If a commercial truck crashed into you on I-10, you're likely dealing with more than just a damaged vehicle. You may be hurting. You might be missing work. And you’re probably wondering what this is going to mean for your life going forward.
At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we’ve worked with people who’ve found themselves in this exact position, injured after a serious truck crash and left with a lot of questions. We know how hard it can be to make decisions when you're in pain, unsure of your rights, and trying to hold everything together. What we want you to know is this: you don’t have to go through this alone, and you may have more legal options than you realize.
Truck Accidents Aren’t Like Other Collisions
There’s a big difference between being in a crash with another passenger vehicle and being struck by a commercial truck. The damage is often more severe. The injuries can be life-changing. And the legal side of things tends to be more complex.
That’s because truck accident claims usually involve more than just one driver. Depending on what caused the crash, responsibility could fall on the trucking company, the company that owns the cargo, a maintenance provider, or even a parts manufacturer. These cases often involve multiple parties, federal regulations, and insurance companies with their own legal teams working against your interests.
When you’ve been seriously hurt, it’s not your job to untangle all of that. It’s ours. And we take that responsibility seriously.
What You May Be Entitled to After a Florida Truck Crash
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a trucking accident is assuming their compensation is limited to medical bills or car repairs. In reality, Florida law allows injury victims to seek damages for a much broader range of losses, many of which don’t come with a receipt but have a very real impact on your life.
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical treatment and future care needs
- Lost income and reduced ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent injuries or disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Some cases also qualify for punitive damages, which are designed to hold a company accountable when its actions show extreme carelessness or disregard for safety. While punitive damages aren’t available in every case, they’re worth discussing when the facts support them.
It’s also important to know that Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under current law, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the crash, you may be barred from recovering compensation entirely.
Even if your share of fault is below that threshold, your compensation can still be reduced in proportion to your responsibility. This makes it critical to fully investigate the cause of the crash and push back against any attempts to shift blame onto you.
Common Injuries We See After Truck Accidents
We’ve helped many clients who initially thought they were okay after a crash, only to start feeling the effects days or even weeks later. That isn’t unusual. In the moments after a traumatic event, your body can enter a state of shock. You’re running on adrenaline, focused on getting home or making the next call. Sometimes pain doesn’t fully set in until your body begins to come down from that response.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how you feel in the hours and days following a truck accident. Symptoms can take time to surface, and what seems like minor soreness at first may turn out to be something more serious.
Some of the most common injuries we see in truck accident cases include:
- Head injuries and concussions
- Back and spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding or soft tissue injuries
- Severe bruising, burns, or nerve damage
Even if you didn’t go straight to the hospital or urgent care, it’s not too late to seek medical care. Getting checked out protects not just your health, but also your ability to pursue a legal claim if one becomes necessary.
Why Trucking Companies Move Quickly (and You Should Too)
It’s not unusual for someone from the trucking company or their insurance provider to call you soon after a truck crash. They may ask for a statement or offer you a settlement. You might feel like they’re trying to help. But you should know that their job is to limit what they pay, not to look out for your long-term well-being.
You don’t need to sign anything or give a statement before talking with a lawyer. And you’re allowed to ask questions. In fact, that’s the smart thing to do, especially before accepting an offer that might not come close to covering what this crash will cost you down the line.
At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we look at the full picture. We help you understand what your case may really be worth and whether it makes sense to negotiate or pursue other options. Our role is to be your advocate, not your salesperson.
Timing Matters More Than You Might Think
Under Florida’s statute of limitations, there’s a limited window of two years to bring a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation, even if the other party was clearly at fault.
But it’s not just about legal deadlines. Evidence can disappear quickly after a truck accident. Vehicles are repaired. Records can go missing. Witnesses may forget what they saw. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better chance you have of preserving the evidence that supports your case.
You don’t need to rush into a lawsuit. But you do need to make sure your rights are protected from the start.
Our Approach Is Built Around You
At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we believe in treating every case as a partnership. We don’t talk over you. We don’t make assumptions. And we don’t use pressure tactics. We take the time to understand what you’re going through, explain what the law allows, and help you figure out the next step.
We’re here to offer guidance, not promises. Every case is different. But no one should have to face the aftermath of a serious crash without a team they trust.
Let’s Talk About What Happened and How We Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a truck crash on I-10 or anywhere in or around Pensacola, Milton, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, or across Northwest Florida, you may be entitled to more than you think. And you deserve answers from someone who knows how these cases work and is ready to help you make informed decisions.
There’s no cost to speak with our team and no pressure to move forward unless it makes sense for you. We’ll take the time to walk you through your options so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Contact Dan Stewart Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
Legal Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.