St. Petersburg Truck Accident Lawyer
Because of their large size and weight, truck accidents are among the most severe and deadly crashes on Florida’s roadways. Truck accidents are a problem all across the state, including in St. Petersburg. Unfortunately, fatalities are not uncommon either, especially for the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. If you or someone you loved was injured in a truck accident, contact a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer today.
At Palmer | Lopez, we have years of experience getting truck accident victims the compensation they deserve. We can protect your rights and fight for you against insurance adjusters and trucking companies. Speak with one of our attorneys to learn more.
Common Reasons for Truck Accidents in St. Petersburg
Truck Accidents are not necessarily accidents since they almost always result from someone’s negligence or recklessness. To successfully pursue damages, you must show evidence of the other driver’s fault. Some of the most common causes of St. Petersburg truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting, checking GPS or delivery logs, eating, or talking on the phone;
- Fatigued or falling asleep;
- Speeding, above the speed limit;
- Driving too fast for current conditions, such as road or weather;
- Violating a traffic law, such as not stopping at a traffic light or stop sign;
- Following too close;
- A defective part on the truck due to negligent maintenance;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- Overloaded trailer; or
- Cargo not correctly loaded.
Types of Damages You Can Get in a Truck Accident
If you can prove liability, you can collect compensation for your damages. Damages in a St. Petersburg truck accident could include:
- Medical costs to date;
- Future medical expenses;
- Lost wages to date;
- Future loss of earnings or diminished earning capacity;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Emotional distress.
If the truck driver acted recklessly or was driving under the influence, you might receive punitive damages. Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer, to keep them from repeating or engaging in similar behavior in the future.
What to Do Following a Truck Accident in Florida
When you are involved in an accident with a large truck in Florida, it’s important to remain calm. Your first priority should be your safety. Get out of the way if possible, so another passing motorist does not strike you. You should call the police to have them respond to the scene to take a report. Make sure to exchange contact information with the other involved drivers. If there are witnesses, get their information as well.
If your injuries aren’t too severe, try to get scene photos if possible. You should take pictures of the large truck, your vehicle, your injuries if possible, and any other important details at the scene. Was there road construction or bad weather? Was something obscuring your visibility? We recommend that you capture any details that could potentially help your claim.
You should schedule a doctor’s appointment right away if you aren’t transported to the hospital. It’s essential to get checked out to verify you don’t have internal injuries you can’t see. If you wait weeks to seek medical treatment, the truck driver’s insurance will use it against you and claim you were not severely injured in the accident.
Trust a St. Petersburg Truck Accident Lawyer to Fight for Your Rights
For more information on your options as the victim of a truck crash, please call 813-967-8505 or go online to reach our St. Petersburg offices of Palmer | Lopez We can schedule a no-cost case evaluation to listen to your story and explain how we can help with your legal remedies. Our team has extensive experience advocating on behalf of injured victims, and we’re happy to help with your truck accident case.
