In St. Petersburg, it is not uncommon to see debris on the side of the road. Large commercial trucks haul different materials and goods, from the groceries you eat to the lumber or metal needed for construction. These objects are usually hauled quite a distance. A key safety measure for truck drivers and trucking companies is ensuring each load is secure and does not pose a risk of falling off during transport. However, if the truck has been overloaded or a driver has not checked the load properly, then there may be objects or materials that come loose. If falling debris from a commercial truck causes a car accident, the truck driver and others involved may be liable for the accident, and you could be entitled to compensation.
Debris that falls off a commercial truck can vary in size depending on the materials which are being hauled. A flatbed trailer may have materials that are tied down, but they can still become loose and fall into the road. When these incidences occur, and a car accident is caused, then it is a complicated matter to determine who is at fault and who should pay for the injuries that have been caused by the debris.
At The Law Place, our car accident lawyers are highly experienced and can take on large companies or organizations if needed. Hire a law firm that cares about your case and the attorney-client relationship, ensuring that you are looked after. For a free consultation or legal advice, call now on (941) 444-4444.
Who Is at Fault for Unsecured Load Accidents in St. Petersburg, FL?
The driver of the truck is always partially at fault if they have an unsecured load that causes a car accident. It is their responsibility to ensure their vehicle is safe whenever they get behind the wheel. However, depending on the conditions of your case, there may be others that are liable in these types of accidents. For example, the company that loaded the truck may be liable if they did not make sure it was secured. These cases can be complex, which is why you need an experienced lawyer on your side.
A truck being overloaded, a defective car part, or people intentionally littering could also create debris that causes car accidents. If the injury was avoidable as it was caused by someone else’s negligence, then another party could be liable. For example, it is the local authorities’ duty to clear away debris, and if it has been left for some time, then a government organization will be liable if the debris has caused serious injuries.
Due to Florida’s comparative fault laws, you could potentially result in sharing some of the responsibility. For instance, if you were on the phone whilst the accident was caused, then you could be partly at fault for being distracted whilst driving. If so, your settlement will be reduced. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault, then your settlement will be reduced by 30%. You will need to be less than 50% at fault to still be able to make a claim.
The other party may try to prove that you were at fault. This is most common when a governmental organization or a large company is involved. Finding a dedicated personal injury lawyer is essential. At The Law Place, we will ensure that your best interests are being represented and that you are not being taken advantage of. If we think you have a case, we will fight for it.
It is vital to determine who is at fault to make a successful claim and receive compensation. The Law Place has personal injury lawyers who can provide you with a free consultation and legal advice before carrying out an investigation to find out who is at fault.
What to Do After a Loose Objects Car Accident in St. Petersburg, FL?
Traveling down the St. Petersburg interstate comes with its own risk. It is your responsibility to ensure you are following the speed limit and paying attention to the road. But what happens when flying debris from another vehicle hits your car? You have ensured that you are driving safe, and now you have been involved in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence.
Call Emergency Services
You are obligated to report the accident, especially if there are any injuries or damage to property. If you feel as though you have sustained serious injuries or cannot get out of your car, then you also need to call an ambulance. Explain what injuries you have, whether that is a broken arm or a head injury; the emergency services need to know the extent of your accident.
However, if you feel like you can move, then you do your best to get out of harm’s way before making the call. Don’t forget you are in the flow of oncoming traffic; your accident could lead to multiple car accidents in a short amount of time.
If you do not think your injuries are serious but find they have worsened over time, Florida Statute 627.736 states that medical expenses can be compensated if reported up to 14 days after the motor vehicle accident.
Gather Evidence
If you are not seriously injured, then try to collect evidence that is relevant to the accident. If the responsible party stops, collect their personal and vehicle information also. Taking photographs is an easy way to document property damage, your injuries, any vehicles, and the surrounding areas. This information will help you when filing a claim later on.
Contact Your Insurance Company
It is essential that you contact your insurance company straight after an accident. Be wary that your insurance company will be trying to save money, so be careful not to admit fault or declare the extent of your injuries.
Contact a Lawyer
Contacting a law firm allows them to speak to insurance companies on your behalf, and if we believe you have a claim, then we can start gathering information right away. Choosing a law firm in the St. Petersburg area can be difficult. We recommend you contact us at The Law Place. We can offer you a free consultation and legal advice, as well as prioritizing your needs and the attorney-client relationship before anything else.
Act Quickly
Contacting a law firm as soon as possible means that your investigation will be as accurate as possible, and evidence will still be fresh. As this is an unnerving time, you may want to wait and see the extent of your damages and injuries. However, overtime CCTV is deleted, any damages can be fixed, and debris will be cleared away.
If your accident was caused by debris that had fallen from a truck, then your attorney at The Law Place can gather the information from the truck’s black box or EDR. However, any hesitation within the investigation can lead to this evidence being destroyed or tampered with before it can be collected.
If you are unsure if you can still make a claim, do not be worried, the statute of limitations in Florida for a personal injury is four years. If you have any queries, contact us today to see how we may be able to help you with your claim.
We’re here to serve you. Our phones are open 24 hours a day. St. Petersburg Personal Injury Damages
Driving a car is a common part of everyday life. No one expects to be in a car accident, but all car accidents result in damages such as medical bills and property damage. The effect of the accident may extend well beyond the moment of collision. Your injuries could be lifelong and medical bills could be never-ending. Victims of St. Petersburg car accidents may face the consequences for months or even years to come.
A personal injury lawyer will help you figure out how much you are owed in compensation and ensure your case is dealt with. Whilst the pain and suffering caused by your injuries can not be taken away by money. We can help you get your life back. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, the damages you could be owed in compensation will be outlined to you, listed below are some common examples.
- Medical bills and future medical bills – Medical bills increase drastically after a car accident, and your insurance policy might not cover the full costs of your injuries. A personal injury lawyer can assist your case and ensure you receive compensation for any past and future medical bills.
- Loss of employment or wages – It is surprising how much can be lost in wages from one car accident. It is essential that your personal injury lawyer helps you figure out how much of your wages you have lost and how must you could potentially lose in the future.
- Wrongful death – If the car accident results in death, then under Florida Statute 768.21, the individual’s family has the right to file a lawsuit for wrongful death. This claim can be for funeral costs and loss of income within the household. In this case, your personal injury attorney will ensure that your claim is dealt with delicately.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation is available if you have suffered any emotional trauma due to your injuries following your accident. However, it can be hard to justify compensation for such illnesses. Damages of this kind are complex and can consist of loss of enjoyment of an activity you could do prior to the accident; an example, in this case, would be driving. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you receive compensation for these injuries by evidencing your claims. Contact The Law Place for a free consultation in regards to your accident.
We’re Florida’s top litigation team with over 75 years of combined experience How Much will a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
The Law Place works on a contingency plan; this means that there are no upfront costs. Our legal fees will be taken from your settlement, meaning if you don’t win, there will be no fees. The State Bar Association of Florida monitors contingency work, and guidelines have been put in place to protect victims from unnecessary legal fees.
Once you have received your free consultation, you are under no obligation to commit to being represented by us. If you do decide to be represented by us, then our team will review your case. As each case is unique, an attorney will be assigned from our team who can help you the most.
Your job then is to relax and focus on recovering from your accident. Your attorney will discuss details with insurance companies, collect evidence, calculate damages, and then assign fault.
From the initial call to updates on your case status, we are here to get you answers. Contact The Law Place Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that involved loose objects or debris in St. Petersburg, then you will need a lawyer that is experienced with Florida law to receive compensation.
Most accidents involving debris are often avoidable and involve several parties who must be held accountable for their actions, hopefully preventing further mistakes. We are dedicated to helping people like you who have suffered due to someone else’s negligence.
Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meaning that we are available to help you at any time you may need us. Call today for a free consultation or legal advice on (941) 444-4444.
