Sean | April 11, 2024

When to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg?

Truck accidents typically occur when truck drivers and trucking companies commit negligent acts. If you recently suffered injuries in a St. Petersburg truck collision, you need to involve an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Your lawyer can promptly investigate the accident circumstances, gather appropriate documentation, and file a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claim with the appropriate insurance company on your behalf.

If you are eligible to file a third-party claim with the at-fault truck driver or trucking company’s insurer, your lawyer can also handle that process for you and pursue the compensation you need. If the insurance company refuses to make you a favorable settlement offer, then your lawyer can file a lawsuit in court and pursue a favorable litigation result in your case.

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What are the Most Common Types and Causes of Truck Accidents in St. Petersburg?

In St. Petersburg, like many other cities, truck accidents are unfortunately all-too-common occurrences. Some of the most prevalent factors that lead to truck accidents in St. Petersburg include the following:

• Driver Fatigue – Long hours on the road can lead to truck driver fatigue – a significant factor in truck accidents. Fatigued drivers may experience impaired judgment, delayed reaction time, and even falling asleep at the wheel, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Distracted Driving – Just like any other driver, truck drivers can also become distracted with activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving their vehicle. These distractions may divert their attention from the road, making an accident more likely to occur.
• Frequent Speeding – Speeding is another common cause of truck accidents in St. Petersburg. When truck drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions, they have less time to react to hazards and are more likely to lose control of their large and heavy vehicles.
• Improper Loading and Unloading of Cargo – Improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unbalanced or overloaded, leading to accidents. If cargo shifts during transit or falls onto the road, it can pose a danger to oncoming vehicles and contribute to collisions.
• Truck Mechanical Failures – Malfunctions in a truck’s mechanical systems, such as brakes, tires, or steering, can result in accidents. Poor maintenance or defective parts may contribute to these failures, making regular inspections and maintenance extremely important for truck drivers and trucking companies.
• Driving Under the Influence – Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious problem among truck drivers. Impaired judgment and decreased coordination significantly increase the risk of accidents on St. Petersburg roads.
• Poor Weather Conditions – Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or ice, can make driving more hazardous for truck drivers. Reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces increase the likelihood of accidents if drivers fail to adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
• Tailgating – Following other vehicles too closely or tailgating is a common cause of truck accidents. If a truck driver is unable to stop in time due to tailgating, it can result in rear-end collisions with potentially catastrophic consequences.

To address these issues and reduce the frequency of truck accidents in St. Petersburg, it’s crucial for truck drivers and trucking companies to obey all traffic laws, comply with state and federal motor carrier regulations, undergo regular training, and maintain their vehicles properly.

Common Injuries in St. Petersburg Truck Accidents

In Saint Petersburg, truck accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which are more common than others. Here are the most prevalent injuries resulting from commercial truck accidents:

• Spinal Injuries – The significant force of a truck accident can cause spinal injuries ranging from mild to severe. These injuries may include herniated discs, fractures, or spinal cord damage. Depending upon the severity, spinal injuries can lead to paralysis injuries, chronic pain, or death.
• Internal Injuries – Truck accidents can also bring about internal injuries, such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. These injuries may not be readily apparent and can worsen over time if left untreated. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent additional complications.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – TBIs usually result from a sudden jolt or blow to the head, commonly seen in truck accidents where occupants strike their heads against the steering wheel, dashboard, or windows. TBIs may include concussions, comas, and severe brain damage that leads to permanent cognitive disabilities. 
• Whiplash – Whiplash is a common injury in truck accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. It occurs when the victim’s head and neck forcefully snap backward and then forward, often resulting in a decreased range of motion and extreme pain. 
• Fractures and Broken Bones – The sheer force of a truck accident can cause certain bones to break – including those in the arms, ankles, ribs, legs, wrists, or pelvis. 
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, strains, sprains, and contusions, are also common in truck accidents. These injuries often affect the victim’s ligaments, tendons, and muscles and can result in a restricted range of motion.

These are just a few examples of the most common injuries seen in truck accidents in Saint Petersburg. Regardless of the type or severity of the injury, it’s essential for accident victims to seek medical attention promptly and consult a qualified attorney to understand their legal rights and options for recovering compensation.

Types of Insurance Claims Following a St. Petersburg, Florida Truck Accident

After a truck accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, there are different types of insurance claims that accident victims may pursue to seek compensation for their injuries and damages. Here are two common types of insurance claims:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claim – Florida is a no-fault state, which means that regardless of who is at fault for the accident, each driver’s own insurance company is responsible for covering their medical expenses and lost income through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. PIP benefits are available to the insured driver, passengers, and certain other individuals involved in the accident, regardless of fault. These benefits typically cover up to 80 percent of medical expenses and 60 percent of lost income, up to the available policy limits. Filing a PIP claim involves submitting medical bills, treatment records, and proof of lost income to your own insurance company.
• Third-Party Claim with the At-Fault Party’s Insurer – In some cases where the truck driver or trucking company is at fault for the accident, victims may pursue a third-party claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This type of claim seeks compensation for damages not covered by PIP benefits, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and future medical expenses. To pursue a third-party claim, accident victims typically need to demonstrate that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident and resulting injuries. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and accident reconstruction reports may be used to support the claim. The at-fault party’s insurance company will investigate the claim and may negotiate a settlement with the victim’s attorney. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation, where a judge or jury will determine the appropriate amount of compensation.

Navigating insurance claims following a truck accident can be complex, especially when dealing with multiple parties and insurance companies. It’s essential for accident victims to seek guidance from an experienced Florida truck accident attorney who can help them understand their legal rights, navigate the claims process, and pursue the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

Recoverable Third-party Damages Following a St. Petersburg Truck Accident

In a third-party truck accident claim in St. Petersburg, Florida, there are additional damages that accident victims may recover as compensation for their losses. Here’s a breakdown of these damages:

• Past Medical Expenses – Accident victims are entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses incurred as a result of the truck accident. This includes costs associated with emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries and other procedures, doctor visits, imaging studies, medications, physical therapy, and other rehabilitation services.
• Anticipated Medical Costs – In addition to past medical expenses, accident victims may also be awarded compensation for anticipated future medical costs. This may include the costs of ongoing medical care, therapy, surgeries, medications, assistive devices, and other anticipated healthcare expenses due to the accident-related injuries. 
• Lost Wages – If accident victims had to miss time from work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to reimbursement of their lost earnings. This includes both past and future lost earnings, such as wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of income that the victim would have earned but for the accident-related injuries.
• Loss of Earning Capacity – In cases where the accident results in permanent injuries that prevent the victim from returning to their previous occupation or earning potential, they may be entitled to compensation for loss of earning capacity. This type of damage seeks to compensate victims for the diminished ability to earn income in the future due to the lasting effects of their injuries.
• Non-economic Damages – Non-economic damages compensate accident victims for intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost quality of life, and mental anguish. 
• Punitive Damages – In cases involving particularly egregious or reckless conduct by the at-fault individual or entity – such as drunk driving or intentional misconduct – punitive damages may be available, in addition to both economic and non-economic damages. The main purpose of punitive damages is to punish the at-fault party and hopefully prevent similar occurrences from happening in the future.

By pursuing a third-party truck accident claim in St. Petersburg, Florida, accident victims can seek compensation for these various types of damages to help them recover from their injuries, regain financial stability, and move forward with their lives. Working with an experienced Florida truck accident attorney can help accident victims navigate the legal process and maximize the compensation they receive for their injuries.

Speak with a Knowledgeable Truck Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg Today

If you recently suffered injuries in a St. Petersburg truck accident that resulted from a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence, an experienced St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer can meet with you to discuss your accident circumstances right away. Your lawyer can also gather important evidence and file a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, seeking the financial recovery you need.