Hit by an 18-Wheeler or Semi-Truck in Tampa Bay?
You saw our ad and clicked for a reason, and you came to the right place. If an 18-wheeler or commercial truck hurt you or someone you love in Tampa Bay, The Reyes Firm takes on the trucking company and its insurer so you don't have to. No pressure, no upfront cost, and no fee unless we win.
- Talk to a real Tampa Bay attorney, not a call center
- We deal with the trucking company and its insurer so you can rest and heal
- We move fast to lock down driver logs, ELD data, and dashcam footage
- Free, friendly case review with no obligation and nothing out of pocket
Meet Attorney Edward Reyes
Before he became a lawyer, Edward Reyes spent 13 years in the personal injury medical field, caring for thousands of injured patients. He knows firsthand what a serious crash does to your body, your family, and your finances, and that is exactly why he fights so hard for accident victims today. Had a bad day? Our job is to make it a better tomorrow.
Why an 18-Wheeler Case Is Not Just a Bigger Car Accident
Semi truck claims are fought on a different battlefield, with federal regulations, corporate insurers, and evidence that disappears fast.
- Commercial trucks are governed by federal FMCSA rules, not just Florida traffic law.
- Semi trucks 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 like driver logs, ELD data, and dashcam footage 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 parties at fault. 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 overwritten on a short cycle unless a lawyer demands preservation right away.
⚠️ 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, which is 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 and its insurers.
Call Us
Reach out for a free, confidential review. Talk to a real Tampa Bay attorney about what happened, with no cost and 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 can be barred from recovery if you are found more than 50% responsible. An experienced Tampa Bay truck accident lawyer works to challenge unfair blame and keep your share of fault as low as the evidence allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about 18-wheeler and semi-truck accident claims across Tampa Bay.
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 Bay?
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, because 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 the no fault rules 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 Bay?
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 Bay 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.
Request Your Free Case Review
Tell us what happened. It's free, confidential, and there's no fee unless we win.
Came From Facebook? You're in the Right Place.
You found us on Facebook, and that was a smart move. If an 18-wheeler or commercial truck turned your life upside down in Tampa Bay, you don't have to face the trucking company alone. Get a free, no-pressure case review today, and we will handle the rest.
Had a bad day? Call The Reyes Firm. We'll handle the rest.