St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorney : Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers

Been in a truck accident in St. Petersburg? The aftermath can be overwhelming and navigating the legal process on your own can cost you your right to fair compensation. Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, property damage or emotional trauma, working with a St. Petersburg truck accident attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger is key to getting the justice you deserve.

Call us now at (800) 434-4327.

Why You Need a St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accidents are much more complicated than your average car wreck. The size and weight of commercial trucks cause massive damage and the legal hurdles are just as tough. Multiple parties, complex regulations and high stakes insurance policies require an experienced advocate. A St. Petersburg truck accident attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger will:

• Explain your legal rights.
• Walk you through the claims process.
• Handle the insurance companies.
• Get the evidence.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in St. Petersburg

Truck accidents are often the result of negligence, whether by the driver, the trucking company, or third-party contractors. As the country continues to grow, trucking accidents are on the rise. Here are some common causes:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to dangerous levels of exhaustion.
• Distracted Driving: Using cell phones, GPS systems, or other distractions can have deadly consequences.
• Speeding: The large mass of a truck makes it harder to stop, making speeding particularly dangerous.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failing brakes or tire blowouts can quickly turn into fatal accidents.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Unbalanced or poorly secured cargo can lead to rollovers or jackknife accidents.

Determining Liability in a St. Petersburg Truck Accident

One of the biggest challenges in any truck accident case is determining liability. Unlike car accidents, where fault usually lies with the drivers, truck accidents can involve multiple responsible parties. Your St. Petersburg truck accident attorney will investigate every angle to identify who’s at fault. Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck Drivers: If the driver was negligent by speeding, driving under the influence, or violating service hours, they could be held responsible.
• Trucking Companies: Companies can be held liable for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or neglecting vehicle maintenance.
• Cargo Loaders: Incorrectly loading or securing cargo can make them liable if this contributed to the accident.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: In cases of mechanical failure, the truck’s manufacturer might be held responsible for faulty equipment.

Your attorney will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of compensation, thoroughly examining each party’s role in the accident.

Proving Fault in a St. Petersburg Truck Accident Case

Proving fault in a truck accident is no small task. Your attorney will need to gather substantial evidence, and time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the harder it can become to gather critical information. Here’s how a St. Petersburg truck accident attorney will help:

• Review Police Reports: Official reports often hold the initial assessment of fault.
• Analyze Driver Logs: Truckers are required to keep logs of their driving hours and breaks, and violations of these regulations can prove negligence.
• Examine Electronic Data: Many trucks now come equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record essential data, such as speed and braking patterns.
• Collect Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses can provide essential insights into the moments leading up to the accident.
• Work with Accident Reconstruction Experts: Experts may be needed to recreate the accident scene and establish liability in complex cases.

Florida’s Pure Comparative Fault Rule

Florida follows the legal doctrine of “pure comparative fault,” which means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you could still recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by that amount.

Insurance companies often attempt to exploit this rule, shifting as much blame onto you as possible to minimize their payout. Having an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident attorney ensures you’re not unfairly burdened with a disproportionate share of the blame. Contact us at (800) 434-4327.

Types of Damages in a St. Petersburg Truck Accident Case

Truck accidents frequently result in substantial damages. Both economic and non-economic damages can be pursued, and it’s critical to understand the full extent of your losses.

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: This includes your current and future medical costs, such as hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and reduced future earning capacity.
• Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Other Financial Losses: This may cover additional costs, such as hiring someone to help with tasks you can no longer perform, such as house cleaning or childcare.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Emotional Distress: Truck accidents can cause psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, you could seek compensation for this loss.

Punitive Damages in Truck Accident Cases

In some cases, victims may be awarded punitive damages intended to punish particularly reckless behavior and prevent similar conduct in the future. This is most common in cases involving gross negligence, such as when a truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or when a trucking company knowingly violated safety regulations.

Legal Representation from a St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident cases are not only legally complex but emotionally draining. Dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and the stress of an accident can be overwhelming. That’s why hiring a St. Petersburg truck accident attorney is vital. Your attorney will:

• Handle communications with the insurance companies.
• Negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Represent your interests in court if necessary.

Working with a skilled attorney lets you focus on your recovery, knowing that your legal rights are being protected and fought for.  Contact us now at (800) 434-4327.

Seek Legal Help Now with a St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in St. Petersburg, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you consult with a St. Petersburg truck accident attorney, the better your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact our team today at (800) 434-4327 for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your situation—let a professional advocate for your rights and work towards a positive resolution in your truck accident case.  Complete our free consultation form now!

Sources:

• https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics?tab=Summary&type=&report_id=1&crash_type_id=4&datasource_id=1&time_period_id=2&report_date=0&vehicle_type=1&state=NAT&domicile=ALL&measure_id=1&operation_id=null
• https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
• https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/crash-citation-reports/
• http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
• https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/768.72