St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorney

Representation for 18-Wheeler Injuries in St. Petersburg, FL

If you were injured in a collision with a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other commercial vehicle in St. Petersburg, you know it is not just another traffic accident. The sheer size and weight of these trucks mean the consequences are often catastrophic, leaving victims with life-altering injuries, overwhelming medical debt, and an uncertain future.

Navigating the aftermath is incredibly complex. You are not just dealing with a driver; you are up against large trucking corporations and their aggressive insurance companies, all of whom have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. To level the playing field, you need a law firm with a proven track record of taking on these giants and winning.

At Burnetti, P.A., our experienced truck accident attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL, are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. We have the resources, the expertise, and the results to prove it, including an $11,000,000 recovery for a client injured in a commercial vehicle accident.

Our team is ready to help you if you were injured in a truck accident in St. Petersburg, FL. Contact us online or call (727) 240-3050 today!

Why Choose Burnetti, P.A. for Your St. Petersburg Truck Accident Case?

A truck accident claim involves complex state and federal regulations and multiple liable parties. Your choice of attorney is critical. Here is what sets Burnetti, P.A. apart:

• Proven Expertise in High-Stakes Litigation:
  Truck accident cases require a specialist. Our firm is home to Florida Bar Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyers, a distinction held by less than 5% of Florida lawyers that identifies them as tested experts in trial law. This level of expertise is essential when facing powerful corporate legal teams.

• Unwavering Loyalty to You:
  We have made a foundational promise to our clients: we only represent injured people, never insurance companies. This means our loyalty is exclusively to you. We are dedicated to maximizing your recovery, not maintaining relationships with the trucking insurers we fight against every day.

• Direct, Personal Communication:
  We know how stressful this time is. That's why we limit the number of cases we accept and provide you with your attorney's direct cell phone number. You will have a direct line for your questions, ensuring you are never left in the dark about your case.

• The Resources to Win:
  Trucking companies have deep pockets. We level the playing field by committing our firm's full financial resources to build your case, hiring top experts in accident reconstruction, trucking safety, and medical care. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Client Testimonial: "So happy with my choice... From the start I found a professional, informative, and attentive team. If you want personal attention, contact Burnetti!” – Pam N.

The Dangers of Truck Traffic on St. Petersburg Roads

St. Petersburg and Pinellas County see a significant amount of commercial traffic, especially along major corridors. Our local attorneys are familiar with the unique dangers these routes pose. We handle cases on high-risk roadways, including:

• I-275: A primary artery for commercial freight, where high speeds and congestion lead to devastating rear-end collisions and unsafe lane changes.
• US-19: Known for decades as one of the most dangerous roads in the region, its heavy traffic and numerous intersections are a hotspot for serious truck accidents.
• Gandy Boulevard (SR 694): A critical connection to Tampa, this route sees a mix of commercial and commuter traffic that often results in serious wrecks.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents on St. Petersburg Roads

Our investigation focuses on proving the specific cause of your crash. We have experience handling cases involving all forms of trucking negligence, including:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Improper lane changes and failure to check blind spots
• Brake failure and inadequate maintenance
• Improperly secured or overloaded cargo
• Hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers

How Our Firm Builds a Winning Truck Accident Claim

Evidence in a truck accident case can disappear quickly. We act immediately to preserve it. Our process includes:

1. Rapid Investigation: We dispatch investigators to the scene, document evidence, and interview witnesses.

2. Preserving Critical Evidence: We send spoliation letters to the trucking company, legally demanding they preserve crucial evidence like the truck's "black box" data recorder, driver logs, maintenance records, and driver qualification files.

3. Hiring Experts: We work with accident reconstruction specialists to determine exactly how the crash happened and prove the truck driver or trucking company was at fault.

4. Calculating Full Damages: We consult with medical and financial experts to calculate the full lifetime cost of your injuries, including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Unraveling Complex Liability in a St. Petersburg Truck Accident

Unlike a typical car crash, multiple parties can be held legally responsible for a truck accident. Our attorneys conduct a thorough investigation to identify every liable party, which may include:

• The Truck Driver: For negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued.
• The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): For negligent hiring, poor training, failure to maintain their fleet, or pressuring drivers to violate federal hours-of-service regulations.
• The Truck Manufacturer: If a defective part, such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout, caused the crash.
• The Cargo Shipper or Loader: If improperly secured or overloaded cargo shifted and led to a loss of control.
• A Maintenance Company: If a third-party mechanic performed negligent repairs on the truck.

Our experience allows us to pursue every avenue of compensation to ensure you receive the full amount you are owed.

Common Injuries in Truck Accident Cases

Due to the immense force involved, truck accidents often result in catastrophic and life-altering injuries. We have experience fighting for clients who have suffered:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Internal organ damage
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Multiple broken bones and crush injuries
• Wrongful death

We work with your doctors and medical experts to fully document the extent of these injuries and their long-term impact on your life.

FAQs of Truck Accident Claims in St. Petersburg, FL

Is Florida a No-Fault State, and How Does That Affect My Truck Accident Claim?

Yes, but the no-fault (PIP) system has its limits. Your own PIP insurance will cover your initial medical bills and lost wages up to your policy limit. However, because truck accidents often cause severe injuries that exceed these limits, you can step outside the no-fault system to file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties for your full damages.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?

You may be eligible to recover economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be possible.

Should I Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster?

No. You should avoid giving a recorded statement or signing anything for the trucking company’s insurer before speaking with an attorney. Their goal is to minimize what they pay—not your best interests—and they can use your words to reduce or deny your claim. An attorney can handle all communications to protect your rights and strengthen your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

For most truck accident injury claims, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It is critical to contact an attorney long before this deadline to ensure crucial evidence is preserved.

What if the Truck Driver Was Working for a Company?

If the driver was performing job-related duties at the time of the crash, the trucking company can usually be held vicariously liable under Florida law. This means you can pursue compensation from the company’s often larger insurance policies and assets. In addition, the company may be directly liable for issues like negligent hiring, poor training, unsafe schedules, or inadequate truck maintenance. Holding both the driver and the company accountable can strengthen your claim and increase your potential recovery.

Contact Our St. Petersburg 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Today

After a truck accident, you might feel overwhelmed. Even if you are not injured, dealing with the insurance company can be a challenge. At Burnetti, P.A., we can help you navigate the insurance claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We can also represent you in a personal injury lawsuit if you were injured in a truck accident. Truck accident lawsuits can be complicated, so you should always hire an attorney. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve, whether you were injured or not.

Contact us today at (727) 240-3050 to schedule a free consultation with our St. Petersburg truck accident lawyers.