Homestead Truck Accident Attorneys

Injured on Krome Avenue or US 1? The Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco fights for the compensation you deserve.

Homestead is unique. It is the agricultural hub of Miami-Dade and the gateway to the Florida Keys. This means our roads are not just filled with cars—they are flooded with heavy dump trucks, agricultural transport vehicles, and 18-wheelers exiting the Turnpike.

When these massive vehicles collide with local traffic on narrow roads like Krome Avenue, the results are often devastating.

At the Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco, our Homestead truck accident attorneys understand the specific dangers of South Dade roadways. We know that fighting a major agricultural corporation or a commercial fleet requires aggressive litigation and a deep understanding of federal safety laws.

Under the new tort reform (HB 837), the statute of limitations for negligence claims has been reduced to two years. If you were injured in a truck accident, the clock is ticking faster than before. If you miss this deadline, you may be permanently barred from recovering damages.

Why Homestead Truck Accidents Are Legally Complex

Trucking cases in Homestead often involve unique liability issues distinct from the rest of Miami. We frequently handle cases involving agricultural transport and construction fleets.

Unlike a standard car accident, liability often extends far beyond the driver. To win, you need a legal team that understands the regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), as well as specific exemptions for farm vehicles. We investigate:

  • Improper Loading: Was the truck carrying produce or construction debris that was not properly secured, causing it to spill onto the roadway?
  • Overweight Violations: Was the dump truck or trailer loaded beyond the legal weight limit to save money, making it impossible to stop in time?
  • Maintenance Failures: Did the company ignore bald tires or faulty brakes on an aging fleet of farm trucks?
  • Electronic Control Modules (ECMs): We move quickly to secure the “black box” data that proves speed and braking patterns before the trucking company can wipe the hard drive.

Common Causes of Crashes in South Dade

Homestead’s mix of rural roads and high-speed highways creates a deadly environment for motorists. We handle claims involving:

  • Driver Fatigue: Truckers reaching the end of long hauls down the Florida peninsula often suffer from exhaustion and slowed reaction times.
  • Head-On Collisions: On two-lane roads like Krome, a distracted truck driver drifting inches over the center line can cause fatal head-on impacts.
  • Wide Turn Accidents: Large agricultural vehicles making wide turns on Campbell Drive or Mowry Drive often collide with cars in their blind spots.
  • Rear-End Collisions on US 1: The “Stop-and-Go” traffic of tourists heading to the Keys creates a high risk for rear-end crashes by heavy trucks that cannot stop quickly.

Homestead’s Most Dangerous Corridors

We have extensive experience litigating accidents that occur in Homestead’s specific high-risk zones:

  • Krome Avenue (SW 177th Ave): Historically known as one of the most dangerous roads in Florida, heavy truck traffic here frequently leads to catastrophic head-on and rollover accidents.
  • US 1 (South Dixie Hwy): The congestion here, combined with heavy delivery trucks and construction vehicles, is a frequent site for multi-vehicle pileups.
  • Florida’s Turnpike (Homestead Extension): High speeds and lane-weaving by tired truckers exiting the highway lead to severe highway collisions.
  • SW 137th Avenue (Speedway Blvd): A critical artery for trucks moving east-west, often seeing accidents at major intersections.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Florida now operates under a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means that if a jury finds you more than 50% at fault for the accident, you recover zero compensation. The insurance companies know this, and they will try to blame you.

We fight to prove the trucking company’s negligence so you can recover:

  • Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future surgeries, rehabilitation, and hospital stays.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you cannot work, and loss of future earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical trauma and emotional distress caused by the crash.
  • Wrongful Death: Seeking justice for families in Homestead who have lost a loved one to negligence.

Don’t Wait—Your Window to File is Closing

The trucking companies have “rapid response” legal teams. They are often on the scene of the accident within hours, taking photos and gathering evidence to build a defense against you. You need a team on your side immediately.

Contact the Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis—you pay no fees unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Homestead?

Unlike a car crash, a truck accident can involve multiple defendants. In Homestead, we may sue the truck driver, the trucking company, the farm or packing house (if they overloaded the vehicle), or the maintenance contractor. We investigate every angle to ensure all responsible parties pay for your injuries.

How does the new 2-year statute of limitations affect me?

Urgent Note: Recent changes to Florida law (HB 837) have significantly reduced your time to file a lawsuit. You now generally have only two years from the date of the accident to file a negligence claim (down from four). Building a trucking case takes time—we need to inspect the vehicle and subpoena records. It is vital to speak with an attorney immediately to avoid being barred from justice.

Are agricultural trucks subject to different rules?

Sometimes. Agricultural vehicles operate under a complex mix of federal and state exemptions regarding Hours of Service and licensing. However, they are still required to operate safely. Our attorneys are experts in distinguishing between standard commercial regulations and agricultural exceptions to prove negligence.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under Florida’s “modified comparative negligence” system, you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If the insurance company can convince a jury you were 51% to blame, you get nothing. This makes having a skilled lawyer essential to protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire a Homestead truck accident lawyer?

At the Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco, there are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency fee basis. We advance all costs for experts, investigations, and court filings. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict.

Recommended Reading:

Miami Personal Injury Attorney, Jose M. Francisco
Jose M. Francisco
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