What are the Most Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents?

About a third of all truck accidents are caused by driver error. Some of the most common causes of collisions include: Drowsy driving Speeding Tailgating Intoxicated/drunk driving, including the use of prescription or over-the-counter medicines Distracted driving, including phone use Illegal driving maneuvers Unbalanced loads Being unfamiliar with the truck Reckless or negligent drivers

What are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?

While truck accidents can be similar to many other types of car accidents, they can also pose new risks to smaller vehicles due to the size of semi-trucks. Their heavy weight makes it difficult for them to slow down and react quickly to hazards on the road. Some of the most common types of truck accidents are explained below. To explore these situations more in-depth, click on the “read more” for more vital information. Intersection Semi-Truck Accident Being involved in an intersection accident with a semi-truck can cause severe injuries regardless of the impact’s direction. While a smaller car broadsiding a tractor or trailer may not be as dangerous as the truck broadsiding a small car, both can have severe consequences for passengers in the small car. Read more. Carriage Underride Accident with an 18-Wheeler Truck A carriage underride truck accident is often the most deadly type of tractor-trailer accident with a smaller vehicle. The height of a big rig’s trailer is almost precisely the same as the torso and head region of the driver of a smaller vehicle. If a car rear-ends the trailer, it could end up shearing off the smaller vehicle’s top and lead to decapitation. Read more. Big Rig Hit and Run Accident It is typical for hit and run big rig accidents to happen as a result of the truck not seeing a car in the truck’s blind spots and backing up into the vehicle, turning right when a car is too close to it, or clipping a vehicle with the backend of the trailer as the truck driver switches lanes. Read more. Jack-Knifed Trailer Accident A jackknifed trailer describes when the driver of a semi-truck loses control, and the trailer ends up at a 90-degree angle to the truck. It gets the name from a jackknife, a type of knife where the blade folds into the handle. A jackknifed trailer can pose severe hazards to other drivers on the road if they cannot stop in time to prevent a collision with a jackknifed trailer. Read more. Rear-End Collision with a Semi-Truck The driver of a semi-truck sits up much higher in the cab and sometimes may not see a small car in front of them. If they release their foot off the brake, the truck may roll into the vehicle, causing a rear-end accident. Other times, a truck driver is simply driving while distracted and slams into a car that changes lanes in traffic. Even a low-speed rear-end collision with a semi-truck can lead to severe injuries such as whiplash because of the truck’s weight and the force behind it. Read more. T-Bone Accident with an 18-Wheeler Truck A T-bone accident truck accident is when the front end of one vehicle hits another vehicle’s side, resembling the shape of a “T.” A T-bone accident with an 18-wheeler can result in significant damages and injuries to the driver of the smaller vehicle. Read more.

What Special Laws and Regulations are Truckers Required to Follow?

Drivers with a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) are required to abide by the laws and regulations set forth by states and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Truck drivers use logbooks (either automated digital or paper) to track their hours and mileage during the hours they drive. By federal law, big rig drivers can only drive a specific number of hours before they must shut down their truck and rest. However, Florida has lowered the number of legal driving hours in an effort to decrease big rig accidents in the state. However, drivers still using paper logbooks will often fraudulently alter details to allow them to drive longer hours without being caught by law enforcement officials who monitor logbooks during stops at weigh stations or traffic stops. Recently, there has been a significant push by the government to mandate digital logging of the driver’s hours which are nearly impossible to be forged. By mandating immutable travel records, the government hopes to better enforce the law while also keeping other drivers safe from drowsy truck drivers.

Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Semi-Truck Accident?

When you work with a truck accident attorney in Tampa, they will evaluate your case and figure out who is responsible for your injuries. Most often, it’s the truck driver who is to blame. They may not be driving at proper speeds, could be distracted, or, in too many cases, they are driving drowsy. However, because of tight deadlines, they may ignore these regulations to get paid. In some instances, another party may be responsible for your injuries. For example, if the trucker is driving a truck owned or leased by a trucking company, that company may be responsible for regular maintenance. If they don’t conduct routine maintenance, which causes an accident, the company may be held accountable. The company may also be held responsible if they hire a driver who isn’t qualified or if they don’t provide proper training to drivers. Multiple parties may be held accountable for a truck accident in some cases. Your Tampa truck accident lawyer will consider all the available options to increase your chances of getting the full compensation you deserve.

How Much Money Can I Get From a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

While it’s not possible for us to say precisely how much your case is worth without evaluating your situation first, we can describe the different types of compensation or damages we may seek on your behalf. The most common and straightforward type are economic damages. Economic damages are intended to compensate you for the real money you lost because of the wreck, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. Generally, you can prove these damages with receipts, invoices, and other evidence. Noneconomic damages, on the other hand, are vaguer. They deal with the losses you suffered that have nothing to do with money. These damages may include pain and suffering, physical disfigurement, mental anguish, and more. Because you can’t merely produce receipts and other evidence to prove noneconomic damages, your Tampa truck accident injury attorney will work with medical professionals, psychologists, and other professionals to build a case on your behalf. In rare instances, Florida law also allows for punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the defendant. They are only assessed when the high standards of gross negligence or intentional misconduct are met. If punitive damages are assessed, they are capped at three times the amount of compensatory damages, or $500,000 (whichever is greater).

Can I Get Compensation If I’m at Fault for a Truck Accident?

Like most states, Florida follows a comparative negligence statute. This means you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage you are at fault. Let’s look at an example: You’re driving down I-4 at night in bumper-to-bumper traffic. One of your tail lights isn’t working correctly. You stop because of traffic, but the semi-truck behind you doesn’t and therefore rear-ends you. You end up with spinal cord injuries and a totaled car. Eventually, the court hands down a decision that you are owed $100,000 for your injuries. However, the court also decides you are 30% at fault for the wreck because of your malfunctioning tail light. As such, you are only granted $70,000 in compensation. The amount you are at fault can be challenging to determine. That’s why you should work with a truck accident attorney in Tampa to figure out all of your legal options, including whether you can feasibly file a personal injury lawsuit.

Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer

Quick Summary: Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident claims in Tampa may involve multiple liable parties beyond the driver.
FMCSA hours-of-service rules limit driving time for covered commercial drivers.
Florida generally allows two years to file negligence claims accruing on or after March 24, 2023.
ECM and onboard truck data should be preserved promptly because it may be overwritten or lost.

Need immediate help? Contact Darrigo & Diaz Personal Injury Attorneys.

A Tampa truck accident lawyer asking a client to review and sign a contract

Some roads across Tampa are populated with commercial trucks everyday, especially in Port Tampa Bay, near local businesses, and regional highways. That’s why a collision involving commercial trucks can happen on I-4 or I-75, Adamo Drive, Selmon Expressway, and even in the Channel District. After a truck crash, you may need ongoing medical care while also trying to determine what caused the collision and which parties may be held responsible.

Darrigo & Diaz Personal Injury Attorneys represents injured people in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and nearby communities such as Brandon and Riverview. A Tampa truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash, identify the companies and individuals connected to the truck, and work to preserve important evidence.

Why Tampa Truck Accident Claims Are Different From Car Crashes

Truck crashes can have serious consequences for people traveling in passenger vehicles. In 2024, 5,340 people were killed in traffic crashes involving large trucks, and 70% of those killed were occupants of other vehicles. The potential for severe harm makes it important to look beyond the collision itself and examine the truck, driver, carrier, and records connected to the trip.

People often assume a truck accident is simply a larger version of a car crash. Well, it’s not. A commercial truck may involve a motor carrier, federal safety requirements, and records that do not exist in an ordinary car crash case, including driver qualification records, dispatch logs, and maintenance histories.

That difference can affect how your claim is investigated. A Tampa car accident lawyer may focus on the drivers, vehicle damage, and insurance coverage, while a truck case may require examining commercial records and the conduct of several parties.

Hours-of-Service Rules in Tampa Truck Accident Claims

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limits how long commercial drivers can drive and remain on duty. These hours-of-service rules are intended to reduce their fatigue from driving too long on the road. For property-carrying drivers, the federal limits generally include:

11 hours of driving: After 10 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive for up to 11 hours.
14-hour workday: A driver generally cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
30-minute break: A driver must take a 30-minute break after driving for around 8 hours straight.
60/70-hour limit: A driver is not allowed to drive more than 60 hours in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days.

A possible hours-of-service violation per se does not establish liability for a crash. Attorney Nadine Diaz can review these records in context to determine whether the driver exceeded applicable limits and whether fatigue or another violation may have contributed to the collision. Her Board Certification in Civil Trial Law supports the litigation-focused approach needed to evaluate how those records may affect your claim.

Why Do You Need to Secure Truck Black Box Data?

Many Tampa commercial trucks carry an electronic control module (ECM). This device is sometimes called a black box. It can record the speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes of the commercial vehicle during a crash. However, these devices vary between vehicles, specifically how it records and stores data, including how data can be retrieved from the system.

That variation makes prompt preservation important. Some data may be overwritten as the truck continues operating, while repairs or other changes to the vehicle can affect access to the information. A Tampa truck accident lawyer can request that relevant data be preserved and work with a qualified expert to obtain and interpret it.

ECM data can provide another source of information about the crash. A Tampa truck accident attorney from Darrigo & Diaz can help evaluate that data alongside the other evidence in your claim.

Who May Be Liable for a Tampa Truck Accident

Liability in a commercial truck case depends on each party’s conduct, contractual role, and connection to the crash. A company is not automatically responsible because its name appears on a truck or shipping document. Listed below are those who may be held liable for a truck accident:

The driver: Driver’s liability involves driving decisions, fatigue, distraction, or failure to follow federal or state rules.
The motor carrier: Motor carrier liability arises from hiring, training, supervision, dispatch practices, or vehicle maintenance.
The freight broker: A broker’s role depends on how it arranged the transportation and the control or conduct it exercised.
The shipper: A shipper may be involved when loading, weight, or cargo information contributed to the crash.
The maintenance provider: A repair or inspection company may have responsibility when its work contributed to a mechanical failure.
Other motorists or entities: Other parties may also share fault depending on their conduct and connection to the collision.

Identifying the responsible party early helps determine which records should be preserved and which relationships need further investigation. Darrigo & Diaz can also connect your truck accident claim with a personal injury attorney in Tampa when other issues arise from the same collision.

Spoliation Letters: Preserving Evidence After a Tampa Truck Accident

Spoliation of evidence refers to the loss, alteration, or destruction of important evidence. In a truck accident case, important records may be held by the carrier, driver, broker, shipper, or other companies connected to the crash. A spoliation letter, also called a preservation letter, formally asks those parties to preserve evidence that may be relevant to the claim.

The letter can identify specific records and information that should be retained, including:

Driver records: Logs, electronic logging device data, qualification records, and related documents.
Truck data: Electronic control module downloads, diagnostic information, and other onboard records.
Company records: Dispatch communications, schedules, maintenance files, inspection records, and safety information.
Cargo records: Bills of lading, loading documents, weight records, and securement information.
Testing records: Drug and alcohol testing records related to the driver or crash.

A Tampa truck accident attorney may send a preservation demand early because repairs, routine data retention, or other actions can affect the evidence available later. Our team can help identify the records that may matter to your claim and take steps to preserve them while the crash is investigated.

Improper Truck Loading Can Cause a Tampa Accident

Cargo can affect how a commercial truck stops, turns, and stays stable on the road. Federal cargo securement regulations set requirements for securing loads, and problems such as inadequate tie-downs, uneven weight distribution, or excessive weight.

These issues can arise in different parts of Tampa. A flatbed leaving the port district may carry loads such as construction materials that require proper securement, while a container chassis near the Channel District may raise questions about weight, loading, or securement. Records such as weight tickets, bills of lading, loading documents, and inspection reports can help show what the truck was carrying and how the cargo was loaded.

Proving that a loading or securement problem contributed to a crash still requires evidence of negligence and causation. The party that loaded the trailer may not be the same company that operated the truck, so the investigation should consider each party’s role and the records connected to the cargo.

Understanding Commercial Insurance in Tampa Truck Accident Cases

Commercial trucking insurance does not follow one standard format. Depending on the operation, a truck accident claim may involve commercial auto liability coverage, motor carrier liability coverage, cargo coverage, or other policies. Federal financial-responsibility requirements and available coverage can vary based on the entity, operating authority, cargo, vehicle, and policies involved.

Multiple policies may apply when different companies play roles in the same shipment or truck operation. Lease agreements, operating authority, policy endorsements, and other documents can help determine which policies may cover the claim and what limits apply. Truck accident lawyers review these records before reaching conclusions about available coverage.

It is important not to assume that every truck accident involves multiple policies or higher limits. Some carriers are small, and different vehicles or operations may have different insurance requirements. The applicable coverage must be determined from the circumstances of the specific claim.

Florida Law that Can Affect Your Tampa Truck Accident Claims

Florida law can affect your truck accident claim in several ways beyond determining who caused the crash. The time available to file, your share of fault, and the proper court can all affect how the case proceeds.

Florida’s Two-Year Filing Deadline

Florida gives you two years to file a negligence-based personal injury claim under Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(a, especially for causes of action accruing on or after March 24, 2023.

Wrongful death claims generally also have a two-year deadline under Florida Statutes § 95.11(5)(e). A truck accident lawyer can review your case and determine which deadline applies.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Claim

Florida’s comparative negligence law considers each party’s share of fault. If you are 50% or less at fault, your damages are generally reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages under the statute.

Evidence can help establish how fault should be divided. Driver records, vehicle data, and witness statements may show what happened. They may also show whether another party contributed to the collision.

Where a Tampa Truck Accident Case May Be Filed

The proper venue depends on the facts of the case. A Tampa case may proceed in Hillsborough County civil court when the applicable rules support it. The court is part of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit and is located at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse.

Not every Tampa truck accident case belongs in Hillsborough County. Federal trucking requirements may also apply alongside Florida law. The proper court and applicable rules should be evaluated based on the specific claim.

How Freight Routes Through Tampa Can Shape a Truck Accident Claim

Commercial traffic in Hillsborough County follows established routes. Port Tampa Bay feeds regional distribution, while freight moves along I-4, I-75, and the Selmon Expressway. Roads such as Dale Mabry Highway, Hillsborough Avenue, and Adamo Drive also carry local delivery and drayage traffic.

The location of a crash can provide context about the truck’s trip and the parties involved. A collision near the I-4 and I-75 interchange may involve a long-haul carrier, while a crash in the Channel District may involve a local hauler. Route information, delivery schedules, and other records can help a Hillsborough County truck accident lawyer understand how the trip unfolded.

The surrounding area can also help guide the investigation. Communities such as Temple Terrace and Riverview have their own mix of commercial and residential traffic. Attorney Nadine Diaz’s Board Certification in Civil Trial Law supports the careful evaluation of the route, trip records, and other evidence when building a truck accident claim.

Tampa Truck Accident Claims FAQ

How long do I have to file a truck accident injury claim in Tampa, FL?

Most negligence claims accruing on or after March 24, 2023, have a two-year deadline. Wrongful death claims generally have a two-year deadline. Exceptions may apply, so review your case early.

Who can be held liable if a commercial truck driver causes a crash in Tampa?

Liability may extend beyond the driver to a motor carrier, broker, shipper, or maintenance provider. It depends on each party’s role and connection to the crash. A company is not automatically liable because it appears in the shipping chain.

What is the average truck accident settlement in Tampa, FL, and what affects the amount?

There is no reliable average because every truck accident claim is different. Injury severity, medical treatment, lost income, insurance coverage, and fault can affect the claim’s value. The specific facts and evidence determine what compensation may be available.

Discuss Your Tampa Truck Accident Claim With Darrigo & Diaz

After a truck accident, you may have questions about deadlines, available records, and what you should do next. A Tampa truck accident lawyer can review your situation and explain how Florida law may apply to your claim.

Speaking with an attorney early can help you understand your legal options. Darrigo & Diaz Personal Injury Attorneys can review what happened, answer your questions, and explain the next steps for your claim. Call (813) 774-3341 to discuss your Tampa truck accident with our team.

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Truck Accident Lawyer
U-Haul Truck Accident Lawyer
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Carriage Underride Accident Lawyer
Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer
Head On Truck Accident Lawyer
Jackknife Truck Accident Lawyer
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Rear End Truck Accident Lawyer
Speeding Truck Accident Lawyer
T-Bone Truck Accident Lawyer
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