Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer
What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Tampa?
While there are an infinite number of truck accident causes, here are a few examples of the most common truck accident happening in Tampa. If you are a victim of personal injury after a truck accident, it is important to speak with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. Call us today at 1-800-378-1242 to receive a free consultation with one of our experienced truck crash lawyers.
1. Blind Spots/No Zone Accidents
Trucks have large blind spots, known as “No Zone” areas, along each rear side. The larger the truck, the larger the blind spot.
2. Brake Failure Accidents.
Brake failure happens for a number of reasons, including improper installation, poor maintenance, overheating, overuse, or stopping at high speeds. The heavier the truck, the higher the risk of brake failure.
3. Head On Collisions.
Head-on collisions happen when the front end of a truck collides with the front end of another vehicle. The is one of the deadliest type of accidents for passengers of the other vehicle.
4. Jackknife Accidents.
Jackknifes happen when a truck’s drive axle brakes lock up, causing the trailer to skid. The trailer only stops skidding after forming a 90 degree angle with the tractor. This type of accident frequently results in a rollover.
5. Lost Load Accidents.
When cargo is not properly loaded or secured to the trailer, it can become dislodged during route and scattered on the road, causing hazardous conditions for the vehicles behind the truck.
6. Rear End Collisions.
The heavier the truck, the more distance required to stop. The average stopping distance for an 80,000 pound truck that is driving at 65mph is 525 feet, nearly the length of two football fields.
7. Rollover Accidents.
There are many contributing factors to rollovers, including fast speeds, steep inclines or steep declines, taking a curve too fast, or over-correcting.
8. T-Bone Collisions.
T-Bones happen when a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle. These occur most often when a truck runs a red light or stop sign and crashes into the vehicle that had the right of way.
9. Tire Blowout Accidents.
Tire blowouts can be caused by improper maintenance, overloaded trailer, tire defects, or poor road conditions. Regaining control of a truck after a tire has blown can be extremely difficult.
10. Underrides/Short Stop Collisions.
Underrides are one of the most dangerous and fatal types of truck accidents. They happen when a smaller vehicle hits the back of a truck and continues underneath the rear trailer.
11. Wide Turns/Swinging Turns/Squeeze-Play Accidents.
When a truck makes a right turn, the driver will typically swing left in order to make the turn, and can often catch other vehicles in its blind.
Getting into a truck accident and getting injured is never an ideal situation, especially if the other party is responsible for the collision. But, if the unfortunate happens and you are involved in an 18 wheeler collision, it is important to get in touch with a trusted Tampa truck wreck law firm. Working alongside an established semi accident attorney, you will be able to trust that you are holding the other party fully accountable for their actions. Receiving help and legal counsel from our experienced 18 wheeler law firm ensures that you get the compensation you need and deserve after being in an accident.
Seeking Legal Counsel for Truck Crash Injuries
Hiring a Tampa Truck Collision Attorney Early in Your Case is Important
It can be difficult to know when to call a lawyer after a truck accident. Some 18 wheeler wrecks are big and life altering, clearly requiring an attorney to help sort out the legal consequences. Some smaller wrecks, however, might seem straightforward and uncomplicated. Even so, small accidents can still have significant and long-lasting damages that can lead to large personal injury settlements.
In short, it is never too early to speak with an attorney after being involved in a truck wreck and contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer should always be a high priority.
Ovadia Law Group offers free consultations with no strings attached. During your consultation, one of our experienced semi-truck injury lawyers will listen to the details of your accident and give you a straightforward and honest assessment of your case.
Call us today at 1-800-378-1242 to speak with a truck wreck lawyer and to learn all of the ways we can help you after a truck accident.
Trust an Acquainted Tampa Trailer Accident Lawyer with Your Claim
Ovadia Law group has a team of knowledgeable trailer accident lawyers who are ready to fight for your fair compensation against the insurance companies notorious for lowballing personal injury victims after a trailer accident. Insurance companies often offer unfair compensation you accident victims in efforts to save money and settle cases for as little money as possible. Should you get involved in a trailer accident, it is important to call a trailer accident lawyer who will stand up for your rights and make sure you receive the settlement you deserve from the insurance companies. As a Tampa based trailer accident law firm, Ovadia Law Group has a skilled team of trailer accident attorneys nearby who are ready to deal with the in’s and out’s of both local and corporate insurance companies. Call us today at 1-800-378-1242 to receive a free consultation with one of our reputable trailer accident lawyers.
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Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Tampa?
Tampa’s no-fault insurance system is particularly complex for truck accident victims. A specialized truck accident lawyer will fight to get you the maximum compensation possible, help you navigate beyond basic insurance limits, and prevent powerful trucking companies and their insurers from taking advantage of you. This becomes crucial when you have severe injuries, when liability is disputed, or when insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements. Studies consistently show that truck accident victims with legal representation receive significantly larger settlements.
Ovadia Law Group offers free consultations and you pay nothing unless we win money for you.
How No-Fault Insurance Works in Tampa Truck Accidents
In Tampa, your own insurance pays first after a truck accident, regardless of who caused it. However, this system has severe limitations most people don’t anticipate. Your PIP only covers 80% of medical bills and 60% of lost wages, up to just $10,000.
For truck accident injuries, which are typically catastrophic, this coverage is depleted almost immediately. Furthermore, it provides no compensation for pain and suffering. Our truck accident attorneys can help determine when you qualify to pursue claims beyond these limits and secure full compensation from the trucking company and other responsible parties.
What Compensation Are You Entitled To After a Tampa Truck Accident?
If your injuries from a truck accident meet Florida’s serious injury threshold, you may qualify for substantially more than basic PIP coverage. You could receive compensation for all medical expenses (current and future), complete lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, vehicle damage, and more. Trucking companies and their insurers often attempt to minimize payouts despite the catastrophic nature of these accidents. Our experienced truck accident lawyers know how to accurately value your claim and fight aggressively for every dollar you deserve.
How is Fault Determined in a Tampa Truck Accident?
In Tampa, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Trucking companies and their insurers typically try to shift blame to reduce their liability. We counter these tactics with comprehensive investigations, including obtaining expert testimony, analyzing electronic logging devices (ELDs), reviewing driver qualification files, examining maintenance records, analyzing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing available surveillance footage. Our team specializes in building compelling cases that properly establish liability in complex truck accident scenarios.
How Do I File an Insurance Claim After a Tampa Truck Accident?
After ensuring safety and contacting police, you must promptly notify your insurance company. Florida law requires reporting within 10 days. Exercise extreme caution when communicating with insurance adjusters, especially those representing trucking companies. Their representatives will attempt to elicit statements that undermine your claim. Before speaking with any insurance representative, contact our offices for free guidance. We can help properly document your case and manage all insurance communications while you focus on recovery.
Dealing with Uninsured Commercial Vehicles in Tampa
While commercial trucks are legally required to carry substantial insurance, approximately 20% of Tampa drivers overall have no insurance. If you’re struck by an uninsured or underinsured commercial vehicle, securing compensation becomes more challenging. We can evaluate your case to identify all potential recovery sources, including the trucking company, truck owner, cargo owners, maintenance providers, or other responsible third parties. Never assume you’re without options. Contact us to explore all avenues for compensation.
What are the Minimum Insurance Requirements for Commercial Trucks in Tampa?
Federal regulations require commercial trucks to carry much higher insurance coverage than personal vehicles. Interstate trucks carrying non-hazardous freight must maintain at least $750,000 in liability coverage, while those carrying hazardous materials may require up to $5 million. Despite these requirements, this coverage may still be insufficient for catastrophic injuries. Our truck accident attorneys can identify all available insurance policies including your own underinsured motorist protection, umbrella policies, and health insurance. We frequently discover coverage options our clients weren’t aware they had.
Common Truck Accident Injuries in Tampa
According to Tampa Bay traffic safety data, commercial truck accidents result in disproportionately severe injuries compared to standard vehicle collisions.
These injuries often include:
- Catastrophic traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and compound breaks
- Severe crush injuries
- Internal organ damage and hemorrhaging
- Limb amputations
- Severe burns from truck fires or hazardous cargo
- Permanent disfigurement
- Wrongful death
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Many truck accident injuries have long-term or permanent consequences. Our team collaborates with medical specialists to thoroughly document all injuries and their potential lifelong impacts on your health, career, and quality of life.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Tampa
Driver Fatigue: Despite federal hours-of-service regulations, driver fatigue remains a leading cause of truck accidents in Tampa, with many drivers exceeding legal driving limits on major thoroughfares like I-4 and I-75.
Improper Loading: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can cause trucks to jackknife or rollover, particularly on Tampa’s highway interchanges and exit ramps.
Inadequate Training: Some trucking companies fail to properly train their drivers on safely navigating Tampa’s busy urban areas, port facilities, and construction zones.
Equipment Failure: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues often result from inadequate maintenance and inspection of commercial vehicles operating in Tampa’s hot climate.
Aggressive Driving: Commercial drivers facing tight delivery deadlines may engage in dangerous maneuvers on Tampa’s congested highways, particularly during rush hour on major routes like I-275 and the Veterans Expressway.
Hazardous Weather: Tampa’s frequent thunderstorms create dangerous conditions for large trucks, whose stopping distance increases dramatically on wet roadways.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims
Since March 2023, Florida law gives you just two years to file a lawsuit after a truck accident, reduced from the previous four years. This deadline applies to all commercial vehicle injury cases occurring on or after March 24, 2023, while vehicle damage-only claims still have a four-year limit. Special considerations include two years from date of death for wrongful death cases and three years for claims against government entities (such as municipal waste trucks).
Don’t delay. Missing this deadline means permanently losing your right to compensation, regardless of how severe your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s liability. Seek immediate medical attention, gather evidence quickly, and contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and maximize your compensation.
