If you or someone you love has been in a wreck in Tampa with a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or commercial truck, you need to work with a truck accident lawyer who has the knowledge necessary to handle this type of injury case properly. Most of the time, there is more to these complex claims than simply the negligence of the driver.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Florida is one of the ten states that experiences the most semi-truck crashes. Tampa has more than its share of trucking accidents because we are the home of the Port of Tampa, which has a roadway system that was created to support it. If you are a victim, contact a big rig accident lawyer from Distasio Law Firm for a free consultation at (813) 285-5126.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Tampa, call (813) 259-0022
Tampa, Florida Truck Accident Lawsuit FAQs
The following are the questions our Tampa truck accident attorneys are asked by most of our clients. If you’ve been in a wreck with a big rig in Florida, you need to know the answers to these questions.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
How Much Is a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?
When Should You Call a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
What to Ask a Truck Accident Lawyer
What Damages Can You Claim in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
After a truck accident, your truck accident lawyer in Florida can claim damages for any of your expenses that are related to the crash, including your medical bills, your lost wages, and your property damage. In addition to the financial losses, there are devastating human losses that you can also claim, including:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Isolation
- Depression
- Physical pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
You may also be able to receive compensation for the cost of your future medical treatment and any wages you will lose in the future due to your inability to work because of your injuries. Our
Tampa truck accident lawyers know how to make sure the true cost of these injuries are taken into account when holding the at-fault party accountable for their actions.
How Much Is a Lawyer After a Truck Accident?
In most cases, semi-truck accident attorneys offer their services on a contingency basis, which means it won’t cost you anything upfront. Instead, you will agree upon a percentage of any settlement or award that your lawyer collects, and they will receive this sum at the conclusion of your case. If you don’t win, we don’t get paid.
When Should You Call a Truck Accident Lawyer?
You should call a truck accident attorney in Tampa as soon as possible following an accident. You may not be able to call due to your injuries, but you should have a loved one make a call on your behalf if this is the case. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin preserving the data and evidence we’ll need to prove your case and get you a settlement.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
A semi accident lawyer who doesn’t have enough experience in truck accident law may place all of the blame in your case on the truck’s driver, but the true nature of liability in these cases is typically more complex. There are other potential at-fault parties. These include:
- The trucking company: These companies often take steps to avoid responsibility, and they may also fail to follow the safety measures that are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Act.
- The owner of the trailer: In most cases, the trailer is not owned by the trucking company or the truck’s driver. The company that owns the cargo may also own the trailer, and they may not have properly maintained it.
- Trucking brokers: If a broker set up the load, they may be liable for negligence while making the arrangements.
- Truck mechanics: A mechanic may have made a mistake when they were repairing, inspecting, or diagnosing issues with the truck. In addition, they may have failed to adequately maintain the vehicle.
- Cargo loaders: When a truck’s cargo isn’t properly loaded, it can cause an accident if the truck’s driver loses control.
Sometimes the truck or trailer is defective due to faulty design or because it was altered after being sold. When this happens, the vehicle manufacturer or the entity that altered the vehicle may also be held responsible for your damages.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer
There are several reasons you need a truck accident attorney in Tampa if you’ve been involved in a crash with a big rig or other commercial truck. The following are compelling reasons that you should not try to represent yourself in a truck accident lawsuit.
Tampa Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (813) 259-0022
There May Be Multiple Defendants
Often, there is more than one responsible party in these cases. An attorney can identify all at-fault parties before the statute of limitations runs out. In Florida, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit in a truck accident case is four years, and it is two years in cases of wrongful death. Any parties who aren’t identified within this time won’t have to settle with you.
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You May End Up Negotiating With Multiple Parties
When there is more than one liable party, negotiations can get a lot more complicated. A Tampa truck accident lawyer from our firm will have the experience and knowledge to coordinate negotiations with as many parties as it takes to get your fair compensation.
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Trucking Law, Rules, and Regulations Are Complex
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires trucking companies to adhere to strict safety standards. Our trucking accident attorneys understand these safety standards and can identify when a defendant has been negligent in adhering to them.
Florida’s Insurance Laws Have Changed
As of 2013, if you are injured in a Tampa, FL, truck accident, you only have 14 days to seek treatment for your injuries. Seeking treatment is a critical part of proving your claim and collecting damages. Our attorneys will make sure you have the medical documentation you need to settle your case.
What to Ask a Truck Accident Lawyer
During your free truck accident lawyer consultation, you’ll want to ask your attorney the following questions.
- Are you experienced in truck accident cases?
- Who is responsible for my damages?
- What damages can I recover?
- Have you successfully negotiated with corporations?
- How will you get my financial settlement?
- Will you take my case to trial?
Most truck accident claims will never end up in court because the trucking company will negotiate a settlement. However, if they won’t offer you an adequate settlement, we won’t hesitate to bring them in front of a jury.
How Distasio Law Firm Can Help
The personal injury lawyers at Distasio Law Firm have helped many of our clients to navigate the complexities of filing a truck accident lawsuit in Tampa. We have the experience to handle your claim and the financial resources to take the trucking company on and get you a settlement.
Let us use our experience, resources, and knowledge of Florida law to evaluate your claim, help you find medical care, and investigate and prove your case. We will bring in expert witnesses, demonstrate the extent of your injuries, and fight to negotiate a fair settlement for you.
Call or text (813) 259-0022 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
