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Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers
Legal help when you’re injured in a Florida commercial truck accident
Commercial truck accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on the road – often resulting in severe injuries, extensive damage, and even fatalities. Due to their size and weight, when passenger cars collide with commercial trucks, crashes can lead to catastrophic consequences. Further, the legal process can be confusing, as multiple parties might be involved. At MattLaw, our Tampa truck accident attorneys are here to help you understand your rights, investigate the cause of the crash, and work to secure the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries and losses.
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How we can help you
- How often do truck accidents happen in Florida?
- What types of injuries are caused by Tampa truck accidents?
- Who is liable for my Tampa truck accident?
- Relevant Florida trucking laws & federal regulations
- How can your Tampa truck accident lawyers help with my case?
- Do you have a Tampa truck accident attorney near me?
How often do truck accidents happen in Florida?
FLHSMV 2024 Annual Traffic Crash Facts reports 315 deaths from accidents involving commercial trucks in 2024, meaning large trucks account for 9.89% of all traffic fatalities in Florida.
The NSC also reports that across the United States, in 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, marking an “8.4% decrease from 2022, but a 43% increase in the last 10 years. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is down 8% from 2022, but up 22% in the last 10 years.”
Overall, 9% of all vehicles involved in deadly collisions were large trucks, even though they account for just 10% of total vehicle miles traveled.
What types of injuries are caused by Tampa truck accidents?
Due to their size and weight, Tampa truck accidents often result in serious and life-altering injuries. Common injuries from truck crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The force of a truck collision can cause head trauma, leading to concussions or other brain injuries that can result in cognitive impairment or even permanent disability.
- Spinal cord injuries. Truck accident victims can suffer damage to the spine, leading to partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of motor function.
- Broken bones. High-speed and impact collisions can cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis, necessitating surgery and a long recovery time.
- Internal injuries. The immense force of a truck crash can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or lungs – which can be life-threatening.
- Burns: Fire or hazardous materials in truck accidents can cause severe burns.
- Broken glass or debris can lead to deep cuts, scarring, and permanent disfigurement.
- Amputations: In severe crashes, limbs may be damaged or crushed beyond repair, resulting in the need for amputation.
These injuries often require extensive medical care, treatment, and rehabilitation and can permanently affect your quality of life.
Who is liable for my Tampa truck accident?
Determining responsibility in a Tampa big rig accident can be complicated, as multiple parties may be liable. Potentially liable parties can include the following:
- Truck driver. If the truck driver behaved negligently – like driving while distracted, speeding, fatigued, under the influence, driver error, or violating traffic laws – they may be held liable for your accident.
- Trucking company. The company that employs the driver may also be held responsible if they failed to properly train the driver, enforced impossible schedules, or neglected proper truck maintenance.
- Truck manufacturer. If a defect in the truck or any of its parts (like faulty brakes or tires) contributed to your accident, the manufacturer or parts supplier could be held liable.
- Cargo loaders. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause trucks to tip over or lose control. The company responsible for loading the cargo can be held responsible.
- Other drivers. If your truck crash is a multi-vehicle accident, another driver’s negligence might have contributed to the crash, making them partially liable.
- Government entities. The government agency responsible for maintaining the road may share liability if poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to your accident.
At MattLaw, our experienced Tampa truck accident attorneys investigate the specifics of your case to determine who is responsible and pursue compensation from all liable parties. We are here to help.
Relevant Florida trucking laws & federal regulations
Truck accident claims involve state and federal laws that can further complicate matters for those who suffer injuries. Violations of trucking regulations may serve as evidence of negligence, which can be useful for those pursuing compensation.
For instance, there are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These important rules create Hours-of-Service (HOS) limits for drivers. Essentially, drivers generally may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and only within a 14-hour on-duty window. There are additional weekly limits with which drivers must comply. The mandatory time limits behind the wheel are designed to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes. FMCSR regulations create further requirements as well, including drug and alcohol testing, vehicle inspections, brake compliance standards, and rules for securing cargo. Your lawyer can help uncover violations of regulations that may suggest the driver or trucking company was negligent.
Additionally, most commercial trucks must be equipped with an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) to track hours of service and with Engine Control Modules (ECMs) that can track speed and brake application. These devices may indicate that the driver was at fault for a collision. However, to preserve this evidence, your lawyer should send a spoliation letter. We can explain how this step might help in your claim.
Another consideration is vicarious liability. Trucking companies are often liable for employee drivers (contractors aren’t the same as employees, which can further complicate these cases). Employers may also be directly negligent if they hire a truck driver with a history of dangerous driving or substance abuse, if they create unrealistic deadlines for drivers, or if they fail to supervise truckers working for them.
Florida’s 2023 Tort Reform (HB 837)
It’s also worth noting that Florida updated its laws in 2023. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is now two years rather than four. Also, the state switched to modified comparative negligence as a policy, which means you can recover compensation for your injuries even if you were partly at fault, as long as you weren’t more than 50% to blame. Because of these changes, your lawsuit could look very different from personal injury claims just a few years ago. We can explain how personal injury law and trucking regulations may apply in your specific case.
How can your Tampa truck accident lawyers help with my case?
Our experienced Tampa truck accident attorneys provide comprehensive legal support when you need help to recover after a serious truck accident. Following are some of the ways we can assist you:
- Thorough investigation. We investigate every detail of your accident – including reviewing police reports, trucking logs, driver records, and vehicle maintenance history. We also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine the exact cause of your crash.
- Identifying liable parties. Commercial truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, like the driver, the trucking company, or manufacturers. We work to identify all responsible parties to maximize the compensation to which you’re entitled.
- Dealing with insurance companies. We handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on healing. With us at your side, you won’t face pressure to accept low, unfair offers. Our team can protect your rights throughout the claims process.
- Maximizing compensation. We fight to secure compensation for all of your damages – including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and treatment costs.
- Litigating your case. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we are always prepared to take your case to court to litigate on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When you work with MattLaw, you work with a dedicated legal team, advocating for your rights every step of the way. We work to secure the justice and financial recovery to which you’re entitled. Matt completed his 100th jury trial in 2026, which is a significant milestone and accomplishment.
Do you have a Tampa truck accident attorney 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 truck accident attorneys advocating for you after an accident
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident in Tampa, don’t hesitate to seek the legal help you deserve. At MattLaw, our dedicated team of Tampa truck accident lawyers is here to guide you through the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and outline your options. Contact us today to take the first step toward justice and recovery—your future is our priority. To schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form.
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