Sharing the road with semi-trucks is part of everyday life in Tampa, especially on busy routes like I-275, I-4, or the Crosstown Expressway. But when these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars, cyclists, or pedestrians, the results can be devastating. The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler, often hauling up to 80,000 pounds, can leave victims with life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term physical and emotional trauma.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a trucking crash, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. A Tampa semi-truck accident lawyer can help investigate what happened, determine who is responsible, and fight to hold them accountable.
Our Tampa personal injury lawyers provide responsive legal help that serves you, so contact Anidjar & Levine today for a free initial consultation.
A Tampa Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Can Seek Compensation For All Your Losses
When a semi-truck strikes another vehicle, pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist, the risk of serious injury is significant. If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident, you may be facing a wide range of losses as a result.
One of the first steps your Tampa trucking accident lawyer can take is to help gather evidence that shows the full extent of the harm you’ve experienced. Anidjar & Levine may seek compensation for losses like:
- The cost of emergency care after your accident
- The cost of damage to your vehicle, which may need to be replaced or undergo significant repairs
- The cost of any hospitalization that you or your loved one required
- The cost of imaging services, tests, surgery, and any other medical procedures
- The cost of future expected medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Permanent or long-term harm to your earning power
- Pain and suffering
If your loved one passed away because of a collision with a semi-truck, then you or your loved ones could be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Our Tampa wrongful death lawyers can fight for your family’s future.
What Negligence Can Lead To Semi-Truck Accidents?
As the weight of a vehicle increases, certain risks may arise. For example, a heavy vehicle may:
- Take more time to stop, particularly when it is traveling at high speeds
- Have greater difficulty turning and may run the risk of rolling over if it takes a turn at high speed
- Have less ability to swerve or make other maneuvers that could allow the driver to avoid a collision
The cargo that a semi-truck carries can present serious hazards of its own. In a collision, that cargo may increase the crushing force of the truck, spill onto busy roadways, cause secondary accidents, or even fall directly onto another vehicle. In some cases, certain types of cargo can also pose additional risks, such as fire, explosion, or exposure to hazardous materials.
Semi-truck drivers have a responsibility to recognize the unique dangers that large, heavy, cargo-bearing trucks pose to other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. When truck drivers fail to exercise proper caution and cause a collision, they, and possibly others, may be held liable for the harm victims suffer.
Parties That May Be Responsible For A Semi-Truck Accident
A person may be negligent if they do not act as a “reasonable” person would. A semi-truck driver could be negligent if:
- They were under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving
- They were distracted while driving
- They disobeyed a traffic signal
- They failed to make sure their cargo was properly secured
The organization or individual who employs a truck driver could be vicariously liable based solely on their relationship to the driver, but they may also be negligent themselves if:
- They did not thoroughly investigate a driver’s past driving record and qualifications
- They allowed a driver to work without proper certifications, insurance, or other essential documents
- They did not discipline a driver properly for on-the-job infractions
- They did not maintain the semi-truck
- They did not properly monitor the driver for possible drug or alcohol use
Our Tampa semi-truck accident attorneys can investigate to determine all liable parties as we seek your maximum compensation. We can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to uncover negligence after a semi-truck accident.
- Gather evidence, such as crash reports, witness statements, black box data, and trucking company records.
- Analyze all evidence to prove how the truck driver, company, or other parties failed to uphold their legal responsibilities, contributing to your injuries.
Call Anidjar & Levine today for additional details about how we work to hold those responsible for your accident accountable. You pay no attorneys’ fees until we win.
What To Do After A Semi-Truck Accident In Tampa
A semi-truck accident can leave you overwhelmed, injured, and uncertain about what to do next. Your priority should always be your safety and well-being, but taking the right steps after the crash can also help protect your rights:
- Call 911 Immediately: Report the accident to law enforcement and request medical assistance if needed. A police report can be a key piece of evidence for your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get checked by a medical professional. Injuries from truck accidents can be serious, and it’s essential to have early medical intervention.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, debris, road conditions, and any visible damage. This can help preserve important details.
- Gather Information: Get the truck driver’s contact, insurance, and employer details. Also, collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid discussing who was at fault, especially with the truck driver, trucking company, or insurance representatives.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep damaged personal items, medical records, receipts, and any communications related to the accident.
- Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer: Our semi-truck accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help you pursue fair compensation.
Remember that you have only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, so time is of the essence. That said, you don’t have to handle the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Taking these steps can help you safeguard your health and your ability to seek justice.
Contact A Tampa Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today
A tractor-trailer crash can turn your life upside down, leaving you with painful injuries, financial stress, and countless questions about what comes next. A Tampa semi-truck accident lawyer can step in to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve so you can focus on rebuilding your life.
You can learn about how we’ve helped others by reading our reviews. Call Anidjar & Levine today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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