Clearwater Truck Accident Lawyer

Clearwater Truck Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, we see quite a few truck accidents in Clearwater. Because of their sheer size and weight, these crashes often cause severe injuries and heavy property damage. The legal process after such an accident is overwhelming, and that’s where having a dedicated Clearwater truck accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Clearwater, FL

Truck accidents happen for several reasons — many of which can be prevented. In Clearwater, we tend to see crashes caused by:

• Driver fatigue: Truckers spend long hours on the road, and sometimes skip sleep to meet deadlines, affecting their alertness and reaction times.
• Distracted driving: Checking phones, eating, and onboard technology all take the driver’s attention away from the road.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Pressure to meet delivery schedules causes some truckers to drive too fast or get reckless on the road.
• Poor maintenance: Commercial trucks need regular inspections, and neglecting maintenance schedules can lead to dangerous malfunctions while driving.

Trucks cause a significant number of accidents on the road. When truckers or companies ignore safety rules, the consequences can be devastating for the victims caught up in the crash.

Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents come in many forms, and each has their own unique challenges and risks. Most often, though, crashes will involve:

• Rear-end collisions: Trucks need more distance to stop, and when a driver isn’t paying attention or follows too closely, it’s easy to rear-end a smaller vehicle.
• Jackknifes: A truck jackknifes when the driver brakes too suddenly or loses control, and the trailer swings out to the side in an L or V shape with the cab.
• Rollovers: Trucks are top-heavy, especially when full, and taking a turn too quickly or hitting an uneven road can tip the truck over.
• Underride accidents: An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of the truck.

Every type of accident that involves a commercial truck poses serious dangers to everyone involved. The legal battles that follow tend to be complicated, but understanding how these crashes happen can help you make sense of your situation.

Common Injuries From Truck Accidents

Injuries in car accidents can be bad enough on their own, but the potential for serious trauma is greater when a commercial truck is involved. Victims can face long-term health challenges that impact their day-to-day lives. Some of the most common injuries seen in truck accidents include:

• Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) happen when the head hits a hard surface, and can range from a mild concussion to severe brain damage.
• Spinal damage: Trauma to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, and victims often need intensive, ongoing care.
• Broken bones and fractures: The force of a truck accident can easily break limbs, ribs, and facial bones.
• Internal injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage are life-threatening if not treated quickly, and can lead to serious complications.

For many people, recovering from injuries caused by a truck accident is a long and painful process. Seeking legal advice can help you secure the compensation you need to pay your medical bills, rehab, and other costs brought on by your injury.

Liability in Truck Accident Cases

It can be tough to establish liability in a truck accident since more than one party might share some level of responsibility. 

The Driver

Drivers can be held liable if their actions directly cause a crash. These actions could involve anything from distracted driving and speeding to ignoring traffic laws. Too many truckers drive when tired, and that can also make them personally responsible for accidents.

The Company

The trucking company might also be at fault if it didn’t properly train drivers or pushed them to break regulations — going over the legal maximum driving hours, for example. Companies are also supposed to maintain their fleet, so neglecting maintenance, or letting unsafe vehicles onto the road can leave them open to a truck accident lawsuit.

Third Parties

In some cases, a third party might have played a part in the crash. If a manufacturer created a faulty truck part, or a cargo loader didn’t secure the load properly, they could share liability.

Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, today if you need help from a trucking accident lawyer. We offer free consultations, and are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue justice.

What Are Common Truck Accident Hotspots in the Clearwater Area, and How Does This Affect Your Claim?

Clearwater has several high-traffic areas where truck crashes are more likely to happen. Some of the worst hotspots include:

• US-19: As a major north-south artery, US-19 sees heavy commercial traffic; lane changes and congested intersections increase the chances of a crash.
• I-275 Access Points: Entry and exit ramps connecting to I-275 are prone to accidents, particularly when trucks merge or exit too quickly.
• State Road 60 (Clearwater Memorial Causeway): Connecting Clearwater Beach to the mainland, truck accidents happen often because of sudden stops, and heavy tourist traffic.
• Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard: Known for having lots of regular and commercial traffic, this stretch often sees rear-end and side collisions involving trucks.

The location of your truck accident can have a surprising impact on your claim. High-accident areas tend to be well-documented by local authorities, and a history of crashes in an area can support your case. A skilled commercial truck accident lawyer can easily show how local road conditions contributed to the crash.

Understanding traffic patterns allows your attorney to build a stronger case by highlighting negligence related to known hazards. Local knowledge and connections are important when you’re dealing with truck companies that try to pass off their liability to someone else. 

Steps To Take After a Truck Accident

Any type of accident is stressful, and the aftermath of a truck crash can quickly overwhelm you. However, it helps to know what to do afterward to protect both your health and your legal rights.

Get Immediate Medical Attention

Your health should always be your top priority. Even if you think you feel fine, get checked out at the hospital. Some injuries don’t show up right away, and by the time you realize there’s a problem, it might be too late to reverse significant damage. This also starts the paper trail of medical records that will serve as strong evidence if you decide to file a claim.

Document the Scene

If you’re able to do so, take pictures of the crash site, vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Collect witness contact information, and make notes about what happened while your memory is fresh. If you can’t do this yourself, ask someone you trust to do it for you. This documentation can help prove fault later.

Report the Crash

Call the police to make an official report. The officer will give an unbiased account of what happened, and will help clarify what really happened. When you talk to them, be honest, but avoid admitting fault, or speculating about who caused the crash.

Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck crashes involve a lot of complicated laws and often, multiple liable parties. Speak to a lawyer for truck accidents as soon as you can. They’ll help you through the legal process, and advocate on your behalf for fair compensation.

Compensation Available to Victims

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you may be able to collect various forms of compensation. Every case will vary, but generally, most victims can collect payment for:

• Medical bills (present and future)
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Pursuing compensation is about more than just securing money for your immediate expenses. It’s also about securing your future. Hospital bills add up quickly, and not being able to work can put a serious strain on your finances. You want the best truck accident lawyer on your side to make sure you get the payout you need to rebuild your life.

Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Case?

When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, you need a legal team that understands the complexities of such cases. At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we’re dedicated to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our firm has handled truck accident cases for years. We know the regulations, the challenges, and the best strategies to build a strong case against those responsible for your injuries.

Our past clients consistently praise our commitment to their cases, and the results we achieve. Many have expressed gratitude for our dedication and personalized support during some of the most trying times of their lives.

You’re already facing financial uncertainty, and we don’t want that to be the reason you don’t ask for legal help. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we win your case.

Every case is different, and we take the time to understand your specific situation. Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, today for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for you.

Citations:

Florida Statutes: 627.7415 – Commercial Motor Vehicles; Additional Liability Insurance Coverage. (2025).
Florida Statutes: 768.81 — Comparative Fault. (2025).
Regulations. (2024).