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The most hazardous vehicles on the road tend to be commercial trailers. These rigs dwarf even the largest passenger cars and can cause life-altering injuries in the event of a collision. As a result, the drivers and owners of 18-wheelers must take every possible precaution to prevent harm from impacting other people.
If drivers fail to provide this protection and cause you to become injured, they are liable under the law to provide fair compensation. This can include outlays for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional traumas. A Tampa truck accident lawyer might be able to help you to seek out these payments while protecting your legal rights. Entrust your case with one of our diligent personal injury attorneys who have experience in these types of cases today.
Helping Injured People to Seek out Appropriate Compensation
18-wheeler collisions tend to have an immense impact on your life. The resulting physical injuries can require immediate medical attention and long-term rehabilitation. Those injuries may also force you to miss time at work while making a recovery or even cause permanent disabilities. In addition, the event itself can be traumatic and inflict emotional pain that is just as serious as any physical injury. A trucker who causes these losses through negligent driving is liable for providing all needed compensation.
However, collecting these payments is always contingent upon being able to prove fault for the crash. An attorney in Tampa could take the lead in the process following a trailer crash. They can collect key evidence in the case, such as:
- Police reports
- Traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction reports
Using this information, they can build a strong case against at-fault truckers and their employers. Even if a case appears to be straightforward, there is a limited time within which a person must demand compensation. Florida Statutes §95.11 creates the state’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases. This means that you must demand payment no more than four years after the day of the crash.
Semi Regulations in Tampa
All drivers assume a duty to protect others whenever they get behind the wheel. The operators of tractor-trailers, construction vehicles, and delivery trucks are no exception. These drivers must obey speed limits, stop at red lights, and yield when appropriate to all other motorists.
In addition, special rules apply to commercial vehicles. There are weight limits that exist on certain roads that exist to protect the well-being of others. Furthermore, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets limits on how many hours a semi operator can travel during any specific day or week. Violations of these laws are just as indicative of a trucker being to blame for a collision as the common rules of the road. One of our Tampa semi wreck attorneys could help you better understand the rules that 18-wheeler drivers must follow and what it means for a case if their violations are the cause of a crash.
Truck Accident Claims Can be Complicated
Accidents involving commercial trucks lead to highly complex injury claims - often much more complex than your usual car accident claim. This is why it is essential for you to immediately seek help from a law firm that handles truck accident claims.
The following are only some of the many reasons why truck accident claims can be so challenging:
- Investigating liability can involve technical evidence, including analyzing the truck’s black box data
- Trucking companies often possess evidence of liability that you need for your claim, and it is necessary for our attorneys to demand the preservation of evidence as soon as possible after the crash.
- There are often multiple parties who share liability, and you might be dealing with corporate insurance providers that have significant resources to defend against claims.
- Trucking companies and drivers are subject to additional laws and regulations that can play a role in accident claims.
At the law firm of Mickey Keenan, P.A., we have experience handling all of the complicated issues that can arise in truck accident cases. We take care of the entire process, relieving stress from you and allowing you to focus on your injuries and medical treatment.
Seeking the right legal help is one of the most important steps you can take following truck accident injuries and losses.
Who is Liable for Your Truck Accident?
Determining liability for a truck accident depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. Several parties can potentially be liable for your losses, including:
- Truck drivers - If the truck driver acted negligently or violated traffic laws or regulations, they can be personally liable for the accident. Examples of driver negligence include distracted driving, speeding, fatigue, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or reckless driving.
- Trucking companies - In some cases, the trucking company may bear liability for the accident. If the company failed to properly maintain the truck, neglected to conduct thorough background checks on their drivers, or violated regulations related to hours of service or load limits, they may be held responsible.
- Maintenance or repair providers - If the accident resulted from a mechanical failure or defect, the party responsible for maintaining or repairing the truck may bear liability if you can show that their negligence contributed to the accident.
- Cargo loaders - In accidents due to unsecured or improperly loaded cargo, the crew responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck can be liable if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident.
- Government entities - In certain cases, the government entity responsible for maintaining the roadways can be held liable if the accident resulted from poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other roadway defects.
Determining liability is necessary to ensure you seek compensation from the proper parties. Our law firm has the experience and resources to thoroughly investigate truck accidents and determine who should cover your losses.
We then handle every step of the claim process, negotiating with as many insurance companies as needed, and even taking your case to court if insurers refuse to make a favorable offer.
Call a Tampa Truck Accident Attorney Immediately
People who suffer injuries after a collision with a commercial vehicle need to act quickly to protect their rights. Evidence in these cases can be difficult to obtain, and the rig company and their insurance providers will be working to protect their profits. If you are looking to increase your chances of a better outcome, it may be helpful to speak with an attorney.
One of our Tampa truck accident lawyers can provide essential support. They work to explain the laws that pertain to your case and gather the evidence needed to prove your claims. They can also obtain medical records and bills and determine every way in which the event has affected your life. Reach out to our office now to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.