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Sarasota.Law

Trucking and Commercial
Vehicle Accidents in Sarasota

    Your Guide to 18-Wheelers, Emergency Vehicles, Delivery Vans, Taxis, and More

    Sarasota’s roads—like I-75, U.S. 41, and downtown streets—buzz with commercial vehicles: 18-wheelers hauling freight, Amazon vans rushing deliveries, taxis weaving through traffic, Uber drivers, emergency vehicles racing to calls, and trailers towing heavy loads. A crash with any of these can leave you with life-changing injuries, lost wages, and a legal mess. Florida law offers ways to fight back, but these cases are complex. As Sarasota’s trusted attorney referral service, we are a directory of with top personal injury lawyers who specialize in trucking and commercial vehicle accidents.

    Understanding Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Accidents

    These accidents fall under personal injury law, often involving negligence by drivers, companies, or others—like a mechanic failing to fix brakes. What sets them apart? Federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and the massive size of vehicles—from 18-wheelers to emergency trucks—causing severe damage. Sarasota’s tourist traffic, tight delivery schedules, and emergency response routes make these crashes all too common.

    Common Commercial Vehicle
    Accidents and Florida Law

    Crashes with commercial vehicles—18-wheelers, trailers, emergency vehicles, FedEx, Amazon, taxis, Uber, and more—bring unique injuries and legal angles. Here’s how they break down:

    18-Wheeler and Tractor-Trailer Accidents

    The Injury

    Collisions with 18-wheelers or trailers can crush cars, causing traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal damage, or death—think a semi jackknifing on I-75.

    The Law

    Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) (49 CFR § 393) set strict rules: 11-hour driving limits, cargo securement, and maintenance checks. Negligence—like fatigue or loose trailers—triggers liability beyond Florida’s no-fault PIP for serious injuries.

    Sarasota Stat

     Florida had 9,824 truck crashes in 2022, with 303 deaths—Sarasota’s highways are a hotspot.

    Emergency Vehicle Accidents (Ambulances, Fire Trucks, Police)

    The Injury

    High-speed crashes—like an ambulance T-boning on Fruitville Road—can lead to fractures, internal bleeding, or concussions.

    The Law

     Emergency vehicles get leeway under Florida Statute 316.072 to break traffic rules (e.g., red lights) if using sirens and lights. But reckless driving voids immunity, opening lawsuits.
    Government entities (e.g., Sarasota County) cap damages at $200,000/$300,000 unless waived.

    Local Risk

    Sarasota’s dense traffic tests emergency response safety.

    Delivery Van Accidents (FedEx, UPS, Amazon)

    The Injury

    Rear-end or side-impact crashes from rushed drivers—like a FedEx van on Clark Road—can cause whiplash, broken bones, or road rash.

    The Law

    FedEx/UPS drivers follow FMCSA rules; Amazon contractors carry $1M+ policies but aren’t Amazon employees. Negligence (e.g., speeding) unlocks these funds for severe injuries.

    Real Case

    A 2023 Florida Amazon crash settled for $600,000 for neck injuries—fault proof was critical.
    Taxi Accidents

    The Injury

    Taxis dodging traffic downtown can smash into you, causing concussions or leg fractures.

    The Law

    As common carriers, taxis owe a higher duty of care. Negligence—like running a light near the Ringling Bridge—triggers liability beyond PIP.

    Sarasota Fact

    Tourist season spikes taxi crashes here.

    Uber and Rideshare Crashes

    The Injury

    An Uber swerving on Siesta Drive might leave you with road rash or internal injuries.

    The Law

     Florida Statute 627.748 mandates $1M coverage with passengers, $50,000/$100,000 when logged in but empty, or personal insurance if off-app. Serious injuries tap these policies.

    Uber Stat

    97 fatal U.S. Uber crashes (2017-2018)—Sarasota sees its share.

    Other Commercial Vehicles (Trailers, Service Trucks)

     

    The Injury

    A loose trailer on Bee Ridge Road or a service truck on U.S. 301 can cause spinal injuries or amputations.

    The Law

    Liability hinges on negligence—poor trailer hitching, bad brakes, or driver error. FMCSA rules often apply, and companies may share blame.

    Example

    Example: A 2022 Florida trailer detachment case settled for $750,000 for leg injuries.

    Florida’s No-Fault and Comparative Negligence Rules

    No-Fault Basics

     Your PIP covers the first $10,000 in medical costs, no matter who’s at fault (Florida Statute 627.736). Serious injuries—like permanent damage—let you sue outside no-fault.

    Comparative Negligence

    If you’re partly at fault (e.g., lane change error), your payout drops by your fault percentage (Florida Statute 768.81). A 30% fault ruling means 70% of damages—our attorneys fight to keep it high.

    What to Do After a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Sarasota

    Hurt in a crash? Protect yourself with these steps:

    Get Medical Help

    Call 911 or head to Sarasota Memorial—records prove your injuries.

    Report It

    File a police report (required for injuries or $500+ damage). Get the driver’s info—company, license, insurance.

    Snap Photos

    Capture the vehicle (truck, van, trailer), your injuries, and the scene—like skid marks on University Parkway. Grab witness contacts.

    Save Record

    Keep medical bills, repair costs, and a journal of pain or missed work.

    Call an Attorney

    Federal rules, big insurers, and multiple parties complicate these cases—our experts jump in fast.

    You’ve got four years to file (Florida Statute 95.11), but waiting risks losing proof. Act now.

    Mistakes That Hurt Your Case

    Don’t stumble here:

    Skipping Medical Care

    No records? Insurers say you’re not hurt.

    Not Reporting

    No report weakens your story.

    Missing Evidence

    No photos or witnesses make it a toss-up.

    Talking to Insurance Solo

    They’ll lowball you—let a lawyer talk.

    Delaying

    Evidence fades, and four years flies.

    Getting the Settlement You Deserve

    Most cases settle pre-trial, but you need a pro:

    Experience

    Our network has won big—like a $950,000 truck crash payout for a TBI in Florida.

    Specialization

    They know FMCSA rules, Uber policies, and emergency vehicle laws—not just car crashes.

    Clear Talk

    Plain answers, regular updates—no jargon.

    No Upfront Cost

    Contingency fees (33-40%) mean payment only if you win.

    Sarasota Edge

    Local courts and insurers have quirks—they’ve got the know-how.

    Your settlement could cover medical costs, lost wages, pain, and more—our lawyers push for every dollar.

    Quick Facts: Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Sarasota

    Vehicle Type Key Rule
    18-Wheelers/Trailers FMCSA rules—negligence beyond PIP for serious injuries.
    Emergency Vehicles Immunity unless reckless—caps at $200K/$300K without waiver.
    Delivery Vans FedEx/UPS under FMCSA; Amazon contractors carry $1M+ policies.
    Taxis Higher duty of care—liability for negligence.
    Uber/Rideshare $1M with passenger; fault proof unlocks it.
    Time Limit 4 years to file—act fast.
    Your Fault? Partial blame cuts payout—experts minimize this.

    Crashed with a Commercial Vehicle in Sarasota?

    An 18-wheeler on I-75, an ambulance on Lockwood Ridge, a FedEx van near Clark Road, a taxi downtown, or an Uber on Siesta Drive—whatever hit you, you shouldn’t suffer alone. Sarasota.law matches you with a top trucking and commercial vehicle attorney for free. Protect your rights and get the settlement you deserve—start here.

    Contact Sarasota.Law