Tampa Truck Accident Attorneys

Helping Victims Hold Negligent Truck Drivers and Companies Accountable in Florida

Semi-trucks, tanker trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and big rigs are formidable vehicles that must be operated with experience and care because of the serious threat they pose to other drivers on the road. Truck drivers and trucking companies that cut corners or violate regulations should be held responsible.

If you were involved in an accident with a large commercial truck that wasn’t your fault, you may be wondering about your legal options. If the driver or his or her employer violated any type of traffic law or trucking regulation, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.

At Robert Sparks Attorneys, we have a complete understanding of the various laws, regulations, and safety standards that govern the trucking industry and commercial drivers in Florida. This knowledge gives our attorneys the ability to accurately discern whether a collision was caused by negligence. We are ready to help truck accident victims seek justice when these violations occur.

Contact us online or call (813) 710-4816 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our Tampa truck accident lawyers!

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Florida

A truck accident cannot be treated the same way as a car accident. When a serious truck accident happens, the insurance company will usually dispatch an investigator to examine the scene and collect information. The investigator’s goal is to find a cause that absolves the insured (trucker and trucking company) of any liability. They will often arrive at the scene while you are still there.

With this in mind, here are some important steps you should take after a truck accident:

• Ensure safety. The first priority after a truck accident is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic. If there are any injuries, call 9-1-1 and request an ambulance. 
• Contact law enforcement. You are legally required to report a truck accident to the police if anyone was injured. Do not leave the accident scene until the police arrive. A law enforcement officer will document the scene, gather statements, and file an official report, which can be crucial for insurance and personal injury claims.
• Do not talk to insurance company personnel. They are not acting in your best interest. Any information that you provide may be twisted and used against you.
• Do not admit fault. Do not say anything to the police, insurance company personnel, or the other driver that suggests you were in any way responsible for the accident. Even saying something like “I’m sorry” can suggest fault, so you should generally try to say as little as possible.
• Document the scene. Gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, any visible injuries, and other relevant details. When possible, collect contact information from witnesses who may provide useful accounts of the incident.
• Obtain contact information. You need the truck driver’s name, phone number, address, license information, and insurance details. You should also get the name and direct contact information of the truck driver’s employer. 
• See a doctor. Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should get a full medical exam as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical professional can provide a thorough examination to identify any underlying issues. They can also document your condition and link any injuries to the crash.
• Speak to a lawyer. Given the complexity of these cases, you should consider meeting with a lawyer to discuss your rights and options for recovering damages. When you contact a lawyer from our firm, we can take immediate steps to prevent vital evidence from being lost or destroyed, including the driver’s logs, truck inspection records, maintenance records, and the truck itself. This is very important, as trucking companies are only required to retain records for a short period of time.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles compared to standard cars. The force of the collision often leads to devastating consequences for those involved.

Some of the most common types of truck accident injuries include:

• Head injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when individuals strike their heads during a collision. Symptoms may range from mild concussions to severe cognitive impairments. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to mitigate long-term effects.
• Spinal cord injuries. Injuries to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. The severity often depends on the location of the injury, with higher lesions causing more significant impairments. 
• Broken bones. Fractures are common in truck accidents, particularly in the arms, legs, and pelvis. These injuries can cause significant pain and may require surgery, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation.
• Whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly jerked back and forth, causing strain on the cervical spine. Symptoms can include neck pain, headaches, and reduced mobility. Treatment may involve physical therapy and pain management.
• Internal injuries. The impact from a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs, including bleeding, lacerations, or bruising. These injuries may not be immediately evident, underlining the need for a comprehensive medical evaluation after a crash.
• Lacerations and contusions. Cuts and bruises can occur during a collision, often from shattered glass or debris. While these injuries may seem minor, they can become serious if infections develop or if they involve deeper tissues.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Many truck accidents are the result of negligence on the part of individual truck drivers or their employers. Truck drivers may neglect safety protocols, such as adhering to hours-of-service regulations, ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained, or avoiding distractions while driving. Inadequate training and supervision can also contribute to a lack of awareness on the road. Employers play a critical role as well. Truck companies that pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules may inadvertently encourage reckless driving behaviors.

We can investigate the circumstances of your truck accident and help you determine if it was caused by another party’s negligence, which may involve:

• Hours-of-service violations
• Failure to keep a driving/work logbook
• Inaccurate or falsified logbooks
• Failure to properly inspect or maintain a truck and its parts
• Alcohol or drug use by a commercial driver
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Improperly loaded trucks (unsecured, overloaded, unbalanced, etc.)
• Unlicensed or uninsured truck drivers
• Truck registration violations
• Medical certificate violations
• Failure to conduct routine drug/alcohol testing of drivers
• Negligent hiring practices by trucking companies

Determining Fault and Identifying Liable Parties

If you were injured in a truck accident, it is important to determine fault. Although Florida uses a “no-fault” system when it comes to vehicular accidents – meaning each party will collect compensation from his or her own insurance policy – those who suffer serious or permanent injuries may still seek damages from the at-fault party. This exception is crucial because it provides seriously injured parties with a means of recovering money for extensive medical treatments, ongoing medical bills, lost earnings, and more.

Robert Sparks Attorneys can offer knowledgeable insight regarding potential liability in your case. With a Tampa truck accident attorney from our firm overseeing an investigation of your accident and the extent of your injuries and losses, you have the opportunity to not only hold the at-fault party responsible but also to recover maximum financial compensation for the harm you have experienced. We can help you through this process.

Truck Driver Liability

There are countless scenarios where the negligent actions of a truck driver may lead to a collision. If a truck driver is to blame, the trucking company (or its insurance company) may be responsible for paying your claim. This will depend on whether the driver is an employee or an independent contractor, as well as other factors. We can offer guidance in situations where a negligent truck driver caused your crash.

A few examples of truck driver negligence include:

• Driving while distracted
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding or making dangerous maneuvers
• Driving in violation of hours-of-service regulations
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Failing to inspect the truck and its parts

Trucking Company Liability

Trucking companies can also be found liable for accidents involving their drivers or vehicles. They may be liable for the negligent actions of their drivers, company managers, or other personnel.

Common examples of negligent trucking company conduct include:

• Failure to perform routine drug and alcohol testing
• Failure to perform driver background checks
• Failure to investigate a driver following an accident
• Overlooking or encouraging hours-of-service violations
• Negligent truck inspection, maintenance, or repair
• Improper balancing or securing of truck cargo

Other Potentially Liable Parties

Depending on what caused the crash, other parties may be held responsible for causing a truck accident. This may be a loading company that improperly loaded a truck, a truck manufacturer that produced a defective part, or a mechanic that performed substandard repairs or maintenance. Because there are various individuals or entities that could be liable, it is important to work with an attorney who can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to accurately determine its cause.

Florida Truck Accident Statute of Limitations

The state of Florida enforces a statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a truck accident claim. In many cases, you will have two years from the date of the truck accident to take legal action against a liable party. That may seem like a fairly long time, but the sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get to work on preserving evidence, building your claim, and pursuing the compensation you deserve. 

Types of Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims in Florida

When filing a personal injury claim after being injured in a truck accident, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the objectively quantifiable financial losses incurred due to the accident, while non-economic damages cover the subjective impact on quality of life and emotional well-being.

Our Tampa truck accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for all recoverable damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Get a Free Review of Your Truck Accident Claim 

Do not wait to get legal advice! Whether your accident was caused by a truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, or shipping company, we can help you seek the best possible result. If you choose to work with us, we are prepared to investigate, negotiate, and litigate on your behalf to help you recover the money you need to move on with your life.

Schedule your free truck accident consultation now by calling (813) 710-4816 or contacting us online.