If you've experienced a truck accident in St. Petersburg, you know firsthand how overwhelming the aftermath can be—dealing with injuries, hospital visits, and insurance companies all while trying to recover.
In times like these, it's natural to feel lost and unsure of where to turn. This article is here to guide you through the steps that will not only protect your rights but also give you hope that recovery—both physically and financially—is possible.
At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we fight to secure justice and financial recovery for truck accident victims. With a track record of securing over $1.5 billion in compensation for clients across the U.S., we stand ready to help those affected by these devastating accidents.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries from a truck accident, call our St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer today at (205) 957-4995 for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Why Choose Us
When dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers has earned a stellar reputation for standing up for injured victims and recovering substantial settlements that help them rebuild their lives. Over the past two decades, our team has handled thousands of personal injury claims, including high-stakes truck accident cases that have resulted in millions of dollars in compensation.
Here are a few reasons why we are the right choice for your accident claim:
- Proven Track Record: We’ve secured landmark settlements for accident victims, such as a $25 million traumatic brain injury verdict. Our approach is aggressive and focused on getting you the maximum recovery you deserve under Florida law.
- What Sets Us Apart: We believe in going the extra mile. Unlike many firms, our attorneys are available 24/7, meaning we will answer your questions and provide support whenever you need us. We understand that accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither does your recovery.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
While the answer depends on several factors specific to each case, Florida law allows victims to recover damages under three main categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. These are easily measurable and typically include:
- Medical expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment costs. This can also include future medical expenses if your injuries require long-term care.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for both the wages you’ve already lost and the future income you’ll miss out on. This includes cases where injuries prevent you from returning to the same job or any job in the future.
- Property damage: Covers the cost of repairs or replacement for your vehicle or any other property damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are harder to quantify because they involve losses that don't have a direct dollar value. However, they’re equally important in ensuring full compensation for your suffering:
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced due to your injuries. Florida law allows victims to claim substantial compensation for the psychological impact of severe injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, activities, or even family life as you did before, you may be eligible for compensation.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, Florida law allows for punitive damages when the truck driver's actions were particularly reckless or malicious—such as driving under the influence or grossly violating traffic laws. These damages punish the at-fault party and serve as a deterrent for future wrongdoing.
Your lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident to build a strong case for maximum compensation. By gathering evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and expert testimony, we ensure that every aspect of your loss is accounted for.
Where Do Truck Accidents Occur in St. Petersburg?
Truck accidents in St. Petersburg often happen on major roadways that bear heavy traffic loads, including Interstate 275 and U.S. Highway 19, both of which see high volumes of commercial vehicles and dense traffic.
I-275
As a critical interstate running through St. Petersburg, I-275 is a hotspot for truck accidents, especially during peak traffic hours. The heavy congestion and mix of passenger and commercial vehicles on this route create dangerous conditions, often leading to serious crashes. Improper lane changes, speeding, and distracted driving are common causes of accidents on I-275.
U.S. Highway 19
This major roadway is notorious for its high accident rate. U.S. 19, particularly around busy intersections such as Tyrone Boulevard and Park Boulevard, poses significant risks for truck accidents. Its combination of high-speed limits, frequent traffic signals, and heavy truck usage makes it a dangerous stretch for all motorists.
St. Petersburg Area Traffic Accident Statistics
While there isn’t any truck accident data specific to St. Petersburg, we can take a look at data from Pinellas County:
- 14,313 accidents occurred in Pinellas County in one recent year alone.
- Over a four year period, there was an average of 115 fatalities and 9,856 injuries each year, highlighting the widespread impact of collisions on local residents.
- While we don’t know exactly how many of these were trucking accidents, we can estimate that based on the national average of 2.8% of traffic accidents being trucking-related, there were around 400 trucking accidents in the county that year.
Types of Truck Accidents and Injuries
Truck accidents in St. Petersburg come in various forms, each with its own set of dangers and causes. Below are some of the most common types of truck accidents seen in the area:
Types of Truck Accidents
- Rear-End Collisions: Trucks require longer stopping distances due to their size and weight, making rear-end collisions a frequent occurrence when drivers fail to account for this, especially in high-traffic areas like I-275.
- Jackknife Accidents: These occur when a truck's trailer swings out and forms a 90-degree angle with the cab, often caused by sudden braking or sharp turns. Jackknife accidents can block entire roadways, creating a hazard for other vehicles.
- Underride Crashes: These accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a large truck, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size discrepancy.
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks are prone to rolling over, especially during sharp turns or when navigating through high winds. The higher center of gravity makes rollovers a common and deadly occurrence.
- T-bone Collisions: These accidents happen at intersections when a truck collides with the side of another vehicle, often due to running a red light or failing to yield.
Common Injuries
Given the immense size and weight of trucks, the injuries sustained in these accidents are often severe, long-lasting, and even fatal. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Often caused by violent impacts or sudden jolts, TBIs can result in permanent cognitive impairment or even death
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact from a truck accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Due to the force of the collisions, victims often suffer broken bones, requiring extensive surgeries and long recovery periods.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys, can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical intervention
Each of these injuries has long-term effects on the victims' lives, often requiring significant medical care and rehabilitation. Florida’s comparative negligence rule, as outlined in Florida Statute 768.81, allows injured parties to seek compensation even if they are partially at fault, as long as their fault does not exceed 50%
Fighting the Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be incredibly daunting. These companies often prioritize their bottom line over the needs of injured victims, making it difficult for you to receive the compensation you deserve.
Trucking companies and their insurers are well-prepared to minimize their payouts, relying on teams of adjusters and attorneys to protect their interests. Without a skilled attorney, you risk being under-compensated or pressured into accepting a lowball settlement offer.
Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies
- Shifting Blame: Insurers may attempt to place partial or full blame on you, arguing that your actions contributed to the accident. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could decrease if you're partially responsible
- Low Settlement Offers: It's common for insurance adjusters to offer settlements that don't fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or future rehabilitation needs. They count on victims being eager to resolve their claims quickly, often at the expense of receiving full compensation.
- Delaying Claims: Insurance companies sometimes drag out the claims process, hoping that victims will become frustrated and accept a lower offer. These delays can add additional stress, especially if you're facing mounting medical bills and lost income
Why You Need Legal Representation
We handle all communication with the insurance companies. Our team knows the tactics insurers use and fights aggressively to hold them accountable for their obligations.
- We negotiate directly with the insurance adjusters, using the evidence gathered from the accident scene, police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- We understand the complexities of federal trucking regulations under the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
Let us take on the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
The moments after a truck accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can significantly improve the outcome of your case.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
- Follow Your Treatment Plan: Adhering to the medical plan set out by your doctors is essential. Skipping appointments or not following medical advice can hurt your case, as insurance companies may argue that you're not seriously injured.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical visits, treatments, and any out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident. Keep receipts for prescriptions, transportation costs to medical appointments, and other associated expenses.
- Maintain a Journal: Document your physical pain, emotional distress, and how the injuries affect your daily life. This personal account can be powerful evidence when seeking compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Obtain the Police Report: Get a copy of the official accident report. This document helps establish fault and provides a timeline of the events.
- Avoid Speaking to the Insurance Company Alone: As previously mentioned, insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts. Avoid giving recorded statements or discussing the details of the accident with them without legal representation. Anything you say could be used against you to reduce your compensation.
Bring This Information to Your Lawyer
Once you gather this evidence, provide everything to your attorney. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will review all documents and help build a strong case on your behalf. The more organized and detailed your records are, the better our chance of negotiating a settlement or winning your case in court.
Get the Compensation You Deserve with Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers
Whether you’ve suffered severe injuries, lost wages, or are battling with insurance companies, we’re here to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.
Call us today at (205) 957-4995 for your free consultation, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.