Best Truck Accident Lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the St. Petersburg police station is 727-893-7780.

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

  The St. Petersburg Police Department provides online access to accident reports. Crash reports are exempt from public disclosure for 60 days after the accident. Only accident parties, their legal representatives and insurance agents, the State Attorney's Office, radio and television stations, newspapers, and any state or federal agency are authorized to have access.

• What kind of compensation is available to truck accident victims in St. Petersburg?

  Most truck accident victims in St. Petersburg obtain compensation such as lost wages for their inability to work, as well as medical expenses which consist of medication, hospital stays, doctor bills, home medical equipment, and rehabilitation. They can also seek compensation for loss of life quality, pain and suffering, emotional stress, dealing with deformity, loss of pleasure from daily activities, and loss of companionship.

• Who is potentially at fault in a truck accident in St. Petersburg?

  Those who may be liable for a truck accident in St. Petersburg include the truck driver, the trucking company through direct negligence or vicarious liability, the company that attached the tractor-trailer, the manufacturers, the leasing company, and the cargo loading company. Lawyers have the resources to investigate the causes of truck accidents and determine negligence's involvement.

• How frequent are truck accidents in St. Petersburg/Florida?

  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, statistics show that in 2021, truck accidents killed 345 people and injured 5,161 others in Florida. There have been 126 fatalities and 1,809 injuries caused by truck collisions as of October 2022. According to these statistics, Florida accounts for more than 7% of all fatal truck crashes in the United States.

• What are the common types of truck accidents in St. Petersburg/Florida?

  The most common types of truck accidents in Florida, where St. Petersburg is located, include T-bone accidents, wherein the front end of the truck collides with the side of a smaller vehicle; jack-knife accidents, when a trailer and cab of a tractor slide toward each other; rollover accidents; head-on collisions with another large truck; override and underride accidents; and rear-end collisions.

• What is tailgating in St. Petersburg?

  Tailgating in Florida is defined as following a vehicle at a closer distance than is reasonable, given the pace of traffic. Drivers in St. Petersburg should understand the dangers of tailgating and how their actions may lead to an accident. Massive trucks must allow plenty of space for the cars in front of them; if they don't, they endanger the driver and passengers in front of them. A tailgating truck driver won't have enough time to respond and slow or stop their vehicle.

• 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.