Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Tampa

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Tampa, Florida?

  813-231-6130 is the non-emergency contact number for the Tampa Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Tampa, Florida?

  The Records Section of the Tampa Police Department provides copies of motor vehicle accidents by mail, online, or in person. Police reports cost up to $2.00 per copy, $.15 per page for one-sided pages, and $.20 per page for two-sided pages. They can also be certified for $1.00.

• Do truck accident victims need a lawyer to file a personal injury protection claim after a collision in Tampa?

  Yes, because an attorney determines whether victims have grounds for a Tampa truck accident claim, reviews how much coverage victims have under their PIP insurance policies, and negotiates for the compensation victims deserve under the law.

• What percentage of a truck accident victim’s settlement does a personal injury attorney take in Tampa?

  On average, the majority of personal injury lawyers in Tampa take roughly one-third of a financial award as their payment. They operate on a contingency fee arrangement, where clients pay them only if they win their cases. The types of expenses that arise during a personal injury case include administrative expenses, investigation costs, and expert witness fees.

• How important is the MCS-90 insurance endorsement in protecting the rights of truck accident victims in Tampa to receive fair compensation?

  As an add-on to a standard insurance plan, MCS-90 helps ensure that trucking companies can pay any damages that they cause to the public, including truck accident victims in Tampa. This type of insurance endorsement requires trucking companies to comply with particular federal safety regulations.

• Why is a Tampa truck accident claim more complicated than a regular car accident claim?

  A truck accident claim is frequently more complicated than a regular car accident claim because multiple parties may bear liability for the accident, even if the accident only involved a single truck. Attorneys must also evaluate evidence such as trucking company policies, driver logs, and the victim's medical records.

• How risky is Tampa for drivers, their passengers, and everyone who shares the road with them?

  The Tampa Bay area ranks as the seventh-deadliest metropolitan area in the country in terms of pedestrian fatalities. The city of Tampa took 31st place on a list of cities with the worst drivers. The city of Tampa also ranked in fourth place when compared to other cities in terms of the number of accidents, 37th place in DUI incidents, and 46th place in speeding.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.