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# Eckert & Associates, P.A.: Eckert & Associates, P.A. is a law firm providing legal services related to trucking downtime and loss-of-use claims across the United States (nationwide, primarily delivered through remote service with optional on-site availability). The firm provides legal services for owner-operators and fleet businesses related to the recovery of lost income after accidents (since 2005).

Services include legal representation for property damage, diminished value, insurance subrogation, and business interruption claims. The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, with fees contingent upon the outcome of the case. Practice areas include motor carrier authority matters and DOT regulatory compliance.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Your DOT Number Is Not for Sale: How to Exit Your Trucking Business the Right Way](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/07/dot-number-not-for-sale/): Your USDOT number works exactly the same way. And right now, there are malicious actors betting that you don’t understand that.
- [The Real Ways Owner-Operators Mitigate (That Nobody Talks About)](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/07/truck-downtime-owner-operators-mitigate/): Here are the real, often overlooked ways owner-operators mitigate after an accident.
- [What Is an Attorney’s Trust Account and What Does It Do?](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/06/what-is-an-attorneys-trust-account-and-what-does-it-do/): A lawyer’s trust account is a bank account that is dedicated to holding both clients’ and third parties’ monies.  A trust or escrow account is also commonly called an IOLTA account, which stands for Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts. Funds deposited in these types of protected accounts are held separately from lawyers’ personal and business operating accounts and are held for a specified period of time until appropriate for disbursement. Trust accounts are regulated by strict governmental rules to make sure all funds are handled properly.
- [Health Insurance Options for Independent Owner-Operators: What to Know Before You Choose a Plan](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/06/health-insurance-for-truck-drivers/): For many independent owner-operators and small fleet owners, health insurance can be one of the most confusing parts of being self-employed. Without a company HR department to explain plan choices or compare options, many drivers are left trying to figure it out on their own while managing their business and life on the road, but they do not have to go at it alone.
- [Uptime Solutions and Inspiring Stories: Brought to You by Mack Trucks.](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/05/mack-live-tour-podcast/): Whether you’re looking to update your fleet or find inspiration, Mack Trucks can help. Mack Live Tour helps you learn about our performance lineup of trucks; and possibly, the solution to replace aging equipment. Mack’s Beyond the Bulldog podcast provides information, stories and tips about the people who drive the industry forward.
- [Trucking Accounting: 4 Costly Mistakes That Skew Your Financials](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/05/avoid-costly-trucking-accounting-mistakes-that-hurt-your-cash-flow-learn-4-common-errors-that-skew-financials-and-how-to-fix-them/): By Daniel Rutherford, Virtual CFO, Anders
- [Per Diem for Truck Drivers: What Owner-Operators and Small Fleets Need to Know](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/05/per-diem-for-truck-drivers-what-owner-operators-and-small-fleets-need-to-know/): Executive Summary
- [The Cash Flow Gap: Why Growing Fleets Run Out of Money Faster](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/05/cash-flow-gap-in-trucking/): For carriers, growth is a sign of progress. More trucks on the road generally means more freight, more revenue, and more opportunities.
- [Truck Accident Recovery for Fleets: What Your Operation Can Claim](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/04/fleet-loss-recovery-trucking/): Fleet loss recovery helps trucking companies recover lost revenue after accidents, downtime, or other disruptions that impact business operations.
- [That Ticket Isn’t Just a Ticket: How Unmanaged Driver Violations Can Cost You Everything](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/04/trucking-csa-violations-driver-tickets/): You run a tight operation. You know your drivers, your lanes, and your loads. But there’s one thing many owner-operators and small fleet managers overlook until it’s too late: a single unmanaged driver ticket—and its impact on trucking CSA violations—can quietly unravel everything you’ve built.
- [The Hidden Cost of Manual Processes in Transportation Industry](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/04/the-hidden-cost-of-manual-processes-in-transportation-industry/): In the Trucking world, the buzz around profitability usually involves rates, fuel and Driver availability, rightfully so.
- [Why Depreciation Should Not Be Deducted in a Trucking Downtime / Loss of Use Calculation](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/03/trucking-downtime-calculation-avoid-depreciation-deductions/): When doing a trucking downtime calculation claim, depreciation is a non-cash expense—a tax tool. Depreciation is not a variable operating expense. Depreciation should not be deducted when determining a trucking business’s actual lost income due to a downtime claim.
- [Downtime Claims for Owner Operators: Your Truck Was Hit, Now What?](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/02/owner-operators-your-right-to-recover-downtime/): Here's what those 50 law firms didn't tell you: Owner-operators have a right to recover downtime. And there's money on the table you're probably not collecting.
- [Truck Accident Claims: If It’s Not in Writing, It Never Happened](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/02/document-truck-accident-claims/): You've done everything right after the truck accident. You called the insurance company. You got estimates. You're calling rental places looking for equipment. You're following up with the repair shop every other day.
- [Holiday Hazards for Truckers: Why December Accidents Cost More — and How to Protect Your Downtime](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2026/01/holiday-hazards-for-truckers-why-december-accidents-cost-more-and-how-to-protect-your-downtime/): The holiday season is the busiest and riskiest time of year for truckers. Freight rates climb, delivery windows tighten, and more cars flood the highways as families hit the road for travel. For many drivers and small trucking businesses, December is their highest-earning month.
- [How Dash Cameras Save Fleets and Owner-Operators Money and Speed Up Settlements](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/11/dash-cameras-for-truckers/): For fleet owners and independent operators, every mile driven represents both opportunity and risk. Accidents, false claims, and insurance disputes can quickly eat into profits. One small device, however, is helping fleets and owner-operators protect themselves and their bottom line — the dash camera.
- [Your Truck Is a Business — Just on Wheels](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/11/your-truck-is-a-business/): Don’t let insurance companies treat your business like a car claim. Your truck is a business on wheels, and your income loss matters.
- [Thinking About Getting Your Own Authority? Here’s What to Know](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/10/getting-your-own-trucking-authority/): You earned your CDL, gained experience as a company driver, and leased your truck to a carrier. Now you're considering getting your own authority, so let's pause and consider this carefully.
- [What to Do When Your Insurance Agent Fails to Process Your Premium Payment](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/10/insurance-agent-fails-process-premium-payment/): When an insurance agent's premium payment failure occurs, the consequences for truckers can be severe. Missed filings may lead to revoked authority, downtime, and significant financial losses. Many drivers assume their coverage is active, only to discover too late that paperwork wasn’t processed correctly. Understanding your options is key to protecting your livelihood.
- [What to Do When Your Insurance Company Fails to File Required FMCSA Forms](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/10/fmcsa-form-filing-failure-trucking-authority/): Consult a Specialized Attorney - Your state’s rules vary on recovery and notice requirements; a trucking law firm can guide you.FMCSA Form Filing Failure – What Truckers Should Do When Authority Is Revoked
- [My Trucking Authority Got Revoked – Now What?](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/10/revoked-trucking-authority/): Losing your trucking authority can be financially devastating. In fact, whether due to insurance lapses, compliance issues, or paperwork errors, a revocation by FMCSA shuts down your ability to haul. As a result, your revenue disappears overnight, and your business grinds to a halt.
- [Hidden Revenue for Fleets: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/09/hidden-revenue-for-fleets/): Fleet margins are tighter than ever. At the recent North Carolina Management Conference, industry leaders shared sobering insights: operating margins are shrinking across every segment. Rebecca Brewster of ATRI presented the latest data, confirming what many fleet operators already feel—this market is tough.
- [Trucking’s Legal Storm: Why Compliance Isn’t Enough Anymore](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/09/trucking-compliance-litigation-risks/): The transportation industry is the backbone of our economy, and its scale proves it. In 2023 alone, preliminary figures from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) show the industry nearly grossed a trillion dollars in revenue. With over 577,000 active trucking companies and more than 300 billion miles logged across U.S. roads, the sheer size of this industry underscores our ever-growing dependence on the industrial complex.
- [What Happens After the Sale? How to Sell Your Trucking Business Without Losing Your Legacy](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/09/sell-your-trucking-business-legacy/): I remember the morning of our change of command ceremony. It was the day I would officially hand over the reins of Chargin’ Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. At the conclusion of the ceremony, I would no longer be the commander, “Chargin’ 6.”
- [I’m a Truck Driver Who Was Hit in an Accident—What Can I Recover?](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/truck-accident-recovery-what-you-can-claim/): Pursuing fair truck driver accident compensation is challenging without guidance. Insurance carriers often push back on diminished value, downtime, or personal expenses. With experienced attorneys on your side, you can maximize your claim.
- [First Party Breach of Contract: Protecting Truckers from Their Own Insurance Companies](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/first-party-breach-trucking-insurance/): Fleets big and small rely on their insurance companies and agents to do one essential thing: handle paperwork correctly. When an agent fails to forward a trucker’s payment and documents, or when an insurance company misses filing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the results are immediate and devastating.
- [When a Tow Damages Your Semi: What Every Trucker Should Know](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/tow-truck-damage-to-semi/): Breaking down on the side of the road is stressful enough for anyone, but a semi driver has additional concerns with deadlines and cargo attached. Imagine this: You’re the owner of the semi and call a tow company, expecting the tow truck driver to handle your rig professionally and with care. But what happens when the tow truck driver doesn’t and forgets vital steps before the tow? The consequences can be catastrophic.
- [What Truckers Should Remember When Dealing with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/truckers-at-fault-insurance-claims/): When an accident isn’t your fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should step up and pay your reasonable expenses and losses. However, many truck drivers quickly learn the process isn’t that simple. Insurance adjusters focus on protecting their company’s money, not your livelihood.
- [Legal Help for Truckers Losing Income Through No Fault of Their Own](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/legal-help-for-truckers-losing-income/): Your rig has been sidelined by an accident you didn’t cause. It’s in the shop, loads are passing you by, and your income is disappearing. This is when legal help for truckers losing income becomes essential.
- [When Insurance Won’t Pay What’s Fair](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/when-insurance-wont-pay-whats-fair/): For truck drivers, every day on the road means income. But when insurance won’t pay trucking claims after an accident, the financial hit adds up fast. Repairs, leases, office expenses, and household bills don’t stop—even when your truck is parked. The at-fault driver’s insurance may eventually cover damages, but first, they must accept responsibility. Until then, payment won’t come.
- [Legal Help for Truck Drivers Who Can’t Work After an Accident](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/legal-help-truck-drivers-accident/): It happened in a split second. A teenage driver, distracted by their phone, blew right through a stop sign. The collision wasn’t violent—thankfully, no one was hurt—but the impact left the truck driver’s rig with over $20,000 in damage to the hood and front fender. For most people, a fender bender means inconvenience. For an independent trucker, it means something far worse: being sidelined from earning a living.
- [When a Truck Parking Lot Accident Shuts Down Heavy Haul Operations](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/truck-parking-lot-accident-downtime/): Independent truckers know the value of every mile. For oversized and heavy haul, the stakes are even higher. Experienced and professional heavy haul truckers have highly specialized equipment, strict timelines for deliveries, and very desirable dedicated load contracts. But what happens when a simple parking lot accident takes your valuable equipment out of service? Suddenly, your livelihood is parked right alongside your rig in the shop.
- [When a Truck Accident Isn’t Your Fault – But the Lost Wages Still Hurt](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/truck-accident-lost-wages/): Sam, an owner-operator with Landstar, hauls expedited freight. He was hit by a pickup truck just before delivering a load in Jacksonville, Florida. Based on the damage, Sam knew he’d be out of work for weeks. Unfortunately, it was the beginning of the holiday season, and losing loads this time of year was going to really hurt his family’s Christmas. Sam wondered if he had any rights to get his lost income back from all the loads he’d be missing.
- [Recovering Business Interruption Revenue Losses: How We Can Help](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/recovering-business-interruption-revenue-losses-how-we-can-help-copy/): American Institute of CPAs. "How to Document and Calculate Business Interruption Losses." American Institute of CPAs, 2020, www.aicpa.org. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
- [Not Getting Paid While Your Truck’s in the Shop?](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/truck-downtime-compensation/): For an owner of a small fleet or an independent driver, your trucks aren’t just vehicles; they’re your livelihood. Every day a damaged rig sits in a body shop after an accident is a day without income for that equipment. However, the bills for that equipment continue to accumulate, customers’ freight may not be delivered on time, and contracts may be lost. When the accident isn’t your driver’s fault, consider pursuing the at-fault driver’s insurance company for all of your financial losses. Be persistent and professional in your demands for payment. Insurance adjusters are busy and have many claims, so it’s up to you to help them keep your claim at the top of their work pile.
- [SBA SOP Updates 2025: What Do They Mean For You?](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/sba-sop-updates-2025/): SBA-backed loans are provided through preferred lenders, like First Financial Bank. Thanks to the SBA’s policies and procedures, the risk to lenders is reduced and loans are more readily available to fund small businesses. These “Standard Operating Procedures” or SOPs are publicly available but are written and intended for lending professionals. Yet as a prospective or current small business owner, it’s important to understand how they affect you, especially when the SBA changes or updates the SOPs.
- [How Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) Empowers Bystanders to Stop Human Trafficking](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/08/human-trafficking-prevention-training/): TAT provides free human trafficking resources/training to create bystander intervention and reduce demand.
- [Florida Trucking Company Attorney | Eckert & Associates, P.A](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/07/florida-trucking-company-attorney-downtime-claims/): When trucks are out of commission, the clock is ticking and money is slipping away. Downtime claims aren't just paperwork— they’re a lifeline for your business. Let's break down why a Florida Trucking Company Attorney is crucial and how you can benefit
- [How to Start Your Own Trucking Company (For CDL Drivers)](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/07/how-to-start-your-own-trucking-company-for-cdl-drivers/): If you’re a CDL driver and tired of driving someone else’s truck, it might be time to take the wheel of your own business. Becoming an owner-operator or launching your own trucking company gives you control, flexibility, and the chance to build real wealth. Here’s how you can get started the right way—no fluff, just steps you can take right now to start your trucking company.
- [Why Bookkeeping Matters for Your Trucking Business](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/06/why-bookkeeping-matters-for-your-trucking-business/): Doing your own bookkeeping might seem cost-effective, but it can lead to costly coding errors that impact everything from cash flow management to tax deductions. A professional bookkeeper understands the nuances of the transportation industry and knows how to categorize expenses and income accurately - helping you avoid errors that could trigger IRS red flags or missed deductions.
- [Powering Fleets: Utility-Driven Electrification Programs](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/06/powering-fleets-utility-driven-electrification-programs/): The rumble of diesel engines has long been synonymous with the trucking and commercial fleet industries. However, a quiet revolution is gaining momentum across the United States: fleet electrification. Driven by economic benefits, environmental concerns, and technological advancements, businesses are increasingly exploring the transition from traditional internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).
- [Covering Your Bases: The Truck Accident Claim Process](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/06/covering-your-bases-the-truck-accident-claim-process/): You've been driving your truck for eight years without an accident. Then, out of nowhere last December, another vehicle sideswipes you, causing $15,000 in damage to your tractor and major confusion about the accident claim process. Your specialized equipment is now out of commission, and you're facing two weeks of downtime.
- [Avoid the Premium Spike: Smarter Coverage for Truck Drivers](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/05/avoid-the-premium-spike-smarter-coverage-for-truck-drivers/): If you want to learn more about protecting your business, coverage for truck drivers, and your bottom line, reach out to InsuranceHub today. They’ve got your back — on the road and off.
- [Truck Accident Claims: More at Stake, More to Fight For](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/05/truck-accident-claims-more-at-stake-more-to-fight-for/): Here’s a look at how truck accident claims differ from regular auto claims and why truckers need to take extra steps to protect their livelihoods.
- [Road Hazards, Steer Tire Blowouts and How to Steer Toward Safety](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/05/road-hazards-steer-tire-blowouts-how-to-steer-toward-safety/): A steer tire blowout is one of the scariest and most expensive things that can happen to a truck driver. It can cause major damage, put people in danger, and lead to extensive delays. Whether you’re an owner-operator or manage a fleet, it’s important to know what causes blowouts, what they can cost, and how to help prevent this event from causing catastrophic damage.
- [Does a No-Fault Accident Affect Insurance in the Future? ](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/05/does-a-no-fault-accident-affect-insurance-in-the-future/): A no-fault accident may or may not affect your future insurance policies. First, we need to define a few terms that may be misunderstood. What’s the difference between no-fault, not-at-fault, and at-fault? 
- [CDL Tickets: What Commercial Drivers Need to Know](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/04/cdl-tickets-what-commercial-drivers-need-to-know/): For many drivers, joining a legal service or drivers' plan is one way to be proactive. These programs can provide access to attorneys, help with legal fees, and offer additional benefits like travel discounts or prescription savings—but the most important thing is to be prepared before something happens. Open Road Drivers Plan helps truckers like you protect your career, fight CDL tickets, and stay on the road. It is always worth it to be proactive and protect yourself before an incident occurs. With Open Road Drivers Plan, there’s someone in your corner.
- [The Ultimate Insurance Checklist for New Owner Operators](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/04/the-ultimate-insurance-checklist-for-new-owner-operators/): Starting your journey as an owner-operator? First off, congrats! You’re stepping into an exciting, rewarding, and fast-moving world. But let’s be real: one of the trickiest parts is getting your insurance game on point. You need an insurance checklist.
- [Truckers, Meet AI: A Smarter Job Search with Lanefinder](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/03/truckers-meet-ai-a-smarter-job-search-with-lanefinder/): The trucking industry is evolving, but the job search for drivers often feels stuck in the past.Traditional job boards, endless applications, and slow responses make finding the right job a frustrating process. That's where AI and Lanefinder Connect come in.
- [Fuel Your Trucking Business with Smart Financing](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/2025/03/fuel-your-trucking-business-with-smart-financing/): Securing financing for your trucking business can be a game-changer, however, many trucking business owners make avoidable mistakes that can lead to unfavorable results. To ensure a smooth funding process and the best financing options, here are key things not to do when requesting funding for your business. 

## Pages
- [Services & Practice Areas](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/services-practice-areas/): If your commercial vehicle was involved in a not-at-fault accident, you may be entitled to recover lost income, property damage, and loss-of-use compensation. Eckert & Associates, P.A. specializes exclusively in commercial vehicle and trucking claims. We’ll evaluate your case at no cost and handle the process from documentation through negotiation—so you can focus on getting back on the road.
- [Business Facts: Downtime Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/facts/): Website URL: https://www.downtimeclaims.com/
- [Blogs](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/blogs/): No matching results found
- [Staff](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/about-eckert-associates/staff/): Meet the Team Behind Eckert & Associates, PA Home Experienced Lawyers for Trucking Companies Need to contact a member of our team? Email info@downtimeclaims.com or call (904) 278-7688 and we’ll route you to the right department.
- [Referral Network](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/referral-network/): Mailing AddressP.O. Box 9899Fleming Island, FL 32006
- [Eckert & Associates](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/): Insurance companies won't properly compensate you when you're in an accident that wasn't your fault. You're given the runaround and no one wants to help. It's hard to navigate the claim process by yourself when you should be focused on getting back on the road.
- [Towing & Wrecker Accident Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/practice-areas/towing-wrecker-accident-claims/): When your tow truck or wrecker is damaged in a not-at-fault accident, you're not just dealing with repair costs. You're losing service calls, rotational work, police contracts, and the daily revenue that keeps your towing business running. Eckert & Associates, P.A. specializes in helping towing and wrecker operators recover the full value of their losses, including downtime, diminished value, and all out-of-pocket expenses.
- [Terms of Service](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/terms-of-service/)
- [Ohio Downtime Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/service-areas/ohio-downtime-claims/): Eckert & Associates, P.A. and their Ohio referral attorneys help Ohio owner-operators, commercial drivers, and fleets recover lost business income, loss of use, diminished value, and out-of-pocket expenses through specialized downtime claims in Ohio.
- [Texas Downtime Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/service-areas/texas-downtime-claims/): When Your Truck Is Down After a Not-At-Fault Accident in Texas, Every Day Off the Road Costs You Money
- [Illinois Downtime Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/service-areas/illinois-downtime-claims/): Illinois serves as one of the central freight hubs of the United States. Commercial traffic moves daily along Interstate 80, Interstate 55, Interstate 90, Interstate 94, and the Tri-State Tollway. The Chicago metropolitan area supports one of the largest intermodal rail and trucking networks in the country.
- [Florida Downtime Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/service-areas/florida-downtime-claims/): At Eckert & Associates, P.A., we help Florida truckers, owner-operators, and commercial fleets recover lost business income through specialized downtime claims in Florida.
- [Service Areas](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/service-areas/): A not-at-fault accident can sideline your truck overnight, and your income stops while expenses keep coming.
- [About Eckert & Associates, PA](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/about-eckert-associates/): When your truck is off the road after a not-at-fault accident, every day costs you money. Since 2005 Eckert & Associates, PA has specialized in one mission: helping drivers, owner-operators, and fleets recover the lost income and property damage that insurance companies try to minimize or deny. We're not a general personal injury law firm. We're downtime claims specialists who understand trucking economics, know how to calculate your true losses, and fight to maximize every dollar you're owed.
- [Glossary of Trucking Claim Terms](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/glossary-of-trucking-claim-terms/): In both property damage and bodily injury claims, having an expert reconstruct the accident scene helps prove liability of the at-fault party. When the at-fault party or their insurance carrier disputes fault and denies the claim, reconstruction evidence (skid marks, ECM data, impact points) strengthens the claim and speeds up recovery. It is very important to establish liability before expecting the adverse to pay for damages and lost income.
- [Checklists & Templates](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/checklists-templates/)
- [Resources Hub](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/): If your commercial vehicle was involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to recover lost income, property damage, and loss-of-use compensation. Eckert & Associates, P.A. focuses exclusively on commercial vehicle and trucking claims. We offer a free case evaluation and manage the process from documentation through negotiation, so you can focus on getting back on the road.
- [Case Results](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/case-results/): Loss: Insured’s tractor-trailer damaged in a chain-reaction truck accident
- [Limousine & Black Car Loss Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/services-practice-areas/limousine-black-car-loss-claims/): When a limo, executive sedan, SUV, or black car is down after a not-at-fault crash, every day off the road means missed reservations, lost contracts, and unhappy clients.
- [Captive Insurance Loss Recovery](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/services-practice-areas/captive-insurance-loss-recovery/): When your fleet is in a captive insurance program and experiences a not-at-fault accident, we help recover:
- [Revoked Trucking Authority Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/services-practice-areas/revoked-trucking-authority-claims/): If FMCSA revoked your operating authority because of an insurance company's filing mistake or an insurance agent's breach, you may have a downtime claim. Our team at Eckert & Associates, P.A. helps owner-operators and fleets recover lost income and expenses from the responsible party for the financial damage to your business.
- [Insurance Subrogation for Carriers](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/services-practice-areas/insurance-subrogation-for-carriers/): When a commercial truck is damaged in a not-at-fault accident, subrogation recovery shouldn't stop at repair costs. Downtime, storage, towing, diminished value, and replacement rentals all represent real exposure and missed recovery opportunity for insurance companies representing truckers and fleets.
- [Fleet Subrogation Services](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/services-practice-areas/fleet-subrogation-services/): Our fleet subrogation services pursue reimbursement on every not-at-fault incident.
- [Diminished Value Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/services-practice-areas/diminished-value-claims/): Currently, Florida has a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident to pursue adverse parties for property damage and diminished value claims. F.S. Ch. 95.11 (5)(a)
- [Downtime & Loss of Use Claims](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/services-practice-areas/downtime-loss-of-use-claims/): When your truck or trailer is out of commission after an accident you didn't cause, every hour off the road is lost revenue. Yet downtime claims (also called loss of use claims) remain under-utilized by many trucking operators and small fleets. Attorney Kelsea Eckert has practiced law since 1988 and represents truckers and small businesses in recovering these critical income losses.
- [Practice Areas](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/practice-areas/): Since 2005, Eckert & Associates, PA has helped truck drivers, owner-operators, and fleets recover lost income and property damage after not-at-fault accidents. We are downtime claims specialists—not a general personal injury firm—who understand trucking economics and fight insurance companies to recover every dollar you’re owed.
- [Attorneys & Referral Partners](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/who-we-help/attorneys-referral-partners/): When your clients are victims of truck accidents but need specialized representation for commercial vehicle property damage and business loss claims, Eckert & Associates, P.A. provides the expertise you need. Our team focuses exclusively on recovering property damage, downtime, and diminished value for owner-operators and fleets involved in crashes.
- [Limousine & Black Car Operators](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/who-we-help/limousine-black-car-operators/): When you're a limo driver or limousine company involved in an accident, you face unique challenges. Your vehicle is your livelihood, and every day it's down costs you money. Eckert & Associates, P.A. is a law firm that specializes in helping limousine and black car operators recover property damage and loss of use income after an accident.
- [Insurance Carriers & TPAs](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/who-we-help/insurance-carriers-tpas/): When your insured's commercial vehicle is damaged in a not-at-fault accident, recovery shouldn't stop at repair costs. Storage, towing, replacement rentals, out-of-pocket expenses, and downtime all represent real exposure and missed opportunity for insurance companies writing commercial trucking lines. Eckert & Associates, P.A. provides national subrogation services to help insurers maximize recovery on property claims, liability claims, and other claims paid for motor carriers.
- [Fleets & Captive Insurance Programs](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/who-we-help/fleets-captive-insurance-programs/): The misconception: Many fleet operators believe they can only recover through their own coverage when vehicles are damaged.
- [Owner-Operators & Independent Truckers](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/who-we-help/owner-operators-independent-truckers/): Eckert & Associates, P.A. helps owner-operators in the trucking and commercial transportation industry recover lost income when their commercial motor vehicle is down after a not-at-fault truck accident. Our law firm handles downtime (loss of use), property damage, and related legal issues throughout the United States on a contingency fee basis with free consultations. We align with FMCSA and state and federal best practices to assist clients efficiently.
- [Who We Help](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/who-we-help/): If your commercial vehicle was involved in a not-at-fault accident, you may be entitled to recover lost income, property damage, and loss-of-use compensation. Eckert & Associates, P.A. specializes exclusively in commercial vehicle and trucking claims. We’ll evaluate your case at no cost and handle the process from documentation through negotiation—so you can focus on getting back on the road.
- [What to Do When Your Insurance Company Fails to File Required FMCSA Forms](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/practice-areas-2/what-to-do-when-your-insurance-company-fails-to-file-required-fmcsa-forms/): Last month, Mark got a phone call that shut his business down immediately.
- [My Trucking Authority Got Revoked](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/practice-areas-2/my-trucking-authority-got-revoked/): Losing your trucking authority can be financially devastating. Revocation can be due to insurance lapses, compliance issues or paperwork problems. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in charge of both revoking and reinstating a motor carrier’s operating authority, so it’s important to know how to get reinstated should a revocation happen to you.
- [Hidden Revenue for Fleets](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/practice-areas-2/hidden-revenue-for-fleets/): Fleet margins are tighter than ever. At the recent North Carolina Management Conference, industry leaders shared sobering insights: operating margins are shrinking across every segment. Rebecca Brewster of ATRI presented the latest data, confirming what many fleet operators already feel—this market is tough.Fleet Subrogation Services for Owner-Operators.
- [Crestview, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/crestview-trucking-company-attorney/): In Crestview, a grounded truck means bills without income. Most carriers can’t absorb that for long. A Crestview Trucking Company Attorney with downtime recovery experience can help you convert that idle period into payment—getting back what’s rightfully yours.
- [Baldwin, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/baldwin-fl-trucking-company-attorney/): If you’re connected to the trucking industry in or around Baldwin, Florida, you might already know how essential it is for companies to keep their trucks moving. Every hour a truck sits gets expensive. That’s where a Baldwin Trucking Company Attorney comes in—especially one who specializes in downtime claims. This article breaks down exactly what that means, why it matters, and why a good attorney can make a real difference for your company’s bottom line.
- [Bonifay, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/bonifay-trucking-company-attorney/): Downtime is the enemy of profit in trucking, and for Bonifay trucking companies, it can start with the smallest mistake by someone else. A single missed turn or sudden breakdown means days, sometimes weeks, without pay. That’s when you need a savvy Bonifay Trucking Company Attorney focused on downtime claims to ensure you don’t take the fall for forces outside your control.
- [Chattahoochee, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/chattahoochee-trucking-company-attorney/): For Chattahoochee trucking companies, one unexpected incident can rip holes in your monthly earnings. Trucks that sit in the shop don’t earn. That’s where a Chattahoochee Trucking Company Attorney comes in, particularly if they’re focused on the nuts and bolts of downtime claims.
- [Chipley, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/chipley-trucking-company-attorney/): Running a trucking company in Chipley means any sudden truck downtime is money lost. Every day your truck is off the road because of an accident or mechanical failure is a day you’re not earning. When this happens because of someone else’s mistake or a bad repair, a Chipley Trucking Company Attorney experienced in downtime claims helps you recover lost income and avoid being left with burdens you didn’t cause.
- [Cottondale, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/cottondale-trucking-company-attorney/): If you run a trucking company in Cottondale, you notice downtime quickly. Fewer trucks mean smaller margins and daily losses mount fast. Knowing a Cottondale Trucking Company Attorney who specializes in downtime claims lets you turn idle time into real recovery.
- [DeFuniak Springs, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/defuniak-springs-trucking-company-attorney/): Downtime hurts your DeFuniak Springs trucking company financially and operationally. Trucks parked from an accident or mechanical failure mean missed opportunities and missed deadlines. That’s when a DeFuniak Springs Trucking Company Attorney skilled at downtime claims steps in to help recover what you’re owed.
- [Florida Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/florida-trucking-company-attorney/): By Eckert and Associates, PA
- [Greenville, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/greenville-trucking-company-attorney/): If your trucking business runs through Greenville, Florida, you’re moving goods across rural roads, highways, and sometimes unpredictable conditions. Trucks taken off the road after a collision, breakdown, or costly repair create a financial problem for every operator—especially when it’s not your fault. Getting those losses back is what a Greenville Trucking Company Attorney experienced with downtime claims is for.
- [Holt, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/holt-trucking-company-attorney/): When downtime strikes, Holt trucking companies feel the pain quickly. Trucks that aren’t rolling aren’t earning, sometimes for reasons you didn’t cause. That’s why a Holt Trucking Company Attorney versed in trucking downtime claims is so critical.
- [Lake City, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/lake-city-fl-trucking-company-attorney/): If you run or work for a trucking company in Lake City, you already know how a single accident or breakdown can bring hauling to a standstill. Trucks parked in the yard don’t bring in payments—but the bills keep piling up anyway. That’s where a Lake City Trucking Company Attorney comes in, especially one with downtime claims experience.
- [Live Oak, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/live-oak-trucking-company-attorney/): Downtime can devastate a Live Oak trucking company’s finances quickly. If you run trucks through Suwannee County, you already know—one serious crash or breakdown and your business feels it. Customers walk. Bills keep coming. That’s why a Live Oak Trucking Company Attorney experienced in downtime claims can be your biggest asset.
- [Marianna, FL Trucking Company Attorney](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/resources-hub/do-i-have-a-case/marianna-trucking-company-attorney/): For Marianna trucking companies, lost time is lost income. Every time your rig sits at a shop instead of on a route, you pay the price. A Marianna Trucking Company Attorney who specializes in downtime claims is your advocate, pushing to recover that missing revenue.

## Team Members
- [Andi Nieves](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/andi-nieves-client-onboarding-team/): Andi Nieves brings her exceptional organizational skills and warm personality to her role as Administrative Assistant at Eckert & Associates. A Navy veteran and former aviation technician, Andi has a diverse professional background that also includes customer service experience at Citibank. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Administration and is a licensed All Lines Adjuster as of 2025, further enhancing her ability to assist clients effectively.
- [Elizabeth Vogel](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/elizabeth-vogel-business-operations/): Meet Elizabeth Vogel, your dedicated Business Operations Coordinator. She has a wealth of experience in providing exceptional support. Elizabeth oversees many vital operations in our office, including but not limited to accounting, human resources, and, most importantly, case settlements. Armed with an AA degree from FSCJ and an Insurance Adjuster License, Elizabeth excels in her role as an assistant to the operations manager, ensuring a calm and collected environment for both customers and staff.
- [Olivia Clark](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/olivia-clark-assistant-marketing-manager/): Meet Olivia Clark, our assistant marketing manager! She is responsible for designing and sharing the firm’s media content – such as educational blogs, videos, and paper marketing materials. Olivia also serves as a connection between our firm and other transportation businesses, ensuring our clients have easy access to our services and referral partners are met with an easy and efficient referral process. With a marketing certification from Hootsuite and a Bachelor of Arts from Regent University, Olivia is a skilled marketer with a passion for creative work.
- [Matthew Eckert](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/matthew-eckert-litigation-assistant/): As a Litigation Manager at Eckert & Associates, P.A., Matt supports our legal team in representing truckers and trucking companies nationwide. Our clients, often owner-operators and small fleets, trust us to help them recover their financial losses after not-at-fault accidents.
- [Lisa Baumgartener](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/lisa-baumgartener-client-onboarding-team/): Lisa Baumgartener is an integral part of our team, handling incoming calls, income recaps, and following up with callers who find us on our website. She also uses her design skills to create engaging brochures.
- [Katie Abbott](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/katie-abbott-case-evelopment-team/): Katie is a dedicated Case Development Specialist at Eckert & Associates, where she plays a crucial role in supporting clients through the claims process. With over a decade of experience in customer service, Katie excels in meticulously analyzing case information to extract essential facts and craft compelling arguments for indemnification.
- [Lejuan Williams](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/lejuan-williams-case-manager/): Lejuan Williams is a committed case manager at Eckert & Associates, bringing extensive experience in claims handling and a strong dedication to advocating for truckers, the backbone of America's economy. His background includes years of expertise in the insurance and legal industries, where he developed a deep understanding of claims processes and client needs.
- [Hannah Clark](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/hannah-clark-legal-assistant/): As a legal assistant, Hannah wears many hats. Currently, she is responsible for creating, editing, and updating our Standard Operating Procedures. She creates and maintains training materials and courses for our staff. Additionally, she provides support to both administrative staff and case managers. Hannah received her B.A. in History with a Minor in Religious Studies from Valdosta State University and recently graduated with an M.A. in Public History from Valdosta State. She joined our team in 2015 and is always eager to learn new skills and help others around the office, using her wealth of knowledge to support many of our departments. She takes great pride in helping our clients navigate the complicated claims process and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.
- [Cassie Hanson](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/cassie-hanson-client-onboarding/): Meet Cassie Hanson, one of the friendly voices you hear on the other end of the phone when you call our office. As Client Onboarding Team Lead, Cassie will be the point of contact for all potential and new clients. Her job is to listen to your concerns, let you know how our team can help, and get your downtime file started as a new client.
- [Fallon Baker](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/fallon-baker-case-development-team-lead/): Fallon Baker is a dedicated researcher and problem-solver with a passion for helping clients. Her work as the Case Development Team Lead involves researching incident and mitigation facts, building accurate calculations, and compiling documents to create compelling demand packages. Fallon works closely with clients and our Case Management Team to help ensure that claims are resolved fairly, accurately, and efficiently.
- [Brenda Vasquez](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/brenda-vasquez-operations-manager/): Brenda Vasquez leads Eckert & Associates, PA as the Operations Manager. She has worked in almost every position in the firm, aside from attorney.
- [Kelsea Eckert](https://www.downtimeclaims.com/staff/kelsea-eckert-attorney-at-law/): Kelsea Eckert enjoys helping clients resolve their insurance and downtime claims.  She is active in the trucking community and is always willing to speak with groups about transportation topics.