If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, one of the first questions you might ask is: Can you sue the trucking company after an accident in Florida?
The short answer is yes, you can — but it depends on the details of the case. In many Florida truck accidents, the trucking company can be held legally responsible for the actions of their drivers and for their own negligence.
This is where things get more complex than a typical car accident. You’re not just dealing with one driver — you’re up against a business, and possibly their insurers, lawyers, and risk management teams.
That’s why having an attorney experienced in truck accident cases, like Kevin Sullivan, is so important.
Key Takeaways
Trucking companies can be held liable for driver negligence, poor maintenance, or hiring unqualified drivers
Florida law allows you to sue the company directly if their negligence contributed to the crash
Commercial trucks are heavily regulated — violations may strengthen your case
You need strong evidence to prove fault, and trucking companies act fast to cover themselves
An experienced truck accident attorney can uncover hidden liability and fight for full compensation
When Can You Sue the Trucking Company?
There are several situations where the trucking company can be held liable for your injuries:
Negligent hiring – If they hired a driver with a history of reckless driving or DUIs
Inadequate training – If the company failed to train the driver properly
Poor vehicle maintenance – If the truck was unsafe due to worn brakes or tires
Pushing drivers beyond safe limits – Encouraging drivers to break rest rules can lead to fatigue-related crashes
Florida law also allows you to pursue the trucking company under the legal theory of vicarious liability, meaning the company can be responsible for the actions of its employees during work hours.
What You’ll Need to Prove
To sue a trucking company after an accident in Florida, your legal team will work to:
Gather black box data from the truck
Request driver logs and maintenance records
Identify company policies that may have contributed to the crash
Obtain dash cam or surveillance footage
Interview witnesses and reconstruct the accident scene
It’s not something you want to take on alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if the driver was an independent contractor?
Even independent drivers may be under company direction. An attorney can determine who is legally liable. - Can I sue both the driver and the company?
Yes. In many cases, both can be named in the lawsuit, depending on the facts. - What if the company says the accident wasn’t their fault?
That’s common. But evidence like maintenance logs or safety violations can say otherwise. - How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
You have 2 years from the date of the crash under Florida’s statute of limitations. - Will the company try to settle quickly?
Often, yes. But quick settlements are usually low offers. Always talk to a lawyer first.
This post was written by a professional at LeavenLaw. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your zephyrhills truck accident lawyer and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims that have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accident, slip and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.