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Polk County’s highways, including I-4, U.S. Highway 27, and State Road 60, see heavy commercial truck traffic daily. Semi-trucks, delivery trucks, and big rigs are essential for transporting goods, but when truck drivers or trucking companies act negligently, serious accidents happen. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
At Kemp Injury Law, we help victims of truck accidents in Lakeland, Winter Haven, and throughout Polk County recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck crash, our firm is here to protect your rights and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
Unlike standard car accidents, collisions involving large commercial trucks often result in severe injuries due to the sheer force of impact. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it difficult to stop quickly in an emergency.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
Trucking companies are legally required to follow safety regulations, but many fail to enforce proper maintenance, rest breaks, and driver training. When negligence occurs, victims have the right to seek compensation.
Related: Polk County’s Most Dangerous Roads
Truck accidents frequently cause severe or permanent injuries, including:
Truck accident injuries often require long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, and ongoing pain management, and in the most tragic cases, they can result in wrongful death—making full compensation essential not only for recovery but also for holding responsible parties accountable.
Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident liability can extend beyond just the driver. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:
At Kemp Injury Law, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties and maximize your compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Polk County, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Insurance companies and trucking companies will often fight to minimize claims, which is why working with an experienced truck accident attorney is crucial.
In addition to truck accident cases, Kemp Injury Law represents victims in a wide range of personal injury claims, including:
If your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, we will fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Truck accident cases are complex, and trucking companies will often do everything possible to avoid paying fair compensation. At Kemp Injury Law, we fight for victims' rights, ensuring they receive the financial support they need to recover.
If you or a loved one was injured in a semi-truck, big rig, or commercial truck accident, contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Reviewed for legal accuracy by Adam Kemp on September 16, 2026
In 2026, what minimum insurance is required for many interstate commercial trucks, and why does it matter for my claim?
Federal regulations set minimum “financial responsibility” levels for certain motor carriers. For many for-hire interstate carriers hauling nonhazardous property (10,001+ lbs GVWR), the schedule lists $750,000 in public liability coverage, with higher minimums for specific hazardous materials and oil. These minimums often affect how coverage is evaluated and which policies may apply in a serious truck crash claim.
What should I do after a truck accident in Polk County?
After a truck accident in Polk County, the first thing you should do is call 911 and seek immediate medical attention. Truck accidents often involve serious injuries, and medical documentation is critical for your legal claim. Make sure to get a police report and gather evidence at the scene, including photos, witness information, and details about the commercial truck. Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurance representatives without legal counsel. Their goal is often to minimize payouts and shift blame away from their driver. A truck accident attorney can protect your rights, preserve evidence, and begin building your case right away.
How is a truck accident different from a regular car accident?
Truck accidents are often far more complex than car accidents due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved and the regulations that govern the trucking industry. Commercial trucks are subject to federal laws regarding driver hours, load weight, and maintenance, which can influence liability. Injuries tend to be more severe, and insurance policies covering commercial trucks typically involve much higher limits. There may also be multiple parties involved, such as trucking companies, logistics firms, or contractors. Because of this complexity, specialized legal experience is essential. An attorney with truck accident experience can navigate the regulations and fight against powerful corporate insurers.
Can I hold both the driver and the trucking company liable in a claim?
Yes. In Florida, both the truck driver and the trucking company can be held responsible. The driver can be liable personally for negligent driving behaviors like fatigue or speeding. The trucking company may also be vicariously liable under respondeat superior for acts of its employees during work hours. Additionally, the company might bear direct liability for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance practices. Multiple parties may thus be named defendants, increasing opportunities for recovery. A skilled attorney will investigate all potential defendants—driver, company, and possibly cargo loaders or maintenance providers—to ensure full accountability.
How do mandatory hours-of-service rules affect a truck accident case?
Federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations restrict how long a truck driver can be on the road without required rest. Violations—documented via driver logs or electronic logging devices—can strongly indicate negligence. If an accident occurred due to driver fatigue, showing an HOS violation can make the trucking company and driver liable. Exploring logbooks, maintenance records, and electronic data (e.g., ELDs) can reveal such breaches. Expert testimony on fatigue’s effects may also reinforce the claim. An experienced truck accident lawyer will gather federal compliance records to demonstrate breaches of duty and bolster your compensation claim.
Does Florida law allow punitive damages in truck accident cases?
Punitive damages in Florida are permissible but only in cases where the defendant’s conduct is proven to be grossly negligent, intentional, or reckless. That means simple negligence—even if severe—may not qualify. Examples of qualifying conduct could include knowingly operating dangerous vehicles, extreme violations of safety protocols, or willful non-compliance with safety inspections. If awarded, punitive damages are meant to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct beyond compensating victims. Courts require clear and convincing evidence for such claims. An attorney will assess the facts to determine if a punitive damages claim is viable and pursue it when warranted.
Why should I choose Kemp Injury Law for a truck accident case?
At Kemp Injury Law, we bring a deep understanding of both Florida and federal trucking regulations to every case we handle. We have successfully represented truck accident victims throughout Polk County and beyond. Our legal team works quickly to preserve evidence, review driver logs, and hold all responsible parties accountable. We are not intimidated by large trucking companies or their insurers and aggressively pursue the compensation our clients deserve. With a track record of success in complex injury cases, we are prepared to take your case to trial if needed. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, contact us today to begin your recovery process.
