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 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 truck accident can happen at any moment and completely change your life. What would be considered a minor incident occurring between two equally-sized 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 severe injuries when they collide with a commercial truck or tractor-trailer.
Truck accident victims often require more time to recover from their injuries, keeping them out of work for lengthy periods. As paychecks dry up, medical bills 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.
Top Causes of Truck-on-Car Crashes in St. Petersburg
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 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 policies for truck drivers;
- Increased property damage;
- More severe injuries;
- Higher medical bills; 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 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.
Frank P. Marsalisi will work tirelessly to hold everyone who is responsible in your unique case accountable for your injuries.
Working with a Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Petersburg
At Marsalisi Law, we take several measures to ensure your injury case has the best chance for success. 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 records and bills, accident reports, and insurance information to document your 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 just and fair compensation for your injury claim. However, if negotiations fall through, we are fully prepared to go to trial should a jury trial be needed.
Trust a “Top 3” St. Petersburg 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.
Featured Case Results
– Practice Areas –
Motorcycle Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents
Wrongful Death
Auto Accidents
Bicycle Accidents
– Testimonials –
“You can’t go wrong with Frank Marsalisi!”
Frank was referred to me by a former client of his after my accident with nothing but great reviews, both professionally and personally. From day one there was a level of comfortability and trust built based on what would be in my best interest moving forward. Never once did Frank make my case about what was in it for him but about healing my injuries in order to move on as normal as possible with my life. – Karlie
“One of a kind lawyer …brilliance!”
Frank has exceptional auto accident liability law abilities and he is also very well-versed in state auto insurance laws. One of the things I like about Frank is that he never tried to sugar coat anything for me. If we were headed for trouble, he would let me know what the trouble was and what our options were. I always appreciated his honesty. This is trait that I do not find in many of today’s lawyers but Frank has performed integrity well beyond his means. – Ms. C. M. Fraser
Areas we serve:
Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Polk County, Pasco County, Manatee County.
