Have you suffered serious injuries after a truck accident in Clearwater, FL? An experienced Clearwater truck accident lawyer will help you pursue the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party. Call Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers at (727) 513-6765 for a free consultation.
Do not let the insurance company undervalue your claim or unfairly blame you for your crash. Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers has represented truck accident victims and their families in Pinellas County for more than 28 years. Contact our Clearwater law office for a no-obligation, free case evaluation with a member of our legal team ready to help.
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Why Should I Call Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers After a Truck Accident in Clearwater, FL?
At our law firm, we believe the victim should never have to fight insurance companies for the compensation they deserve.
Our Clearwater personal injury attorneys have years of experience and will offer you the legal representation you need so you can focus on your recovery and future.
Choose Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, and count on our firm to:
- Provide guidance and legal advice to all of your questions
- Handle all administrative tasks and communications with the police
- Perform an independent investigation of the scene to get all the information and records
- Work with specialists in many fields to accurately value your damages and build a strong case
- Negotiate on your behalf with the negligent driver’s insurer or present a compelling case to a jury to pursue fair compensation
We understand the process insurance companies work, including laws and trucking regulations on these accident cases. Call us at (727) 513-6765 to schedule a no-obligation consultation with a Clearwater truck accident lawyer who will take the necessary steps to help you.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in Clearwater?
Although semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles in Clearwater, FL account for only four percent of vehicles on the road, they account for 14% of fatal crashes in the United States. Passenger occupants are far more vulnerable in a collision with a truck and suffer 96% of the fatalities.
Clearwater, FL Accident Facts And Statistics
According to the FLHSMV, Florida reported nearly 400,000 crashes in 2022, statewide, with more than 15,000 occurring in Pinellas County alone. A devastating number of fatalities were reported, totaling 124 in Clearwater’s state county.
Truck accidents in Clearwater, FL, have both immediate and long-term repercussions. As these incidents continue to occur, it’s crucial for victims to be armed with knowledge and the right legal representation.
At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, our commitment is to stand by your side, offering expert guidance and ensuring your claim is not undervalued by insurance companies. If you’ve been impacted by a truck accident, don’t navigate the legal maze alone.
How Common Are Truck Accidents In Pinellas County?
The most recent data on truck accidents in Florida shows that there were thousands of accidents involving trucks and other large commercial vehicles. When you consider all sizes of trucks, as well as labor vehicles and cargo vans, hundreds of victims suffered some level of injury – or even death – as the result of an incident with an oversized vehicle.
Although it is difficult to pinpoint just how many of these accidents involved trucks specifically, Pinellas County reported more than 1,400 CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) accidents. Of those, more than 360 resulted in one or more fatalities.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents in Clearwater, FL
Truck accidents, due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, can lead to catastrophic consequences. A Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that almost 87% of crashes involving a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or other large vehicles are the result of negligence or human error.
Nearly 10% of crashes are due to defective parts like bad tires or brakes, a far higher rate than car accidents. Truck drivers are more prone to dangerous, fatigued driving and may violate federal hours-of-service regulations to meet deadlines.
Trailers also have a longer stopping distance, make wider turns, and have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. These factors can contribute to the motor crash. Knowing the common causes can help drivers stay vigilant and reduce risks.
In Clearwater, there are several factors that significantly contribute to truck crashes:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can take a toll on truck drivers, leading to reduced alertness and slower reaction times.
- Distracted Driving: This includes activities such as texting, adjusting the radio or GPS, and even eating while driving.
- Improper Loading: If a truck’s cargo is not properly secure or in balance, it can cause the truck to become unstable, leading to on-road incidents.
- Equipment Failures: These can include brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine failures.
- Poor Training or Inexperience: Not all truck drivers have the necessary training or experience to handle the unique challenges of driving such a large vehicle.
- Hazardous Road Conditions: Weather-related conditions like rain, fog, or slippery roads can significantly impact a truck’s stability and stopping distance.
Commercial truck drivers should follow rules and regulations when they drive. For example, they should take 30-minute breaks after 8-hour drives and shouldn’t drive for more than 11 hours at a time. Your injury attorney will investigate your crash to determine the cause and any parties that were to blame.
If you or a loved one are involved in a truck-related incident due to any of these causes, it’s essential to consult a Clearwater truck accident lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.
How Dangerous Are Truck Accidents In Clearwater, FL?
The danger posed by truck accidents cannot be emphasized enough. Given the substantial size and weight difference between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle often suffer the most severe consequences. Injuries from truck accidents can range from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even fatal injuries.
Additionally, the aftermath of a truck accident can lead to immense psychological trauma, adding to the physical injuries. Victims may face long-term rehabilitation, loss of income, mounting medical bills, and reduced quality of life.
In these situations, partnering with a trusted Clearwater truck accident lawyer can be the key to achieving a just outcome. The legal complexities involved in truck accidents, with multiple parties like trucking companies, manufacturers, and insurance companies, can be overwhelming for victims and their families. By turning to a knowledgeable attorney, victims can ensure that they receive the maximum compensation they deserve, helping to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other associated costs.
If you don’t know what steps to take after experiencing an accident, the team at Catania & Catania is here to help. Contact us at (727) 513-6765.
Our Firm Handles All Clearwater Truck Accident Injury Cases
We understand the devastating nature of commercial vehicle collisions. Even at relatively low speeds, an accident can leave you with significant wounds, including life-changing injuries. Our attorneys handle all types of truck accidents in Clearwater including Jackknife, Wolfcamp shale trucks, and more.
Our Clearwater truck accident lawyers are committed to helping you seek the full compensation you need during this difficult time.
We represent truck accident victims who were injured and have:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Internal injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Chest injuries
- Concussion injuries
- Eye injuries
- Knee injuries
- Or nerve damage
At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we recognize that your accident has left you with physical injuries and significant emotional and psychological scars. We’re fully prepared to take your case and help you fight against the insurance company for fair compensation.
We’re here to help, 24/7
What Damages Can I Recover After A Truck Accident in Clearwater, FL?
Truck accident victims in Clearwater, FL can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for all the losses they suffered as a result of the crash. Damages are divided into two broad categories: economic damages for financial losses and non-economic damages for losses without financial value.
You may be entitled to financial compensation for the following:
- Property damage
- Medical bills, including emergency and home care
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
You may find you’re entitled to punitive damages. Inside the court, a jury might award these if the at-fault driver displayed a wanton disregard for human life or gross negligence such as drunk driving.
If a loved one was killed in a fatal truck collision, you may pursue a wrongful death claim.
What Is My Clearwater Truck Accident Case Worth?
Unfortunately, we can’t estimate the value of your Clearwater case with a calculator or formula. It is based on the available insurance coverage, the severity of your injuries, your share of the culpability (if any), and other circumstances of your collision.
To estimate the value of your case, your attorney will first calculate the cost of your economic losses like medical expenses. Some of these are hard to calculate, particularly those related to future costs.
Next, this total gives a baseline to estimate your non-economic losses after a collision, like pain and suffering. This sum will be used as a starting point for negotiations to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Who Is Liable For My Tractor-Trailer Accident?
The liability in these types of cases can be really complicated. The potential at-fault parties for tractor-trailer accidents in Clearwater may include:
- The trailer driver
- The trailer company
- The owner of the trailer
- The trailer’s manufacturers
- A third-party vehicle
- The maintenance company
- Or other at-fault drivers
Sometimes the trailer is defective due to the design or altered when sold. If so, the vehicle’s manufacturer or the entity that altered the vehicle can also be found responsible.
What To Do After a Clearwater Truck Accident?
Clearwater truck accident claims can be really complicated. So, it can be really important to make sure that you do everything in your power to protect your rights and support your claim.
Here are simple steps to take to set yourself up for a win.
- Report the Accident Immediately: You’ll want a formalized record of your tractor-trailer accident. Calling the police or local law enforcement agency in Clearwater to report the accident is the best way to make sure that happens. Officers will arrive on the scene, assess the situation, and complete an accident report. This new report will document important details about your accident – including the time, date, weather, and specific location.
- Seek Medical Care Right Away: You’ll have to prove that the crash caused your injuries. When you visit the doctor your injuries and trauma will be recorded in your medical record. That record can be used to establish a causal link between the crash and your injuries. The less time that goes by between your accident and your trip to the doctor, the better.
- Document the Scene: When you look at the scene of your trucking accident, you might not know what to look for or what kind of details might be helpful if you file a claim. But, your attorney – and their trusted experts – will. So, take a moment to take some photos and even a few videos of the scene of the accident. Grab shots of tire tracks, skid marks, damage to vehicles and other property, and the surrounding area. Your lawyer can review the images and search for important details and evidence to help build your case.
- Call a Lawyer: Don’t apologize for the accident. Don’t admit fault. Don’t let the trucking company or its insurance provider pressure you into providing a recorded statement or taking a lowball offer. Call a Clearwater truck accident lawyer and have them step in to represent you and protect your rights.
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers will be there for you during your time of need. Reach out to our law offices after your accident – our team of experienced truck accident lawyers in Clearwater, FL will be standing by to take your call.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
The Florida statute of limitations gives you two years to file a lawsuit if you were injured in a trucking accident. If a loved one was killed in a commercial truck accident or vehicle crash, you have only two years to file wrongful death claims.
Do not underestimate the amount of time it takes to investigate your accident properly. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim and begin working on your case.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Partially at Fault?
Under the Florida pure comparative negligence rule, you can still get a financial award even if you caused the collision partially. This rule assigns responsibility to each party. You can recover it if you are one percent or 99% at fault.
However, your recovery will be reduced based on your share of fault. This means that if you suffered $50,000 in damages but are found 40% to blame, your financial recovery is reduced by 40% ($20,000).
A truck accident claim can be more complex than a regular car accident or motorcycle accident claim. If you are being blamed for the accident, it’s important to consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Every bit of responsibility that is shifted to you will reduce your recovery. The insurance provider is not on your side and may try to blame you or other parties to reduce their liability.
Contact a Clearwater Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Do not let an insurance company mistreat you, undervalue your accident claims, or try to point this at you. You deserve an experienced Clearwater truck accident lawyer who will help you.
Contact Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers today at (727) 513-6765 or online to schedule your free case evaluation to discuss what we can do to help you. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing out of pocket. You only pay attorney’s fees if and when we recover money for you.
