Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Clearwater, FL

FAQs

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

  727-562-4242 is the non-emergency contact number for the Clearwater local police station.

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

  You can obtain a copy of the police report from the Clearwater Police Department. You can access police reports online by creating an account on the website. You can also access Clearwater city police reports through the Pinellas County Sheriff's office by submitting your requests via their online request platform or in person at the Administration Building, 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, Pinellas County, FL, including the driver's last name, date of the crash, the requester's first name, address, and phone number, and your interest in accessing the report.

• What is one complication in a Clearwater truck accident claim?

  Heavy trucks in Clearwater are often owned and managed by large commercial carrier companies with insurance attorneys to handle accidents. Frequently, claims will be made against such corporations rather than the truck driver. It is rare for the trucking company to initiate an investigation quickly after the tragedy. This might complicate a truck accident claim.

• How common are truck accidents in Clearwater?

  According to a recent report, serious accidents are increasing in Clearwater. The victims of truck accidents are expected to suffer injuries ranging from minor to severe, even if the collision does not result in death. According to experts, the increase in accident rates is due to a growing population and low gas prices.

• What is the statute of limitation in a truck accident in Clearwater?

  Florida has a four-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Victims should submit their claims within this time, or their claims will be rejected. Moreover, truck accident insurance disputes in Clearwater may be huge and more time-consuming due to the victims suing a corporation rather than a person or small business. Lawyers will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare for litigation to represent victims at trial and get compensation.

• Who is responsible for paying the damages in a Clearwater truck accident case?

  Any individual in a truck accident in Clearwater who was negligent, careless, or reckless is liable for damages. All at-fault parties share responsibility for compensation in truck accident cases, depending on the causes. A government agency for poor road maintenance, a manufacturer of a defective truck, a person for overloading the cargo truck, a driver or someone who caused the crash, and the leasing and trucking companies.

• What is the minimum truck insurance amount you need in Florida?

  Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance in Clearwater is required by law. There are optional plans, including uninsured motorist coverage and liability insurance. The insurance provider minimum pays $10,000 for disability and medical benefits and $5,000 for deaths. If the at-fault party does not have insurance coverage, it will be hard to claim reimbursement. In addition, if the at-fault party does not have truck insurance, the victim must make a claim or initiate a lawsuit.

• 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.