Florida Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents can be extremely dangerous. This is because trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. When a truck is involved in an accident, it can cause serious damage to other vehicles and even lead to fatalities.
If you are a truck accident victim, you may be entitled to compensation. To find out if you have a case, you should speak with a qualified truck accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and help you determine whether you are eligible for compensation.
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we have years of experience helping people like you get the money they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. We know what it takes to win a Florida truck accident claim, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Serving Tampa, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, St Petersburg, and the surrounding areas, we are passionate about fighting for you.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Many factors can contribute to a semi-truck accident. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Speeding
The vast majority of large truck accidents are caused by human error. In many cases, speeding is a factor. When a truck is speeding, it takes longer to stop and is more likely to lose control of the road. This can lead to severe accidents that result in injuries or even death.
Fatigue
Another common cause of truck crashes is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours, and they may not get enough rest. This can make them more likely to fall asleep at the wheel or make other mistakes that lead to an accident.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another leading cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers may try to pass other vehicles on the road, make sudden lane changes, or engage in other risky behaviors. This can put other motorists at risk and can lead to serious accidents.
Poorly Maintained Trucks
Trucks must be adequately maintained to be safe on the road. However, some trucking companies do not maintain their vehicles properly. This can lead to mechanical problems that can cause accidents.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
If a truck is not loaded correctly, the cargo can shift during transport. This can cause the truck to lose control and lead to an accident.
All of these factors can contribute to serious accidents. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek legal help. A qualified Florida truck accident lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve.
Trucking Regulations in Florida
Trucking regulations are set at the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations apply to all commercial truck drivers, regardless of their state.
Some of the most important trucking regulations include:
- Truck drivers must take a break after driving for eight hours
- Truck drivers must keep a log of their hours
- Truck drivers must undergo regular medical exams
- Trucks must be properly maintained
If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, it is important to speak with a lawyer who is familiar with the trucking regulations. A qualified lawyer will be able to determine if the truck driver or trucking company violated any regulations.
Types of Truck Accidents
Underride Truck Accidents
One type of truck accident that is particularly dangerous is an underride truck accident. This occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with the back of a tractor-trailer and becomes wedged underneath.
Jackknife Truck Accidents
Another type of dangerous truck accident is a jackknife truck accident. This occurs when the trailer of a tractor-trailer swings out, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab.
Rollover Truck Accidents
Rollover trucking accidents are also very dangerous. This occurs when a truck overturns, either onto its side or its roof.
Runaway Truck Accidents
A runaway truck accident is another type of accident that can be very dangerous. This occurs when a truck loses its brakes and careens out of control.
Tire Blowout Truck Accidents
A tire blowout truck accident occurs when a tire on a tractor-trailer blows out, causing the truck to lose control.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a truck accident, there are some important steps you should take:
- Call the police and make sure they come to the scene of the accident
- Get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you are injured
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident
- Collect the contact information of any witnesses
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to speak with a qualified truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will be able to investigate your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
When Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Ideally, you should contact a law firm to hire a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. This will allow your lawyer to begin investigating your case and gathering evidence.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to investigate your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. Some of the ways a lawyer can help you include:
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
- Filing a wrongful death lawsuit
- Negotiating with the truck driver’s insurance company
- Dealing with the trucking company’s insurance company
Injuries Commonly Caused by Truck Accidents
Some of the most common injuries caused by truck accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
If you have been involved in a truck accident, getting medical attention as soon as possible is important. Our experienced Florida truck accident lawyers will help you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills.
Negligence In Florida Truck Accidents
Under Florida law, truck drivers and trucking companies must exercise a certain degree of care when operating their vehicles. If they fail to do so and an accident occurs, they can be held liable for any damages caused.
Comparative Negligence in Florida Truck Accidents
The fault system in Florida has changed significantly under HB 837, replacing the pure comparative fault system with a “greater percentage of fault” model. This model implies that if a party is determined to be more than 50% responsible for their own harm, they will be barred from receiving any compensation for their damages. This puts a greater weight on the victim to prove the other party’s liability of over 50%, which is why it’s critical to have a competent personal injury attorney advocating for you throughout the process.
Who Is At-Fault in a Truck Accident Case?
The Trucking Company
In many truck accident cases, the trucking company can be held liable for the accident. This is because the company is responsible for hiring and training truck drivers. The company is also responsible for maintaining the trucks and complying with state and federal regulations. If the company fails to do so and an accident occurs, it can be held liable for any damages caused.
In some cases, the company may also be held liable for negligence if it did not properly supervise the truck driver or failed to take action when it knew or should have known that the driver was engaging in unsafe driving practices.
The Driver
The truck driver can also be held liable for the accident. This is because the driver has a responsibility to operate the truck safely.
If the driver fails to do so and an accident occurs, they can be held liable for any damages caused. In some cases, the driver may also be held responsible for negligence if they were engaging in unsafe driving practices at the time of the accident.
The Trucking Company and Driver
If both the trucking company and driver are at fault, they will be liable for any damages caused by the accident. One party may be more at fault than the other in some cases. In these cases, the more at-fault party will be liable for more damages.
The Manufacturer
In some cases, the truck or truck parts manufacturer can be held liable for the accident. This is because the manufacturer has a responsibility to ensure that its products are safe for use. If the manufacturer fails to do so and an accident occurs, it can be held liable for any damages caused.
Florida Truck Accident Damages
If you have been involved in a Florida truck accident, you may be entitled to recover damages. These can include:
- Medical expenses – This can include hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost wages – This can include lost income from being unable to work and loss of future earnings.
- Pain and suffering – This can include physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property damage – This can include damage to your vehicle or other property.
An experienced lawyer will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Filing A Truck Accident Claim In Florida
If you have been involved in a Florida trucking accident, you will need to take certain steps to file a claim. The first step is to contact an experienced lawyer who can help you with your case.
Your lawyer will gather evidence relating to the accident. This can include pictures of the damage, witness statements, and the police report. They will also use your medical records and bills to document your injuries, build your case, and prove negligence.
Once the case is investigated thoroughly, your lawyer will file a claim with the insurer and offer a settlement. If you disagree with the settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit for you.
Do not hesitate to contact a lawyer if you have been involved in a Florida truck accident. An experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Factors That Impact Your Truck Accident Lawsuit
The Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries will play a major role in the amount of damages you can recover. If you have suffered severe injuries, you may be entitled to recover more damages than if you had suffered minor injuries.
This is because serious injuries can have a greater impact on your life and cause you to suffer more pain and suffering.
Fault
The court will apportion liability between the parties based on their degree of fault. If you are partially at fault for the accident, it will impact the amount of damages you can recover. This means that if you were 40% at fault for the accident, you would only be able to recover 60% of the damages.
It is important to speak to a lawyer to determine how liability will be apportioned in your case.
The Statute of Limitations in Florida
The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. This means that if you do not file a lawsuit within two years of the accident, you will be unable to recover damages.
What Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Do For You
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we focus on helping you and your family recover. We pursue personal injury lawsuits, and wrongful death claims to obtain full compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and more.
With over 22 years of experience, we draw on constant medical research to help clients recover after being injured in motor vehicle accidents in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas. Founding personal injury attorney, Fran Haasch, is a lifetime member of the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum and a member of the American Association for Justice, the Florida Justice Association, and the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association.
Our attorneys are skilled and experienced litigators. We are not afraid to take your lawsuit to trial if necessary. No matter how complicated your case, our firm is here to help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.
We Get You the Compensation You Deserve
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, our personal injury attorneys understand that no amount of financial recovery can undo what you have been through. However, a fair settlement or jury verdict can ease the financial burden of unexpected medical bills, lost income, and other economic and non-economic damages associated with your accident.
We have obtained multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases involving auto accidents and claims concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.
Here are a few of our car accident case results:
- $1.8 million for our client in Pinellas County who was injured in an auto accident
- $1.8 million for a 33-year-old female client in Hillsborough County who was lawfully stopped for a left-turning vehicle ahead when she was rear-ended by the defendant vehicle, which was then rear-ended by the vehicle behind it, causing the client to feel two impacts. This resulted in multiple back surgeries and an infection which caused the client to be hospitalized several times.
- $1.6 million for a 25-year-old female passenger on a motorcycle when the defendant cut across the client’s path. The client was thrown over 200 feet from the motorcycle. The accident resulted in a fractured leg, broken finger, back surgery, and many other injuries.
- $1.55 million for a 46-year old male in Pasco County who was stopped at a red light on U.S. Highway 19 in Pasco County and was rear-ended by the defendant at a high rate of speed.
- $1.35 million for a client in Pasco County. The defendant turned left in front of our client, causing the client’s vehicle to flip and resulting in many injuries.
- $1.34 million for a 69-year-old male client in Orange County who was in the left turn lane when the defendant came across his pathway while attempting to turn and collided with the client. The accident resulted in multiple severe injuries, including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, punctured lung, a broken arm that required surgery, and several lacerations.
- $1.3 million for a 33-year-old female client in Pinellas County who was rear-ended while stopped at a traffic light with her three children in the car with her. The accident resulted in multiple surgeries and complications.
- $1.025 for our client injured in a car accident in Hillsborough County.
- $1.0 million for a client in Hillsborough County rear-ended in stop-and-go traffic on the interstate.
Contact an Experienced Florida Truck Accident Attorney Today
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed, secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and bicycle, rideshare, and semi-truck accidents victims.
If you feel you have been the victim of a serious car crash through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or contact us online to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case.
