When a truck accident happens in Tampa, the consequences can be serious. Commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds compared to a typical passenger vehicle at 4,000 pounds. This massive weight difference means truck accidents often cause severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our Tampa truck accident lawyers understand the details of these cases and have the resources to take on large trucking companies and their insurance carriers. We’ve recovered over $250 million for clients nationwide, including a $19.1 million settlement for a mother and daughter killed by a semi-truck and $1.8 million for a trucking accident victim. Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (813) 605-1100 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Your Tampa Truck Accident Case
Truck accident cases require attorneys who understand both the legal details and the serious impact these crashes have on victims and their families. Our Tampa legal team brings decades of combined experience handling commercial truck accident cases throughout Florida. We represent clients in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and throughout the region with dedicated focus on truck accident litigation.
Our attorneys have secured substantial recoveries for accident victims, including a $19.1 million settlement for a mother and daughter killed by a semi-truck and $1.8 million for a trucking accident victim. While every case is unique, our track record demonstrates our commitment to pursuing strong compensation for our clients. Our case results speak to our ability to handle complex commercial vehicle claims.
Attorney Gregg Spagnolia handles cases from our Tampa office. He brings nearly a decade of experience in Florida personal injury law. Our team understands Florida’s truck accident laws, insurance requirements, and court procedures that impact your case. We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, representing less than 1% of attorneys nationwide. Our firm has earned Super Lawyers recognition for founding attorney Ross Jurewitz and has been featured in Time and Newsweek magazines for leadership in personal injury law.
We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case. Additionally, we advance all case expenses, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal work. We exclusively represent injury victims—never insurance companies or trucking companies—so your interests are always our priority.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Tampa
Understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Tampa helps identify potentially liable parties and establish fault in your case. Many truck accidents result from driver error, vehicle defects, or company negligence. Identifying the root cause is essential for building a strong liability case.
Driver fatigue represents one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Federal regulations limit how many hours truck drivers can work, but many companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits or falsify logbooks. Distracted driving, including texting or using mobile devices, significantly increases accident risk. Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors reduce reaction time and increase the severity of collisions. Improper cargo loading can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents, especially when loads shift during transit. Vehicle maintenance failures, including brake problems and tire blowouts, frequently cause accidents. Inadequate driver training and failure to follow safety protocols also contribute to many crashes. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction time, making accidents more likely and more severe.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Truck accidents take many forms, each presenting unique challenges and liability issues. Our Tampa truck accident attorneys have extensive experience handling all types of commercial vehicle crashes. Understanding the specific type of accident is crucial for determining liability and damages.
- 18-wheeler and tractor-trailer accidents involve the largest commercial vehicles on the road. These accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to the massive weight and force involved.
- Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, often causing multi-vehicle collisions.
- Rollover accidents happen when trucks tip over, frequently crushing other vehicles or ejecting cargo onto roadways.
- Underride accidents occur when smaller vehicles slide under the trailer of a truck, often resulting in decapitation or severe injuries.
- Rear-end collisions with trucks can cause severe whiplash and internal injuries due to the truck’s weight and momentum.
- Head-on collisions with commercial trucks are often fatal for occupants of smaller vehicles.
- Blind spot accidents happen when truck drivers fail to see vehicles in their large blind spots, leading to side-impact collisions.
Who Is Liable in a Tampa Truck Accident?
Determining liability in truck accident cases often involves multiple parties. Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes frequently involve the truck driver, the trucking company, manufacturers, maintenance providers, and others. Establishing liability is critical for recovering full compensation.
The truck driver may be liable if their negligence caused the accident. This includes speeding, distracted driving, driving while fatigued, or violating traffic laws. The trucking company can be held responsible for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to maintain vehicles properly, pressuring drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits, or providing inadequate training. Truck manufacturers may be liable if defective parts or design flaws contributed to the accident. Cargo loaders can be responsible if improper loading causes the truck to become unstable or lose its load. Maintenance companies may be liable if they failed to properly repair or maintain the truck. Other drivers involved in multi-vehicle accidents may share liability. Government entities responsible for road maintenance could be liable if poor road conditions contributed to the accident.
Our Tampa truck accident attorneys investigate thoroughly to identify all potentially liable parties. This comprehensive approach often results in higher settlements because multiple insurance policies may be available to compensate you. We examine Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) records and driver logs to establish negligence.
Damages Available in Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident victims who suffer serious injuries can pursue comprehensive compensation for their losses. Available damages include:
- Medical expenses for all treatment related to your injuries, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medical needs
- Lost wages covering income you lost while unable to work during recovery
- Diminished earning capacity compensating you if your injuries permanently affect your ability to earn income
- Pain and suffering damages addressing the physical pain and emotional distress from your injuries
- Permanent disability or disfigurement compensation for permanent changes to your body or appearance
- Property damage, including repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and personal belongings
- Loss of consortium, allowing family members to recover for the impact the injury has on their relationship with you
- Wrongful death damages available if a loved one was killed in the truck accident
How Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Handles Your Truck Accident Case
Our approach to truck accident cases combines thorough investigation, expert analysis, and aggressive advocacy. We begin each case with a comprehensive investigation to identify all responsible parties and gather critical evidence before it disappears. Our investigation process includes reviewing electronic logging devices (ELDs) and onboard computer data.
We work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze vehicle damage, road conditions, and other factors to determine exactly how the accident occurred. We preserve evidence, including traffic camera footage, electronic data from the truck’s onboard computer, and witness statements. We consult with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact. Our team also reviews FMCSA compliance records to identify violations.
We handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim. Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims quickly after crashes, hoping to secure recorded statements or quick settlements before victims understand the full extent of their injuries. Our attorneys shield you from these tactics while building the strongest possible case for strong compensation. We negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which provides maximum leverage in settlement negotiations. If insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to represent you in court and present your case to a judge and jury. Our trial experience ensures you receive maximum compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Tampa
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Tampa?
Florida’s statute of limitations provides two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline was reduced from four years, effective March 24, 2023, under House Bill 837. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly, as evidence can be lost and witnesses’ memories can fade over time. Acting quickly also allows us to preserve your rights and meet all filing deadlines. Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers immediately after your accident to protect your claim.
What is the serious injury threshold in Florida?
To step outside Florida’s no-fault insurance system and pursue full damages from the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet the serious injury threshold. This includes permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, or significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement. Meeting this threshold requires comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony to establish the permanent nature and significance of your injuries. Our attorneys work with medical experts to establish this threshold.
Can I recover compensation if I'm partially at fault?
Yes, Florida’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault is 50% or less. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and the total damages are $1 million, you would receive $800,000. This system changed in March 2023 from pure comparative negligence, making it essential to have an experienced attorney who can effectively argue your case and minimize any finding of comparative fault.
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be apparent initially. Call police and request an accident report. If you are able, take photographs of the vehicles, your injuries, and the accident scene. Get contact information from witnesses and the truck driver. Obtain the trucking company’s information. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies or the trucking company before consulting an attorney. Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your case.
Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Your Free Consultatio
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, don’t wait to seek legal representation. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers are ready to evaluate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our Tampa office serves the entire region with dedicated truck accident representation.
Call us today at (813) 605-1100 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our Tampa office is conveniently located at 730 S Sterling Ave Suite 305, Tampa, FL 33609. We serve clients throughout Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, and surrounding communities.
We understand that dealing with a truck accident is overwhelming. Between medical treatment, lost wages, and insurance company pressure, you have enough to handle. Let our experienced Tampa truck accident lawyers handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovery. We provide regular updates on your case progress, clear explanations of legal procedures and options, and compassionate support during this difficult time.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today to learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Remember, you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case. There’s no risk in calling, but there is risk in waiting.
