Truck accidents can have severe consequences, particularly in densely populated and economically vibrant cities like Tampa. As one of the key transportation hubs in the southeastern United States, Tampa sees a significant amount of truck traffic, which increases the risk of accidents.
If you’re involved in a commercial truck crash, it’s crucial to consult with a truck accidents lawyer in Tampa. A local attorney can investigate your collision to determine the cause of the accident and establish liability, helping ensure you get the compensation you need for your injuries and losses.
Tampa is No Stranger to Truck Accidents
Commercial vehicles are an integral part of the economy and everyday life. Numerous trucks traverse through Florida every single day, including the Tampa area.
Tampa is the third-largest city in Florida, behind Jacksonville and Miami. It is located on the state’s west coast and has almost 400,000 residents. Being such a large and busy city, Tampa sees countless commercial vehicles on its roads daily.
In a recent year, there were over 44,000 truck accidents in Florida. Hillsborough County (part of the Tampa metropolitan area) saw 2,781 of these collisions, which resulted in 824 injuries and 24 fatalities.
Unfortunately, commercial truck collisions are a common occurrence in Tampa. After a truck accident in Tampa, seek legal help from a qualified local attorney.
The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Tampa
Truck accidents happen for many reasons. However, in Tampa, certain causes of these collisions are more common than others, including:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a significant concern on roads across the U.S., including Tampa. Like all motorists, truck drivers are prone to distractions that can lead to accidents. Common distractions include texting, using a GPS, or conversing while driving.
With its bustling streets and complex intersections, Tampa’s urban environment exacerbates the risks associated with distracted driving. Truck drivers navigating busy downtown areas or trying to merge onto highways may allow distractions to take their attention from the road.
Fatigue and Driver Health
Driver fatigue is another major cause of truck accidents across the country. Long-haul truck drivers often face rigorous schedules and may drive for extended hours without adequate rest.
Fatigue impairs reaction times, decision-making, and overall driving performance, similar to the effects of alcohol.
Federal regulations set limits on the number of driving hours for commercial truck drivers. Violations of these regulations can mean trouble for trucking companies, especially if a driver causes an accident. Depending on the circumstances, the affected parties can hold the driver and their employer liable.
Driver Impairment
Drug and alcohol use by truck drivers can severely impair their driving abilities. Substance abuse, which is common for many truckers, increases the risk of collisions due to impaired judgment and decreased coordination.
Driving under the influence is illegal for all drivers, including commercial truck drivers. When a truck driver is found to be impaired, criminal charges can be pursued alongside civil claims for damages.
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures in trucks can cause catastrophic accidents. Issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions are often attributed to poor maintenance or mechanical defects.
Given Tampa’s heavy truck traffic and variable weather conditions, the risk of mechanical failure can be significant. For example, worn tires can be more prone to blowouts on Tampa’s highways.
Federal regulations govern truck maintenance. If mechanical failure causes an accident, liability may fall on the truck owner or the maintenance provider.
Poor Weather Conditions
Weather conditions play a big role in Florida truck accidents. Rain, fog, and high winds can make driving hazardous, particularly for large trucks that are more susceptible to weather-related challenges.
Tampa’s unpredictable weather can bring frequent thunderstorms and heavy rains. These conditions can reduce visibility and road tractions, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Drivers are expected to adjust their driving according to weather conditions. Negligent drivers may fail to take reasonable precautions and cause accidents in inclement weather.
Road Hazards and Infrastructure Issues
Poor road conditions and infrastructure problems can significantly contribute to truck accidents. Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and inadequately marked roads can pose hazards for truck drivers.
Tampa’s road network, including major highways and local streets, can suffer from wear and tear. Construction zones and improperly maintained roads may increase the risk of commercial vehicle accidents.
You may hold governmental entities responsible when road conditions contribute to a trucking collision. Claims against the government can require the assistance of a skilled truck accident lawyer.
Inadequate Training and Experience
Inadequate training and lack of experience can impair a truck driver’s ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely. Drivers need proper training to handle large trucks and navigate complex driving situations.
Tampa’s busy traffic and varied driving environments can challenge less experienced drivers. Insufficient training can lead to errors in judgment and handling, resulting in collisions.
Employers must properly educate and train drivers. You can hold the trucking company liable if an accident results from a lack of training or experience.
Poor Load Management
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can affect a truck’s stability and handling. Shifting loads or overloading can lead to accidents, especially when taking tough turns or making sudden stops. Improperly loaded cargo can make congested or narrow streets more dangerous, putting others nearby at risk.
The party responsible for cargo loading, the cargo’s owner, or the truck owner may bear liability for collisions caused by poor load management..
Proving Cause and Liability for a Trucking Collision
Two of the most critical details in truck accident cases are cause and liability. You must determine what caused your collision, as this can properly indicate fault and allow you to pursue compensation from the appropriate party.
Establishing cause and liability for a truck accident requires strong evidence.
Some of the evidence most often used in trucking collision cases include:
- Police reports: Police reports provide an official account of the accident, including statements from the drivers, witnesses, and responding officers. They often contain diagrams and details about the scene, aiding in proving how a collision occurred and who was responsible.
- Photographs and videos: Visual evidence of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and relevant road conditions can be persuasive. When available, footage from surveillance, traffic, or dashboard cameras is also particularly helpful.
- Witness testimonies: Statements from bystanders or other drivers who witnessed the crash can help corroborate the events and clarify how the accident occurred.
- Driver logs: Truck drivers must keep logs of their driving hours. These logs can help determine if the driver complied with rest and driving time regulations.
- Maintenance records: Records showing the truck’s maintenance and repair history can reveal if mechanical issues contributed to the accident.
- Company records: The truck driver’s employment records and company policies on vehicle maintenance and driver training can be relevant in assessing whether the driver or company was negligent.
- Expert testimonies: Accident reconstructionists and other experts can analyze the evidence to recreate the accident and provide professional opinions on factors like vehicle dynamics and collision impact.
Obtaining evidence to strengthen your claim can be challenging. Fortunately, truck accident attorneys know what evidence a case requires and how to acquire all available evidence and documentation to substantiate claims.
What To Do Following a Truck Accident in Tampa
After a trucking collision, you may suffer injuries and face financial burdens, but the steps you take can protect your rights to fair compensation.
Receive Medical Treatment for Your Injuries
Your health and well-being are a priority. Therefore, after a trucking collision, you should immediately seek medical attention. Even if you received medical care at the scene, follow up with an emergency medical provider or primary care physician for a more in-depth physical examination to better understand your injuries.
Receiving medical treatment is vital to your recovery but is also crucial for your case. Medical records often play a substantial role in proving injuries and monetary losses.
Report Your Accident to Your Insurer
You must still contact your insurance company even if you were not at fault for your commercial truck accident. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you can go through your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to obtain compensation.
Failing to notify your insurance company timely can negatively impact the outcome of your claim. Report your accident to your insurer as soon as you’re able.
Collect Pertinent Evidence and Documentation
Evidence plays a significant role in truck accident cases. If you collected any evidence at the scene or gathered documentation in the days following your collision, keep everything in your records. The evidence you collect, along with the evidence your lawyer obtains throughout the legal process, can help build a strong case.
Schedule a Consultation with a Florida Truck Accident Attorney
An experienced truck accident lawyer is the best ally following a commercial trucking collision. An attorney can review the details of your situation and provide much-needed guidance, support, advice, and direction for your case.
Your lawyer can take on your case and advocate for your best interests, and they will work to get you proper justice and compensation.
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Cases
Seeking money damage is one of the primary goals of a truck accident claim. In trucking collision cases, the types of damages that may be available can vary depending on the case’s specifics, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and the degree of negligence involved.
Damages can provide compensation for monetary and non-monetary losses.
Economic damages represent your tangible losses. These include:
- Medical expenses: Damages for past, current, and future medical costs related to your accident injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and other related treatments.
- Lost income: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work due to the collision. It can also include future lost earnings if your injuries affect your capacity to work long-term.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for property damage, such as the vehicle involved in the accident, including repair or replacement costs.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, stem from your intangible losses.
These damages can include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from your truck accident and injuries. It can include the immediate and lasting impacts of your injuries on your quality of life.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for the physical scarring and disfigurement you may be left with after treatment for your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for the loss of ability to enjoy activities, hobbies, and other aspects of life you previously participated in.
In addition to compensatory damages, some cases may recover punitive damages to punish the defendant for their egregious or reckless behavior.
Your truck accident attorney can thoroughly review your case to calculate your damages. Knowing how much compensation you deserve ensures you receive a financial recovery that adequately covers your current and future needs.
Following a Truck Accident in Tampa, Seek Legal Guidance Right Away
Many factors, ranging from driver behavior to road conditions, can cause truck accidents in Tampa. When you’re in a collision with a commercial vehicle, a Tampa truck accident attorney can investigate to determine the cause of the crash and hold the proper party accountable for their wrongdoing.
Don’t wait to consult a lawyer when a Tampa truck accident harms you. You don't have to face this challenging time alone. A knowledgeable Tampa personal injury lawyer can safeguard your rights and get you the desired case result.
Chris Castillo
Chris Castillo is an experienced Plaintiff’s attorney who has recovered millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of his clients from insurance companies.
He previously served with the Office of the State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit here in Tampa for the better part of a decade where he handled cases a serious as murder and vehicular homicides.