Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers

We will get you through this.

In the wake of a commercial truck accident, you deserve a champion who will fight by your side with compassion and skill. Our team of accessible Tampa truck accident attorneys will take on the trucking insurance companies and legal system to get you the outcome you deserve.

Why Choose Our Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers?

For decades, our personal injury lawyers have helped Tampa truck accident victims rebuild their lives. After a commercial truck crash, our attorneys immediately go to work to secure maximum compensation. We know how to hold negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers accountable for the harm they’ve caused. 

Our Tampa truck accident attorneys have earned national recognition defending the rights of injured accident victims just like you recover financial compensation for their injuries. 

Call us today to discuss your Tampa truck accident case and learn more about your legal options. To make it even easier for you, our law firm offers FREE initial reviews. When you meet with us at our Tampa office or virtually, we can answer any questions you may have. You are never under any obligation to hire us to represent you.

Our office is conveniently located at 829 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Tampa, just a few blocks from the Hillsborough River and Freedom Park. 

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Tampa

Truck accidents are a major concern in Tampa due to the heavy traffic, busy highways, and the presence of numerous commercial trucks traveling through the area. These accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities, given the size and weight of trucks compared to passenger vehicles. Understanding the most common types of truck accidents can help drivers stay cautious and aware while navigating Tampa’s roads. They also help your attorney determine how best to navigate your claim and establish liability. Here are some common types of truck accident cases we handle:

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions involving trucks are some of the most frequent types of accidents. Trucks require a much longer distance to come to a complete stop, especially when they are carrying heavy loads. When a truck driver fails to leave enough space between their vehicle and the one in front, or if a car cuts off a truck abruptly, it can lead to devastating rear-end accidents. In many cases, the smaller vehicle absorbs the majority of the impact, resulting in serious injuries for its occupants.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when the truck’s cab and trailer fold at an angle, resembling a pocketknife. This type of accident often happens when a truck driver brakes too hard or too suddenly, causing the trailer to swing out of control. Jackknife accidents can block multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multi-car pileups, especially on Tampa’s congested highways like I-275 or I-4.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents can occur when a truck makes a sharp turn at too high a speed, or when the driver loses control of the vehicle. Tampa’s frequent rain and slippery roads can increase the likelihood of rollovers, particularly on curves or freeway off-ramps. When a truck rolls over, it can crush other vehicles and create a chaotic scene, endangering not just the truck driver but other motorists as well.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots, known as “no-zones,” on all four sides of the vehicle. Smaller cars that drive in these blind spots are often invisible to truck drivers. If the truck driver attempts to change lanes without noticing a vehicle in their no-zone, it can lead to serious sideswipe or merge accidents. Tampa’s crowded urban roads can make it challenging for truckers to always be aware of vehicles in these blind spots.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents are some of the most deadly truck accidents. These occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and becomes lodged underneath the trailer. While many trucks are equipped with underride guards to prevent such accidents, these guards are not always effective. Underride accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts are another common cause of truck accidents in Tampa. Trucks carry heavy loads, and the tires undergo significant stress, especially in the heat of Florida. When a tire blows out, the truck can become difficult to control, leading to accidents. Tire debris left on the road can also cause secondary crashes as drivers attempt to avoid it.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks require extra space to make wide turns, particularly right turns. If a truck driver fails to account for nearby vehicles or pedestrians, they may cause an accident by swinging wide into another lane or cutting across traffic unexpectedly. Drivers in Tampa should be particularly cautious around trucks that appear to be preparing for a turn.

T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions

T-bone accidents often occur at intersections when a truck runs a red light or fails to yield the right of way. Given the size and force of a truck, a side-impact collision with a smaller vehicle can be devastating. Tampa’s busy intersections, combined with high truck traffic, make T-bone collisions a significant risk.

Head-On Collisions

Although less common, head-on collisions involving trucks are often fatal. These accidents typically occur when a truck veers into oncoming traffic, either due to driver fatigue, distraction, or poor road conditions. Tampa’s congested highways and interstates can make head-on collisions particularly catastrophic when they occur.

Cargo Spills

Improperly secured cargo can cause serious accidents. If a truck’s load shifts or falls onto the road, it can create hazards for other drivers. Cargo spills are particularly dangerous on Tampa’s busy highways, where vehicles may be traveling at high speeds and have little time to react to unexpected debris in the road.

What Causes Truck Accidents in Tampa?

Many factors might contribute to truck crashes, but most accidents happen due to driver error. This might include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may drive for extended periods without adequate rest. Although federal regulations limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road, some drivers may violate these rules or feel pressured to meet tight deadlines. Fatigued drivers can experience slower reaction times, poor judgment, and even fall asleep behind the wheel.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions like texting, eating, using GPS, or talking on the phone can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. Given the size of a truck, even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to serious accidents.
• Speeding or Reckless Driving: Speeding is a major factor in truck accidents. Trucks require a longer distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles, and driving at high speeds can make it difficult for drivers to stop in time to avoid a collision. Reckless driving, including aggressive lane changes or tailgating, can also contribute to accidents.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Tampa’s weather, including heavy rain and tropical storms, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Truck drivers may struggle to control their vehicles in these conditions, especially if they’re traveling at high speeds or their trucks are not well-maintained.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Cargo that is improperly loaded or unsecured can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced. This can lead to rollovers or the truck jackknifing, which can block lanes and create dangerous conditions for other drivers.
• Mechanical Failures: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. When companies or drivers neglect this, it can lead to mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
• Driving Under the Influence: Some truck drivers may drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications, impairing their ability to safely operate their vehicle. Even small amounts of certain substances can impair judgment and reaction times.
• Poor Road Conditions: In Tampa, construction zones, potholes, or poorly maintained roads can be hazardous for truck drivers. Large trucks are more difficult to maneuver around obstacles or uneven road surfaces, making accidents more likely in these conditions.
• Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers: Operating a commercial truck requires specialized training. Inexperienced drivers may not be familiar with handling a large vehicle, especially in Tampa’s busy traffic or challenging weather conditions. Poor training can result in mistakes that lead to serious accidents.
• Other Drivers on the Road: Sometimes, truck accidents are caused by the actions of other motorists. Cars that cut off trucks, follow too closely, or drive in a truck’s blind spots can contribute to collisions. Due to their size, trucks have large blind spots, and if a car is in these areas, the truck driver may not see them in time to avoid an accident.

These factors, combined with Tampa’s busy roads and highways, create an environment where truck accidents can happen.

Our Tampa Trucking Accident Lawyer Gets Results

Our legal process for truck accident claims involves a personal touch backed by big results. We treat clients as individuals — not case numbers — and it helps us recover the compensation each one deserves. Our Tampa personal injury lawyers can assist with your Tampa truck accident claim in the following ways:

1. Understanding Your Options

From your first call, our team takes the time to listen and learn about your unique situation. We’ll walk you through the factors that will increase the value of your claim and help you mitigate risks. Above all, we help you envision a personalized path forward.

2. Connecting With Your Tampa Truck Accident Attorney

You will know within one to two days if our team can help. Your truck accident attorney and legal team will guide you through what to expect, ensuring you’re always informed about what’s going on. You will stay in control.

3. Supporting Documentation

Our diligent legal team will work with you to complete all the necessary documentation. This includes insurance policy details, medical records, medical and repair bills, and lost wages. This information will help us build a strong claim for fair compensation.

4. Formulating a Winning Plan

We’ll assess your case—every detail, every angle—as we fight for the outcome you deserve. We roll up our sleeves and bring an unrelenting commitment and proven track record to formulate a winning game plan, keeping you informed along the way.

5. Negotiation and Litigation

We are relentless in pursuing what’s right. We work with toughness and resilience as we negotiate directly with the defense to obtain the compensation you deserve. In truck accident injury cases that demand a court trial, our attorneys are experienced personal injury litigators with the talent to maximize policy volumes and outcomes.