St. Petersburg Truck Accident Lawyers

Injured in a Truck Accident in St. Petersburg, FL?

If you were injured in a truck accident in St. Petersburg or the surrounding area, you could face significant financial and emotional strain. You might have to deal with extensive medical bills, lost wages, and permanent physical and emotional damage. You deserve to be fairly compensated for your losses.

At Burnetti, P.A., our experienced truck accident attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL, are committed to helping you fight for the compensation you deserve. We know how to effectively advocate for you in the courtroom and out of it, too.

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

What to Do After a Truck Accident

In the wake of a truck accident, you might feel dazed and confused. You might not know what to do or where to go for help. We know how overwhelming it can be, which is why we are here to help. We can guide you through the process, from start to finish.

Here's what you should do after a truck accident:

• Seek medical attention. Even if you don't think you are injured, you should always get checked out. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you have sustained an injury and how serious it is.
• Call the police. Even if the other driver says they will take care of the accident, you should still call the police. They will be able to take a report, which will help you later.
• Gather evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle. Keep any documents related to the accident and your medical bills.
• Contact a truck accident lawyer. Truck accident cases can be complex, so you should always seek legal help. At Burnetti, P.A., our attorneys can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

The Dangers of Truck Accidents

Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than cars. The sheer mass of trucks makes them more challenging to maneuver and stop quickly in emergency situations. When a truck collides with a car, the smaller vehicle absorbs the impact of the collision, leading to severe damage and potential fatalities for the car's occupants.

The weight and size of trucks also contribute to their momentum. Even at moderate speeds, trucks can carry a tremendous amount of kinetic energy. When this energy is transferred to a smaller car during a collision, the results can be devastating.

Trucks also require much longer distances to come to a complete stop compared to cars. If a truck driver needs to brake suddenly, it may be challenging to avoid rear-ending a smaller vehicle.

Lastly, truck accidents can be exacerbated by improperly secured or overloaded cargo, which can shift during transit, affecting the truck's stability and handling.

What Are The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles.

• Distracted driving: This includes using cell phones, eating, or attending to passengers while driving.
• Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, increasing the risk of accidents due to fatigue.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Impairment: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous.
• Improper lane changes: Failure to check blind spots or improperly signaling can lead to collisions.
• Tire problems: Underinflated or worn tires can lead to blowouts and loss of control.
• Brake failure: Malfunctioning brakes are a major cause of truck accidents.
• Lighting malfunctions: Defective headlights, taillights, or turn signals can reduce visibility.
• Improperly secured cargo: Shifting or falling cargo can cause accidents.
• Overloaded trucks: Overloading can affect handling and braking.
• Adverse weather: Rain, snow, ice, and fog can create hazardous driving conditions.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and construction zones can contribute to accidents.
• Driver fatigue: Enforcing unrealistic schedules that lead to driver fatigue.
• Inadequate maintenance: Failing to properly maintain trucks.
• Hiring unqualified drivers: Employing drivers without proper training or experience.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Due to the immense size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to paralysis or loss of mobility.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs can be fatal if not treated promptly.
• Amputations: Severe trauma can result in the loss of limbs.
• Whiplash: A common neck injury caused by the sudden impact of a collision.
• Back and Neck Pain: These injuries can be chronic and debilitating.
• Broken Bones: Fractures are frequent in high-impact accidents.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and contusions are common.
• Burns: Explosions or fires can cause severe burns.

Determining Fault in a Florida Truck Accident

Determining fault in a truck accident can be complex due to the involvement of large commercial vehicles and various potential contributing factors. The following are factors affecting fault determination:

• Evidence: Police reports, eyewitness testimonies, photos, and video footage can be crucial in establishing fault.
• Traffic Laws: Violations of traffic laws by either the truck driver or other involved parties can influence fault determination.
• Truck Driver Hours of Service: Compliance with federal regulations regarding driving hours is essential to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
• Truck Maintenance Records: Evidence of proper truck maintenance can help exonerate the trucking company.
• Cargo Loading and Securing: Documentation of proper cargo handling can protect the involved parties.

Who Can Be Liable in a St. Petersburg Truck Accident?

In a truck accident, liability refers to legal responsibility for the accident and its consequences. Several parties can be liable in a truck accident, and the determination of liability often depends on the specific circumstances of the accident.

Here are some of the parties who may be held liable:

• Truck driver: The truck driver is often the first party examined for liability. If the accident was caused by the truck driver's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating traffic rules, they may be held responsible for the accident.
• Trucking company: The trucking company that owns or operates the truck may be liable under certain circumstances. If the accident resulted from the company's negligence, such as inadequate driver training, improper maintenance of the truck, or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations, the company may share liability.
• Truck manufacturer or maintenance company: If the accident was caused by a defect in the truck itself or faulty maintenance performed by a third-party maintenance company, the manufacturer or maintenance company could be held liable.
• Shippers or loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to accidents. If the accident occurred due to improper loading or cargo handling by the shippers or loaders, they may share liability.
• Road Maintenance: If poor road conditions caused the accident, the responsible entity might be at fault.
• Other drivers: In multi-vehicle accidents involving a truck, other drivers involved in the collision may also share liability if their actions contributed to the crash.

Florida Truck Accident Statute of Limitations

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to a truck accident varies based on the nature of the claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from a truck accident is two years from the date of the accident. If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended. Generally, the minor has until two years after their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit.

FAQs of Truck Accident Claims in St. Petersburg, FL

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

Yes, Florida follows a no-fault insurance system. Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical bills and lost wages up to your policy limits, regardless of who caused the accident. However, for severe injuries, you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault party.

What types of compensation can I recover?

You may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of earning capacity
• Punitive damages (in rare cases)

How is fault determined in a truck accident in St. Petersburg?

Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule. If you're found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced proportionally. If you're more than 50% at fault, you may not recover damages.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

It’s not advisable to speak directly with the trucking company’s insurance without legal representation. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against your claim.

What if the truck driver was working for a company?

If the driver was acting within the scope of employment, the trucking company may be held vicariously liable for their actions under Florida law.

Why You Should Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg

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.