Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers

Helping Victims Hold Negligent Truck Drivers & 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 their employer violated any traffic law or trucking regulation, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim. 

At Robert Sparks Attorneys, we have a comprehensive 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 consultation with one of our truck accident lawyers in Tampa!

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Florida

Truck accidents cannot be treated the same way as car accidents. 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. Ensuring safety also includes keeping calm and avoiding emotional interactions with the other parties involved, as this could influence initial perceptions of fault or liability. 
• 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. The report often includes a comprehensive analysis of the scene from an objective third party, which can be invaluable in legal proceedings.
• 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. Insurance adjusters may attempt to coax statements or interpretations that limit your right to full compensation; therefore, it is crucial to wait until legal counsel is present before discussing any details.
• 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. This is particularly important because initial admissions can complicate or limit legal strategies later on.
• 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. Video recordings, if possible, can also provide dynamic evidence about the sequence of events, which might be critical in legal evaluation.
• 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. This information helps streamline the process of filing claims and allows for prompt and direct communication with relevant parties. 
• 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. In addition, an early diagnosis can prevent minor injuries from developing into more severe health problems over time.
• 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. Early legal intervention can also involve engaging professional accident reconstruction experts, who can provide detailed insights into what occurred.

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. In many instances, rehabilitative therapies such as neuropsychology services may be necessary to improve cognitive function and quality of life.
• 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. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment to assist with mobility. 
• 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. Recovery times can vary widely and often include long-term physical therapy to regain strength and function.
• 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. Longer-term outcomes may include chronic pain, requiring ongoing medical evaluations and treatments.
• 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. Timely intervention is essential to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
• Lacerations & 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. Proper wound care and medical treatment can mitigate infection risks and promote healing.

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

Understanding Florida's No-Fault Insurance System for Trucking

Florida's no-fault insurance system requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover their medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. This system allows for quick medical care but can be confusing for those seeking additional damages for truck accident injuries, especially head and spinal cord trauma. In Tampa, it's vital to understand how PIP works and the limitations it imposes, particularly in big rig or 18-wheeler accidents. If your injuries are significant, you may pursue additional compensation through personal injury lawsuits, which require understanding the no-fault parameters and the exceptions available under Florida law. Knowing how PIP interplays with other insurance coverages can significantly impact your claim's financial and legal strategies.

When injuries meet certain severity thresholds, victims can step outside the no-fault system and file claims against the at-fault party. Understanding this exception is crucial. Legal guidance ensures all options for compensation are evaluated, including pursuing settlements or litigation against multiple parties as responsible, whether they are trucking companies, drivers, or third-party maintenance crews.

Tampa is a bustling hub with well-traveled highways like I-75, I-4, and I-275, significantly transporting goods using tractor-trailers and semi-trucks. The volume of large commercial vehicles continually challenges infrastructure in and around Tampa, raising the risk of severe accidents. Logistics stakeholders and city planners constantly evaluate these infrastructures to integrate safety measures and reduce accident rates.

Accidents endanger lives and result in significant traffic bottlenecks and economic repercussions. This necessitates a detailed understanding and strategy implementation by state authorities to improve road conditions and legislation specifically aimed at preventing truck accidents. 

Working with Insurance After a Truck Accident in Tampa

Insurance processes following a truck accident can be daunting and often frustrating for victims, particularly in complex cases involving 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer accidents. Each trucking company has substantial insurance policies, and insurers may deploy complex strategies to limit liability and payouts for claims. Navigating these processes swiftly and effectively is essential for securing deserved compensation. Due to its dense urban logistics industry and associated traffic variables, Tampa regulations require specific negotiation tactics.

At Robert Sparks Attorneys, our comprehensive approach includes negotiating with insurance adjusters and identifying all policy benefits applicable to immediate and long-term healthcare needs. Through strategic legal representation, we help mitigate the pressure on victims to settle early and assess the full scope of current and future expenses.