Florida Highway Safety an Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reported in 2017, that there were:
- Almost 31,000 accidents involving a heavy truck
- Heavy truck fatalities of 27 people
- 126 heavy truck-related incapacitations
- 371 people suffering other injuries due to heavy truck accidents
These accidents can often be avoided by following proper safety procedures, but all too often, profit overrides safety. The Tampa 18-wheeler lawyers from The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine are dedicated to helping Florida truck accident victims recover compensation to pay for their medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
We will work to fight for fair compensation. You can learn more about the process of filing a truck accident claim in Tampa by calling 1-800-747-3733.
18-Wheeler Accident Injuries You Might Be Suffering From
The consequences following a truck accident are often severe. Too many people die in collisions involving large trucks. Even when these collisions are not fatal, the consequences are often catastrophic. They can lead to serious injuries, such as:
Brain Injuries
The sudden moment of impact when you are hit by a commercial truck accident can cause your head to hit a hard surface in your vehicle. This can cause a traumatic brain injury. These injuries often require extensive medical intervention and can involve the loss of cognitive or motor function.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Some accidents may cause spinal cord injuries, which can result in temporary or permanent paralysis. These injuries are not always apparent, so it is important to seek medical care immediately after an accident to properly diagnose these injuries.
Back Injuries
Because of the weight and force involved in truck accidents, some accident victims suffer from dislocated discs and other serious back injuries that may be so debilitating that you may be unable to return to work.
Fractured or Broken Bones
Truck collisions are so powerful that you may suffer from broken bones.
Internal Injuries
Other types of injuries may not be noticeable on the outside, but may cause serious suffering on the inside, such as:
- Internal damage to the bladder
- Spleen
- Live
- Kidney
- Pancreas
You may also suffer cuts or bruises from hitting the dashboard or pulling against the seatbelt. Seatbelts may cause injuries to your ribs, torso, or shoulder. Some cuts and scrapes are so severe that they lead to significant pain and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
A Tampa 18-wheeler lawyer can talk about how your injuries could make you eligible for an award. Reach us at 1-800-747-3733 to discuss your case and the injuries you sustained. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you today.
We Will Determine How Your 18-Wheeler Accident Happened
Your accident may have been due to the following conditions:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers must travel long distances every day, which can become boring and monotonous. They may get tired behind the wheel or even fall asleep.
Inexperienced Drivers
Truck driving is a difficult job and many truck companies have difficulty keeping enough drivers employed due to the tough work and long hours away from home. This may lead to them hiring people who are not really qualified to drive these large vehicles.
Violation of Traffic Rules
Sometimes, truck drivers have a history of violating traffic rules. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 21% of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had at least one previous speeding ticket, 9.2% of them had a previous revoked or suspended license, and 20.7% of them had previous reports of accidents.
Problems with Cargo
Being in a hurry may result in taking shortcuts with cargo, such as not correctly loading or securing it—or not checking for proper weight or distribution.
Impairment
A truck driver may have a blood alcohol concentration at or above 0.08% or could have taken a prescription or over-the-counter drug.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Federal rules are in place to help prevent mechanical failure of commercial trucks on the roadway. When trucking companies fail to properly maintain their vehicles and these vehicles cause accidents, the trucking company may be legally responsible for the damages that result.
Defective Auto Parts
In some situations, 18-wheelers or individual components are defective.
Our lawyers will investigate your case to determine its cause and who is legally responsible for the damages you sustained.
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Process in Regard to 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
Our Tampa 18-wheeler lawyers will quickly get to work on your claim and complete the following steps:
Document the Accident and Your Losses
Our team will gather records related to your claim, including:
- The accident report
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Insurance policy information
- Property damage records
Investigate How the Accident Occurred
There may be valuable evidence proving how and why the accident happened. Our team will investigate your accident and look for such evidence. This may include:
- Dashcam footage
- Security camera footage
- Traffic camera footage
- Photos of the accident scene
- Police records
- Records of fines or complaints against the trucking company or driver
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Electronic data in the commercial truck
Negotiate with the Insurance Company for a Fair Settlement
Once our team has a better understanding of the extent of your injuries and the evidence to support your claim, we will negotiate with the insurance company outside the courtroom for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement, we can discuss other options—like going to trial to secure the compensation you need after being injured in an 18-wheeler accident.
How Much It Costs to Hire an 18-Wheeler Lawyer
When you work with our team, you do not pay any upfront fees. We handle 18-wheeler cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you do not pay any attorney fees unless and until you receive compensation for your damages.
You pay a portion of your settlement to your lawyer. If you do not receive a settlement or award, you do not pay any attorney’s fees. We can discuss payment information during your initial consultation.
Contact Our Team for Help with Tampa 18-Wheeler Accident Case
If you or a loved one were injured in a semi-truck accident, the Tampa 18-wheeler lawyers from the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can assist you. We provide a free consultation to explain your legal rights and options and to understand your potential claim better.