLHSMV's 2024 "By the Numbers" report, Florida recorded 46,651 commercial motor vehicle crashes in 2024, resulting in 315 fatalities — nearly 128 CMV crashes every single day across the state. Source: FLHSMV By the Numbers 2024, flhsmv.gov. Note: 2024 figures are preliminary.
Why Tampa Bay Trusts The Reyes Firm
Two decades fighting insurers and corporations for injured Floridians — with no fee unless we win.
"They made a very stressful time much easier" — the team was professional, responsive, and explained every step after a family car accident.
— Verified client review, thereyesfirm.com"This law firm is fair and they get good results." A client who was injured in an automobile wreck recommends Attorney Edward Reyes and his staff.
— Verified Avvo reviewTestimonials reflect individual client experiences and are not a guarantee of any future result. Every case is unique. The Reyes Firm does not publish specific settlement or verdict amounts.
How It Works: 3 Simple Steps
You focus on healing. We handle the trucking company.
Call Us
Reach out for a free, confidential review. Talk to a real Tampa attorney about what happened — no cost, no obligation.
We Investigate
We send preservation letters fast, pull driver logs and ELD data, identify every liable party, and build your case with experts.
We Fight
We deal with the insurers so you don't have to, and we prepare every case as if it's headed to trial to pursue full compensation.
🛡️ Your Rights Under Florida Law: Under Florida Statute § 768.81, your compensation is reduced by your share of fault — and you may be barred from recovery if found more than 50% responsible. An experienced Tampa truck accident lawyer works to challenge unfair blame and keep your percentage of fault as low as the evidence allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about 18-wheeler and semi-truck accident claims in Tampa.
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident claim in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a), you generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Because driver logs and electronic logging device data can be overwritten within weeks, it's best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
Who can be held liable after a semi-truck accident in Tampa?
Liability often extends well beyond the driver. The trucking company (motor carrier), the company that loaded the cargo, a maintenance contractor, a parts manufacturer, and the carrier's insurer can all share responsibility. The Reyes Firm investigates every potentially responsible party so no source of compensation is missed.
Why are truck accident cases more complex than car accidents?
Commercial trucks are regulated by the federal FMCSA, carry liability policies of $750,000 or more under 49 C.F.R. § 387.9, and are defended by corporate insurers who deploy investigators within hours of a crash. That means more evidence, more parties, and more money at stake than a typical car accident.
What should I do right after a truck accident in Tampa?
Call 911 and get a police report. Seek medical care the same day, even if you feel fine — adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Photograph the truck's markings, company name, and plate. Do not give the trucking company's insurer a recorded statement, and call a lawyer before signing anything.
Does Florida's no-fault law apply to semi-truck accidents?
Your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage applies first. However, serious injuries from a commercial truck crash typically meet Florida's injury threshold, which allows you to step outside no-fault and pursue a claim directly against the trucking company and its insurer for the full value of your damages.
What if the truck hit me on I-275, I-75, or I-4 near Tampa?
Highway crashes are treated the same under Florida law, but high-speed interstate impacts often cause more severe injuries and demand fast evidence collection. The Reyes Firm serves Hillsborough County and the greater Tampa Bay area and can begin preserving crash evidence right away.
How much does it cost to hire a Tampa truck accident lawyer?
The Reyes Firm works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and you owe no attorney fee unless the firm recovers compensation for you. Your initial case review is always free and confidential.
Had a Bad Day? Call The Reyes Firm.
If an 18-wheeler or commercial truck turned your life upside down in Tampa, you shouldn't fight the trucking company alone. Get a free case review today — we'll handle the rest.
Had a bad day? Call The Reyes Firm. We'll handle the rest.