Free Consultation
Tampa Lane-Changing Truck Accident Lawyers
We’re here when you’re injured in a Florida truck accident caused by improper lane changes
If you've been injured in a truck accident caused by unsafe lane changes in Tampa, our dedicated truck accident lawyers are here to help. With over 35 years of experience handling complex trucking accident cases, the lawyers at MattLaw understand the devastating impact these collisions can have on victims and their families. Our team will thoroughly investigate your case, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal hassle while you focus on your recovery.
Free Consultation
How we can help you
- What is a lane-changing truck accident?
- How do unsafe lane changes happen?
- What types of injuries happen from unsafe lane changes?
- Who is liable for my Tampa lane-changing truck accident?
- What is the value of my Tampa lane-changing truck accident claim?
- Do you have a Tampa lane-changing truck accident lawyer near me?
What is a lane-changing truck accident?
A lane change truck accident occurs when a truck unsafely changes lanes and collides with another vehicle. Lane change truck accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities due to the large size and weight of trucks.
How do unsafe lane changes happen?
Unsafe lane changes by trucks can happen for any number of reasons, including:
- Failure to signal. Truck drivers may neglect or forget to signal their intention to change lanes, leaving other drivers unaware and in danger.
- Not checking blind spots. Trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles, and drivers may fail to check these areas before changing lanes. This can lead to collisions with smaller vehicles that might be hidden from view.
- Speeding or reckless driving. Driving too fast for conditions can make it difficult for truck drivers to control their rigs and change lanes safely. Also, reckless driving, which includes frequent or sudden lane changes, increases the risk of collisions.
- Distracted driving. Truck drivers who are distracted by things like cell phones or eating may not pay attention to the road. These drivers may make unsafe lane changes because they aren’t aware of the vehicles around them.
- Lack of proper training. Some truck drivers may lack adequate training on how to safely operate a large vehicle, including proper lane-changing techniques.
It’s important to remember that these are just a few of the factors that can contribute to unsafe lane changes. A combo of these factors can increase the risk of accidents, especially involving large and heavy vehicles.
What types of injuries happen from unsafe lane changes?
Unsafe lane changes by trucks can result in severe injuries. Common ones include:
- Head and brain injuries. The impact of a truck accident can cause traumatic brain injuries. Anything from concussions to skull fractures falls into this category. Brain injuries can potentially lead to long-term cognitive issues or even death.
- Spinal cord injuries. Truck accident victims may suffer from herniated discs, fractures, or even paralysis due to the force of a truck collision during an unsafe lane change.
- Neck and back injuries. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are common in truck accidents. When a truck strikes another vehicle, the forces on a person’s body can be significant, even in more minor collisions. The results can be these types of common car accident-related injuries.
- Broken bones. The impact of a truck crash can lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or even the face, often requiring extensive treatment.
- Internal injuries. The blunt force trauma of a truck accident can lead to organ damage or internal bleeding.
- Chest and abdominal injuries. Rib fractures, punctured lungs, or other injuries can occur when a truck hits a nearby vehicle.
- Burns and lacerations. If the accident involves a fuel spill or vehicle fire, burn injuries or deep cuts from sharp debris can occur. These injuries can leave long-lasting scarring and disfigurement.
Injuries like the above often require extensive medical care and physical therapy. They can also lead to lifelong disabilities.
Who is liable for my Tampa lane-changing truck accident?
Determining who is responsible for your Tampa lane-changing truck accident depends on the specific circumstances of your case. However, a variety of parties might be held accountable, including the following:
- Truck driver. The truck driver may be held liable for your accident if they acted negligently, like failing to check their blind spots, signaling improperly (or not at all), or making an unsafe lane change.
- Trucking company. The trucking company that employs the driver can be held liable if they failed to properly train the driver or allowed them to violate hours-of-service regulations. If a company pushes for unrealistic delivery schedules that cause reckless driving, they could also be held accountable.
- Truck manufacturer. If the accident happened due to a mechanical failure – like faulty brakes or steering – the manufacturer of the defective part could be held responsible under product liability laws.
- Maintenance companies. If a maintenance company failed to properly inspect or repair the truck, and that led to an unsafe lane change, they may be partially liable for the accident.
- Other drivers. Sometimes, another vehicle can cause the truck to make an unsafe lane change. For example, another driver may cut off the truck or make an illegal maneuver. In cases like this, the other driver may share liability.
At MattLaw, we launch a thorough investigation into your accident to determine who is liable and work to determine if you can pursue compensation from more than one party.
What is the value of my Tampa lane-changing truck accident claim?
The compensation to which you’re entitled for your truck accident varies according to the circumstances of your accident. However, typically you are eligible for compensation for your:
- Medical expenses. This includes past and future costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future medical treatments related to your injuries. More severe injuries, like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, can result in higher compensation to cover the necessary and extensive medical care.
- Lost wages. If your injuries resulting from the Tampa truck accident caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost wages. If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you can recover compensation for lost earning capacity and diminished future earnings.
- Pain and suffering. These damages cover your physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish from your accident. The more severe or life-changing your injuries, the higher the compensation for pain and suffering.
- Property damage. The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged personal property can be included in your claim.
- Loss of enjoyment of life. If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once participated in or affect your quality of life, you can claim compensation.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement. If your accident leads to a permanent disability, disfigurement, or scarring, your compensation can account for this.
- Punitive damages. Suppose the truck driver’s actions were particularly reckless or even malicious. In that case, punitive damages may be awarded by the court to punish them and deter them from similar conduct in the future.
The personal injury attorneys at MattLaw can help you calculate the full value of your Tampa truck accident claim.
Do you have a Tampa lane-changing 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.
Experienced Tampa lane-changing truck accident lawyers working for you and your family
If you’ve been injured in a lane-changing truck accident in Tampa, don’t wait to protect your rights — contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at MattLaw today. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With our knowledge of Florida trucking laws and aggressive legal representation, we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Call us now for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovering the compensation you deserve. To schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer, simply call our offices or fill out our contact form.