Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Melbourne, FL
The commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Melbourne at Platt Cole Russell & Simpson PLLC represent people injured by trucks, buses, delivery vans, and other commercial fleet vehicles across Brevard County. If a commercial driver or their employer caused your crash, our Melbourne personal injury lawyers pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain. Call (321) 725-3425 or request a free consultation today.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers Handle Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims Across Brevard County
From our office on East NASA Boulevard, the commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Melbourne at Platt Cole Russell & Simpson serve injury victims throughout the Space Coast. We handle crashes involving delivery fleets, buses, work vehicles, and big rigs on the region’s busiest freight corridors, including I-95, US-192 (New Haven Avenue), and Wickham Road, where commercial traffic and passenger cars constantly mix.
Our Melbourne auto accident attorneys represent clients across Brevard County, including:
- Melbourne and West Melbourne
- Palm Bay
- Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, and Satellite Beach
- Viera and Rockledge
- Cocoa and Merritt Island
- Titusville
- The Port Canaveral commercial trucking corridor
Florida logs thousands of commercial motor vehicle crashes every year, and Brevard County’s stretch of I-95 carries a heavy share of that freight traffic. You can review Florida’s commercial motor vehicle crash data through the state’s official reporting system.
Commercial Vehicle Accident vs. Standard Car & Truck Accident Claims in Florida
A commercial vehicle is any vehicle operated for business purposes, from a florist’s cargo van to a fully loaded tractor-trailer. What sets these claims apart is not just the size of the vehicle but the structure behind it. Businesses carry far higher insurance limits than ordinary drivers, and multiple parties often share ownership, maintenance, and control of a single truck.
That structure changes everything about your claim. Instead of one driver and one policy, you may face a motor carrier, its insurer, a leasing company, and a defense team assembled to limit payouts. Identifying every responsible party is where recovery is won or lost, and it is why these cases demand experienced counsel.
For crashes involving 18-wheelers and semi-trucks specifically, our dedicated Melbourne truck accident lawyers handle the federal regulations and cargo issues those cases raise. If your collision involved a standard passenger vehicle, see our car accident claims in Brevard County.
Vehicle Type | Typical Owner or Operator | Insurance Framework | Common Liable Parties |
Tractor-trailer | Motor carrier or owner-operator | Federal (FMCSA) minimums for interstate carriers | Carrier, driver, broker, shipper |
Box or delivery truck | Delivery or logistics company | Commercial auto policy | Employer, driver, contractor |
Transit or charter bus | Transit agency or charter company | Government or commercial coverage | Agency, operator, maintenance provider |
Cargo or work van | Contractor or service business | Commercial auto policy | Employer, driver |
Dump or cement truck | Construction or hauling company | Commercial auto plus cargo coverage | Company, driver, cargo loader |
Garbage or utility fleet vehicle | Municipality or private hauler | Government or commercial coverage | Employer, government agency, driver |
Commercial Vehicle Accident Claims Our Melbourne Lawyers Handle
The commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Melbourne at our firm represent people hurt by the full range of business vehicles on Brevard County roads, not just semi-trucks. Each type of vehicle carries its own hazards, regulations, and web of potentially liable parties, and we tailor the investigation to fit.
Bus & Shuttle Accidents Across The Space Coast
We represent passengers, pedestrians, and drivers injured by Space Coast Area Transit buses, school buses, charter and tour buses, and hotel and airport shuttles. When a public transit vehicle is involved, a government entity may share liability, which triggers strict notice requirements and shortened deadlines we address well before they expire.
Delivery & Box Truck Accident Cases in Palm Bay and Melbourne
Last-mile carriers such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, along with local box trucks, weave through residential streets and shopping centers all day. Frequent stops, tight turns, and rushed schedules make these collisions common. We pursue both the driver and the company that set the pace behind the wheel.
Cargo & Work Van Accidents
Contractor, plumbing, HVAC, and service fleet vans are often loaded with equipment and driven by employees on the clock. That employment relationship opens the door to employer liability, and poor vehicle maintenance can add a second layer of responsibility for the business that owns the fleet.
Dump Truck, Tanker, Cement Truck, & Construction Truck Accidents
Brevard’s construction boom and the ongoing I-95 widening keep heavy equipment on local roads. Dump trucks, tankers, and cement mixers create serious blind-spot and load-securement hazards. Improperly secured cargo or an overloaded bed can cause a rollover or send debris into traffic, and we trace those failures back to the responsible company.
Utility Vehicle & Garbage Truck Accidents
Municipal and private waste haulers and utility bucket trucks make constant stops in neighborhoods and along busy roadways. Ownership is often mixed between public agencies and private contractors, which affects both who is liable and how your claim must be filed.
Tractor-Trailer & Semi-Truck Accidents
Tractor-trailers and semi-trucks are commercial vehicles too. We handle these catastrophic cases regularly. Because they involve federal regulations, driver logs, and the truck’s black-box data, most victims need experienced accident attorneys to review their cases.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Brevard County Commercial Vehicle Accident?
A commercial crash rarely comes down to one careless driver. Our commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Brevard County investigate every link, because each additional liable party can mean another insurance policy available to cover your losses.
Depending on how your crash occurred, any of the following may share responsibility:
- The driver, for negligent or reckless operation
- The motor carrier or employer, under vicarious liability for its driver and its own hiring and training decisions
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer, when a defective part or vehicle contributed to the crash
- A cargo loader, for improperly secured or overloaded freight
- A maintenance contractor, for substandard repairs or missed inspections
- A government agency, for dangerous road conditions or a public transit vehicle
Beyond the driver, we build cases on negligent hiring, inadequate training, and violations of federal motor carrier safety regulations. National data compiled in the FMCSA’s Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report underscores how often these preventable failures turn deadly.
Florida Laws That Affect Commercial & Company Vehicle Accident Claims
Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under Florida’s comparative negligence statute, you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault. The victim’s recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found more than 50% responsible for your own injuries, you can’t recover damages. This is why insurers work to shift liability onto victims.
PIP Claims After Company Vehicle Collisions
Residents must carry personal injury protection (PIP) when driving on Florida roads. PIP policies provide a set amount for medical expenses without needing to prove fault. Commercial insurance companies, however, must carry substantially higher liability limits than passenger vehicles, and interstate trucking companies face federal minimums. Those larger policies are a major reason commercial claims are worth pursuing with experienced counsel.
Florida Statute of Limitations For Commercial Auto Accidents
Florida’s statute of limitations for negligence was shortened to two years. Failing to file a personal injury lawsuit within this time generally bars recovery. Evidence such as driver logs and black box data can disappear long before the deadline, so early action protects both your case and your recovery.
Crashes Involving Government Vehicles
When a government or transit vehicle causes the crash, sovereign immunity rules add written-notice requirements and separate deadlines that differ from standard truck accident claims. These rules connect directly to the bus, garbage, and utility cases above, and missing a notice step can end a valid claim before it starts. Our Brevard County insurance claim disputes team and bad faith insurance attorneys handle these complications daily.
Claim Type | Filing Deadline | Governing Statute |
Personal injury lawsuit & wrongful death lawsuit | Two years from the date of the crash or death | |
Personal injury protection benefits | Prompt notice required; governed by policy terms | |
Commercial auto accident involving a government entity | Written notice of claim required; 180-day agency review before suit |
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Melbourne & Throughout Brevard County
The Melbourne commercial vehicle accident lawyers at our law firm investigate every contributing factor, including:
- Driver fatigue, as pressure to meet delivery schedules pushes drivers past federal hours-of-service limits
- Distracted driving accidents, where a moment’s inattention behind a heavy vehicle leaves no room to react when traffic on I-95 or US-192 slows suddenly
- Drunk driving accidents, drivers impaired by alcohol, drugs, or anything that dulls judgment and reaction time. Our attorneys often seek punitive damages when a company driver refuses to submit to drug and alcohol testing or fails either test.
- Improper loading, which shifts weight and triggers rollovers or spills cargo into traffic.
- Skipped maintenance, leaving brakes, tires, and steering ready to fail. Our attorneys immediately send spoliation letters to ensure the vehicle’s maintenance records aren’t destroyed.
- Speeding, which shrinks stopping distance and multiplies the force of any impact. Our lawyers seek punitive damages for speeding accidents involving gross negligence.
Federal crash data analyzed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that roughly 47% of fatal injuries from large truck crashes occurred in daytime collisions between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m., reflecting the heavy truck traffic during the weekday.
Common Injuries in Melbourne Commercial Vehicle Crashes
The size and weight of large trucks and other large commercial vehicles mean that collisions often cause severe injuries and fatalities. Our company vehicle accident attorneys represent victims across Brevard County who have suffered:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), from concussions to permanent cognitive damage
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial and full paralysis
- Back and neck injuries, such as herniated discs and whiplash
- Broken bones and crush injuries, often requiring surgery and hardware
- Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding
- Amputations and loss of limb function
- Severe burns, from fuel fires or hazardous cargo
- Disfiguring lacerations and permanent scarring
- Wrongful death, when a crash takes a victim’s life
Many of these are catastrophic injuries that demand lifelong medical care, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage in Brevard County. Our team documents the life value of medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages so that your accident case reflects current and future needs.
Recovering Compensation After You’re Injured By a Commercial Driver in Melbourne, FL
Florida law lets injured victims recover both economic and non-economic damages, and commercial cases often involve serious, lasting harm. The goal is not just to cover today’s bills but to fund the care, lost income, and diminished quality of life that a catastrophic injury creates. When injuries are life-altering, our catastrophic injury team pursues the full value of your future.
Economic damages cover your measurable financial losses:
- Emergency treatment, surgery, and hospitalization
- Future and ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-economic damages compensate the human toll of your injuries:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and permanent impairment
Damages in wrongful death claims support families who have lost a loved one:
- Loss of support, services, and companionship
- Funeral and burial costs
- The decedent’s pain and suffering before death
If a crash took someone you love, our attorneys can explain how a wrongful death claim in Brevard County works and what damages may be available. For wrongful death claims assistance, contact our law firm for a free consultation. Call (321) 725-3425.
What to Do If You’re Hit By a Company Vehicle in Brevard County
The steps you take after a commercial crash directly affect your health and your claim. Large commercial truck companies and other large commercial vehicle defendants work quickly to protect themselves against liability. Protecting yourself is crucial. If you’re able, take the following steps at the accident scene and in the days that follow:
- Call 911 and report the crash to the Melbourne Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, or other local law enforcement agency
- Seek immediate medical assistance at Holmes Regional Medical Center. Even if you feel fine, prompt medical attention ensures you don’t have any internal injuries and helps avoid insurance disputes later.
- Photograph the scene, the vehicles, and the truck’s DOT number and company markings.
- Get contact information for witnesses. Our attorneys will interview witnesses and compile witness statements for you.
- DO NOT give the other vehicle’s insurance company a recorded statement.
- Contact our commercial trucking accident attorneys quickly to preserve electronic logging and black-box data before it is lost.
To strengthen your claim, try to gather and preserve the following evidence:
- Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries
- The company name, DOT number, and license plate of the commercial vehicle
- The police report number and responding agency
- Witness contact details and any dashcam footage
- Your medical records and out-of-pocket receipts
For a deeper walkthrough, see our guide on the steps to take after a trucking accident.
How Our Melbourne Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyers Build Your Case
Our Melbourne commercial auto accident lawyers move quickly to gather evidence, investigate, and hold negligent parties liable. Commercial insurance companies staff claims with adjusters, investigators, and defense counsel almost immediately. Our legal team counters that with a thorough investigation built to prove the lifetime cost of severe injuries and fatalities. For accidents involving company vehicles, we:
- Preserve the evidence. We send spoliation letters within hours to stop trucking companies from destroying driver logs, electronic data, and vehicle maintenance records.
- Reconstruct the crash. We hire medical and accident-reconstruction expert witnesses to establish how the collision occurred and the full extent of clients’ injuries.
- Identify every liable party. We trace ownership, employment, and maintenance to fight for maximum compensation.
- Value the full claim. We document current and future losses so no cost goes unaccounted for.
- Negotiate or try the case. We demand full recovery in settlement negotiations and are fully prepared to take your case to trial if insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.
FAQs for Melbourne Truck Accident Victims & Victims Of Other Serious Commercial Auto Accidents
How much is my Melbourne commercial vehicle accident case worth?
The value of a commercial truck accident case or other related personal injury case depends on specific factors. The main factors in many cases include:
- The severity of your personal injuries, whether you sustained severe injuries or permanent impairment
- Your total medical costs, including current medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- The number of at-fault parties and available insurance coverage
How long do I have to file an auto accident claim involving a company vehicle in Florida?
The Florida Statute of Limitations generally gives two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, cases with government vehicles carry separate notice requirements and a shorter statute of limitations. Speak with a company vehicle accident attorney in Brevard County quickly to protect your legal right to recovery.
For a free consultation, call (321) 725-3425.
Who pays for my injuries if a company truck or bus hit me?
In many cases, there are multiple liable parties and insurance companies involved in commercial vehicle and truck accident cases. Victims may seek compensation from the other driver, employer/motor carrier, maintenance contractor, government entity, or other party, in addition to your own personal injury protection policy.
If you’ve been involved in a truck or bus crash, our Melbourne commercial truck accident lawyers can review your case. Call (321) 725-3425 to schedule a free initial consultation.
What if the commercial driver was only partly at fault?
If the other driver involved was only partially at-fault, you can still recover compensation as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault. Florida law follows the modified comparative negligence rule. This means your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated entirely.
An experienced truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you determine your legal options. Call (321) 725-3425 for a free initial consultation.
Do I have a claim if a government or transit vehicle caused the crash?
Likely yes, but personal injury cases involving government vehicles follow special rules. In Florida, sovereign immunity requires written notice within a set period and imposes a separate statute of limitations, which makes prompt legal help crucial for victims injured by a bus, garbage, utility, or other vehicle operated by government employees.
To schedule a free consultation, call (321) 725-3425.
How much does a commercial vehicle accident attorney in Melbourne cost?
Nothing upfront. Our Melbourne commercial vehicle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee. This means clients don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Your initial consultation is always free.
Contact a Melbourne Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a van, bus, fleet, or other commercial truck accident in Brevard County, a Melbourne commercial auto accident attorney is here to fight on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation, call (321) 725-3425 or contact us online.