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Tampa Speeding and Reckless Driving Truck Accident Lawyers
Legal help when you are injured in a Florida truck accident involving an aggressive driver
Speeding and reckless driving by truck drivers pose a significant danger to everyone on the road. The results of these behaviors can be catastrophic and devastating accidents. Because commercial trucks require more time and distance to stop or maneuver, speeding and aggressive driving are particularly dangerous. When truckers disregard speed limits or drive recklessly, the chances of a tragic collision increase, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities for those in smaller vehicles. Here at MattLaw, our Tampa truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims of these negligent drivers seek justice and secure the compensation they deserve. We hold truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their actions.
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- What is speeding and reckless driving?
- What types of Tampa truck accidents are caused by speeding and reckless driving?
- What types of injuries are caused by Tampa truck drivers who speed or drive recklessly?
- Who is liable for my Tampa speeding and reckless driving truck accident?
- What is the value of my Tampa speeding and reckless driving truck accident claim?
- Do you have a Tampa speeding and reckless driving truck accident lawyer near me?
What is speeding and reckless driving?
Speeding and reckless driving are dangerous driving behaviors that significantly increase the risk of collisions due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
Speeding may involve the violation of the legal speed limit or a driver who is traveling too fast for road or weather conditions. Because of the longer stopping distance required for a truck, speeding in these large vehicles can be particularly hazardous and often leads to severe crashes.
Reckless driving involves dangerous and deliberate driving actions that show a disregard for the safety of others on the road. Some examples of reckless driving include tailgating, making frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights or stop signs, or driving in any manner that endangers others. These behaviors are especially dangerous behind the wheel of a commercial truck, as the immense force of an out-of-control truck can cause catastrophic accidents and life-threatening injuries to other road users.
If you were injured because of a speeding or reckless trucker, our Tampa truck accident attorneys can help.
What types of Tampa truck accidents are caused by speeding and reckless driving?
Speeding and reckless driving by truck drivers may lead to dangerous situations, often with devastating consequences due to the size and weight of a commercial truck. Here are some common types of accidents caused by speeding and reckless driving:
- Rear-end collisions. If a truck driver is speeding, they may not have enough time to come to a complete stop, causing them to crash into the vehicle in front of them. These crashes can be especially severe, due to the truck’s size and momentum.
- Jackknife accidents. The aggressive braking or swerving that comes along with reckless driving can cause a truck’s trailer to swing out of alignment with the cab. This results in a jackknife accident, which can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause multi-vehicle pileups.
- Rollover accidents. Speeding while rounding a turn can cause a truck to lose its balance and overturn. When this happens, the truck can crush nearby vehicles. The results can be serious injuries and worse.
- T-bone crashes. If a truck driver speeds through an intersection or runs a red light, this can result in a T-bone accident. This is where the truck crashes into the side of another vehicle. Side-impact collisions often lead to severe injuries, especially for occupants of smaller cars.
- Sideswipe accidents. Reckless lane changes or speeding can lead to sideswipe accidents. A sideswipe accident occurs when a truck scrapes or collides with vehicles in adjacent lanes. Sideswiping a car can push that vehicle off the road or into another lane of traffic, leading to severe injuries and damage.
- Head-on collisions. If a truck driver loses control because of reckless driving or speeding, they could veer into oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions are some of the most serious on the road and can lead to fatalities or life-threatening injuries.
Any of these accidents may result in severe injuries or death. With such serious consequences, it’s important for victims to seek compensation. With the help of the Tampa truck accident attorneys at MattLaw, victims can hold these irresponsible drivers accountable.
What types of injuries are caused by Tampa truck drivers who speed or drive recklessly?
When a Tampa truck driver speeds or drives recklessly, they can cause serious accidents that lead to catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of the commercial truck. Common types of injuries from these accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries. The force of impact in a truck accident can cause trauma to the brain, leading to concussions, cognitive impairments, memory loss, or long-term disability.
- Spinal cord injuries. Severe truck collisions can damage the spinal cord, leading to paralysis, mobility loss, or chronic pain that can require long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Broken bones. High-speed truck crashes can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other bones. This can require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
- Internal injuries. The force from a truck accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to the organs. These injuries can be life-threatening if not dealt with promptly.
- Burns and lacerations. Fires or explosions resulting from the accident, or sharp debris, can cause serious burns and deep cuts, which can result in permanent scarring and long-term recovery periods.
- Fatal injuries. Sadly, some truck accidents involving speeding and reckless driving can result in fatalities, especially for those in smaller vehicles.
The lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences of these injuries can lead to significant costs in treatment and therapy. Pursuing a claim against the party who caused this harm can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Who is liable for my Tampa speeding and reckless driving truck accident?
Depending on the circumstances of your truck accident, liability can be assigned to multiple parties. Key parties who might be held liable include the following:
- Truck driver. If a truck driver was reckless or speeding at the time of the accident, they will typically be held primarily responsible for their negligent actions.
- Trucking company. Employers can also be held liable, under the theory of vicarious liability, for the actions of their employees. For example, if the trucking company failed to properly train, monitor, or supervise the driver – or if they pressured the driver to meet unrealistic delivery schedules – they may share liability.
- Vehicle owners. If the truck is owned by a different party than the driver, the vehicle owner could also be held liable if they allowed an unfit driver to operate their truck.
- Maintenance providers. If a lack of maintenance or mechanical failure contributed to the truck accident, a maintenance provider may share responsibility, if they neglected their duties.
- Other drivers. Sometimes, another driver’s actions may contribute to the accident. For example, if another driver changes lanes recklessly or makes a sudden stop, they could also share liability.
- Bars or restaurants. If the truck driver was intoxicated and was over-served alcohol at a bar or restaurant, the establishment can potentially be held liable under Florida’s dram shop laws.
Determining liability in these types of accidents can be complex, which is why it’s important to consult with an experienced Tampa truck accident attorney. At MattLaw, we work to hold all responsible parties accountable.
What is the value of my Tampa speeding and reckless driving truck accident claim?
If you’ve sustained injury in a speeding and reckless driving truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. You can typically pursue the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses. This includes coverage for all current and future medical costs related to your injuries, like hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost wages. This is compensation for the income lost during your recovery period due to the inability to work. If your injuries affect you going forward, you may also claim future lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering. These non-economic damages include compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve suffered as a result of your injuries. This can include things like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage. This is reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle, as well as any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Disability and disfigurement. If your injuries result in permanent disabilities or visible scars, you may be entitled to additional compensation to make up for the long-term effects on your quality of life.
- Loss of consortium. These damages are compensation for the negative impact your injuries have had on your relationship with your spouse or family, including loss of companionship or support.
- Punitive damages. In cases involving extreme negligence, like intentional reckless driving or driving under the influence, the court may award punitive damages to punish the offender and deter future similar behavior.
It’s important to consult with an experienced Tampa truck accident attorney to help you evaluate your specific case. At MattLaw, we help identify all potential losses and work to secure the maximum compensation available for your injuries and damages.
Do you have a Tampa speeding and reckless driving truck accident lawyer near me?
MattLaw is located at 304 S Plant Avenue in Tampa, Florida. Contact us for a free consultation. If you are too injured to come to us, we can come to you. Videoconferences are available.
Tampa speeding and reckless driving truck accident lawyers fighting for your rights
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident caused by speeding or reckless driving, don’t face the aftermath alone. At MattLaw in Tampa, our dedicated truck accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the challenges you’re facing and are committed to holding negligent drivers and their employers accountable for their actions. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step towards justice and recovery. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re ready to advocate for you. To schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form.