If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent truck driver or trucking company’s actions, a Tampa truck accident lawyer can help.
Being injured in a truck accident is a traumatic, life-altering event that can leave victims overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.
The massive size and weight of semi-trucks and tractor-trailers make collisions with these vehicles catastrophic, often leading to severe, catastrophic injuries.
At Swope Rodante PA, our truck accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting your rights every step of the way. Call (813) 273-0017 today for a free consultation.
Table of Contents
- Florida Truck Crash Statistics
- Why You Need a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer
- Proven Trial Lawyers With Multi-Million Dollar Results
- What to Do After a Tampa Truck Accident
- Fighting For You Against Trucking Companies
- Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
- Determining Liability in a Truck Accident Case
- Should I Sue the Truck Driver or Trucking Company?
- Common Causes of Truck Crashes
- Damages You Can Recover in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
- Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Florida Truck Crash Statistics
Large truck crashes occur frequently across Florida due to the heavy volumes of commercial vehicle traffic.
According to the most recent truck accident statistics from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), crashes involving commercial vehicles have significantly increased over the last 3 years.
In 2022, Florida saw 47,004 truck accidents resulting in 333 fatalities and 12,464 injuries.
The Tampa area is no exception, with over 3,132 truck crashes reported in Hillsborough County that year, including 28 deaths.
Truck accident victims often suffer catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, amputations, and more.
The physical, emotional, and financial impacts are staggering – from lengthy hospitalizations and multiple surgeries to ongoing treatment, lost income, and diminished quality of life.
Why You Need a Skilled Truck Accident Lawyer
Pursuing a truck accident case on your own is an uphill battle. It involves complex procedural rules, gathering extensive evidence, calculating total damages, negotiating with trucking companies’ massive legal teams, and preparing for potential trial.
Having an experienced Tampa truck accident attorney levels the playing field and maximizes your chances of recovering fair compensation.
Our legal team provides comprehensive services, including:
- Conducting exhaustive independent investigations into the crash cause and any regulatory violations using the latest technologies and accident reconstruction experts
- Handling all communication, negotiations, and legal filings with the trucking companies and insurers
- Meticulously calculating all damages suffered, including current/future medical costs, lost wages, pain/suffering, future care needs, etc.
- Building a powerful case aimed at maximum compensation through strategic settlement negotiations or aggressive litigation if needed
- Providing guidance and being accessible to answer any of your questions so you can prioritize healing
We understand how physically, emotionally, and financially devastating a truck accident is for victims and their loved ones.
Our legal team removes that burden from your shoulders. You can focus on recovery knowing we are tenaciously safeguarding your rights.
Proven Trial Lawyers With Multi-Million Dollar Results
As one of Tampa’s most respected truck accident law firms, Swope Rodante has a proven track record of success recovering multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for clients like you.
We’ve obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients who were injured by negligent businesses and individuals. Truck accident cases are one of our specialties.
Our resources, skills, and relentless determination allow us to take on the trucking industry’s vast resources and aggressive legal tactics head-on.
No matter how complicated the case, you can rest assured the attorneys for your truck accident will leave no stone unturned in vigorously pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries.
Best of all, you pay no costs or attorney fees whatsoever unless we recover money for you. Your initial consultation is free, with no obligation.
What to Do After a Tampa Truck Accident
The actions you take immediately following a truck crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation down the line. Our Tampa attorneys advise taking these crucial steps:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical care, even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Move to a safe area away from traffic if possible. Gather evidence like photos/videos of the vehicles, road conditions, debris, traffic signals, etc. Get contact information for any witnesses.
- Never admit any degree of fault or make statements to the truck driver, trucking company representatives, or opposing insurance companies. This could jeopardize your claim later.
- Seek follow-up medical treatment and document the progression of your injuries. Truck accident injuries often worsen over time.
- Contact an experienced Tampa truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. We can start an immediate investigation and protect your rights.
Fighting For You Against Trucking Companies
You shouldn’t have to battle the trucking industry’s vast resources alone after a traumatic accident.
When you bring your case to Swope Rodante, you gain a powerful legal ally with a proven record of taking on the toughest trucking companies and their insurers — and winning.
Our respected Tampa truck accident attorneys have the skills, determination, and resources to go toe-to-toe with any opponent.
We are passionate about holding negligent parties accountable and securing the maximum possible settlement or verdict our clients are owed.
Your journey towards physical, financial, and emotional recovery begins with a free consultation with our legal team.
We will explain all your legal options, answer your questions, and outline a customized strategy for pursuing the justice you deserve.
Don’t try to navigate this complicated legal process alone after enduring such a devastating accident.
Having Swope Rodante in your corner from the start can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Contact us today to get started.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Due to the immense force involved in collisions with 80,000 pound semis, truck accident victims frequently suffer catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – From concussions to severe brain trauma, head injuries are extremely common and can have life-altering cognitive and functional impacts.
- Spinal Cord Injuries/Paralysis – Damage to the spinal cord often results in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically affecting the victim’s mobility and quality of life.
- Broken Bones/Fractures – The force of impact can cause multiple broken bones, crushed limbs, and other severe fractures requiring extensive treatment.
- Internal Injuries – Blunt trauma can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries not immediately visible.
- Amputations – In some cases, the extreme forces involved may result in the loss of limbs or other body parts.
- Burn Injuries – Truck crashes involving hazardous materials or fuel spills can result in severe, debilitating burn injuries.
Our Tampa truck accident lawyers understand the need for maximum compensation to cover the astronomical medical costs, lost income, home accommodations, personal care, and other damages resulting from these injuries.
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Identifying all responsible parties is a critical first step. In addition to the truck driver, liability may also extend to:
- The Trucking Company: For failures like improper vehicle maintenance, inadequate driver vetting/training, overworked schedules violating HOS rules.
- The Cargo Company: If loads were improperly secured or distributed, contributing to a loss of vehicle control.
- The Truck/Parts Manufacturer: In cases where defective vehicle components played a causal role in the accident.
- Other Third Parties: Such as companies responsible for maintaining roads, loading cargo improperly, etc.
An experienced accident lawyer will identify every possible defendant and determine who is most liable for causing the truck accident.
Should I Sue the Truck Driver or Trucking Company?
While you technically can sue the truck driver directly, it is often more practical and beneficial to pursue a claim against the trucking company itself, rather than just the individual driver.
This is because trucking companies typically have more resources and insurance coverage to compensate for damages resulting from a truck accident caused by their employee’s negligence.
Under Florida’s rule of vicarious liability, if the truck driver was acting within the scope of their employment duties at the time of the accident, the trucking company can be held legally responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the driver’s negligent actions.
Therefore, the trucking company can be sued for the driver’s mistakes, even if the driver was the one directly operating the truck.
By suing the trucking company, you may have a better chance of receiving full compensation for your losses, as these companies often have significant insurance policies and much more coverage than an individual truck driver.
Common Causes of Truck Crashes
While vehicle failures like tire blowouts or brake malfunctions can contribute to some accidents, the majority stem from trucking regulation violations or driver negligence like:
Regulatory Violations:
- Hours of service (HOS) violations causing fatigued driving
- Failure to properly inspect and maintain trucks/trailers
- Allowing oversized or improperly secured loads
Driver Negligence:
- Distracted driving behaviors like texting
- Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- Aggressive driving tactics like speeding, improper lane changes
- General traffic violations
With our deep familiarity with trucking laws and regulations, our lawyers know exactly what evidence to look for and how to build a strong case proving negligence.
Damages You Can Recover in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
When pursuing a truck accident claim or lawsuit, our goal is to recover fair compensation for the full extent of damages suffered, including:
- Current and future medical costs
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Property damage costs
- Non-economic damages like pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or misconduct
We work closely with medical experts, economists, life planners, and others to carefully calculate and substantiate all economic and non-economic damages to maximize your recovery.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Preserving evidence and meeting legal deadlines is critical after a truck accident, so don’t delay in getting our experienced truck accident attorneys involved. We can start working immediately to protect your rights.
Your initial consultation is always free, with no obligation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain all your legal options, and outline how our formidable team can fight for the maximum compensation you’re owed.
Call (813) 273-0017 today to discuss your case with a truck accident lawyer. The attorneys at Swope Rodante will handle every aspect of your case.
References
Crowell v. Clay Hyder Trucking Lines, Inc., 700 So. 2d 120, 123 (Fla. 2d D.C.A. 1997); Michalek v. Shumate, 524 So. 2d 426 (Fla. 1988).
