Were you injured in a cargo truck accident in Tampa, FL? Being involved in one of these truck accidents can mean facing serious injuries, property damage, and an array of other losses.
Our Tampa cargo truck accident lawyers have 15 years of combined experience. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients. We’ll fight to hold the liable party accountable for your injuries.
Contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers today at (813) 800-0810 to schedule a free consultation.
How Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After A Cargo Truck Accident In Tampa, FL
At Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers, our Tampa truck accident attorneys can assist you in pursuing compensation by providing services, such as:
- Reviewing crash details, injuries, and available insurance coverage during a free consultation
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Preserving key evidence quickly
- Investigating cargo-related issues
- Working with experts when needed
- Documenting damages and future needs
- Handling communications and negotiations with insurers and defense attorneys to pursue a fair settlement
- Filing a lawsuit and taking the case to trial, if necessary, to seek full compensation
You don’t have to navigate the legal process in Tampa, Florida, alone. Contact our Tampa personal injury lawyers to arrange a complimentary consultation.
What Causes Cargo Truck Accidents In Tampa?
Cargo truck accidents can occur for numerous reasons, including driver errors and vehicle malfunctions.
Inexperienced Drivers
Truckers must receive the appropriate training to safely operate these large vehicles. They must have the correct license, and trucking companies must ensure that they are qualified to handle the job.
Distracted Driving
Truckers spend a significant amount of time driving down highways. They can get bored and lose focus on what they’re doing. Distracted driving is a serious concern throughout the country, causing numerous accidents and deaths every year. Although texting is the most common distraction, everything from eating to reading roadside signs can be a problem.
Fatigued Driving
Federal regulations are designed to ensure that truckers don’t drive more than is safe. These guidelines are not always respected, however. Truckers may try to make faster deliveries, and companies could incentivize them to break the law by offering bonuses.
Not taking the necessary breaks to rest can lead a trucker to experience exhaustion behind the wheel. Fatigue and intoxication cause similar cognitive function issues. Being tired can lead to slower reflexes, more difficulty gauging distance and speed, and many other problems.
Lack Of Proper Maintenance
Each time a truck is allowed on the road, the trucking company must ensure that it is in good condition. Failing to identify and remedy damage means that truck parts could malfunction while the vehicle is in motion. In these instances, the trucking company is typically responsible; however, the trucker may also be liable if they fail to verify the vehicle’s condition.
Cargo Loading Problems
The cargo that a truck transports must be loaded correctly. If it’s not secured as it needs to be, it could shift during the trip. This can alter the truck’s center of gravity, potentially increasing the vehicle’s likelihood of jackknifing and increasing the chances of it toppling when taking a turn or curve. The same is true if the truck is overloaded; accidents are much more likely to occur.
Defective Truck Parts
Tire blowouts are a significant concern for cargo trucks due to the difficulty in maintaining control of the vehicle if one occurs. In these cases, it’s essential to determine whether the manufacturer of the parts is at fault or whether a mechanic should have identified and addressed the issue before allowing the truck to proceed.
How Long Do I Have To File A Truck Accident Lawsuit In Florida?
Florida has a time limit for filing a civil lawsuit known as the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, including those arising from a cargo truck accident, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in court.
There are rare exceptions to this rule that may extend or shorten the deadline, such as:
- Wrongful Death: If the accident resulted in death, the lawsuit must generally be filed within two years of the date of death.
- Government Entity: If the liable party is a government entity, the deadline to provide notice of the claim and file a suit is often much shorter.
It is crucial to speak with an experienced Tampa truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the incident to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe. Missing the deadline will almost certainly result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation in court.
Contact Our Tampa Cargo Truck Accident Lawyers For A Free Consultation
Suffering injuries in a cargo truck accident can mean battling lasting health issues and dealing with the inability to work for weeks or months. If the accident occurred because of another party’s conduct, then you may be entitled to begin a claim and recover losses.
At Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers, our team can guide you through this process. Contact our Tampa cargo truck accident attorneys for a free consultation.
