Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer
A trucking accident, commonly referred to as a commercial truck accident, is a collision involving a large commercial vehicle, such as a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, and another vehicle, which often results in catastrophic consequences due to the size and weight of the trucks involved. If you’ve been injured in an accident, our team of trusted Tampa truck accident lawyers can help.
If you've been involved in a truck accident, our dedicated team of tampa truck accident lawyers is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Accidents involving large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and tractor-trailers often result in catastrophic injuries, complicated legal issues, and significant financial burdens. We understand the challenges you face, and we fight to win™ the compensation you deserve.
Trucking accidents require a unique set of legal skills. Our experienced attorneys specialize in handling these complex cases, from determining liability to negotiating with trucking companies and their insurers. Whether you're dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the emotional toll of your injury, we are here to provide the support and representation you need.
At Papasov Law Group, we take the time to understand your individual situation. We listen to your story, assess your needs, and create a strategy tailored to your case. You don’t have to navigate this process alone—our team is here to offer the personalized attention and dedication that your case deserves. With our deep knowledge of trucking accident law and a proven track record of success, we’ll do our best to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
Why Choose Pamela Papasov as your Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer
At Papasov Law Group, we specialize in truck accident cases, providing personalized legal support so that you can focus on your recovery. In a personal injury case arising from a trucking accident, several complex elements come into play. To build a successful case, it is crucial to investigate factors like driver negligence, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, and potential regulatory violations by the trucking company.
Additionally, trucking accidents may involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the dispatch company, and even the manufacturer of the truck or its components, making it necessary to determine liability and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. With a proven track record and a client-first approach, we’re here to fight for your rights and support your recovery.
Papasov Law Group Knows Trucking
At Papasov Law Group, we have in-depth and specialized knowledge of how trucking industry trends and technology can help inform personal injury cases. Recent changes related to Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), Hours of Service (HOS) tracking, video and telematics systems, can combine to play a crucial role in personal injury cases following trucking accidents.
ELDs and HOS data provide accurate records of a truck driver's driving hours, helping establish whether they adhered to safety regulations. Video footage from dashcams or onboard cameras can capture critical moments of an accident, offering strong evidence of fault. Telematics data, such as speed, braking, and location information, further supports claims by showing truck performance leading up to the crash. Understanding these technologies can significantly strengthen a personal injury case and give you a leg up in securing the compensation you deserve.
A New Standard for Client Service
You don’t have to take our word for it! Papasov Law Group has a 5-star rating on Google, with reviewers commenting on the personalized attention clients receive, with several mentioning how our personal injury attorneys go above and beyond to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed. Clients also praise our ability to communicate complex legal concepts in an understandable way, ensuring that they are fully informed throughout the process. Here’s just a sample of what our clients are saying:
Types of Trucking Accidents that Happen in Tampa
In Tampa, trucking accidents can vary in type, but they all have the potential to cause severe damage due to the size and weight of large commercial vehicles. One common type of truck accident is a jackknife accident, where the trailer of a truck swings out to form an angle with the cab, creating a dangerous hazard on the road. This type of accident can block multiple lanes of traffic, causing major collisions with other vehicles.
Another serious type of trucking accident is an underride accident, which occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath it. These accidents are often deadly, as the smaller vehicle can become trapped under the truck, causing catastrophic injuries to those inside.
The sheer weight of trucks—often weighing 80,000 pounds or more—means that collisions with these vehicles can cause more serious injuries than accidents involving smaller cars. The force of impact in a truck accident can lead to life-altering injuries, including spinal damage, brain trauma, and broken bones. These types of accidents often require extensive medical care and long-term rehabilitation.
Due to the complexity and severity of these incidents, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance from an experienced Tampa truck accident attorney to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Damages Can I Pursue in a Tampa Truck Accident Case?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Tampa, you may be entitled to pursue various types of damages to compensate for your injuries and losses. These damages are typically divided into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible, measurable losses that can be easily calculated. These are the financial costs directly resulting from the truck accident. Common types of economic damages include:
Medical Expenses: Costs for hospitalization, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work as a result of your injuries. You may also be entitled to damages due to loss of future earning capacity.
Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Costs for transportation, home care, and other necessary services due to your injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and aim to compensate for the emotional and psychological toll of the accident. These damages are harder to quantify, but they can still be significant. Common types of non-economic damages include:
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Emotional Distress: Compensation for the mental anguish or trauma caused by the accident.
Loss of Consortium: Damages for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy due to your injuries.
Disfigurement: Compensation for impacts on your appearance and self-esteem due to permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Understanding the types of damages you can pursue is crucial when building your case after a truck accident. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for both your financial and emotional losses.
Who is Liable When You’re In a Truck Accident in Tampa?
Determining liability in a truck accident in Tampa can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Negligence is often at the heart of these cases, where one or more parties fail to exercise reasonable care, leading to an accident. Negligence can involve poor driving behavior, failure to maintain the truck, or even violations of safety regulations.
In a truck accident, several parties may be held liable, including:
Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or failing to follow traffic laws.
Trucking Company: If the company failed to properly train the driver, maintain the vehicle, or ensure compliance with regulations.
Truck Manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defect in the truck or its components, such as faulty brakes or tires.
Truck Mechanic: If the mechanic failed to properly maintain or repair the truck, leading to mechanical failure.
Cargo Loaders: If improperly loaded cargo caused the accident, the party responsible for loading the truck may be liable.
Cargo Owners: If the freight owner’s actions, such as insisting on overloading or improperly securing the cargo, contributed to the accident.
Other Drivers: In some cases, another driver’s negligence, such as cutting off the truck, may contribute to the accident.
Government Agencies: If poor road conditions or inadequate signage were factors, local or state government agencies responsible for road maintenance may share liability.
At Papasov Law Group, we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties. We work with accident reconstruction experts, review maintenance and log records, and gather all relevant evidence to build a strong case. Our dedicated truck accidents lawyers work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve from all liable parties.
What to Do After You’ve Been in a Truck Accident in Tampa
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Tampa, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect your health, legal rights, and future compensation. Here's a list of Dos and Don'ts to follow after the accident.
Do
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms immediately.
Call the Authorities: Report the accident to the police. An official report is crucial for your case and insurance claim.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, any visible injuries, and skid marks or debris. This can help establish fault later.
Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver and any witnesses. Also, collect information about the trucking company if possible.
Contact an Experienced Attorney: Truck accidents are complex, and having a knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Keep a Record of Expenses: Keep track of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses incurred due to the accident.
Don’t
Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Liability is often complex in truck accidents.
Don’t Discuss the Accident on Social Media: Avoid posting about the accident online, as insurance companies and the opposing party may use your posts against you.
Don’t Settle Too Quickly: Insurance companies may try to offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your damages. Consult a truck accident attorney before accepting any offer.
Don’t Wait to Seek Legal Help: There are time limits for filing personal injury claims. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to receive compensation.
By following these steps, you can protect your rights and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome after a truck accident.
Tampa Car Accident Statistics
Truck accidents in Florida pose significant safety concerns due to the state's extensive highway network and high traffic volume.
In 2022, Florida recorded 368 deaths resulting from large truck crashes, making it one of the top three states for such fatalities. Approximately 7% of all fatal crashes in Florida involved large trucks.
Nationally, large truck involvement in fatal crashes has increased by 49% over the past decade. In 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes.
5,837
Large Trucks Involved in Fatal Crashes
368
Fatalities
+49%
Increase in U.S. Truck Fatalities in Last Decade
7%
Crashes in Florida with Large Trucks
Liability Insurance for Commercial Vehicles in Florida
In Florida, commercial truck operators are required to carry significant liability insurance. For trucks weighing over 26,000 pounds, including semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, the minimum required coverage is $750,000 for bodily injury and property damage in the case of accidents involving hazardous materials, and $300,000 for those that do not.
This coverage helps ensure that victims of truck accidents can receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages resulting from an accident. Our experienced heavy truck accident lawyers can navigate these complex matters and put our specialized trucking industry knowledge to work for you.
Tampa Truck Accident FAQs
If you have any questions about Florida truck accident lawsuits that aren’t answered here, please feel free to contact us and we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible:
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At Papasov Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. We only get paid if you receive a settlement or verdict, and our fee is typically a percentage of that amount, which we will be transparent with you about from our initial consultation. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal fees. We also offer a free consultation, so you can get legal advice before making any commitments.
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The amount of a truck accident settlement in Florida can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, and the insurance coverage available. On average, settlements can range from $10,000 to $100,000, but more serious accidents can result in settlements exceeding $1 million. At Papasov Law Group, we carefully calculate all the damages you’ve suffered—such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage—so that you receive a fair and just settlement.
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The length of a truck accident lawsuit in Florida can vary. On average, a case may take 6 months to 2 years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case. If your case is resolved through negotiation, it may be quicker, but if it goes to trial, the process can take longer. At Papasov Law Group, we work diligently to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
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Truck accidents in Florida are often caused by a combination of factors, including:
Driver fatigue: Truck drivers working long hours can become fatigued, impairing their reaction times.
Speeding: Trucks traveling too fast for road conditions are more likely to be involved in accidents.
Mechanical failures: Poor maintenance can lead to accidents caused by brake failures, tire blowouts, or other equipment issues.
Distracted driving: Distractions, such as texting or using a GPS, can cause truck drivers to lose focus on the road.
Improperly loaded cargo: When cargo is not secured properly, it can cause a truck to become unstable, leading to accidents.
Violating Electronic Logging Device (ELD) or Hours of Service (HOS) regulations,by driving longer than legally allowed, leading to fatigue and unsafe driving
Negligent hiring/training: Employers may fail to properly vet or train drivers, contributing to accidents caused by inexperienced or poorly qualified drivers.
Driving under the influence (DUI): Alcohol or drugs impair a truck driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
Unsafe behaviors: Illegal turns, unsafe passing, or improper braking techniques can cause dangerous accidents, especially when drivers act recklessly.
Road defects: Poorly maintained roads, potholes, and unclear road signs can contribute to accidents, especially when trucks are involved.
At Papasov Law Group, we investigate every detail of your accident to identify the cause and hold the responsible parties accountable.
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Under the Florida Tort Reform Act of March 2023, the Statute of Limitations for filing most truck accident lawsuits is now 2 years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to act quickly, as failing to file within this 2-year period could prevent you from seeking compensation. At Papasov Law Group, we ensure that all necessary legal steps are taken promptly to protect your rights.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of a trucking incident, Papasov Law Group is here to help. Our knowledge, experience, and a relentless commitment to pursuing what you deserve are key in ensuring we obtain maximum results for you. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation, consultation.
You don’t pay anything unless we win!