I've defended trucking companies.Now I fight for the people they hurt.
I‑275 and I‑75 run straight through it. Fowler, Fletcher, Busch, and Bruce B. Downs carry delivery trucks, box trucks, and work vans all day.
When a commercial vehicle hits you, you’re dealing with a company, its insurer, and a defense team that often shows up before you leave the hospital. I used to be on that team.
AV Preeminent · Martindale Rising Star · Super Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 · The National Trial Lawyers Member · Florida Justice Association
The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
In a car crash, your own PIP pays first: up to $10,000 if a doctor finds an emergency medical condition. Fla. Stat. § 627.736
I’ve defended every one of these case types. Here’s what that means for you.
I lock down driver logs, ELD data, and dash cam video before it disappears.
Rear end, red light, and interstate crashes on I‑275 and I‑75.
I’ve defended product liability cases. When a part fails, the manufacturer can be responsible.
Heavy foot and bike traffic on some of Tampa’s busiest roads.
I’ve defended property owners. I find the prior incidents that prove the danger was known.
Spinal cord and brain injuries need a case built for a lifetime of care.
I know what they protect first. Driver logs, ELD data, dash cams, and maintenance records. I send preservation letters right away.
I know the federal rules. Hours of service, inspections, drug testing, and driver qualifications. Violations make a strong case stronger.
I find every policy. Motor carrier, shipper, broker, and excess coverage.
I’m ready for trial. I tried 20 jury trials as a prosecutor and have handled 500+ litigated cases. I prepare every case like it’s going in front of a jury, and I’ll take it there if that’s what it takes.
Who writes the report. Tampa Police inside city limits. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in unincorporated areas. FHP on the interstates.
Where you’ll get treated. AdventHealth Tampa is on Fletcher Avenue. Serious injuries go to Tampa General, the region’s Level I trauma center.
Where your case is filed. Hillsborough County, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse downtown.
Your deadline. Most negligence claims must be filed within 2 years. Fla. Stat. § 95.11
Steps that protect your claim.
Don’t give a statement. Get their name and call me.
Often the company that employs the driver. I’ll find every policy that applies.
It identifies the motor carrier. It lets me pull the company’s safety record and insurance.
Usually 2 years. Truck data can disappear much sooner.
Nothing unless we win. No fees or costs upfront.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026