Jacksonville Truck Accident Lawyers
Board-Certified Trial Experts Fighting Corporate Trucking Giants
At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we've secured millions of dollars for truck accident victims across Florida, including numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts:
- $5 million truck accident verdict
- $4.1 million truck accident verdict
- $1 million truck accident verdict
We understand how trucking companies operate, what evidence matters most, and how to hold them fully accountable. But the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to preserve key evidence and build a strong case. Under Florida law, you have only two years from the date of the accident to file a claim, so contacting an attorney as soon as possible is essential. And remember, you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Do not wait to get legal advice if you've been injured in a big rig accident in Jacksonville. Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Meet Our Founding Partners
Certified Trial Experts for Complex Trucking Cases
When you are recovering from a serious truck accident, the opponent you face is not just an insurance company; you’re often up against corporate lawyers for a large freight company. To secure the compensation you deserve, you need a true trial expert.
Our founders are both Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, a distinction held by less than 1% of Florida lawyers. This certification is objective proof of elite expertise and courtroom skill.
Thomas S. Edwards, Jr. has been Board Certified in Civil Trial Law since 1991. His expertise in this specific area has earned him national recognition, including inclusion in Topverdict's “Top 100 Jury Verdicts Truck Accidents in the US” and Forbes' “America’s Best-in-State Lawyers” for 2025.
Eric C. Ragatz is also a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and has been honored repeatedly for his courtroom skill. He has been named to the Florida Super Lawyers® list for 10 consecutive years and holds the highest possible AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
This certified expertise is our pledge to you. We don’t just process claims; we build unshakeable cases designed to win. That reputation, backed by a $5 million truck accident verdict, is why trucking companies and their insurers know they must take our clients’ claims seriously.
You likely have a claim if:
- The truck driver, trucking company, or another party acted negligently
- Their negligence directly caused the collision
- You suffered documented injuries or losses
- The accident occurred within the last two years
You can still recover even if:
- You were partially at fault (Florida allows recovery if you're less than 50% responsible)
- The truck driver wasn't cited by police
- You didn't immediately feel injured
- The insurance company claims you waited too long
Common causes we investigate:
- Driver fatigue from violating Hours of Service regulations
- Distracted or intoxicated driving
- Inadequate driver training or negligent hiring
- Improperly secured or overweight cargo
- Failure to maintain brakes, tires, or critical systems
Read our Truck Accident guide.
What to Do Right Now
Client Testimonials
“Clearly looking out for my interests” - hear from Ron Davis!
“Highly Recommend”
"Definitely 5 star rating! If I could give more stars, I would! Highly recommend!" - Sarah V.
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"Life presented me with a challenge and after speaking with several law firms, I chose Edwards & Ragatz. Best choice I could have made."Eric picked up the ball and never stopped! He was like a pit bull!Carol
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"Definitely 5 star rating! If I could give more stars, I would! Highly recommend!"I used Jennifer, and she made the process so smooth and explained everything in detail what she was doing, and what was the right move.Sarah V.
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"Mr Doug was on top of my lawsuit he explained every detail, step by steps on how the process works"
My lawyer was Mr Doug I had a wonderful first experience with the law firm and his assistant’s.
Yesenia Ivette C. -
"They were very helpful and patient in their handling of our case"They were very helpful and patient in their handling of our case.Candy
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"The team at Edwards & Ragatz were a wonderful team"The team at Edwards & Ragatz were a wonderful team with whom to work. From the moment we connected on the telephone, my husband and I were represented by them with compassion and professionalism.Charlene M.
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"I know the Value of Team work but also know when people Value there work"From Being in The Marines I know the Value of Team work but also know when people Value there work.Doug B.
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"I wish that I could give them more than a 5-star rating."From the time they first answered my call until the very end of my case, I was met with empathy, professionalism and compassion. Their communication throughout the process was absolutely amazing.Kelci P.
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"Tom Edwards and Eric Ragatz are professionals in every sense of the term."Tom and Eric understand what is at stake and use the law to provide fair and complete resolutions for their clients.Dave A.
Trucking is governed by strict FMCSA regulations covering driver work limits, vehicle maintenance, drug testing, and cargo loading. We use violations of these rules to prove negligence.
Multiple Parties Can Be Liable
Unlike car crashes with one other driver, truck accidents often involve:
- The driver (for speeding, distraction, or fatigue)
- The trucking company (for negligent hiring or unsafe schedules)
- The cargo loader (if improper loading caused the crash)
- The manufacturer (for defective parts)
- The maintenance company (for poor repairs)
We investigate all parties to maximize your compensation.
Critical Evidence Disappears Fast
Trucks contain unique evidence that can be legally destroyed within weeks:
- Black Box (ELD): Records speed, braking, and driver hours
- Cab Camera Footage: Shows what the driver was doing
- Driver Logs & Drug Tests: Prove fatigue or impairment
- Maintenance & Cargo Records: Show company negligence
We immediately send legal preservation notices to stop destruction of this data.
You're Up Against Corporate Legal Teams
Trucking companies have investigators and lawyers who start building their defense within hours. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. You need experienced trial attorneys prepared to fight them—and win.
What Your Case Is Worth
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Factors That Increase Value:
- Catastrophic injuries requiring lifetime care
- Clear FMCSA violations
- Pattern of corporate safety violations (can trigger punitive damages)
- Strong preserved evidence
What Your Case Is NOT Worth:
The insurance company's first offer. Initial offers are typically 20-40% of true value. Never accept any offer without consulting a Board-Certified truck accident lawyer.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries & paralysis
- Multiple bone fractures
- Crush injuries & amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns & disfigurement
Start Your Path to Justice
If you've been seriously injured in a truck accident, the evidence you need to win is disappearing every day. The trucking company's legal team is already building their defense. You will not owe us a dollar unless we win your truck accident case.
Call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online today for a free consultation with our Jacksonville truck accident attorney!
Truck Accident FAQs
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Can I sue the trucking company, or just the driver?
Yes. Trucking companies can be held liable for their drivers' actions and for their own negligence, such as negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failure to enforce safety regulations.
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What if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover compensation. Florida's modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you're less than 50% at fault, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
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How long will my case take?
Settlement cases: ~3-12 months. Litigation cases: 12-24+ months. Our focus is securing maximum compensation, not the fastest settlement.
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Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?
Your health insurance, PIP coverage (80% of expenses up to $10,000), or providers may agree to treat on a lien basis. We negotiate with health insurers to reduce liens, often by 30-60%.
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What does it cost to hire Edwards & Ragatz, P.A.?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all case costs and only get paid if you get paid.
We Are Edwards & Ragatz
Explore What Sets Us Apart
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Innovative & Strategic Legal Strategies
At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we offer custom legal strategies tailored to your situation. Our approach ensures that we collect higher settlements than what an insurance adjuster might offer.
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Committed to Quality Legal CounselOur commitment to a compassionate legal process means we speak with you on-site at the accident location, offer flexible meeting times, manage paperwork on your behalf, and provide consistent updates.
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Proven Legal Experience & Advocacy
With more than 150+ years of combined legal experience, we have taken on multiple million-dollar corporations and received recoveries through the relentless pursuit of justice.