Helping victims of truck accidents in Tampa recover maximum compensation for their injuries

The challenges faced by truck accident victims can be similar to those faced by victims of car accidents and motorcycle accidents but often involve more severe injuries and complex legal issues due to the sheer size of the trucks involved and the regulations surrounding commercial vehicles.

A truck accident often leaves victims dealing with catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), all of which can lead to crippling medical bills and an inability to work. In the tragic event where negligence in a truck accident leads to a loss of life, families may also find themselves navigating the complex process of a wrongful death claim. 

At Palmer Lopez, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these accidents can have on individuals and their families. Our dedicated team is committed to advocating for the rights of truck accident victims, offering compassionate support and aggressive representation to ensure they receive the compensation and justice they deserve. 

With a deep understanding of both state and federal trucking regulations, we’re prepared to tackle even the most challenging cases, aiming to alleviate the financial and emotional burden on accident victims and their families.

How common are trucking accidents?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), in 2021 alone, approximately 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes across the U.S. This is an increase of 18% from 2020 and a 49% increase over the last decade. 

It’s important to note that while large trucks only accounted for about 5% of all registered vehicles, they were involved in about 9% of all fatal crashes.

That same year, the Sunshine State experienced 373 fatalities due to truck accidents, making Florida the third worst state for truck accident deaths in the U.S. after Texas and California.

Unsurprisingly, in accidents involving large trucks, the highest number of fatalities occurred among occupants of other vehicles, accounting for 72% of deaths, followed by 17% among truck occupants, and 11% among non-occupants, which includes pedestrians and bicyclists.

In addition to fatalities, large trucks were also involved in 117,300 crashes resulting in injuries in 2021, a 12% increase from 2020. Since 2016, the number of truck accidents involving injuries has increased by about 15%. 

As with truck accident fatalities, the majority of these injuries (71%) affected the occupants of other vehicles involved in the crash (not the truck driver).

Why are truck accidents increasing?

The increase in truck accidents in recent years can largely be attributed to the significant rise in the volume of goods being transported by road, leading to more trucks on highways and urban roads. Unfortunately, this surge in truck traffic directly correlates with an increased chance of collisions. 

Secondly, driver fatigue remains a critical issue, with long hours behind the wheel contributing to lapses in concentration and judgment. The push for faster delivery times can exacerbate this, as drivers may feel pressured to skip rest breaks or exceed speed limits.

Why are truck accidents so serious?

Accidents involving large trucks are some of the more serious ones that occur in Florida. 

Why?

Commercial trucks weigh at least 10,000 pounds—that’s more than double the weight of the typical passenger vehicle, while an 18-wheeler truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, which is 16 times as much as your typical passenger vehicle. 

The sheer weight difference can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for occupants in the smaller passenger vehicle.

Common injuries from truck accidents often include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, burn injuries, and internal bleeding, all of which require extensive medical treatment and can lead to permanent physical impairments, significantly altering a victim’s life even after recovery.

Common types of truck accidents in Florida

At Palmer Lopez, our legal expertise extends to a comprehensive range of truck accident claims in Florida. We are well-versed in navigating the intricacies of various types of collisions involving large trucks, ensuring that our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

• Jackknife accidents. One of the most daunting scenarios occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a sharp angle with the cab, resembling a folding knife. These jackknife accidents often result from sudden maneuvers or braking, leading to loss of control and potentially devastating consequences on busy roads.
• Head-on collisions. Among the most lethal are head-on collisions, which may occur if a truck veers across the median into oncoming traffic or mistakenly enters a roadway in the wrong direction. The immense force of impact with a large truck can result in catastrophic outcomes for the occupants of smaller vehicles.
• Truck rollovers. A common but perilous incident involves truck rollovers, frequently triggered by issues like improper cargo loading or carrying excessive weight. The aftermath of a rollover can be particularly tragic, with the truck potentially toppling onto adjacent vehicles and causing severe or fatal injuries.
• T-Bone accidents. These collisions typically unfold when a truck driver disregards a stop sign or traffic signal, crashing into the side of another vehicle. The nature of T-bone accidents, especially involving the broadside of a truck, can lead to serious damage and injuries due to the direct impact on a vehicle’s less protected side.

Our team at Palmer Lopez is committed to providing thorough legal support for victims of truck accidents. With a deep understanding of the various accident types and their unique challenges, we stand ready to advocate for those impacted by these harrowing incidents.

How a Tampa truck accident lawyer can help

Trucking companies often have large insurance policies, which means there may be a considerable amount of money for you to pursue.

When you hire a Tampa truck accident lawyer to represent you, you’re choosing someone who will be your legal advocate and fight for you. Your lawyer will keep the insurance company from trying to unfairly deny your claim or offering you an amount that is lower than your case is worth.

Truck accident claims can be complicated, as you may be filing a claim against the trucking company and the driver. If there are allegations of a vehicle defect, you may have a claim against a vehicle manufacturer as well. 

An attorney can help you navigate the intricate legal landscape, ensuring that all potential sources of liability are thoroughly explored and that your rights are vigorously defended. With their specialized knowledge of trucking laws and regulations, they will meticulously analyze your case, gather and present compelling evidence, and craft a robust legal strategy. 

By doing so, they aim to secure the fullest possible compensation for your injuries, losses, and suffering, providing you with the support you need to move forward after a devastating truck accident.

Our Tampa truck accident lawyers can help with your claim

If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a large truck, you need an attorney who has experience handling large truck claims and knows how to communicate with the insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf to maximize your compensation.

With more than 35 years of combined experience, the Tampa truck accident lawyers at Palmer Lopez are here to make sure that you’re treated with respect by the other party and compensated fairly for your immense damages. 

We’ll get to the bottom of how the crash occurred and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve for medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, lost income and earning capacity, and more.

Ready to get started?

Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation for your case.

References

Large Trucks. (n.d.-a). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/ 
Large Trucks. (n.d.-b). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/