Start with the Crash Report
Your Florida Traffic Crash Report is often the first document an attorney will review. Under F.S. 316.066, the report must be completed within 10 days after an investigation involving injury, death, a commercial motor vehicle, or other specified conditions. Ask the attorney:
- Have you reviewed my crash report? What details stand out as important?
- Is the report complete, or are there missing pages or attachments?
- How do I obtain a copy from the Florida Crash Portal if I haven't already?
- What should I do if the report contains errors or omissions?
The FLHSMV notes that crash reports may take up to 10 days to become available and are confidential for 60 days except to parties involved and other specified individuals. Fees are $10 per report under F.S. 321.23, with a $2 convenience fee per transaction.
Understand the Attorney's Experience
Ask about the attorney's background with truck collisions specifically, not just general personal injury work. Truck cases often involve federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including hours-of-service rules, electronic logging devices, and commercial driver licensing. Questions to consider:
- How many truck collision cases have you handled in Florida?
- Are you familiar with FMCSA regulations and how they apply to my situation?
- Have you worked with accident reconstruction experts or commercial vehicle specialists?
- Will you personally handle my case, or will it be delegated to another attorney or paralegal?
This resource is an independent navigation tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide representation. The designated legal reviewer, Brad Freedberg, is a Colorado attorney (Registration #26046, admitted 1995) whose Florida admission is not established here.
Clarify Fees and Costs
Florida personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, but the specific terms vary. Ask for a written fee agreement and a clear explanation of costs:
- What percentage of any recovery will be your fee?
- Are there costs I may be responsible for even if we don't win? (e.g., expert witness fees, court costs, copying)
- Will I receive an itemized statement of costs?
- Are there any upfront fees or retainers?
Do not rely on verbal estimates. A written fee agreement is essential. This guide does not provide typical fee ranges or market prices—those vary by attorney and case.
Ask About the Process and Timeline
Understanding the steps ahead helps you manage expectations. While no one can predict outcomes, you can ask about the general process:
- What is the typical timeline for a truck collision case in Florida?
- Will you investigate the crash independently, or rely solely on the police report?
- How will you communicate with me—phone, email, or portal—and how often?
- What documents or evidence should I gather now? (See the Document Organizer for a private checklist.)
- What happens if the case goes to trial versus settlement?
Florida has statutes of limitations for personal injury claims, but this resource does not calculate deadlines. An attorney can advise you on your specific situation.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Florida law requires you to report certain crashes to law enforcement. Under F.S. 316.065, you must notify law enforcement if the crash involves injury, fatality, hit-and-run, DUI, a wrecker-required vehicle, a commercial motor vehicle, or apparent damage of at least $500. Ask your attorney:
- Have I met all reporting obligations?
- Should I speak with the other driver's insurance company before consulting you?
- What should I do if the other party's insurer contacts me?
- Are there any documents I should not sign without legal review?
The FLHSMV notes that drivers in minor crashes may self-report in lieu of a law enforcement report. Always follow the law and your attorney's guidance.
Prepare for the Consultation
Bring your crash report, insurance information, medical records (if any), and a list of questions. Use the Document Organizer to keep your materials in one place—it is a private, browser-only tool with no submission of worksheet entries. Also review the Florida Resources page for official links to crash reports and statutes.
If you need to contact the publisher of this resource, email Guerin@novcog.com. This is the public operator contact for the site, not a channel for legal advice or case intake.
