Truck accidents are often serious and result in catastrophic injuries and long-term suffering. At Jack Bernstein Injury Lawyers, our Tampa truck accident attorneys help victims get the compensation they deserve. With decades of injury litigation experience, we have the in-depth knowledge that it takes to get results for our clients.
If you have been hurt in a trucking accident, contact our law firm today for a free consultation. We can represent you in claiming financial compensation for your injuries and suffering.
Contact a Tampa personal injury attorney today.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Tampa?
First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, perhaps they are bleeding or unconscious, call 911 immediately. If no one is “injured,” call 911 or a police non-emergency number to report the accident.
Seek medical help after any accident, even when you don’t have visible injuries. Some injuries, such as whiplash, internal bleeding, and concussions, have delayed symptoms that may not appear for hours or days.
You are required to notify law enforcement about an accident in Tampa by calling 911 if one of the drivers is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or if the crash:
- Results in an injury/fatality
- Requires a wrecker to remove any of the involved vehicles
- Is a hit-and-run
- Causes at least $500 in apparent property damage
- Involves a commercial motor vehicle (which is likely in the case of a truck)
If the truck accident you are involved in does not meet these requirements, you can self-
Information to collect at the accident scene
While at the scene, exchange information with the other driver. This includes names, contact details, license numbers, vehicle details, insurance information, and trucking company information. You should also take photos of the accident scene and get the statements of witnesses and their contact information.
The table below shows what to gather at the accident scene:
|
Category |
Details to collect |
|
Driver information |
Names, contact details, license numbers |
|
Vehicle details |
Make, model, license plate, VIN if possible |
|
Insurance |
Policy numbers, insurance company name |
|
Trucking company |
Company name, DOT number, contact information |
|
Scene documentation |
Photos of damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals |
|
Witnesses |
Names, phone numbers, written or recorded statements |
Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Lawyers, Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers – Get the Compensation You Deserve with Bernstein Injury Law.
What Types of Compensation Can I Claim After a Truck Accident?
The monetary compensation you get for a truck accident should fairly reflect your losses. Even though you’ve been injured, you may not easily identify all the ways that you are suffering from a truck accident without the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Types of compensation you receive may include:
- Emergency medical bills
- Doctor and nursing care
- Long-term medical expenses, therapies
- Prescriptions, devices, and related medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Attorneys fees and costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Inconvenience, loss of lifestyle, disfigurement
Some of the ways you are impacted by a truck accident are obvious—like medical bills and vehicle damage. But you may not have considered that your injuries change your career path or that you are suffering from physical limitations.
Our lawyers ensure that you place a fair legal value on all losses so that you are compensated for the true value of your case.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Truck Accident?
When you file a truck accident claim, you can recover:
|
Damage type |
What it covers |
|
Economic damages |
Medical expenses (current and ongoing), lost wages, lost earning potential, property damage, and other financial losses you incur. |
|
Non-economic damages |
Pain and suffering, disfigurement, physical impairment, mental anguish, loss of consortium, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life. |
|
Punitive damages |
Available when the at-fault party engaged in intentional misconduct or gross negligence under Fla. Stat. § 768.72 (2025), meaning they had actual knowledge of the danger and consciously disregarded it. |
Don’t Miss Out On the Compensation You Deserve
Let our lawyers ensure that your claim is complete.
What Types of Trucks Are Involved in Truck Accident Claims?
How Is a Truck Accident Different From a Car Accident?
A truck accident differs from a car accident in various ways:
- Severity of injuries: A truck’s size and weight mean collisions often result in serious or catastrophic injuries. A small vehicle may end up underneath the truck, or it may be run off the road. A truck may also roll over if it loses stability after contact with a smaller car.
- Multiple liable parties: Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers.
- Federal regulations apply: Truck accident claims can be more complicated due to federal regulations. For instance, a truck driver’s compliance with FMCSA hours-of-service rules under 49 CFR Part 395 will be considered, and electronic logging device (ELD) records can be used as evidence.
There are several ways victims suffer injuries after a collision with a truck. A truck accident claim may be based on any of the following types of trucks:
- Light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks
- Pickup trucks
- Semi-trucks, semi-trailers, tractor-trailers
- Cement, crane, and other heavy equipment
- Haulers and transporters
- Tow trucks
- Flatbed trailers
- Moving trucks
- Construction trucks and maintenance vehicles
- Plows
- Tankers
- Delivery trucks, like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx
What Are Some Causes of Tampa Truck Accidents?
Many things can lead to unsafe conditions on the road that cause a truck accident. Some common causes include:
- Distracted driving, including texting – distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents and truck crashes alike
- Not using sufficient care on hazardous roads
- Failing to leave adequate following distance, especially in busy stop-and-go driving
- Parking in active driving lanes and other dangerous places
- Speeding – aggressive driving and speeding reduce a truck driver’s ability to stop in time, often causing devastating crashes
- Driver fatigue – including violations of FMCSA hours-of-service regulations where commercial truck drivers exceed the 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour workday window. Drowsy driving remains one of the most serious causes of truck accidents
- Unsecured loads and falling objects
- Failing to observe traffic laws for stop signs, lane changes, etc.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Because of the significant size and weight of large trucks, these types of accidents can have devastating consequences for accident victims. The National Safety Council reports that 70% of all deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of the other vehicle, not the truck driver.
Common injuries in a truck claim include:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding and bruising, organ damage
- Brain injuries, TBI, concussion – learn more from our traumatic brain injury lawyers
- Paralysis, spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Nerve, ligament, and tendon damage
- Road rash, scars, and disfigurement
A victim should receive prompt medical attention to stabilize, document, and begin to treat injuries. As part of our representation, our lawyers ensure you have the medical documentation to prove the full extent of your injuries. We work to claim compensation for the losses you have already incurred, as well as medical expenses you are likely to have in the future.
Hurt By a Semi-Truck?
Contact our experienced truck accident lawyers today to schedule a free case evaluation.
What Can I Do If the Insurance Company Is Being Unfair?
Going up against the insurance company after a truck accident isn’t easy. They have a team of lawyers on their side, and they want to pay you as little as possible. At Jack Bernstein, Injury Lawyers, we have extensive litigation experience and the resources to fight back.
We know what the insurance companies do to avoid paying claims, and we won’t back down. Our law firm provides the thorough, comprehensive representation that it takes for you to receive fair compensation.
How Can a Tampa Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?
Working with a truck accident attorney in Tampa can significantly benefit you. Since they represent your needs, your attorney will fight for your rights to ensure you get what you deserve.
A Tampa truck accident lawyer will:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly and determine the strength of your case
- Identify all responsible parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and third-party vendors
- Gather and preserve evidence such as police reports, the truck’s electronic logging device records, and medical records
- File your claim within the statute of limitations
- Handle negotiations with the trucking company’s insurer to pursue maximum compensation
- Take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached – see our verdicts and settlements for past results
What if I Was Partially at Fault for the Truck Accident?
You can still receive compensation even if you were partially at fault for a truck accident, but under Fla. Stat. § 768.81 (2025), you must be found 50% or less at fault. If you are found more than 50% responsible, you may not recover any damages. This modified comparative fault standard took effect under HB 837 on March 24, 2023.
The percentage at which you are found to be at fault for the crash will determine your compensation. If you are 10% at fault for a truck accident, you will receive a higher amount than if you were found to be 40% at fault. Our comparative negligence page explains how Florida’s fault rules work in personal injury cases.
Who May Be Legally Liable for a Truck Accident?
It may not be just the truck driver who is legally liable for an accident claim. Liability may extend to any of the following parties:
|
Potentially liable party |
Basis for liability |
|
Truck driver |
A truck driver may be held liable with their employer or any other party. They may be solely liable when an accident occurs outside their scope of employment or when they intentionally act negligently. |
|
Trucking company |
May be held liable for the actions of their employee within the scope of employment. Also liable if they fail to meet legal responsibilities such as driver training, vehicle maintenance, and safety measures. |
|
Cargo loader |
If a cargo loader overloads a truck, improperly loads cargo, or uses faulty equipment, they can be responsible for an accident caused by their mistake. |
|
Vehicle manufacturer |
Truck accidents caused by vehicle defects can be blamed on the vehicle manufacturer. See our product liability page for more. |
|
Maintenance provider |
If a truck’s maintenance provider fails to inspect thoroughly or address safety issues, they may be answerable for an accident. |
|
Truck owner |
Some trucking companies lease vehicles from owners. If a truck owner is responsible for vehicle maintenance per the leasing agreement, they may be liable. |
|
Government entity |
A government agency may be responsible for a truck accident caused by poor road conditions, negligent road design, or faulty traffic signals. |
Florida commercial trucks are subject to elevated minimum insurance requirements. Under federal regulation 49 CFR Part 387, interstate freight carriers must carry at least $750,000 in public liability coverage, and hazardous materials carriers must carry up to $5,000,000. These policies can be helpful to collect compensation for damages. When we represent you in a claim, we look at all parties who may be liable and any insurance policies that may apply.
RELATED: Determining Liability and Negligence in Truck Accidents
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Tampa?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury claims is two years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(a) (2025). This deadline was reduced from four years by HB 837, effective March 24, 2023. If you are involved in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have to file a claim within this period. A Tampa truck accident attorney can help you observe all the needed steps without jeopardizing your rights for filing. Learn more about the Florida personal injury statute of limitations.
Contact a Tampa personal injury lawyer today.
How Common Are Truck Accidents?
According to NSC Injury Facts, 114,552 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in injury in 2023, and 5,472 people died in large-truck crashes that year. 70% of those deaths were occupants of the other vehicles involved, not truck drivers. While the 2023 numbers represent a decrease from 2022, large-truck crash fatalities have risen 40% over the past decade.
How many accidents are caused by semi-trucks? Florida keeps detailed records of these crashes. According to the FLHSMV 2023 Annual Traffic Crash Facts Report, the state recorded thousands of crashes involving medium and heavy trucks weighing 10,000 lbs or more, with many resulting in serious or fatal injuries.
What Should I Do if I Lost a Loved One After a Truck Accident?
If you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, our lawyers can help you claim compensation through a wrongful death claim. We know how devastating it is to suddenly lose a family member. Your entire life is changed instantly, and the responsible party should be held accountable.
Our law firm is a team of compassionate professionals. Let us seek justice for your loved one and help you claim the monetary relief you need and deserve. You can learn more about who can sue for wrongful death and how to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa?
Generally, a truck accident lawyer in Tampa will charge you a specified percentage of your payout. The percentage charged may go up when a case goes to trial. Read more about how personal injury lawyers charge and how contingency fees work.
What Is the Legal Basis for a Truck Accident Claim?
Negligence is the most common legal foundation for truck accident compensation. Commercial operators have a high duty to take reasonable precautions for safety on the roads. A traffic violation or even carelessly operating a vehicle based on road conditions may be the basis of a truck accident claim. Our negligence attorneys can explain how negligence applies to your specific situation.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Case?
To prove negligence in a truck accident case, you must establish four elements:
- Duty of care: Like any other driver, the truck driver owed you and other road users a duty of care. The other parties involved in the operation of the truck also owed you a duty of care.
- Breach: Having evidence showing the negligence of the driver or any other liable party can prove they breached their duty of care.
- Causation: Any evidence proving that were it not for the other party’s action, the accident would not have happened, and you would not have sustained injuries.
- Damages: Documentation of the harm you suffered as a result of the accident.
Evidence that can help prove negligence
Police reports, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) records, and expert witness testimony can help you prove a breach of duty and establish causation. Accident reconstruction experts may also be brought in to analyze the crash.
You can prove damages using:
- Medical documents (photos of your injuries, medical records documenting your injuries and treatment, medical bills and receipts, prescription records, and medical appointment logs)
- Financial documents (pay stubs and tax returns)
- Photos showing damage to the car
- Car repair estimates
- Expert witness testimony
Should I Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster?
It’s not recommended to speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without legal guidance because they are likely looking for ways to reduce payout or avoid it. If they contact you, politely refuse to speak with them. Consult a personal injury lawyer to make informed decisions. You can also read our guide on how to deal with difficult insurance adjusters.
How Do I Find Tampa Truck Accident Attorneys Near Me?
If you’ve suffered injuries after a truck accident in Tampa, FL, Jack Bernstein, Injury Lawyers, are proud to help members of our community get the compensation they deserve. We have decades of experience assisting Tampa injury victims seek justice.
We understand Florida and local laws and have experience working with the local court systems. We are taking new cases, and we can represent you to claim a monetary payment for damages following a truck accident. We also serve clients in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.
No Fees Unless You Win
You shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for a lawyer while you’re recovering from a trucking accident. That’s why we represent you with no fees unless you win.
Start your claim with a consultation with our legal team. We’ll review the details of your accident and what your claim may be worth, so you can make the most informed decisions regarding your case. Contact us today to get started.
You Are Not Alone
Let our team of experienced injury attorneys fight for the compensation you deserve.
About Jack G. Bernstein Esq.
Personal Injury Lawyer
For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein has protected the rights of individuals who have been injured in a variety of circumstances. Throughout his career, Bernstein has been a strategist thoroughly dedicated to the idea of protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Bernstein is a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association and the Clearwater Bar Association.
Mr. Bernstein has the experience and expertise to handle a wide range of injury cases. Among the types of plaintiffs Mr. Bernstein represents are individuals involved in car accidents caused by drunk drivers or other exhibiting negligence, medical complications resulting from carelessness caused by a physician or a medical facility, including brain injury, bicycle, motorcycle, moped and truck accidents, admiralty law and cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, all types of wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury, catastrophic occurrences and legal malpractice issues.
Our firm handles every type of personal injury and accident case, using negotiation and litigation tactics effectively. We handle cases throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, we have the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.
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