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Truck Accident

Don’t settle. Get the settlement you deserve.

What to Do After A Trucking Collision

Truck collisions are not to be taken lightly, whether it happens here in St. Petersburg or another part of Pinellas County. The injuries and property damage incurred in the accident is often significantly more, and navigating a claim against a trucking company can be a difficult and complicated process to handle alone. The truck accident attorneys at Chambers|Pilon are here to help. After a truck accident, it is essential to prioritize your safety and well-being by seeking immediate attention for any injuries. Next contact the police to report the accident and gather essential information from the scene, such as: 

  • Other drivers’ details (driver license, insurance)
  • Trucking company details 
  • Witness details (driver license)
  • License plate numbers
  • Photographs of the accident site and any visible damage if able

Once this is done, call to consult with one of our experienced attorneys specializing in truck accidents and personal injury cases. Your St. Pete truck accident attorney at Chambers | Pilon will help protect your rights, guide you through the complex legal process, and work to secure the compensation you may be entitled to for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Time is of the essence in these situations, so don't delay in reaching out to us. Ensure the best possible outcome for your case by calling us from the scene.

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A close up of a head-on collision between a truck and a car with scraps on the ground
An accident in an intersection between a few cars and a truck

How is Fault Determined

In the state of Florida, fault, or allocation of liability in automotive accidents, follows a legal Doctrine known as the “pure comparative fault” rule. Under this rule, each party involved in an accident is assessed a specific percentage of fault which directly affects the compensation 

However, unlike car accidents where one or both of the drivers are held responsible, a trucking accident could be the fault of: 

  • Truck driver
  • Trucking company
  • Owner of the truck
  • Truck mechanic
  • Freight company
  • Truck manufacturer

The truck driver may be responsible if they were distracted, intoxicated, fatigued, or operated the vehicle irresponsibly, resulting in the accident. The trucking company might be liable if they neglected to properly hire, train, or oversee the driver, or if they failed to maintain the vehicle in a safe operating condition. Additionally, third-party maintenance companies and cargo loading companies could share blame if their negligence contributed to the accident.

Collaborating with our experienced truck accident attorneys who understand and can navigate the state's legal framework may be the factor in securing the compensation you deserve.

We Can Help

Truck Accident Claims, Settlements, and Outcomes

If negligence by a truck driver, trucking company, or other party led to your accident, you likely have a valid claim against them, whether personal injury, property damage, or both, and we’re here to help you with this process. 

Truck accidents result in more severe injuries and property damage due to the greater impact of force. Victims of these accidents may require long-term care and financial support, including future expenses. Truck accident claims can be more complicated to file and involve extensive evidence, with trucking industry regulations mandating detailed records such as:

  • Driver’s log
  • Driver’s employment and driving records
  • Truck’s “black box” electronic data recorder
  • Load manifest
  • Camera/ Video footage

This type of evidence may reveal the cause of the accident, or help us uncover it. Determining compensation from complex trucking companies layered with insurance protocols is challenging, but our experienced personal injury attorneys will work to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Our truck accident and personal injury attorneys are usually able to settle the claim without going to trial, which is what the goal is–going to trial can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally exhausting. Settlement negotiations are made through demand letters that explain the details of the incident including any damages for injuries, medical bills, lost wages and future loss we are seeking. We aim to settle out of court but if and when it happens, every attorney at Chambers Pilon is ready to fight for you.

Your personal injury is personal to us.

Don't handle it alone. We're here to help.

FAQs

Our expert guidance is your peace of mind. Learn more about how we can help you with these frequently asked questions.
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What evidence is crucial in proving liability in a trucking accident case?
How long do I have to file a claim after a trucking accident?
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