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Home / Truck Override Accidents

Hollywood Truck Override Accident Lawyers

When a passenger car collides with a large commercial truck, the results are often devastating. One of the most catastrophic types of truck accidents is a truck override accident, where the front of an 18-wheeler rides up and over a smaller vehicle. Unlike underride accidents, where a car slides beneath a truck’s trailer, override accidents occur when the massive weight and height of a truck completely crush the smaller car beneath it. These crashes almost always result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, leaving families shattered and survivors facing long and painful recoveries.

At Ansel & Miller, we have seen firsthand the devastation caused by these collisions. With decades of experience handling serious car and truck accident cases in Florida, our Hollywood truck override accident lawyers understand the unique complexities of these devastating crashes. We take on trucking companies and insurers who often fight aggressively to minimize their responsibility, and we are committed to fighting for the full compensation our clients deserve.

What Is a Truck Override Accident?

A truck override accident happens when the cab or front end of a tractor-trailer runs over the rear, side, or even roof of a smaller passenger vehicle. Because a semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, the crushing force in these collisions leaves little chance of survival for vehicle occupants. Even when victims survive, they often suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or permanent disfigurement.

These crashes often occur at intersections, during stop-and-go traffic, or in situations where cars are stopped at traffic lights or slowed in congestion. In many cases, the driver of the passenger vehicle has little or no opportunity to avoid being struck and overrun by the massive truck.

Factors That Contribute to Override Accidents in Hollywood

Several factors make override accidents more likely than other types of crashes. Many of these relate directly to the size, weight, and mechanical limitations of tractor-trailers. Others are tied to driver error, poor maintenance, or safety rule violations by the trucking company. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Driver fatigue or inattention – Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and fatigue impairs reaction times and decision-making. A drowsy driver may fail to recognize slowing traffic ahead in time to stop.

  • Excessive speed – The faster a semi-truck is moving, the longer its stopping distance. A fully loaded truck traveling at highway speeds may need the length of two football fields to stop. When a driver misjudges this distance, override accidents can result.

  • Mechanical failures – Defective brakes, worn tires, and poorly maintained equipment reduce a truck’s ability to slow or stop safely. Negligent maintenance by the trucking company often plays a role.

  • Weather and visibility conditions – Rain, fog, or darkness increase stopping distances and reduce a driver’s ability to see smaller cars ahead.

  • Distracted driving – Texting, talking on the phone, or even adjusting onboard systems can take a truck driver’s attention off the road long enough to cause an override accident.

Because override accidents often involve violations of federal safety regulations, an experienced lawyer must carefully investigate the circumstances, including driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and Override Risks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established detailed safety rules designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic accidents like overrides. These include regulations governing truck maintenance, hours of service, cargo loading, and driver qualifications.

One of the most critical sets of rules are the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit the number of hours truck drivers may operate without rest. Under these rules, drivers can drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty and be on duty for up to 14 consecutive hours in a workday. They can lawfully put in up to 60 hours of driving time in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on the company’s schedule.

Within these limits, drivers may legally spend extraordinarily long stretches on the road, creating fatigue that can make it impossible to react quickly to slowed or stopped traffic. Worse still, HOS rules are often ignored or falsified, with trucking companies sometimes pressuring drivers to push beyond their legal limits. When drivers are overworked and overtired, the risk of a deadly override crash increases dramatically.

Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Override Crashes

Because override accidents involve crushing forces, the injuries suffered by victims are almost always severe. Survivors may face lifelong disabilities and overwhelming medical expenses. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from crushing or violent impact forces or spinal cord injuries, often resulting in paralysis. Amputations and crush injuries, where limbs are trapped under the truck’s weight, are not uncommon. Burn injuries can result from an override when fuel is ignited in the crash. Many cases involve multiple fractures and internal injuries, often requiring numerous surgeries.

Fatalities are tragically common in override accidents. Families who lose loved ones in these collisions are left grieving while also facing financial and emotional burdens. A wrongful death claim can help ease that suffering by providing valuable compensation and justice through accountability.

Why Override Accidents Are Different From Other Truck Crashes

While any truck accident can be devastating, override accidents are among the most complex cases for victims and their families. Several issues make them particularly challenging:

  • High-value claims – Because injuries are catastrophic, damages often reach millions of dollars. Trucking companies and insurers fight aggressively to avoid paying.

  • Complex liability – Multiple parties may share responsibility, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or even the manufacturer of defective brakes.

  • Evidence challenges – Critical records such as driver logs, electronic control module (black box) data, and inspection reports may be altered or destroyed if not quickly preserved.

  • Aggressive defense tactics – Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators who respond immediately after a crash to protect their interests. Victims without strong legal representation are at a severe disadvantage.

The Importance of Skilled Legal Representation

When facing off against a trucking company after an override accident, victims and families need a law firm with the resources, knowledge, and determination to fight back. At Ansel & Miller, we have spent decades representing victims of catastrophic truck accidents in Florida. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and have built a track record of success in securing justice for our clients.

Our firm’s approach is rooted in three key commitments:deep experience with serious cases, Personalized client relationships, and relentless advocacy. We focus our practice on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, giving us the insight needed to handle complex truck accident claims. We take the time to understand each client’s needs, building strong, trusting relationships that allow us to advocate effectively for their recovery. Our attorneys go toe-to-toe with powerful trucking companies and insurers, never backing down when it comes to protecting our clients’ rights.

Seeking Justice After a Truck Override Accident in Hollywood, Florida

After an override accident, victims and families face unimaginable challenges. Medical bills, lost income, and the need for long-term care can be overwhelming, while the emotional trauma of the crash lingers. The legal system provides a way to pursue accountability and financial recovery, but success requires a lawyer who knows how to take on the trucking industry.

At Ansel & Miller, we stand with our clients every step of the way. From investigating the crash to preserving critical evidence, negotiating with insurers, and preparing for trial when necessary, our firm provides the comprehensive support and advocacy that victims deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a truck override accident in Hollywood, do not wait to seek help. The sooner an experienced attorney gets involved, the better the chances of preserving evidence and holding negligent parties accountable.

Call Ansel & Miller for Experienced Legal Help

Truck override accidents are among the most devastating roadway tragedies, often leaving families with unthinkable losses. At Ansel & Miller, we bring decades of experience, a focus on catastrophic injury cases, and a commitment to personal client relationships. We know how to stand up to trucking companies and fight for the justice our clients deserve.

If you are facing the aftermath of a truck override accident in Hollywood or South Florida, call us today for a free consultation. We are here to listen, to guide, and to fight for you.