Tampa Truck Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been involved in a Tampa car accident lawyer, you may be feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to turn. The good news is that a Tampa truck accident lawyer can help you through this difficult time. An experienced lawyer will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Truck accidents can be extremely complex, and it is important to have an advocate on your side who understands the ins and outs of these types of cases. Your lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. In addition, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement.

If you have been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Tampa truck accident lawyer today. With their help, you can get the compensation you deserve and move on with your life.

Common Trucks on the Road

There are many types of commercial trucks in the United States, each one presenting unique risks. The most common include:

• Tanker Trucks – These trucks haul liquids or gases. You’ll recognize their cylindrical shape. Because of their size, tanker trucks may roll over when making quick stops or sharp turns. The liquid or gas inside is often flammable.
• Garbage and Dump Trucks – Work vehicles pose a serious threat to anyone driving or walking in close proximity. You can often find them in residential neighborhoods carrying dry material, dirt, gravel, debris, and garbage. Cargo is sometimes top-heavy, leading to large blind spots.
• Tractor-Trailers – Also known as big rigs or semi-trucks, tractor-trailers bring cargo from one part of the country to another. They have large blind spots, a high center of gravity, and frequently distracted drivers. These trucks are perhaps the most dangerous of all commercial vehicles.
•  Flatbed Trucks – With a long, open trailer designed to accommodate uniquely shaped cargo, flatbeds may cause accidents when secured cargo becomes dislodged and comes into contact with other vehicles on the roadway.
• Tow Trucks – These trucks are generally owned by private operators. Some drivers are adequately trained. Others are not. Weighing more than 10,000 pounds, tow trucks pose a frequent danger to passenger vehicles.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

The moments and hours after a truck accident are critical. You may not be thinking clearly, but it’s important to take certain steps to protect your rights and interests.

If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road or away from traffic. If you’re unable to move, stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened and wait for help. Turn on your hazard lights to make yourself more visible.

Call 911. You’ll need to file an accident report and receive medical attention. The police will also document what happened at the scene of the accident, which will be important later on.

Do not apologize or admit fault. Anything you say to the other driver, witnesses, or the police could be used against you.

Do not sign anything without consulting a lawyer. The other driver’s insurance company may try to get you to sign a release in exchange for a quick settlement. This release will likely absolve the company of any further responsibility, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you initially thought.

Get medical attention. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not manifest immediately.

Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. These photos will be important evidence later on.

Keep a record of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more. This will be important when calculating your total damages.

Contact a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer

After a truck accident, you need an experienced lawyer on your side. The lawyers at XXX have extensive experience handling these types of cases and are ready to fight for you. We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. In addition, we will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement.

Causes of Truck Accidents

When commercial truck accidents occur, those injured deserve to know the cause. The most common causes of truck accidents include:

•  Poor Maintenance – Because commercial trucks travel thousands of miles on a daily basis, maintenance crews are responsible for regularly maintaining them. A worn brake pad, a cracked windshield, or a bad transmission can lead to serious (and sometimes fatal) accidents.
•  Faulty Equipment – Sometimes, maintenance crews do everything right, but equipment is faulty. In these situations, manufacturers can be held responsible for negligence during the production of a specific part. Your truck accident lawyer can help determine which party, if not several, should be held accountable for your injuries.
•  Driver Error – Even though truck drivers go through special training, mistakes are made that impact the lives of other drivers on the roadway. When truck drivers are tired, drunk, or under the influence of narcotics, passenger vehicles don’t stand a chance. There are strict regulations that require drivers to rest after a certain period of time, but many ignore regulations in favor of shorter trips.
•  Improper Loading – The government has developed industry-specific rules for truckers and loading teams, regulating the size, weight, length, width, and height of cargo that may be loaded at one time. When teams are negligent or reckless during loading, catastrophic accidents can occur.
•  Bad Weather – When driving in unfamiliar terrain, a truck driver should be more cautious than ever. Unfortunately, drivers with inadequate snow and ice training may skid, hydroplane, or jackknife on the roadway.

No one should have to go through the aftermath of a truck accident alone. The lawyers at Tampa Personal injury lawyers are here to help. We will fight for you so that you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless you do.