Sarasota Truck Accident Lawyers

Ready to Stand Up for Your Rights

Were you hit by a commercial semi-truck or big rig while traveling through Sarasota or the surrounding area? Talk to Burnetti, P.A. now to see if you can file an injury claim for compensation. Our Sarasota truck accident attorneys are always standing by to hear from new and returning clients who need help after serious accidents. If you were left with a life-changing injury, please reach out to our firm today to see what legal options might be available to you.

Ask about starting a truck accident claim in Sarasota during a free consultation. Call (941) 366-2838now.

Different Types of Truck Accidents

At Burnetti, P.A., we have decades of collective legal experience as a team of reputable attorneys and trial lawyers. Throughout our many years of practice, we have seen all sorts of motor vehicle accident cases and lawsuits, including those that involved large commercial trucks and big rigs. If you were in a crash with a truck, no matter what kind, you can be confident that we’ll know how to handle the injury claim that follows.

Truck accidents occur in many different ways, each devastating, such as:

• Rear-end collisions
• Jackknife accidents
• Underride accidents
• Rollovers
• Tire blowouts
• Loose cargo accidents

Serious Truck Accident Injuries

The average truck accident ends with severe injuries, usually suffered by people in smaller vehicles like passenger cars. If you were seriously injured in a crash, Florida’s tricky liability and insurance laws allow you to pursue unclaimed damages and losses by filing a claim against the liable party. Our attorneys can work with trusted medical experts to evaluate your injuries and verify that they are serious enough to allow legal action in Florida courts.

Serious injuries that often justify a truck accident claim in Florida include:

• Brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Broken bones
• Organ damage
• Permanent disfigurement
• Severe burns
• Soft tissue damage

Causes of Truck Accidents

The trucking industry is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and more government agencies still. Despite all the regulations and safety rules put into place, they can only do so much when a truck driver or trucking company willingly acts negligently and puts others at risk. At the root of most truck accidents are negligence, bad decisions, and “human error.”

Different types of negligence that often contribute to truck accidents include:

• Driving while fatigued or exhausted from working long hours
• Driving while intoxicated
• Driving while impaired by medication or illicit substances
• Breaking the speed limit or otherwise disobeying traffic laws
• Failing to give motorists enough time to move when merging or changing lanes
• Hiring truck drivers who are unfit for the job or who don’t have a commercial driver’s license
• Failing to provide new truck drivers with adequate training
• Failing to ensure all commercial trucks in a fleet are well-maintained

FAQs About Truck Accident Claims in Sarasota, FL

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Sarasota?

After a truck accident, prioritize safety by moving to a secure location if possible. Call 911, seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, and report the accident to law enforcement. Take photos of the scene, gather contact information from witnesses, and avoid admitting fault. Contact a Sarasota truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Who can be held liable in a Sarasota truck accident case?

Liability in a truck accident can extend beyond the driver. Responsible parties may include the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or even a third-party contractor. A thorough investigation is needed to identify all liable parties.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida (as of changes made in 2023). This is known as the statute of limitations. However, some exceptions may apply, so it’s important to consult an attorney promptly.

What compensation can I recover after a truck accident in Sarasota?

Victims of truck accidents in Sarasota may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Disability or disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed)

Is Florida a no-fault state, and how does that affect my claim?

Yes, Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance typically pays for your medical bills and lost wages up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the accident. However, due to the severity of injuries often seen in truck accidents, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party if your injuries exceed the no-fault threshold.

What makes truck accident claims more complex than regular car accidents?

Truck accidents are often more complex due to:

• Federal and state trucking regulations
• Multiple liable parties
• Commercial insurance policies
• More severe injuries
• Involvement of large trucking companies with legal teams

Experienced truck accident lawyers understand these complexities and can build a strong case on your behalf.

Should I speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. You should avoid giving any statements or signing documents from the trucking company or their insurer without first speaking to your attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or get you to accept a low settlement.

How is fault determined in a Sarasota truck accident?

Fault is determined through a detailed investigation, which may include:

• Police reports
• Eyewitness accounts
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Truck black box data (electronic logging device)
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Expert witness analysis

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. A lawyer can help present your case to minimize fault.

Do I need an attorney for a truck accident claim in Sarasota?

It’s highly recommended. Big rig accident claims involve complex legal, technical, and insurance issues. A Sarasota truck accident attorney can handle negotiations, gather evidence, identify liable parties, and fight for full compensation.

Arrange a Free Consultation – Call Now

Want to know more about filing a truck accident claim in Florida? You don’t have to go through this process alone. Burnetti, P.A. and our Sarasota truck accident attorneys are here to help you from start to finish. The whole time we’re working on your case, you can feel more at ease knowing that legal professionals who genuinely care about your health and well-being are on your side. Let us hear from you, so we can discuss the next steps that you might need to take on your recovery journey.

Contact us onlineor call (941) 366-2838to request a no-cost case evaluation.