Truck Accidents - Pinellas County, FL

Truck Accidents - Pinellas County

Truck Accident Causes

Truck accidents often involve some type of negligence on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, or both. Some of the common causes of car-truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue
• Inattention by the truck driver
• Bad or aggressive driving by the truck driver, such as tailgating or speeding
• Lack of proper maintenance of the truck or trailer
• Improper loading
• Driving with an unsecured load
• Use of amphetamines or other drugs by the truck driver
• Tire tread separation and tire blowouts
• Negligent driving in bad weather conditions
• Negligent passing
• Trucks obscuring a car driver's view
• Truck jackknifing and rollovers on slippery roads

If you are injured in an accident involving a large truck, it may be possible to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against both the negligent truck driver and the trucking company that employs him or her. If the accident involves a commercial vehicle you may also have a claim against the insurer of the trailer.

An experienced firm,  will find out if the trucking company, driver, or the owner of the trailer is responsible for causing the accident and, if so, seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, past and future wages, pain and suffering, disability, and for other damages. We also represent family members in wrongful death cases

What is my case worth?
You must seek an experienced trucking accident lawyer.

What is the most common cause of truck crashes?
Driver fatigue is the number one culprit leading to these terrible crashes. Trucking companies often push their drivers to operate their tractor-trailers for unreasonably long periods without rest. This is a classic example of irresponsible corporations putting profits over people.

What is a commercial motor vehicle?
In most states safety regulations apply to commercial motor vehicles which are defined as any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on the public highways in commerce to transport passengers or cargo, if such vehicle:

1. has a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more;

2. is designed to transport more than 10 passengers including the driver; or

3. is used in the transportation of hazardous materials.

This definition is not limited to vehicles operated by a "trucking" company. Such vehicles operated by any business or commercial enterprise are subject to the regulations.

These are usually large trucks used for business purposes including the transport of commercial goods. They may include eighteen - wheeler tractor trailers, delivery trucks, dump trucks, tanker trucks, moving company trucks, freight trucks, combination trucks, certain construction trucks or vehicles and other large trucks.

How are truck accidents different from other motor vehicle collisions?
There are specific laws and regulations that apply only to commercial trucking companies, their trucks and their drivers. There are also complex technical, mechanical, engineering and accident reconstruction aspects to these cases that distinguish them from other motor vehicle accidents.

Are truckers regulated by the Federal Government?
Yes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Title 49, Parts 350 -399) govern tractor-trailers and trucking companies involved in interstate commerce. These standards were established in an attempt to make our roads and highways safer for all motorists.

Is a trucking accident more likely to cause serious injury than other automobile crashes?
Yes. Accidents involving tractor trailers or other large trucks are more likely to result in serious injury or death than other automobile crashes because these commercial trucks are 20 - 30 times heavier than traditional passenger cars.

If I was injured in a truck accident, do I really need a lawyer?
Yes. Trucking companies and their commercial insurance companies are well trained in automobile - truck accident investigation and claims handling. These adjusters represent the trucking company and are trying to help them - not you. They will typically do everything in their power to prevent a victim from receiving full, fair and just compensation for their injuries.

You should not give them any type of statement or sign any papers. Do not even sign releases for medical records, since they may allow the adjuster to speak directly to your doctors without you being present.

Large trucking companies have accident investigators that are on call 24/7 and are often sent to the crash scene before the police arrive. While the families of the accident victims are dealing with doctors and hospitals or making funeral arrangements, the trucking company is investigating the accident, destroying evidence and setting up their defenses.

Protect yourself! Hire a highly qualified lawyer to fight for your rights.

Back to the top

This educational content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, home improvement or health advice. Content on this page is provided by Ask The Experts and not the featured advertiser.