If you were injured in a collision with a commercial truck, our Melbourne, FL truck accident lawyers understand the seriousness of what you are facing. Tractor-trailer crashes often result in catastrophic injuries, aggressive insurance defense tactics, and complex liability disputes involving trucking companies. You need immediate, experienced legal representation that knows both federal trucking regulations and Brevard County court procedures. At Andrew Pickett Law, we represent people who have been seriously hurt by negligent truck drivers and commercial carriers. Our job is simple:
You focus on healing. We focus on the rest.
Truck accident cases move quickly. Evidence like driver logs, dashcam footage, and black-box data. That’s why our team acts immediately to preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation.
Representing Truck Accident Victims Throughout Melbourne, Florida
Melbourne’s location along Interstate 95 makes it a frequent corridor for commercial trucking traffic moving goods throughout Florida’s east coast. Heavy truck traffic is also common along US-1 (Harbor City Boulevard), Wickham Road, Eau Gallie Boulevard (SR 518), and Babcock Street. Industrial and retail distribution routes near Melbourne Square Mall, the airport area, and commercial developments along Ellis Road increase large truck presence in local traffic.
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Serious truck accidents in the area are typically investigated by the Melbourne Police Department (650 N Apollo Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935) or the Florida Highway Patrol when crashes occur on I-95. Injured victims are often transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center, a Level II trauma center serving Brevard County.
As a Melbourne accident attorney handling complex commercial vehicle cases, we understand the roadway patterns, traffic density, and insurance carriers commonly involved in local truck crashes. When you hire Andrew Pickett Law, you know exactly what will happen, and when:
- File Set Up: The case begins by gathering key evidence related to the truck accident, including the police crash report, driver logs, trucking company information, insurance policies, and photographs from the scene. The legal team also sends preservation letters to the trucking company to secure critical records such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and inspection reports.
- Medical Treatment: The injured person continues receiving medical care while all treatment records and bills are documented. Truck accident injuries are often severe, so this stage may include hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, specialist evaluations, and ongoing treatment to fully understand the long-term impact of the injuries.
- Demand: After the medical condition stabilizes or doctors determine the future prognosis, your truck accident attorney prepares a detailed demand package for the trucking company’s insurance carrier. This package outlines liability, summarizes injuries and treatment, includes supporting evidence, and requests compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other damages.
- Negotiation: The insurance company reviews the demand and typically responds with an initial settlement offer. Our tractor trailer accident attorneys will negotiate with the insurer by presenting additional evidence, challenging low offers, and advocating for a compensation amount that reflects the full extent of the injuries and financial losses.
- Settlement: Once both sides agree on a settlement amount, the insurance company issues payment to resolve the claim. Medical liens, case costs, and legal fees are addressed, and the remaining compensation is distributed to the injured client.
Disclaimer: Every case is unique and every case requires a case evaluation and investigation from our legal team to determine next steps.
What Types of Truck Accident Cases Do We Handle?
Truck accident litigation differs substantially from standard car accident claims due to federal safety regulations and corporate liability structures. We handle:
18-Wheeler / Semi-Truck Collisions
These high-weight vehicles can cause devastating damage, particularly on I-95. Liability may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or cargo loaders.
Jackknife Accidents
Improper braking or sudden maneuvers can cause a trailer to swing outward, blocking multiple lanes. These often result in multi-vehicle collisions and severe injuries.
Rear-End Truck Collisions
Due to extended stopping distances, large trucks that fail to brake properly can cause catastrophic rear-end impacts, particularly in congested traffic near Wickham Road and Eau Gallie Boulevard.
Underride Accidents
These occur when a passenger vehicle slides beneath a trailer. Underride crashes frequently result in fatal or life-altering injuries and often involve equipment safety violations.
Wide Turn Accidents
Large trucks making right turns along downtown Melbourne streets or commercial corridors may trap vehicles or motorcycles in adjacent lanes.
Delivery Truck and Commercial Fleet Accidents
Local delivery vehicles operating under corporate contracts may create employer liability under Florida’s vicarious liability principles.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Melbourne?
Truck crashes often involve regulatory violations or operational failures. Common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Federal Hours-of-Service regulations limit driving time, but violations still occur. Fatigue significantly reduces reaction time.
- Distracted Driving: Commercial drivers using mobile devices may breach both state and federal safety rules.
- Improper Cargo Loading: Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can cause rollovers or jackknife incidents.
- Speeding: Excessive speed on I-95 or major corridors increases stopping distance and crash severity.
- Mechanical Failures: Brake defects or tire blowouts may result from inadequate maintenance.
- Impaired Driving: Though less common among commercial drivers due to strict standards, impairment remains a serious safety concern.
Truck accident cases frequently require examination of driver logs, electronic control module (ECM) data, and maintenance records.
What Injuries Are Common in Truck Accident Cases?
Due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles, injuries are often catastrophic.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
High-force impacts frequently result in concussions or more severe brain trauma requiring long-term neurological care.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Compression fractures, herniated discs, and paralysis are common in high-speed collisions.
Orthopedic Injuries
Broken ribs, hips, legs, and arms often require surgical intervention and rehabilitation.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma may lead to internal bleeding or organ rupture.
Severe Burns
Fuel-related fires can cause extensive burn injuries requiring grafting and long-term treatment.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Even when fractures are absent, ligament and muscle injuries may cause chronic pain.
Severe injuries significantly increase long-term damages, particularly when future medical care and lost earning capacity are involved.
What Compensation Is Available After a Truck Accident?
Truck accident claims often involve higher insurance policy limits due to federal minimum coverage requirements for commercial carriers.
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Emergency surgery and hospitalization
- Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage
- Long-term care or assistive services
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Loss of companionship in wrongful death cases
Punitive Damages
If evidence shows gross negligence, such as falsified logbooks or reckless safety violations, punitive damages may be pursued under Florida law.
We evaluate all potential recovery sources, including trucking companies, insurers, and third-party contractors.
What Florida Laws Affect Your Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident claims in Florida may involve both state negligence law and federal trucking regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If a plaintiff is more than 50% at fault, recovery may be barred. If damages total $500,000 and fault is assigned at 10%, recovery may be reduced to $450,000.
Statute of Limitations
Most truck accident injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the crash.
Commercial Insurance Requirements
Federal law requires interstate trucking companies to carry higher minimum liability coverage than standard passenger vehicles. This affects potential recovery amounts.
Early legal action is critical to preserve electronic logging device data and maintenance records before they are lost or overwritten.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Case?
To establish liability, we must prove:
1. Duty of Care – The truck driver and company owed a duty to operate safely and comply with regulations.
2. Breach – Violation of safety standards or negligent driving behavior.
3. Causation – The breach directly caused the crash and injuries.
4. Damages – Measurable financial and physical harm resulted.
Evidence may include:
- Crash reports from Melbourne Police or Florida Highway Patrol
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Driver qualification files
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Medical documentation
Trucking companies often deploy rapid-response teams immediately after serious crashes. Retaining counsel quickly helps level the playing field.
What Should You Do After a Truck Accident in Melbourne?
Prompt action can protect both your health and your claim.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment – Holmes Regional Medical Center or another trauma facility.
2. Ensure Law Enforcement Documentation – Melbourne Police Department, 650 N Apollo Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935.
3. Preserve Evidence – Photograph vehicles, skid marks, and road conditions if possible.
4. Avoid Recorded Statements – Insurance representatives may attempt to minimize liability.
5. Retain All Medical and Repair Records – Documentation is essential for damages calculation.
6. Contact a Melbourne Truck Accident Lawyer Quickly – Early preservation letters can secure critical electronic data.
The Brevard County Legal Process
Truck accident lawsuits arising in Melbourne are generally filed in the Brevard County Circuit Court at:
Moore Justice Center2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way
Viera, FL 32940
Cases often involve extended discovery due to corporate defendants and regulatory documentation. We prepare every case with trial readiness in mind while pursuing negotiated resolution when appropriate.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer In Melbourne, FL?
We represent truck accident victims on a contingency fee basis.
- No upfront legal fees: Truck accident cases at Andrew Pickett Law are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay any attorney’s fees out of pocket to start your case.
- Payment only if compensation is recovered: The attorney’s fee is taken as a percentage of the settlement or verdict. If there is no financial recovery, you do not owe attorney’s fees.
- Typical Florida contingency structure: In many personal injury cases, the fee is generally 33⅓% if the claim resolves before a lawsuit is filed and about 40% if litigation becomes necessary.
- Case costs are usually advanced: Litigation expenses, such as investigation costs, filing fees, or expert witnesses, are typically advanced by the firm and reimbursed from the settlement if the case is successful.
- Aligned interests: Because payment depends on the outcome, your attorney is financially motivated to pursue the maximum compensation available for your truck accident claim.
Speak With Top Rated Melbourne, FL Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you were injured in a commercial truck collision on I-95, US-1, or anywhere in Melbourne, immediate legal action matters. Our Melbourne, FL truck accident lawyers are prepared to investigate, preserve evidence, and pursue full compensation.
Accident? Just Pickett.
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Please describe what happened. We will review your case for free and work to secure the highest legal compensation possible.
5000+ Cases Reviewed
Beatrice Maxime
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"I am so very grateful to have had this firm represent me. I was in a car accident a few years ago, but the car insurance company of the person who totaled my car would not replace my car, nor pay for my medical bills. We ended up going to court and because of Mr. Pickett, we won the case. Thank you so much for all you did for us!!!!"
Call Andrew Pickett Law at (321) 503-4014 for a free consultation. We represent injured victims throughout Melbourne and Brevard County and are ready to protect your rights today.
Meet Andrew Pickett
Dealing with the murky policies of insurance companies designed to confuse and prevent you from receiving compensation is our expertise.
15+ years experience as a personal injury attorney.
Specialized in battling insurance companies.
95% settlement rate for clients.
Handled 500+ personal injury cases.
Collected more than $38 million for clients.
500+ people have chosen Andrew as their attorney.
520+ Satisfied Clients
Total reviews: 520 | Average rating: 5
Danielle Theodorides
Courtney LaChapelle
I had an auto accident back in September, and went to Andrew Pickette Law to get a case going for my medical expenses I was having to deal with. I was working closely with Vonda and Tiffany Whitehouse through the last several months. We’ve finally come to the conclusion of my case and I am so thrilled with the outcome. These ladies have been here for every question and concern that I’ve had during this process. This is an exceptional law office and would recommend anyone seek out their services. You’re getting someone that is from our area, knows Florida laws, and truly gets to know their clients.
Luke Dow
Andrew has established his firm as a pillar of excellence in personal injury space. He and his team have a track record of successful outcomes, they’ve earned their reputation as one of the most reliable legal practices in the area. Highly recommend Andrew Pickett Law.
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I had a great consultation with Ashley, she was very compassionate and walked me through the entire signing process. She explained everything clearly and was very patient and understanding, as it was my first time going through anything like this. She made me feel reassured and that I am great hands with Andrew Pickett Law!
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Andrew Pickett Law firm has been so helpful already, Ashley S has been so kind and helpful answering all my questions! She is understanding of what you need and helps you get it!
Tony Burns
Known Andrew for years and if you’re looking for a great attorney, he’s your guy!
Amy Crotty
Ashley was super helpful and walked me through the steps I needed to get my case started. She was very informative and made me feel very comfortable.
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Helen Keiller
I was sent a short notice to Andrew Law firm . Hailey – Intake Called me back with so much patience and concern for what happened to me . Feels so much warmer and care . They gives me more information about what I need to do for help. Very appreciate even they are not able to help me. Thanks again for her time and compassionate . Thanks Hailey – Intake
Rockeisha J
Ms.Ashley And Ms.Hailey Was A Huge Help With Myself In My Daughter , They Was Very Patient When We Ranned Cross A Few Hiccups , They Were Very Respectful And Dedicated Too Helping Us As Much As They Could Not Only Helping In Having Patience But A Listening Ear With Plenty Support In A Time Of Need They Where Great And Very Upfoward
Erin Hussey
So far, Pickett law, and Ashley in particular have been amazing. They work so quick and are very responsive. I was in an accident Friday and called Friday evening after business hours and they contacted me first thing Monday morning to let me know they were working on my case. I feel safe having this firm in my corner.
Margarita Eberline
Andrew Pickett is an exceptional attorney and an even more incredible advocate for his clients! I had the pleasure of hosting him on The Care Sandwich Podcast, where he shared his journey and passion for helping those who’ve been wronged.
Andrew’s compassion and expertise truly set him apart, he’s not just a lawyer, he’s someone who genuinely cares about making a difference. If you’re in need of a personal injury attorney who will fight for you every step of the way, Andrew is the one to call. Highly recommend!
Sue Padgett
I have had nothing but a pleasant experience with Ashley as my first time dealing with an attorney and their staff. She helped make sense out of a lot of unknowns and questions I had. She is a joy to speak to and quick to respond to you, either after a phone call or text. I hope my whole experience with this group will be as comfortable as it was speaking with Ashley. I’m sure it will be.
Primo Garcia
For almost 2 yrs Mr. Pickett and his team worked endlessly on my case. They showed tremendous dedication and drive. Lindsey was always staying in contact and always reassuring me that they got this so don’t worry. Today I get a call stating we WON, all I can say is thank God that Andrew and Lindsey took my case because without them I don’t know what would have happened. God bless them both I love you guys.
Rose Harper
Pickett Law has exceptional trial attorneys and compassionate team members. I highly recommend Pickett Law for any accident and injury accident cases in Florida.
Megan Thomas
Excellent trial law firm. Andrew is a wealth of knowledge and works hard for his clients.
Jenn Gc
Outstanding law firm and great trial lawyer! Andrew and his team are some of the best in the business.
ranojoy guha
I had a chance to work with Andrew, he’s an incredible trial attorney and a wonderful human being.
kristie escalera
I love his dedication to the community.