Have you suffered serious injuries after a truck accident in St. Petersburg, FL? An experienced St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer will help you pursue the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party. Call Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers at (727) 263-3189 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 for more than 28 years. Contact our St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg?
At our law firm, we believe the victim should never have to fight insurance companies for the compensation they deserve.
Our St. Petersburg 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) 263-3189 to schedule a no-obligation consultation with a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer who will take the necessary steps to help you.
St. Petersburg Truck Accident Facts and Statistics
In the first half of 2023 alone, Pinellas County reported more than 9,200 crashes – and more than 5,700 of those resulted in injury, with dozens of fatalities. Although the FLHSMV does not provide specific statistics on the number of truck accidents by county, it is safe to estimate that many of the most serious incidents involved large commercial vehicles.
Semi-trucks and large commercial vehicles account for around four percent of vehicles on the road, however, these vehicles account for 14% of fatal accidents in the U.S. According to the FMCSA, passenger occupants are more vulnerable, suffering 96% of the fatalities in a collision with a truck.
Moreover, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported a total of 349 fatalities from truck accidents in the state in 2019.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in Pinellas County?
In Pinellas County, truck accidents are unfortunately more common than one would hope. With its bustling roads connecting numerous towns and a thriving commercial landscape, the county sees a significant volume of truck traffic. Coupled with the usual challenges of urban driving, the high density of vehicles, and occasional adverse weather conditions, this increases the potential for truck-related incidents.
While the county and local cities have implemented safety measures to reduce accidents, collisions involving trucks remain a significant concern.
Our Firm Handles All St. Petersburg Truck Accident Injury Cases Near You
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 St. Petersburg trucking accident attorneys handle all types of truck accidents.
Our St. Petersburg 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 Causes Most Truck Accidents in St. Petersburg?
In the scenic city of St. Petersburg, nestled alongside Tampa Bay, residents and visitors get to experience the beauty of coastal Florida. However, along the bustling roads in this region, the significant number of large trucks can pose significant risks. Truck accidents can be a result of various factors, and knowing these can help drivers remain vigilant.
Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in St. Petersburg and throughout the U.S. as a whole:
- Driver Fatigue: Many truck drivers are on tight schedules, pushing themselves to cover long distances with minimal rest. This fatigue can impair their judgment, slowing down reaction times and leading to avoidable accidents.
- Improper Loading: Overloading or improperly secured cargo can cause trucks to become unbalanced, making them more susceptible to rollovers, especially around tight corners or during abrupt maneuvers.
- Inadequate Training: Not all truck drivers have the appropriate training to handle the challenges of maneuvering a large vehicle, especially in congested urban areas like St. Petersburg.
- Distracted Driving: Just like with other motorists, truck drivers can also become distracted, be it from texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. Given the size and weight of their vehicles, even a momentary lapse in attention can have catastrophic consequences.
- Maintenance Issues: Trucks require regular maintenance to remain safe on the road. However, some trucking companies or drivers neglect this vital aspect, leading to issues like brake failures or tire blowouts.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use, even prescription medications, can severely impact a truck driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely.
For those affected by any of these causes, a St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer, like those at Catania & Catania, can provide invaluable guidance in navigating the aftermath.
How Dangerous are Truck Accidents in St. Petersburg?
The aftermath of a truck accident is often more severe than a typical car collision due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, and the potential for devastation is immense. Passengers in smaller vehicles, unfortunately, bear the brunt of the impact, often leading to critical injuries or fatalities.
Truck accidents in St. Petersburg often result in:
- Severe Physical Injuries: These can range from broken bones and lacerations to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.
- Property Damage: The sheer force of a truck collision can total smaller vehicles and cause extensive damage to infrastructure.
- Emotional Trauma: Beyond the physical toll, victims often grapple with the emotional aftermath, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Also, the complexity of truck accidents, especially concerning legal liability, can be daunting. There could be multiple parties involved, from the truck driver to the trucking company, or even the manufacturer of a faulty truck part.
This makes it even more important to have an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer by your side. The team at Catania & Catania is dedicated to advocating for accident victims and ensuring that they receive the compensation and justice they rightfully deserve.
What Is My St. Petersburg Truck Accident Case Worth?
Unfortunately, we can’t estimate the value of your 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.
What Damages Can I Recover After A Truck Accident in St. Petersburg, FL?
Truck accident victims in St. Petersburg, 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.
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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg Truck Accident?
St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg, FL will be standing by to take your call.
How Long Do I Have to File an Injury 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 St. Petersburg 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 St. Petersburg truck accident lawyer who will help you.
Contact Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers today 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.
Contact our St. Petersburg office location at (727) 263-3189 today to discuss your legal options.
