FAQs About Truck Accidents in Florida
Accidents involving commercial trucks are some of the most harmful on Florida’s roads, causing serious injuries, extensive property damage, and severe emotional distress. Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, the consequences after a crash can be life-altering. If you or someone you love has been involved in a crash, you likely have many questions. Below, our Tampa truck accident attorney provides the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we hear.
What are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
There are many factors that cause truck accidents in Tampa, and throughout Florida. The most common of these include:
- Fatigued driving: Truck drivers are on the road for many hours at a time, which can lead to fatigue and impaired judgment.
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers face many distractions on the road, including eating, talking or texting on a phone, or using a GPS device. These distractions take a trucker’s eyes and focus from the road, which can cause a crash.
- Speeding: Under great pressure to meet tight deadlines, truckers may speed in order to deliver cargo on time.
- Cargo issues: Overloaded cargo on a truck, or cargo that has not been loaded properly, can cause a truck to become unstable. A driver may lose control of an unstable truck, resulting in a crash.
- Impaired driving: Some truck drivers believe using drugs or alcohol will help them stay awake on the roads but it greatly increases the chance of a crash occurring.
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Determining liability after a truck accident is more complicated than after a regular car crash because a number of parties may be liable. They include:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Cargo loading companies
- Maintenance providers
- Truck manufacturers
- Other motorists
- Government entities
A truck accident attorney can conduct an investigation to determine liability and to collect evidence that proves your case.
What Compensation is Available After a Truck Accident?
You have the right to claim compensation for any losses you incurred during a truck accident caused by another party’s negligence. The most common types of damages recovered in these cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations in truck accident cases in Florida is two years from the date of the crash. If you fail to file your claim before this time limit expires, you will likely lose your right to obtain any compensation at all. It is critical to speak to an attorney who can ensure your claim is filed on time.
Why Work with a Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa?
After a crash involving a commercial truck, it is critical to seek legal advice. At Moore Law, our Tampa truck accident attorney can investigate the crash, collect the necessary evidence, accurately value your claim, and negotiate with the other side to obtain a full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0095/Sections/0095.11.html
