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Trucking Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg
Experienced attorneys helping truck accident victims
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on the road. Commercial trucks, in particular, are so large that they often cause severe damage and potentially deadly injuries for victims in smaller vehicles. The severity of these collisions and the complications related to trucking companies make these claims especially challenging. Anyone injured in these collisions needs the help and support of an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck crash, contact our offices to schedule a free consultation.
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Why choose MattLaw
With over 35 years of experience, our team is dedicated to fighting for the rights of truck accident victims. Our lead attorney, Matt Powell, is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Practice Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and Board Certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in Civil Trial Law. Board certification is a rare mark of distinction for attorneys. This certification demonstrates our commitment to our clients. The certification requires rigorous standards such as:
- At least five years of legal practice
- Focus over 50% of their work on civil trial law in the past three years
- Leading 15+ contested cases as counsel
- Completion of extensive continuing legal education
- Earning high evaluations from peer reviews
- Passing a challenging written examination
Contact us to learn more about our team and how we can help you pursue a claim in your truck accident case.
FAQs about trucking accident cases in St. Petersburg
Who is legally at fault when a truck driver causes an accident?
The answer to this can vary, but the driver is the most obvious at-fault party. However, if the driver worked for a trucking company, that company may also be liable. In some situations, there might be other liable parties as well. For instance, if poor maintenance caused the truck to malfunction, the company that performed that work might be at fault. In cases where the truck had a defect, the manufacturer could be to blame. If the people who loaded the truck distributed the contents in a way that caused the truck to tip or sway, they could bear some of the responsibility. Additionally, other drivers could also be to blame if, for example, another car cut off the truck, causing them to lose control. It is important to speak to an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident attorney to evaluate all of the potentially liable parties so that you can make the strongest possible claim.
How much will it cost me to hire a truck accident lawyer in St. Petersburg?
Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee. Essentially, a contingency fee means that your lawyer doesn’t get paid unless your claim is successful. If you reach a settlement or obtain a favorable jury verdict, your attorney receives a part of the award as payment. At MattLaw, we can discuss details regarding how this would work in your case during a consultation.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in St. Petersburg?
Florida law allows you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in a truck accident claim. There are only a few limited circumstances in which a court would allow anyone to file after this time runs out. It is important to speak to an attorney right away to discuss your options and start pursuing your claim. In the tragic case of a wrongful death caused by a truck accident, the statute of limitations is also two years.
Can I recover if I’m partly at fault for the truck accident?
Yes, you may still be able to recover if you are partly at fault for the accident that caused your injuries. In Florida, you can collect damages from another at-fault party as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. While you can still recover, the court will reduce your damages to reflect your share of liability. So, imagine you are just 10% at fault, and the truck driver was 90% at fault. In that case, if a court determined that you were entitled to $100,000 in damages, you would recover $90,000 to reflect your share of blame.
Proving liability in a truck accident claim
Suffering injuries in an accident doesn’t automatically allow you to recover from anyone else involved. You must prove that another person was negligent, leading to the accident that caused your injuries. The legal factors you must show include:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- The other party violated that duty
- The violation led to the crash
- You suffered injuries or damages as a result
There are many ways that a truck driver might negligently cause a crash. Here are a few issues that might be evidence of negligence on the part of a truck driver:
- They were speeding
- They worked longer than allowed by federal trucking regulations
- They were under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- They were looking at a phone or otherwise distracted
Trucking companies may be responsible simply because they are liable for their employees, but they might also have been directly negligent themselves. Some negligent behavior on the part of a trucking company may include:
- Pushing drivers to exceed their maximum hours
- Hiring drivers who don’t have the right license, experience, or training
- Failing to maintain their trucks
- Allowing the cargo to be loaded by people who don’t know how to properly balance the weight
Many negligent acts could lead to an accident, so it’s important to analyze every possibility with the help of an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer.
Damages available in a St. Petersburg truck accident claim
Damages in a truck accident case can be especially high because of the likelihood of serious injuries. For instance, truck crashes may cause serious, life-altering consequences, such as:
- Amputations
- Orthopedic injuries
- Burn injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful deaths
More serious injuries lead to greater losses and, as a result, higher potential awards. If a claim related to serious injuries from a truck crash is successful, the victim may recover economic and non-economic damages for their:
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitative care
- Prosthetics or other supportive technology
- Lost income and lost or reduced future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
In the event of a wrongful death, families can recover costs related to the following:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses from the accident from before the victim died
- Lost income and support from the family member
- Emotional trauma and loss of support
The damages available vary depending on the facts of the case. Your attorney can help you collect evidence to support your claim for compensation.
Do you have a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer near me?
Yes, MattLaw is conveniently located in St. Petersburg, Florida, and we also have an office in Tampa. If you can’t make it to us, give us a call, and we can work out another way to connect with you to discuss your case.
Contact MattLaw today for a consultation
At MattLaw, our dedicated attorneys fight for the futures of victims of serious accidents, including truck crashes. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in one of these devastating collisions, reach out to us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate St. Petersburg truck accident attorneys.