Millions of trucks occupy interstates and local roads 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thousands of them pass through St. Petersburg daily. Without trucks, many of us wouldn’t receive the goods we need to live our lives. However, all too often, these motor vehicles are operated by overworked and exhausted drivers tasked with transporting thousands of pounds of cargo across tens of thousands of miles with a deadline.
Although there are fewer trucks on the road, a severe accident can happen at any moment and completely change your life. What would be considered a minor incident occurring between two equally-sized passenger vehicles becomes a life-threatening ordeal when pitting a standard car against a commercial truck 20 to 30 times its weight. Ordinary drivers are much more likely to suffer significant property damage and serious injuries when they collide with a commercial truck or tractor-trailer.
Truck accident victims often require more time to recover from their severe injuries, keeping them out of work for lengthy periods. As paychecks dry up, medical expenses grow. The aftermath of a truck accident injury is a stressful and uncertain time that few of us are prepared for. Handling the logistics of recovering while taking action against the truck driver who hurt you can take a considerable toll on your emotional, physical, and mental health. At Marsalisi Law, St. Petersburg truck accident attorney Frank P. Marsalisi understands and is eager to help you come out on top with your Personal Injury case.
Top Causes of Truck-on-Car Crashes in St. Petersburg, FL
Different factors are responsible for the vast majority of car and truck crashes. Driver error is the number one reason for any collision. In the U.S., a quarter of all truck accidents caused by driver error were done by truck drivers who fell asleep at the wheel. Other forms of human error include distracted driving like eating, adjusting the radio, talking on the phone, and even texting and driving.
Besides driver error, truck accidents also happen when the trucks are poorly maintained, equipment fails, or cargo is improperly loaded. All of these reasons can eventually be traced to a person who failed to do their job correctly.
- Poor or irregular maintenance: Trucks travel tens of thousands of miles in their lifespans and require more frequent maintenance. When they do not receive proper care, they can quickly become deadly machines. A truck with poorly maintained brakes can be a moving disaster waiting to happen.
- Defective equipment: Defective parts on a truck might not be the driver’s fault; in fact, the driver might not even realize a part is defective. Instead, the manufacturer of the vehicle can be liable for using defective parts, or the manufacturer of the part can be held responsible.
- Improperly loaded cargo: There are proper ways to load a commercial truck bed. Those who load cargo must do so carefully and in compliance with the law. Improperly loaded cargo can cause the cargo to fall out of the truck and endanger others on the road.
Why Truck Accidents Can be More Complex than Car Accidents
Commercial drivers must abide by strict federal regulations when operating semi trucks and big rigs. One of the main regulations they need to follow is driving no more than 11 hours per day. Unfortunately, many drivers exceed this limit because they often have very tight deadlines or financial incentives to make deliveries ahead of schedule.
A commercial truck crash can bring the following into the equation:
- Large insurance company policies for truck drivers;
- Increased property damage;
- More severe truck accident injuries;
- Higher medical expenses; and
- A greater chance of death.
Who is Liable for Your Truck Crash Case?
If you’ve suffered one or more injuries in a truck accident, several parties can be responsible for the pain they’ve caused you besides the driver of the truck. In some truck accident cases, more than one entity can be liable:
- The truck company;
- The owner of the truck;
- The company leasing the truck;
- The company leasing the trailer;
- The shipper who wanted to transport the cargo;
- The manufacturer of the truck, trailer, or other parts; and
- The mechanic trusted to make repairs on the truck.
Trucking company’s negligence can play a major role in these accidents, as improper maintenance or hiring practices may contribute to an accident.
Frank P. Marsalisi will work tirelessly to hold everyone who is responsible in your unique case accountable for your truck accident injuries.
Working with a Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg, FL
At Marsalisi Law, we take several measures to ensure your truck accident claim has the best chance for success. Experienced attorney Frank P. Marsalisi takes pride in carefully reviewing every detail of your crash to establish all the facts. He and his staff meticulously gather medical treatment records and bills, accident reports, and insurance company information to document your truck accident case.
After collecting relevant information, Frank investigates the crash by gathering evidence such as witness statements, police records, security footage, and more. It may be necessary to reconstruct the accident scene to pinpoint who was at fault, which is a task best left to a reputable law firm like Marsalisi Law.
During the final step of your claim, Frank P. Marsalisi takes on all communications with the liable party or parties and insurance companies. The goal is to seek compensation for your injury claim. However, if negotiations fall through, we are fully prepared to go to trial should a truck accident lawsuit be needed.
Preserving evidence is crucial for the success of your case, so Frank takes every measure to ensure that crucial details of the accident are not lost.
Can a Petersburg truck accident lawyer help with medical bills after a crash?
Yes, a Petersburg truck accident lawyer can help you with your medical bills after a truck accident. If you have been injured in a truck accident, your lawyer will work with you to ensure that the trucking company or their insurance company covers your treatment costs. By building a strong personal injury case, your lawyer will fight to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you have endured due to the accident. This may include seeking restitution for severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, which can require long-term care.
How long does it take to recover compensation from a truck accident injury case?
The time it takes to recover compensation from a truck accident injury case varies depending on the complexity of the case. Factors such as the severity of your injuries, the involvement of a trucking company, and the negotiation process with insurance companies play a role. An experienced accident lawyer can expedite the process by thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and advocating for your rights, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for both your medical bills and pain and suffering. If a third party claim is involved, this could further affect the length of time it takes to reach a resolution, as additional parties may need to be investigated.
What are the possible outcomes of a truck accident lawsuit?
The outcomes of a truck accident lawsuit can vary depending on the circumstances. In some cases, a settlement is reached between the victim and the trucking company or their insurance company, which allows the victim to recover compensation quickly. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your Petersburg truck accident lawyers may proceed with a trial. The goal is to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses that stem from the accident.
Trust a St. Petersburg, Florida Truck Accident Attorney With Your Case
Frank P. Marsalisi has been rated one of 2019’s “Top 3 Personal Injury Lawyers in St. Petersburg.” He has vast experience representing truck accident victims against powerful insurance companies. Every client receives personalized attention. You are never alone while recovering from your accident with Frank by your side, and can expect to stay updated about your claim throughout the process.
As a member of the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association, Frank P. Marsalisi has successfully litigated several truck accident claims. His top priority is to help his clients receive the compensation they deserve by law to get back on their feet. Call (727) 800-5052 or complete our contact form for a free consultation. We do not receive payment unless we win your case. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal.
