Project Description

Tampa Bay Truck Accident Lawyer

Summary
Offices
727-849-5353

Accidents involving large trucks are among the most serious and most deadly in the United States.

Free Case Evaluation

Free Truck Accident Consultation

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Truck Accident

Truck Accidents are traumatic experiences that leave victims vulnerable and in shock. Commercial vehicle collisions leave victims injured and questioning what to do next. Injured drivers are often confused with what to do, who to call, or where to find help after a Truck Accident. The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine are here for you every step of the way following your Truck Accident.

Truck Accidents leave victims in a troublesome situation; they are in pain and commonly without a vehicle or the ability to work following the truck accident. With increasing medical expenses and potentially lost income, you may quickly find yourself in a scary situation in regards to both your health and your finances. Treatment plans may include many medical providers who specialize in auto accidents, expensive procedures or even surgery for your injuries. A patient’s priority should be on their recovery following an auto accident.

Lucas & Magazine provides the best Attorney around to fight and provide justice for any situation our clients are battling. We look into every detail to establish the best solution and fight for what our clients deserve.

Investigating Truck Accidents

Evaluating all the facts involved in the cause of a Truck Accident requires skill and experience. Our office will meticulously investigate your accident. The insurance companies commonly try to “share” the fault of an accident between the drivers. Our experienced Truck Accident attorneys carefully investigate every case to effectively prove negligence and fault. This process includes:

Requesting and viewing police reports

Reviewing and discussing your medical records

Obtaining witness statements

Examining the accident site and damage

We carefully review and apply our investigated data from your accident to best represent your truck accident and pursue the maximum recovery amount for your injuries.

Types of Truck Accidents:

  • Rear-end car accident

  • Parking lot accidents

  • Head-on auto accidents

  • Side-impact and t0bone auto accidents

  • Multiple-vehicle auto accidents

Truck Accident Injuries

An accident involving a truck or commercial vehicle is frightening. To minimize the number of truck accidents, trucking companies are required to follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations regarding their equipment and driver hours of service. Despite these regulations, driver fatigue remains a common problem among truck and commercial vehicle drivers, contributing to the unsettling volume of fatal accidents across the country.

When we carefully examine records after an accident, they often show serious violations of the safety regulations specifically put in place for truckers. However, trucking companies are only required to maintain their records for six months. This means that without obtaining those records before they are destroyed, the injured person has a much more difficult time proving the trucking company’s negligence. At the Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine, we handle these cases confidently and with full knowledge of commercial vehicle regulations at the state and federal levels.

Truck Accident Injuries:

  • Back Injuries

  • Neck Injuries

  • Broken Bones

  • Head Injury

  • Internal Injury

  • Lacerations

  • Seat Belt Injuries

  • Spinal Cord Injuries (Paralysis)

  • Wrongful Death

Process of a Truck Accident Claim

Investigate the accident and define your sustained injuries.

File a claim and put the involved parties on notice of the accident and interest in obtaining a recovery.

Filing a claim for sustained personal injuries shares notice to the at-fault party’s insurance. The injured party will treat until they reach their Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). The Personal Injury Lawyer will gather the client’s medical records and bills and present a demand package to the insurance company.

Negotiate if possible, to reach a compromised settlement

Once the insurance company establishes fault for the accident and reviews the Personal Injury Attorney’s demand package, they will present an initial offer for the client. Insurance companies and the attorney will often negotiate to try and reach a reasonable settlement.

Filing a lawsuit with the court if negotiations outside of court are unsuccessful

Negotiating a settlement does not always resolve outstanding medical expenses. A Personal Injury Attorney can best advise if you should pursue litigation for your injury claim.

Litigating the case

Litigation is initiated by filing a formal complaint to the court and serving the at-fault party who will then follow by filing an answer. Discovery will then proceed (formal investigation of the facts of the lawsuit) between the Plaintiff and the Defendant. Discovery can commonly include interrogatories, request to produce, request for admissions, and depositions. Once Discovery is concluded, the parties will be able to mediate the case. This is usually one of the last chances to come to
an agreeable settlement prior to taking the case to a trial.

If no settlement can be reached, the auto accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine will counsel you on whether you should proceed with trial, weighing the risks and rewards. At trial, we provide the evidence to a court and a jury to prove that your injuries and damages were caused by the negligent driving of another person and that you are entitled to compensation for those injuries.

What to do after a Truck Accident?

The steps you take following an accident can be critical.

Stop & remain calm

Even if the accident appears to be minor, you have to stop. Check on the other parties to see if they are ok. Request assistance through 911 if needed.

Gather information

After an accident occurs you will need to obtain an accident report. Include the party’s names and contact information, as well as a photo of their identification and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, request their information as well.

Take photos

When possible, photos help visualize the accident, damage, and injuries. Take photos of the scene, any items/vehicles included within the accident. Request photos of driver licenses and insurance cards. Take photos of any injuries sustained.

Seek medical treatment

We Fight For You

Insurance carriers scrutinize how an accident occurred, as well as attempt to diminish your injuries. After reporting the accident to open a claim, the insurance company will likely request a recorded statement to discuss the details of your accident and injuries. Insurance companies may attempt to use a recorded statement against you. Sometimes adjusters will try to trip you up so that you may appear “upset confused, medicated, lacking sleep, or in severe pain unable to concentrate.” With the aid of a Truck Accident attorney you know you are protected from any inadequate questions or poor practices.

Our skilled Truck Accident Attorneys at The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine are there for you every step of the way after your accident. Our team can help coordinate the medical care and transportation you need while you try to restore your regular life. We will fight for the best financial recovery possible for your case.

Injured?

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car or truck accident, please contact our offices.

call 727.849.5353
Free Case Evaluation

Experienced Attorneys

The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine legal team is comprised of several attorneys who are Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyers and National Board of Trial Advocacy Civil Trial Lawyers. This Double Board Certification is a distinction of experience in specialized skills, knowledge, and proficiency within the field of personal injury. A Board Certified Specialist can make a huge difference when you need to retain a Personal Injury Attorney.

Florida Board Certification is a volunteer program recognition of “specialist” or “expert” based upon the attorney’s experience requiring:

  • The practice of law for at least five years;

  • Substantial involvement in the specialty of civil trial law — 50% or more — during the three years immediately preceding application;

  • Handling of at least 15 contested civil cases, including cases before juries as lead counsel and as the trier of fact on some or all of the issues;

  • 50 hours of approved civil trial law certification continuing legal education in the three years immediately preceding application;

  • Peer review; and,

  • A written examination.

We pride ourselves on our keen attention to detail and our thorough knowledge of the FMCSA regulations. You and your family will be able to focus on your recovery as we work tirelessly to recover what you are rightfully owed from your accident. Our skilled team of lawyers is dedicated to fighting for your rights and your compensation.

FAQ

What may appear as a minor accident can often cause serious injuries. You have nothing to lose by seeking legal representation following an accident. It is better to speak with an attorney immediately after an accident to help you navigate the insurance process- Insurance companies are not your friend and will often begin building a case against you as soon as a claim has been filed. Discussing your accident and injury with an attorney allows a professional to review your case and offer free advice. If you are hurt, an attorney can help you take the proper steps to treat your injuries as well as help your case. It is also an opportunity to memorialize what injuries, if any, were caused by the small accident so that an insurance company for a future accident can’t blame future injuries on any current minor accident. Remember, at The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine, your consultation is always free.

All accidents and injuries are different. You should never feel you need to have a “minimum” of information. Our skilled legal team will be able to work with whatever information you have to guide you through the investigation process. If an insurance company begins asking you questions you don’t know how to answer, The Law Offices of Lucas & Magazine can help.

You may be surprised, but not all medical providers offer care to persons injured in car accidents. This is likely due to the nature of their practices or billing procedures. Following an auto accident, PIP is your primary initial medical coverage over all other forms of insurance. Typically, you will need an MRI, a referral to an orthopedic specialist, or maybe even a neurologist. Our firm will be there for you if you have any questions regarding the providers in your community who can treat your auto accident injuries.

Truck Accident Damages:

  • Medical expenses and future medical expenses

  • Loss of income

  • Property Damage

  • Pain and suffering (including emotional distress, loss of relationships, and life enjoyment)