Tampa 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Information
If you have a Tampa, Florida 18 wheeler accident claim, Tampa 18 wheeler accident lawyers are here to advocate for you. Call one of the Tampa 18 wheeler accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.
Semi truck, tractor trailer and 18-wheeler accidents are common occurrences on Tampa roads and highways. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 people die as a result of 18-wheeler accidents and big rig collisions in the United States each year with a substantial number of 18-wheeler truck accidents occurring in Tampa, Florida, every day. Due to the high population and highly congested traffic throughout Tampa’s sprawling metropolis, the city of Tampa unfortunately has its fair share of big rig truck accidents. In 2010, the U.S. Census estimated Tampa’s population to be at 335,709 people within an area of 112.1 square miles. With Tampa serving as the county seat of Hillsborough County, 18-wheeler accidents and semi truck crashes on Tampa highways are inevitable.
Tampa’s freeway system, which is made up of miles of freeways and expressways in a four-county metropolitan area, known as the the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida MSA. The four-county area is composed of roughly 2.7 million residents, making it the second largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the state.
If you find yourself involved in an 18-wheeler or semi truck accident, call one of the qualified Tampa 18-wheeler accident attorneys on this site today.
Tampa 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
Due to the sheer weight difference of a car versus the weight of an 18-wheeler or tractor trailer, accidents that involve commercial vehicles often times result in severe injuries or even death. Compared to the average weight of an automobile, which is only 5,000 pounds, one can easily see how much more dangerous commercial vehicles like an 18 wheeler can be. That is why if you are injured by a semi truck or commercial vehicle in Tampa, it is important that you choose an experienced Tampa 18-wheeler accident attorney who knows the truck regulations and laws both nationally and for the State of Florida.
Commercial vehicles go by different names such as:
- Big Rig
- 18 Wheeler
- Tractor Trailer
- Truck
- Semi
Tampa truck accidents caused by an 18-wheeler, big rig, semi truck, tractor trailer, bus or commercial vehicle are common on Tampa streets, avenues and highways. Many of the semi truck crashes that occur in the city of Tampa happen along the major Tampa highways, which include the I-275, I-4, I-75, and SH 93.
Types of Trucks
The following trucks do specific things and carry certain types of cargo:
- Bob-Tail Trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Refrigerated trucks
- Flat bed trucks
- Logging trucks
Buses are also considered commercial vehicles as well, but as a rule do not haul cargo. Instead a bus is a transportation vehicle that carries children or adults such as a school bus or commercial bus like Greyhound. School bus accidents or commercial bus accidents are common on Tampa roads and freeways. The causes may vary, but often times the accident is a result of hazardous road conditions or driver negligence.
It is essential to hire a Tampa bus accident lawyer if you have been involved in the following type of accident:
- Tampa city buses;
- transportation buses such as Greyhound;
- shuttle bus accidents when driving to and from the airport, such as Tampa International Airport or Peter O. Knight Airport; and/or,
- bus accidents that occur running back and forth from Mango.
The ways Tampa truck accidents happen occur are too numerous to list. Blind spots, rear-ends, sideswipes, head-ons, load overturns, jack-knifes are all possible and can result in fatal wrongful death truck accidents.
If you live in Tampa and have a claims for an accident that involved a big rig or an 18 wheeler, your case might be filed in one of these courts:
Hillsborough County Court
George E Edgecomb Courthouse
800 East Twiggs Street
Tampa FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100
Fax: (813) 272-6518
Hillsborough County Court
Brandon Regional Service Center
311 Pauls Drive #110, Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (813) 276-8200
18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Tampa and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Western Florida, including Bloomingdale, Brandon, Clearwater, Dunedin, Egypt Lake-Leto, Feather Sound, Gibsonton, Largo, Lealman, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Palm River, Pinellas Park, Riverdale, Safety Harbor, St. George, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Town ‘N’ Country, Westchase, areas in the vicinity of MacDill AFB, Tampa International Airport, and other communities in Hillsborough County.
Tampa 18-wheeler accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Tampa 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Types of Trucks
Hiring a Tampa 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in an 18 wheeler truck accident in Tampa, Florida, it is recommended that you hire a qualified Tampa 18-wheeler accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in federal laws and Florida state laws regarding trucking regulations. Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County and has extensive roadways and congested freeways due to its high population. Therefore, it is not uncommon for truck collisions, wrecks, crashes and injuries to occur due to the high amount of traffic. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Western Florida truck accident, contact a qualified Tampa semi truck accident attorney today for a free initial consultation.
Tampa & Florida Professional Associations
In addition to selecting a qualified Tampa accident & injury lawyer that regularly handles Tampa big rig truck accident cases, you should also check out the attorney’s credentials. For example, is the attorney a member of the Federal Bar Association-Tampa Bay Chapter, Hillsborough Bar Association, or the Florida Justice Association? All lawyers that practice Tampa truck accident litigation must be active members of the State Bar of Florida. They may also join other professional organizations, such as:
The mission of the FBA-Tampa Bay Chapter is to strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and the needs of the federal practitioner, both public and private, the federal judiciary and the public they serve. The Hillsborough County Bar Association is a non-profit professional association with over 3,700 members. Established in 1896, the HCBA works with attorneys in public practice in all areas of law, government, corporate attorneys, paralegals, student members and all judges. The Florida Justice Association works to ensure that Floridians know and understand the importance of their rights to justice and to make certain that these rights are safeguarded and protected.
Big Rig Accidents Can Be Devastating
When a negligent truck driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel of their semi tractor-trailer, any driver traveling near them is at risk for serious injury or death. The consequences of an 18-wheeler truck a crash along a Tampa intersection, avenue, or freeway can be devastating, often resulting in very serious injuries that can even lead to death. The sheer force of a speeding 18-wheeler truck is a dangerous weapon that can forever change your life. Under the law if you are involved in such a wreck or an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck accident in Tampa, FL or Hillsborough County, it is in your best interest to contact a Tampa big rig truck accident lawyer immediately.
Tampa 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys File in Hillsborough County, FL
When a truck accident occurs and a lawsuit is subsequently filed, the decision of where to file it is called “choice of venue.” The venue chosen can have legal consequences that affect the outcome of your case. Generally, venue in a truck accident case is proper in any of the following locations:
- the county wherein the accident occurred;
- the county wherein the defendant company’s principal place of business is located; or,
- the county wherein the defendant truck driver resides.
Even though your accident may have occurred in Tampa, the truck company and truck driver will often be from a different state. This is because trucking companies frequently operate in states other than where they are registered. In these cases, the venue where the lawsuit may be filed could be the state where the truck accident occurred, the state where the trucking company is located, or even the state where the trucking company regularly does business, if different. For example, the accident may have occurred in Tampa, Florida, therefore making venue proper in Hillsborough County, but the claim may be filed against a trucking company from another state. You need a qualified and experienced Tampa tractor trailer lawyer to decide what the best venue would be in a case like this that crosses state lines.
Some of the courts in the Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, areas include:
Hillsborough County Court
George E Edgecomb Courthouse
800 East Twiggs Street
Tampa FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100
Fax: (813) 272-6518
Hillsborough County Court
Brandon Regional Service Center
311 Pauls Drive #110, Brandon FL 33511
Phone: (813) 276-8200
18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Tampa and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Western Florida, including Bloomingdale, Brandon, Clearwater, Dunedin, Egypt Lake-Leto, Feather Sound, Gibsonton, Largo, Lealman, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Palm River, Pinellas Park, Riverdale, Safety Harbor, St. George, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Town ‘N’ Country, Westchase, areas in the vicinity of MacDill AFB, Tampa International Airport, and other communities in Hillsborough County.
Don’t be the victim of a semi driver’s negligence. Hiring a qualified Tampa 18-wheeler accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one have been injured in a truck collision. Contact a big rig accident lawyer today to ensure you receive expert representation from an attorney who knows how to handle your case.
Types of Trucks on Tampa Highways
There are many types of commercial trucks found in and around Tampa, Florida. Trucking companies in Tampa offer a wide variety of vehicle choices. Some Tampa trucking companies deal with courier and small package delivery as well. Some companies offer bicycle couriers for downtown Metro areas and will also use an assortment of vehicles ranging from cars, vans and pick-up trucks to large tractor-trailers and bobtail trucks.
Types of Trucks Used By Tampa Trucking Companies:
- 18 Wheeler
- Semi Truck
- Tractor Trailer
- Big Rig
- Semi Trailer
- Box Truck
- Straight Truck
- Flatbed Truck
- Stake Truck
- Bobtail Truck
Be sure to insist on the highest levels of safety by selecting a reputable Tampa trucking company that uses late model vehicles which are inspected on a regular basis.
When to Hire a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer
In many cases, Tampa 18-wheeler accident attorneys must retain the services of scientific and medical experts to prove both the cause of the accident and the cause of your injuries. Additionally, a qualified semi truck accident lawyer will obtain all kinds of evidence concerning the scene of the crash, truck logs, and other important information to be used against the trucker, trucking company, or the company’s insurer. Arranging expert witness testimony and preparing important physical and documentary evidence is just one of many ways a Tampa tractor trailer injury lawyer can help you after you’ve suffered a truck accident injury from a major 18-wheeler truck wreck.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious box truck wreck, semi crash or big rig accident, hiring a lawyer is the farthest thing from your mind when tragedy such as this strikes you, a family member, or a friend. However, this is when you need a Tampa truck accident lawyer most. Do yourself a favor by calling one of the qualified Tampa truck accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Tampa tractor trailer accident lawyer to help protect your rights.
Tampa Trucking Companies
Following is a list of trucking companies based in Tampa, Florida. Services offered include container drayage, loose freight drayage, overweight loads, bonded moves, same day delivery.
Tampa Auto Transport
Auto Driveaway Co of Tampa
Tampa Pipeline Corporation
Pro Transport Tampa Inc
Tampa Tank Lines
Tampa One Movers,Inc
Absolute Currier & Transport
ABF U-Pack
Quality Distribution Inc
Public Storage - Self Storage
Wes-Flo Co Inc
Con-Way Freight
UPS Freight
Saia Motor Freight Line
Ctl Distribution Inc
Global Distribution Inc |
Florida Rock & Tank Lines Inc
Commercial Carrier Corporation
Benco Transportation
Watkins Motor Lines Inc
Bronco Transport Inc
USF Connect
Cypress Truck Lines Inc
Transport Body
Harcros Chemicals Inc
Ralph Transfer Co Inc
Chavez Auto Transport
MJD Trucking
Air Cartage Express Services
East Shipbrokers Inc
Advanced Carriers LLC
Midwest Transport Inc |
Some companies deal with the transport of import and export containers through the Port of Tampa, which is located nearby. |
Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Tampa and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Western Florida, including Bloomingdale, Brandon, Clearwater, Dunedin, Egypt Lake-Leto, Feather Sound, Gibsonton, Largo, Lealman, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Palm River, Pinellas Park, Riverdale, Safety Harbor, St. George, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Town ‘N’ Country, Westchase, areas in the vicinity of MacDill AFB, Tampa International Airport, and other communities in Hillsborough County.
Tampa truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Tampa truck accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers Represent Injured Truck Drivers
Truck drivers who operate an 18-wheeler truck or big rig on the busy roads and highways of Tampa such as I-275, I-4, I-75 or US 92, can become injured when a major commercial vehicle collision occurs. Truckers often say, “Ride with me for just one day and you will see what it is like ‘out there’…it’s not always the trucker’s fault…”
It is not uncommon to see a big rig wreck, semi crash or major accident involving semi truck drivers in Tampa, FL. Tampa’s freeway system, which is made up of miles of freeways and expressways in the metropolitan area most commonly referred to as the Tampa Bay Area. The danger of an 18-wheeler truck accident is not just confined to injured people in automobiles, but can end up injuring the truck driver affecting their livelihood and family’s livelihood as well as the automobile driver. So, when a Tampa 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer is contacted, be it by an automobile driver who has been injured or a truck driver that has been injured at the dangerous hands of another, you will need an expert Tampa truck injury lawyer to fight for your rights.
The Semi Truck Driver is Not Always at Fault
When an 18-wheeler is moving down a Tampa road or highway, such as I-275, I-4, I-75, or US 92 at high speeds, it is nearly unstoppable and can easily turn a motorist’s everyday commute into a lethal situation. Although a passenger car is lightweight, in comparison, and can easily maneuver in and out of lanes on Tampa highways, it is no match for a big rig truck. If the two vehicles are unable to avoid a collision, wreck or crash, the driver of the passenger car will be lucky to escape with their life.
A driver of a passenger vehicle could easily be killed as a result of veering out of his lane and then smashing into a tractor trailer truck let’s say on the I-275 Southwest Freeway which is just under the beltway in Tampa. If the trucker tried to avoid hitting the passenger car but was unable to avoid the wreck or crash, then this would be a case where the accident was caused by the driver of the passenger vehicle and therefore the trucker would not be at fault.
Truck Driver Facts
- Two of your fellow truck drivers die each day in accidents
- 33,000 people driving large trucks are injured each year
- 6.3% of U.S. truck drivers are injured each year.
Injured Truckers Need Legal Representation
A qualified Tampa 18-wheeler accident attorney should offer a free case review. If they decide to take on your legal matter, they should not require an up-front fee. Truckers with a trucking injury claim are generally taken on a contingency fee basis. In other words, your Tampa truck accident attorney is only paid if you receive compensation for your injuries.
Injured Truckers Need to Know Their Rights
As a trucker, you have rights you need to be aware of. It is not uncommon for aggressive insurance companies to contact you shortly after the accident in an effort to try to get you to settle quickly and convince you that you want the matter to go away. In many cases, injuries are not so quick to heal. Many times the injuries can be permanent, long-lasting, and career-threatening. That is why you need a competent Tampa truck accident lawyer that is not only prepared to mediate a resolution, but also prepared to take your case to court.
When Negligence Changes a Trucker’s Life
Qualified Tampa truck accident lawyers know exactly how to provide nationwide representation for truckers injured in trucking accidents caused by a variety of negligent acts and mechanical malfunctions, including:
- Rear-end, Head-On Crashes and Jackknives
- Poor Maintenance, including Tires and Brakes
- Driver Fatigue
- Unsecured Loads
- Aggressive Driving
- DWI/Drug Use
- Lack of Reflectors and Poor Visibility
Since trucking laws are governed by hundreds of regulations, litigation can be very complex. Hiring a semi truck accident attorney who specializes in the numerous trucking laws throughout the United States is essential for a successful verdict outcome. For more information about trucking laws or to schedule an appointment with an experienced commercial truck injury lawyer, contact a truck injury attorney today.
When an 18 Wheeler accident occurs, your Tampa truck accident lawyer will check the truck driver’s credentials to see if he/she attended an accredited Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) school. In Tampa, Florida, one truck driving school is Roadmaster Drivers School of Tampa, Inc., Orient Road, Tampa, FL 33610, although there are many others throughout the country. See the Nationwide List of Accredited CDL Schools for a more comprehensive list.
Resources for Truck Drivers |
Trucking Schools (earn your CDL):
Pointfree Traffic School
Roadmaster Drivers School
Alberto Pastrana Financial Services |
Occupational Health Care Facilities
Lakeside Occupational Medical Centers, Inc.
Tampa Occupational Health
Integraded Healing Clinic |
Companies that provide towing services for big rigs: |
Clearwater Towing Services
Clearwater Towing Services |
B & D Towing Recovery |
Contact a Tampa 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for a free initial consultation. |
Truck Accident Attorneys for Injured Truckers Serve Tampa and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Western Florida, including Bloomingdale, Brandon, Clearwater, Dunedin, Egypt Lake-Leto, Feather Sound, Gibsonton, Largo, Lealman, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Palm River, Pinellas Park, Riverdale, Safety Harbor, St. George, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Town ‘N’ Country, Westchase, areas in the vicinity of MacDill AFB, Tampa International Airport, and other communities in Hillsborough County.
Tampa truck accident attorneys for injured truckers are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Tampa 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.