Florida Truck Accident Attorney Near You

Hire a Highly Experienced Tampa, Florida 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near You

When you’re involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler semi or another large commercial truck in Florida, the outcome for your smaller passenger car, truck, or SUV is often devastating. Due to the size, weight, and speed of the 18-wheeler, your vehicle and your passengers are at a significant disadvantage, and the damage can be catastrophic.

Following the accident, the trucking company’s insurance provider will likely make you a quick settlement offer. Their goal is to settle the matter swiftly and at a low cost to them. However, it’s essential to remember that your focus should be on ensuring that both you and your passengers’ medical and personal needs are fully met, and that all current and future expenses related to the accident, such as medical bills, lost income, and other damages, are covered.

Never agree to a settlement with a commercial insurer without consulting with a qualified injury and accident attorney first. Insurance companies often prioritize their profits over your well-being, and they may offer a settlement that does not reflect the full extent of your damages.

We have highly experienced truck accident lawyers located across the west-central coast of Florida who are ready to assess the details of your case and provide a thorough evaluation. Our attorneys specialize in handling complex truck accident cases and are committed to fighting for your rights. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis—this means if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything. This arrangement ensures that we are fully invested in securing the compensation you deserve.

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“Because of the significant weight and mass involved with tractor trailers, accidents involving trucks frequently result in catastrophic injuries or death…” – Erik G. Abrahamson, Senior Partner

Key questions to ask when hiring an experienced commercial truck accident attorney to represent you in your injury claim.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you are entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, even if you have pre-existing injuries. An expert Florida truck accident law firm can help you secure the compensation you deserve, ensuring that all aspects of your case, from medical bills to emotional distress, are addressed.

However, navigating the complexities of trucking laws, industry regulations, and corporate interests requires specialized knowledge, experience, and the determination to fight for justice. Trucking companies and their insurers often have deep pockets and legal teams working against you. For this reason, it is crucial to find an attorney who is not only knowledgeable but also has a proven track record of handling commercial truck accidents and winning cases similar to yours.

In addition to finding a lawyer with experience in truck accident cases, look for someone who is committed to providing personal attention, clear communication, and a strategic approach to your case. Your lawyer should be proactive, willing to investigate the incident thoroughly, gather essential evidence, and work with experts to establish fault and secure maximum compensation.

If you need more information from a trucking accident lawyer in Tampa contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call 866-504-2029 for a free consultation. We understand the complexity of commercial truck and 18-wheeler accident cases, especially if you’ve found yourself saying, “I was hit by a commercial vehicle.” Our team of law firms and legal professionals can go to work immediately, gathering evidence and building the strongest possible case on your behalf. We put our extensive network of resources to work, tackling even the most complex cases.

We offer a free consultation for Tampa trucking accident victims to answer your questions and help you get started with the legal process. You pay no legal fees until we recover compensation for your case. We advocate for our clients, and we will fight to get you the best possible results. If you’re looking for experienced bus accident lawyers near you, our team is also ready to assist with bus accident cases.

When a person is injured in a commercial truck accident, they may mistakenly believe that the claims process will be identical to that of a car accident. However, there are some key differences between car accidents and commercial truck accidents that are important to understand.

Because they are usually hauling cargo interstate, commercial trucks are required to follow regulations set for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations include requirements for truck maintenance, special driver’s licenses, registration and inspections, and logbooks. Violations of these regulations by either the driver or the trucking company responsible for the truck can be considered negligence. They could become the basis of claim if a violation of these regulations led to an accident that caused injury.

Truck driver negligence is often a contributing factor in a tractor-trailer and 18-wheeler accidents, but in many cases, there will be other responsible parties as well. In legal cases, our investigations frequently reveal that the following parties are to blame:

• Trucking Companies
  Sadly, trucking companies sometimes place saving money ahead of saving lives, and often take dangerous cost-cutting measures such as loading trucks beyond their capacity, foregoing adequate driver training, and ignoring the need for routine maintenance and repairs. When trucking companies make these types of poor decisions, we fight aggressively to hold them accountable for victims’ losses.
• Shipping Companies
  In some cases, a shipping company or product manufacturer may be responsible for improperly loading a truck’s cargo. Cargo issues – such as unsecured and unbalanced loads – are frequently factors in jackknife accidents and other serious truck collisions.
• Repair and Maintenance Shops
  If a brake failure or other mechanical issue caused the accident, a negligent repair or maintenance shop may be to blame. If the trucking company took the truck for regularly scheduled maintenance but the maintenance was performed improperly, the shop may be financially liable for your accident-related injuries and losses.
• Truck Manufacturers
  In cases involving truck defects, the truck manufacturer may be liable as well. Examples of defects that can lead to traffic wrecks include defective tires, defective brakes, and defective bed straps for securing cargo.
• Other Responsible Parties
  Of course, not all truck accidents are solely caused by truck drivers and truck-related issues. Did another driver make a mistake that caused the truck driver to lose control? Did another vehicle have a tire blowout that led to a pileup involving a tractor-trailer? Did an issue with your airbag cause additional injuries? These are all questions that we will seek to answer in order to help make sure that we will fight for the largest possible financial recovery for your losses.

IMPORTANT: In Florida, You May Be Able to Recover Even if You Were Partially at Fault

Importantly, Florida law allows accident victims to recover damages so long as their percentage of the fault does not exceed 50%. Never assume that you are not entitled to financial recovery. Legal cases, especially those involving a commercial truck accident settlement, are often exceedingly complex, and we have the background, experience, and reputation necessary to try to secure just compensation on your behalf.

Due to their sheer size and immense weight, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial trucks are inherently more dangerous than other vehicles on the roads. They are more difficult to maneuver, take longer to stop, and can easily become out of control when something goes wrong.

When you add in the fact that many drivers are inadequately trained and exceed the driving hours permitted by federal regulations, it is no wonder that so many innocent individuals in Tampa and throughout Florida fall victim to trucking accidents every year.

Not Enough Space to Turn or Stop

Because of their size and weight, maneuvering an 18-wheeler around corners and through traffic takes a certain skill from the driver.  If a driver encroaches on their turning space when making a right-hand turn – or cuts off their braking space before coming to a stop – an accident may inevitably happen. Because Florida is a Comparative Negligence state – an accident may not be 100% the 18-wheeler driver’s fault, and that may reduce some of the compensation you may seek, as the injured party.

The best way to sort out a fair amount of fault for both parties is to ensure you have proper representation when settlement discussions occur. An experienced Florida 18-wheeler accident lawyer who only works for you is there to help during negotiations.

Truck Accidents Due to Road Conditions

In Florida, 18-wheeler accidents related to weather mostly occur due to excess water on the roads, excessive rain, poor visibility due to fog, or heavy winds.  Traveling in dangerous weather conditions may result in the 18-wheeler hydroplaning, changing lanes unexpectantly and possibly sliding into other vehicles causing a serious accident.  If you’re injured either from being hit by an 18-wheeler, or because you had to swerve to avoid a more serious accident – you are entitled to care, repair, and in some cases compensation beyond medical care and rehabilitation.

Driver Error in 18-wheeler Accidents in Florida

These large vehicles have a lot of moving parts and a wide variety of rules and regulations that govern their operation within the State of Florida and across the country. Many drivers work diligently to follow the rules and regulations and ensure they’re as safe as they can be on the road. Unfortunately, accidents can happen and drivers do make errors. They may drive for longer than they’re allowed or take substances to keep them awake to ensure on-time delivery.  The trucking company may put undue pressure and unreasonable expectations on their drivers to get the cargo in no matter what.  These situations can inevitably lead to errors and accidents that can be avoided.  As you can see just from the scenarios mentioned, there are many moving parts to an accident case involving driver error. Only an experienced Florida truck accident attorney can help sort out fault and responsibility in these cases to protect your best interest.

Other Florida Truck Accident Causes

Our accident law firm regularly represents victims of injuries and family members of individuals who have been killed in truck accidents caused by many factors, such as:

• Distracted driving (such as texting, reading maps, or eating behind the wheel)
• Driver fatigue
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Falling asleep behind the wheel
• Faulty brakes, tire failures, and other mechanical problems
• Following too closely
• Improper maintenance and inspections
• Inadequate driver training
• Overloading and unsecured loads
• Speeding or driving too fast for weather or road conditions

There are many other possible causes as well. Regardless of the cause, if you have been injured and someone else is to blame, the truck accident attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk will fight vigorously for full and fair financial compensation for your accident-related losses.

Truck accidents can occur at any time and can result in catastrophic injuries to other motorists. Often times the driver of the truck has acted negligently in causing an accident and can be held liable for any injuries. However, truck accident cases are unique in that it is often the negligence of a driver’s employer that can be responsible for an accident. Employers can be negligent in a number of different ways.

Negligent Hiring Practices

Employers are required to ensure that their drivers have clean driving records and criminal background checks have been reviewed. Employers should not allow drivers on the road who have previously caused accidents. Employers who hire drivers with DUIs on their record, previous history of accidents, and a history of drug and alcohol may be held liable for injuries caused by their drivers.

Inadequate Training or Failure to Train

Employers should ensure that all of their drivers have received proper training before allowing them to operate their trucks. This is especially true for employers that hire inexperienced drivers right after they earn their CDL (Commercial Driving License). Employers have a responsibility to provide adequate training for these drivers and make sure they know how to handle a large vehicle.

Inadequate Vehicle Inspection

Employers are responsible for ensuring that all of the trucks in their fleet are in good working order. Employers must also make sure that all trucks go through their required annual inspection.  Failing to inspect things like headlights, taillights, and tires can result in catastrophic accidents.

Failure to Properly Load Vehicles

Employers must make sure that vehicles are properly loaded before they are allowed on the road. If an employer allows a truck to go out with an unbalanced or unsecured load, the consequences can be tragic. Unsafe loads can lead to accidents and if part of the load falls off the truck, this can cause an obstruction in the road for other drivers.

Disregarding Trucking Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has dozens of regulations designed to prevent truck accidents. These regulations include a limit on the number of hours a driver is supposed to be on the road. When employers fail to follow trucking regulations, and an accident occurs, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries.

Crash data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles paints a sobering picture of the trend in frequency and devastation of commercial truck accidents in Tampa / Hillsborough County.

Because these vehicles are so large, an accident with a car or motorcycle can be severe.  While we hope for just bumps and bruises, the potential for a permanently catastrophic injury is high.  Here are just a few injuries we’ve seen our clients come to us after an accident with an 18-wheeler.

Back, Neck & Spine Injuries

Because many truck accidents result in a passenger vehicle rolling over or being crushed, back, spine, or neck injuries are common.  Many of these types of injuries require surgery, extended hospitalization, and rehabilitation. Ensuring you have the necessary medical funds available from a settlement is one way we take care of our clients.

Knee or Foot Injuries

Being trapped in the car can result in an entrapment injury to the legs, causing severe injury to the knees or feet. Because we require these extremities to perform daily functions as we live our lives, ensuring you have the absolute best care to recover as fully as possible is our highest priority.

Head Injuries After 18-wheeler Accidents

At a minimum, a concussion can be debilitating and have long-lasting effects depending upon the severity.  When the injured party is hit or runs into an 18-wheeler, the potential for extensive and long-term head injury can be high. From traumatic brain injury diagnosis to a low-grade concussion – brain injuries can be fairly common. As your vehicle is hit – the jarring, spinning, rolling and just severe rocking back and forth can cause a variety of trauma to the brain.

We have had the privilege of representing trucking accident victims in Tampa for over 35 Years. We are proud to have achieved millions in recoveries for our clients. Below you’ll find a couple of examples of truck accident settlements and jury verdicts we’ve obtained for those we represent. To learn more about the average settlements for 18-wheeler accidents in Florida here.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case.

The highly-experienced Florida personal injury law firm of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk also provides:

• Car accident lawyers in Florida
• Guide to Florida Car Accident Law
• Motorcycle accident lawyers in Florida
• Slip & fall lawyers in Florida
• Truck accident lawyers in Florida
• Bicycle accident lawyers in Florida
• Brain injury lawyers in Florida
• Birth injury lawyers in Florida
• Pedestrian accident lawyers in Florida
• Florida Red Light Car Accident Settlement Lawyers
• Construction accident lawyers in Florida
• Wrongful death lawyers in Florida
• Actos injury lawyers in Florida
• Boating accident lawyers in Florida
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• Defective drugs medical device lawyers in Florida
• Dog bite lawyers in Florida
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