Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Brandon, FL

FAQs

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

  Contact 204-729-2345 to report non-emergency accidents in Brandon.

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

  Get a copy of a police report for an accident in Brandon at the Records section of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 1900 East 9th Avenue, Freddie Solomon Annex. Alternatively, request online by visiting https://hillsboroughsheriff.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(mzecihlqeqimylhvhhvro4hs))/RequestLogin.aspx?

• What can a truck accident survivor in Brandon do if the insurance is not enough to cover damages?

  A truck accident survivor in Brandon can file a lawsuit against the driver if his or her insurance is not enough to cover damages. Trucking companies or owners are often liable for an incident and have sufficient financial resources to provide compensation to injury victims compared to common car operators. However, it is recommended to speak to an attorney to protect legal rights and obtain full remuneration.

• What is the time limit for a truck accident victim in Brandon to file a lawsuit?

  The time limit for a truck accident victim in Brandon to file a lawsuit is four years. However, if the victim is deceased, the relatives have only two years after the date of death to take legal action. Filing early is recommended to give legal counsel enough time to gather time-sensitive evidence and injury or car wreck information. This proof can help construct a robust case that demonstrates negligence and the damages for which compensation can be claimed.

• Can truck accident victims in Brandon still recover damages if they were partially at fault?

  Yes, truck accident victims in Brandon can still recover damages if they were partially at fault. However, the amount of compensation one can receive may be reduced based on the percentage of liability. In case of an accident involving multiple parties responsible, an injured individual can file claims with the insurance companies of all the accountable entities.

• Are truck drivers always liable for truck accidents in Brandon?

  No, truck drivers are not always liable for accidents in Brandon. Negligent behavior of other drivers or pedestrians can cause an accident. While the truck driver may hold primary responsibility for driving decisions such as driving while distracted, tired, or under the influence, external factors like a trucking company's hazardous policies or poor vehicle maintenance can contribute to or even cause accidents. In some cases, a mechanical failure due to the truck or part manufacturer may be responsible for the accident.

• When can tanker truck companies be sued for an accident in Brandon?

  Tanker truck companies can be sued for an accident in Brandon if they violate the guidelines imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This may include failure to comply with the safety program, disregard for the potential cost of unsafe activities, lack of incentivization for safe driving behavior, and failure to discipline drivers who ignore safety regulations. These delinquencies may be grounds for holding companies responsible for any injuries sustained in an accident.

• 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.