Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer

Nobody wants to plan for the eventuality of a truck accident, but unfortunately, Tampa is one of the most dangerous places in America statistically to be both a pedestrian and a driver. There are 400,000 motoring accidents in the state of Florida every single year, and truck accidents alone account for 1 in every 10 highway fatalities, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV). Just this year, three people died in a truck accident involving a cement mixer on the i-75 highway in Florida. This is why it is so important to hire a skilled truck accident lawyer.

Tampa Truck drivers actually have a much lower risk of receiving an injury or being killed than all other road users. In 2018 over 2,500 people were killed in a truck accident, but only 500 of them were the actual truck drivers.

Truck accidents in Tampa involve a wide range of vehicles, including delivery trucks, box trucks, and municipal vehicles like garbage trucks and utility trucks. These vehicles pose significant risks on the road, especially in high-traffic areas. Semi-truck accidents are also common and can cause severe damage due to the vehicle’s size and weight.

The most serious form of truck accident tends to be big rig truck accidents. For these cases, we recommend that you seek legal representation from a dedicated Tampa Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer from our team.

If you have been in a truck accident, we highly advise you to speak to a skilled and experienced lawyer. At The Law Place, we deal with cases like this all the time, and with our 75 years of combined experience in dealing cases just like yours, you will have the best chance at seeking reasonable and fair compensation for the injuries and damages you may have suffered. Call us today on (941) 444-4444 for a free case review from a skilled Tampa personal injury lawyer.

Dedicated Florida Attorneys at The Law Place

At The Law Place, clients benefit from a team of dedicated attorneys with broad legal backgrounds. For example, AnneMarie Rizzo, a former Assistant State Attorney and the only female in Florida with the Forensic Lawyer Scientist certification, brings a unique perspective on cases involving scientific evidence. She works alongside Stephen C. Higgins, recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer with a strong reputation on Avvo. With attorneys like Rizzo and Higgins, The Law Place provides clients with committed representation even in serious or complex cases, such as those involving trucks.

Tampa Commercial Truck Accident Statistics

In 2022, commercial truck accidents accounted for over 12% of all traffic fatalities in Hillsborough County, highlighting the serious risks posed by large commercial vehicles on the road. Additionally, there were 984 injuries linked to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) accidents in the county out of a total of 18,872 injuries from all crashes. With over 3,100 truck crashes in Hillsborough County alone, it ranks among the highest in Florida, surpassed only by counties like Orange with 2,747 incidents and Lee with 1,946.

Hillsborough has seen a fluctuating trend in truck accidents over recent years, peaking again in 2022 with 3,123 crashes, nearly matching the totals from prior years like 2018. For victims of these accidents, these numbers reflect the ongoing danger posed by commercial trucks and the critical need for robust legal support to navigate the aftermath of such incidents.

The Law Place’s Unique Road Traffic Camera Footage System

Why Truck Accidents Cause So Much Damage

The most common types of truck accidents in Tampa involve large trucks like 18 wheelers, semi-truck and dump trucks. The common causes that we often see include:

• Trucks weighing significantly more than a normal Tampa passenger vehicle. This means trucks take a longer time to brake. This longer break time makes it harder for a truck driver to avoid a truck accident if a driver suddenly brakes in front of them.
• Truck driver fatigue is a huge cause of truck accident cases.
• Passenger car drivers driving aggressively and trying to pass a truck driver without being mindful of the truck’s blind spot can also cause an accident if the truck driver decides to change lanes and fails to see the smaller passenger vehicle.

What Should I Do After a Tampa Truck Accident?

Hopefully, you are reading this pre-emptively, and you will never have to use the following advice, but if you do find yourself in a Tampa truck accident, here is what you should do.

• Prioritize Your Health and Safety – Firstly, your safety and your health should always be your first priority. If you are not injured and able to move, get to a safe place as soon as possible. If you can help others to do so, do that too, but only if they are not injured. Always leave an injured victim for the emergency services to deal with as they may have injuries you could make worse by moving them. Get out of the flow of traffic and to the side of the road, then call the emergency services. Florida Statute 316.062 also requires that the police are called to the scene of the accident.
• Wait For Emergency Services – Once you have dealt with the immediate danger and gotten yourself to a safe place, wait for the emergency services. First responders will be able to look after the injured, and the police will begin to make the area safe. Visiting a local medical facility like Tampa General Hospital ensures that your injuries are treated, and the medical documentation will serve as key evidence for your personal injury claim.
• Collect Evidence – When everything is safe, begin collecting evidence. Get the name, number address, and all the details of the other driver. Get their registration number and their insurance details, if possible. Take pictures of everything, the vehicles involved, the damage, and the location it happened. If there are any witnesses, get their details too. You should also get the badge number and name of any police or first responders, and this will make getting a police report later on much easier. Tampa is home to busy highways like I-4, I-275, and Dale Mabry Highway, where truck accidents often occur. Any details about these high-traffic areas can be important to your case.
• Seek Medical Attention – Once you have done all of this, get to a hospital immediately. Even if you have no visible injuries, you still need to be checked over by a health professional. Some injuries can remain dormant for days or weeks. Florida Statute 627.736 states that you have 14 days to seek medical assistance for the accident, but for your claim, it will help your case if you seek treatment for the accident as early as you can.

• Contact The Law Place – Once you have been checked over and you are in a stable mindset, it is time to contact one of our Tampa truck accident attorneys. Tell them the details of your accident and get their free advice on what you should do next. The sooner you do this, the sooner they can take on your case and lighten your load by doing the investigation, liaising with other companies and paperwork, giving you more time to spend recovering, and focusing on your own health.

Call Your Insurance Company and File a Claim

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, in line with Florida Statute 627.7407, which means that drivers are required to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance with their auto insurance policy. It also means that you have to file a claim with your insurance company for damages, even if you were not at fault in the accident.

If you have decided to hire a Tampa trucking accident lawyer, they will do this for you, if not, you will need to call them yourselves as soon as possible.

Your insurance company will likely pay for minor injuries, including a certain amount of compensation (exact amount depending on your policy) for the following expenses:

• Medical bills.
• Hospitalization fees.
• Lost wages due to the inability to work.

No-fault laws also allow you to sue the other party in case you and/or your passengers suffer more serious injuries. But the other party—not you—must be at fault for you to sue via a truck accident lawyer. In most cases, you will be suing a trucking company and not an individual.

What Will a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer Do for Me?

Usually, when you are involved with an accident with a commercial truck driver, the company they work for will send out their own investigator. They will often seem like they are investigating the accident. In reality, they will most likely be looking for ways to shift fault and lower the companies’ liability.

This is why it is so crucial to get in touch with a skilled Tampa truck accident attorney as soon as you possibly can so we can begin our own investigation before any evidence is tainted or disappears.

These are the steps we will take when we send out our investigator:

• Quick Response – We will send an investigation out as soon as physically possible. Although it is very rare that we can get to the scene immediately. We will still be able to take measurements, photos, and gain valuable information that the authorities may have missed.
• Inspect the Vehicles – If you contact us quickly enough, we can make sure we get to investigate the vehicle before it is repaired. This will allow us to take pictures of the damage and look for any clues as to what went wrong. We will also obtain the data from the truck’s black box, which stores crash information like the ones found in a plane.
• Reconstruction – The accounts of those involved in a crash can vary widely, and figuring out who is telling the truth can be a tough task. This is where accident reconstruction experts come so in handy. They can look at the crush damage and the roadway conditions as well as the skid marks and analyze what really happened.

Where Does the Fault Lie in a Tampa Truck Accident Case?

Often, with less experienced Tampa truck accident lawyers, they will focus on placing the blame on the driver. In reality, truck accidents are much more complex than that when it comes to legality. There are lots of different parties that could be healed responsible and thus liable for their part in an accident. Such as:

• The Trucking Company – In response to the high number of truck accident cases across the country, many trucking companies have set up their drivers as independent contractors in an attempt to lower their liability. This means that any accidents caused by human error can be placed on the driver. Maintenance of the vehicle is still the responsibility of the company, however.
• Mechanics – If a truck accident has happened due to a mechanical fault. The mechanics responsible for maintaining the truck could be held liable. These mechanics are often freelance and are not hired by the truck companies themselves. This means they can also face liability.
• Cargo Loaders – Some trucks can carry up to 40 tonnes in weight. If this has not been loaded correctly and evenly and the weight shifts mid-journey, this can cause a loss of control. When this happens, the loaders can be held responsible liable.

High-Risk Tampa Roads for Truck Accidents

• Veterans Expressway (SR-589) – High-traffic toll road commonly used by large trucks, with merging lanes and high speeds making rear-end collisions frequent.
• Lee Roy Selmon Expressway (SR-618) – Major east-west route for truckers, often congested near Tampa’s port and downtown, increasing accident risks.
• Dale Mabry Highway – Known for dense traffic and frequent truck collisions, complicating fault determination.
• I-4 (Interstate 4) – One of Florida’s deadliest highways, notorious for truck accidents due to congested traffic and high tourist volume.
  • Notable Stats: Fatality rate of 1.25 deaths per mile; 775 crashes since 2016; highest risk at 8 AM, with August as the worst month.
• Gandy Boulevard – Heavy commercial use and industrial traffic, with narrow lanes and high pedestrian and bicycle traffic increasing accident severity.
• I-275 (Interstate 275) – Key truck route with high traffic volumes, especially near the Howard Frankland Bridge and the I-4 interchange, leading to frequent collisions.

These roadways represent critical, high-risk areas for truck accidents in Tampa. Victims of truck crashes should consult an experienced Tampa truck accident attorney to understand their rights and pursue compensation for injuries and damages.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Tampa truck accidents can happen for lots of different reasons, but the majority of cases happen for the following reasons:

• Rushing to get the delivery there on time, which causes the driver to speed.
• Pressure to drive longer hours without taking the necessary breaks, causing driver fatigue.
• Negligent hiring of drivers who have a lack of training or drivers with a previous offense record.
• Failing to look after and maintain the safety systems of the truck, including the tires, brakes, axles, and lights.
• Neglecting to properly secure or load the cargo.
• Being distracted while driving. Things like texting, using a mobile phone, or other dangerous behavior.
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Dangerous driving such as road rage, driving too closely, cutting off other drivers, speeding, and improper lane changes.
• Failing to stop at red lights.

What is the Difference Between a Typical Truck Accident and a Big Rig Accident?

A typical truck accident in Tampa can involve smaller commercial vehicles such as delivery trucks or box trucks, which usually carry lighter loads and navigate city streets. These trucks are easier to control but can still cause significant damage in accidents.

In contrast, big rig accidents involve massive 18-wheelers or tractor-trailers, which are much heavier, harder to stop, and more likely to cause catastrophic damage due to their size and weight. Big rigs also have specific regulations and complex liability issues involving trucking companies and federal oversight.

Big rigs, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, are dramatically heavier than regular trucks (up to 10,000 pounds) and much larger than the average car, which weighs around 4,000 pounds. This size difference leads to major impacts on safety: a big rig needs about 340 feet to stop, compared to 170 feet for a standard truck and only 80 feet for a car.

In a crash, big rigs generate over 1.2 million pounds of force, versus 80,000 pounds for a regular truck. Which is one of the reasons why in 2020, big rigs accounted for over 74% of fatal truck accidents, with 83% of those fatalities being the occupants of smaller vehicles, according to the FMCSA.

These statistics highlight the critical responsibility that big rig drivers bear on the road. If you have been in an accident with a big rig, contact The Law Place for experienced guidance on your case.

Florida’s No-Fault Insurance Law

Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, which means that after a car accident, injured parties must first turn to their Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who is at fault. However, this system has its limits. PIP typically covers only up to $10,000 in medical expenses, which is often insufficient in severe truck accidents involving catastrophic injuries.

Victims of truck crashes in Tampa can step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury lawsuit if their injuries meet certain thresholds under Florida law. These thresholds typically involve significant disfigurement, permanent injuries, or the inability to perform normal daily activities for an extended period.

Federal Trucking Regulations

Truck drivers and trucking companies operating in Florida must also comply with federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern areas such as:

• Hours of Service (HOS) – Limits on how long a truck driver can operate without rest.
• Vehicle Maintenance – Ensuring that trucks are properly inspected and maintained.
• Cargo Securement – Rules to ensure that cargo is loaded and secured safely to prevent accidents.

Violations of these regulations often lead to trucking accidents. For instance, fatigued drivers who exceed the HOS limits or improperly secured cargo can cause severe accidents, especially on busy highways like I-275 and I-4 in Tampa.

Common Injuries of Truck Accident Victims

Due to the weight and size of trucks, the injuries they cause when they crash are usually more severe than a normal car accident. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Paraplegia
• Quadriplegia
• Crushed or broken bones
• Neck and back traumatic injury
• Herniated discs
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Severe burns

The medical costs that arise from these injuries can add up extremely quickly and are more than the average person can afford on their own. On top of that, they may not be able to work to their usual capacity. They may not even be able to work in a normal capacity ever again. When this happens, the damages awarded will need to be high enough to cover the loss of future earnings.

How Long Do You Have to File Truck Accident Claims?

When you are considering filing an insurance claim or a potential personal injury lawsuit in the state of Florida, it pays note to familiarize yourself with the state’s laws and the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits.

Just as with any other state, Florida has a strict statute of laws that limit the time that you have to file a truck accident lawsuit.

As of 2023, the statute of limitations in Florida has been reduced from four years to just two. This means you now have two years to file your personal injury lawsuit from the date of the accident. After this period of time, you are forever barred from making a claim regarding that particular incident.

The only time this law is relaxed is if your injuries prevent you from making a claim in the allocated time period.

Besides the statute of limitations surrounding personal injury cases, there are other reasons why you should not wait to start the process. Your attorney will be responsible for doing your investigations and building your case. With incidents like car accidents, the further from the date of the crash, the harder it is to gather evidence. Reports can be lost, witnesses can be harder to contact, and first responders may have a harder time recalling the crash. So although you have two years to claim, the sooner after the accident happened, the better the chances of a higher payout and successful Tampa truck accident claim.

What Can The Law Place do to Help

At The Law Place, we understand how overwhelming and complicated a truck accident case can be. When you choose us to represent you, our commitment is to provide comprehensive legal support tailored to your specific situation.

From the moment you entrust us with your case, we begin with a meticulous investigation. We gather all necessary evidence, including accident scene photographs, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies. Understanding the crucial role of evidence in establishing liability, we delve deeply into every detail of the accident.

A key aspect of our approach is our thorough knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations. We scrutinize the involved parties for any violations, such as issues with the truck’s maintenance or the driver’s compliance with mandated rest periods. Identifying these violations can be a turning point in strengthening your case.

One of our primary focuses is on the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. We carefully review your medical records and consult with medical experts to ensure every injury and its long-term implications are accounted for. This thorough understanding allows us to accurately quantify the compensation you need, covering everything from immediate medical expenses to potential long-term healthcare needs.

Negotiating with insurance companies can be a daunting task, but we are equipped to handle this challenge effectively. We work tirelessly to ensure that any settlement offer reflects the true extent of your damages, advocating for your rights and needs.

Should your case proceed to trial, we are prepared to represent you with a strong and convincing presentation of your case. We understand the stakes involved in truck accident cases, especially when serious injuries are at play. Our aim in the courtroom is to articulate a compelling argument that highlights your side of the story and fights for the justice you deserve.

Throughout this process, we maintain open and transparent communication with you. We believe in keeping you informed every step of the way and are always available to answer your questions and provide guidance.

At The Law Place, we are committed to easing the burden of your truck accident case, offering support, guidance, and diligent legal representation. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for you, addressing both your immediate needs and the long-term effects of the accident on your life.

Tampa Truck Accident FAQs

What are the best Tampa-specific resources for emergency medical treatment?

Tampa General Hospital is a top choice for emergency medical care and trauma services in Tampa.

Where can I find the nearest urgent care centers in Tampa?

Check TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track for nearby locations across Tampa.

Are there any Tampa hospitals with specialized trauma centers?

Tampa General Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center, providing comprehensive trauma care.

How can I contact the Tampa Police Department for accident reports?

Call (813) 276-3200 or visit their office at 411 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL.

What are the hours of operation for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office?

Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Check their website for specific service hours.

What makes truck accident injury cases different from regular car accident cases?

Truck accident injury cases often involve more complex legal and factual issues than regular car accidents. These cases may include dealing with federal trucking regulations, multiple liable parties, and typically more severe injuries due to the size and weight of trucks like semi trucks and tractor trailers.

How are catastrophic injuries handled in Tampa truck accident cases?

Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, require extensive legal experience due to their severity and long-term impact. Tampa truck accident lawyers work to ensure that compensation covers ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, and other long-term needs.

How can I ensure my medical records accurately reflect my injuries from a truck accident?

To ensure your medical records accurately reflect your injuries, seek immediate medical attention after the accident and provide detailed information about all your injuries to your healthcare provider. Regular follow-ups and keeping a personal injury journal can also help document the extent of your injuries.

How do Tampa truck accident lawyers calculate compensation for victims?

Tampa truck accident lawyers calculate compensation by considering the current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the impact of the injuries on the victim’s quality of life. They may consult with medical professionals and financial experts to ensure a comprehensive valuation of damages.

Speak to One of Our Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you want to get the best possible chance at seeking a reasonable and fair settlement for your injuries and losses, it really helps to hire a skilled, reputable personal injury law firm to fight your case.

Here at The Law Place, our team has a wealth of experience in Tampa truck accident laws. We offer a free consultation. This is no strings attached, and during this quick call, we will give you some free advice on what we think is the best course of action for you to take.

If we believe you have a valid claim and you decide to continue with representation then we will work for you on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means that you can never be left out of pocket for seeking the help you deserve.

If you do decide to hire one of our experienced truck accident attorneys, you will be able to relax, sit back, and work on your recovery, comfortable in the knowledge that our team of attorneys is fighting your corner for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today on (941) 444-4444. We are here 24/7 to take your call.

Local Resources

If you’ve been in a truck accident in Tampa, the following local resources may be helpful:

Emergency Medical Services

Tampa General Hospital

• Address: 1 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL 33606
• Phone: (813) 844-7000
• Website: https://www.tgh.org/
• Services: Level I Trauma Center, 24/7 emergency care

TGH Kennedy Emergency Center

• Address: 1301 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
• Phone: (813) 660-7200
• Services: 24/7 emergency care, no wait times

Law Enforcement

Tampa Police Department

• Address: 411 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
• Non-emergency phone: (813) 231-6130
• Website: https://www.tampagov.net/police
• Services: Accident reports, traffic enforcement

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

• Address: 2008 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
• Non-emergency phone: (813) 247-8200
• Website: https://www.teamhcso.com/
• Services: Accident reports, traffic enforcement in unincorporated areas

Legal and Support Services

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court

• Address: 419 Pierce St, Tampa, FL 33602
• Phone: (813) 276-8100
• Website: https://www.hillsclerk.com/
• Services: Court records, case information

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

• Website: https://www.flhsmv.gov/
• Services: Crash reports, driver’s license services

Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

• Address: 4000 Gateway Centre Blvd, Pinellas Park, FL 33782
• Phone: (727) 570-5151
• Website: https://www.tbrpc.org/
• Services: Regional transportation planning, safety initiatives

Remember to call 911 immediately if you’re involved in a serious accident. These resources can provide additional support and information as you navigate the aftermath of a truck accident in Tampa.