Clearwater Truck Accident Lawyer
What Causes Truck Crashes in Clearwater?
The cause of a truck accident matters more than it may initially seem. At Zervos & Calta, PLLC, we focus on understanding what led to the crash so we can build each case with a clear direction and a sound strategy.
Here are some of the most common causes of truck-related crashes in Clearwater:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can affect focus and reaction time. When drivers go beyond safe limits, even momentary lapses can lead to serious accidents.
- Distracted driving: Personal devices, in-cab systems, and communication with dispatch can all take a driver’s attention off the road, which can have disastrous consequences.
- Driving too fast for conditions: Trucks take longer to stop. When drivers exceed safe speeds or fail to account for traffic or weather, the risk of a collision increases.
- Unsafe lane changes: Large trucks have large blind spots. Smaller vehicles can be sideswiped or forced off the road when drivers fail to check these areas carefully.
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance: Brake issues, worn tires, or mechanical failures can lead to loss of control, particularly when routine inspections are skipped or put off.
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo: Shifting or unbalanced cargo can destabilize a truck, especially during turns or sudden stops, making it harder to maintain control.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle
Truck accidents can play out in different ways depending on how the vehicle is operated and the road and weather conditions. Our experienced team handles a wide range of truck accident cases across Clearwater, each of which requires a slightly different approach.
A commercial truck colliding with a passenger vehicle can lead to catastrophic injuries due to the truck’s immense weight and increased stopping distance. These cases typically involve questions about following distance, braking response, and how the driver reacted to traffic conditions before impact.
Jackknife crashes occur when a truck’s trailer swings outward and blocks multiple lanes, often after sudden braking or a loss of traction. Our jackknife accident attorneys in Clearwater know how to examine braking patterns, road conditions, and driver actions that frequently lead to loss of control.
These incidents typically happen when a truck turns too quickly while carrying an uneven load. Rollovers can affect several lanes of traffic and multiple vehicles. Our team can evaluate load balance, speed, and general handling to determine how the rollover occurred.
In these cases, a smaller vehicle slides beneath a truck trailer, usually during a sudden stop or impact. Underride events are among the most severe truck accidents due to the height difference and limited protection for occupants in smaller vehicles.
Sideswipe collisions happen when a truck driver changes lanes without properly checking their blind spots. Clearwater truck accident lawyers often focus on analyzing lane positioning, mirror use, and driver awareness to determine how visibility issues contributed to the crash.
Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents frequently cause severe, life-altering injuries, including the following:
- Lacerations and abrasions
- Burns from post-accident fires
- Crush injuries
- Internal injuries and bleeding
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries (including whiplash or herniated discs)
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Dismemberment, amputation, or limb loss
Federal Regulations That Truck Drivers Must Follow
The federal trucking regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) create various safety obligations for truck drivers. For example, truck drivers have a duty to oversee the safe loading of cargo into their trucks. They must stop at regular intervals to ensure that the load remains secure.
Additionally, truck drivers are subject to hours-of-service regulations that limit their time on duty and behind the wheel to prevent tired driving. These rules state that:
- Drivers may drive for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 hours off-duty.
- Drivers may not drive after the 14th hour on duty following a 10-hour off-duty period.
- Drivers may extend the 11- and 14-hour limits by up to two hours when they encounter bad driving conditions.
- Drivers must take a break of at least 30 minutes after driving for eight hours following their last break or off-duty period.
- Drivers may not drive after spending 60 hours on duty in seven days or 70 hours on duty in eight days; these periods reset after an off-duty period of at least 34 hours.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
After being involved in an accident with a commercial truck, you can take the following steps to file a strong legal claim to recover compensation for your injuries and various losses:
- Report the accident to the local police or the Florida Highway Patrol.
- Request a copy of the official police accident report.
- Seek medical attention to diagnose and treat any injuries you’ve suffered.
- Notify your auto insurer about the accident.
- Get copies of the records pertaining to your injury treatment and rehabilitation.
- Keep any bills, invoices, receipts, or other records of your expenses from the accident.
- Gather your pay stubs if you miss work or have your earnings reduced due to your injuries.
It’s also vital to speak with a Clearwater truck accident lawyer from Zervos & Calta, PLLC, as soon as possible. We’re ready to pursue the financial resources you need to recover from your injuries and get your life back on track.
Compensation Available in Clearwater Truck Accident Claims
If another party is found liable for the accident that injured you, they may have to compensate you for the following harms and losses:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses
- Any long-term care and support services you may need if you suffer from disabilities
- Ongoing and future income losses if your injuries or disabilities interfere with your ability to continue working
- Vehicle repair costs or reimbursement for the value of your car if it was totaled
- Loss of quality of life due to disabilities or scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering, as well as other non-economic impacts
The Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Florida
Florida’s statute of limitations gives you only two years to file a lawsuit against a negligent truck driver or trucking company. Although that may seem like a generous grace period, investigating the accident and preparing your case will take time. If you try to file your claim after the statute of limitations expires, you’ll lose your right to seek compensation from the responsible parties.
The best thing to do is to contact a Clearwater truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after your crash to ensure that your lawsuit gets filed on time.
The Legal Team Behind Your Case
"Insurance companies have teams of lawyers. You deserve an attorney who knows your name and fights just as hard for you."Angela Zervos
With 20+ years of undefeated litigation experience, Angela delivers aggressive advocacy and genuine care for every client.
"Our clients aren't case numbers. They're our neighbors who need someone who genuinely cares about their recovery."Lauren Calta
With 30 years of courtroom experience, Lauren blends fierce representation with compassion and clear communication.
What Makes Our Truck Accident Lawyers Different?
Our clients in Clearwater and throughout the Gulf Coast trust us to handle their injury cases with precision, compassion, and tenacity. Here’s why.
Proven Trial Experience
Veteran attorneys Angela Zervos and Lauren Calta boast nearly six decades of combined litigation success in Florida courts, with an undefeated courtroom record spanning 20-plus years.
Direct Attorney Involvement
You’ll receive personal representation from Angela or Lauren throughout your case rather than being handed off to an associate or paralegal.
Contingency Fee Guarantee
We never charge any upfront costs or retainer fees. We only receive payment when we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or court verdict.
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Serving Clearwater and All of Pinellas County
We proudly represent Florida injury victims from our Clearwater office, which is conveniently located to serve clients throughout Pinellas County.
Clearwater Office
Get Clarity After Your Truck Accident
What you do immediately after your truck accident will determine how your case takes shape. Sharing a few details now can help you understand your position, avoid common mistakes, and move forward with more confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims
Every case is different. Some resolve within a few months, while others may take longer depending on the severity of injuries, the need for ongoing treatment, and whether liability is in dispute. Taking the time to put together a compelling case frequently leads to a greater recovery.
Most truck accident cases settle before trial, but not all. It comes down to whether the liable party’s insurer is willing to offer fair compensation. You should be prepared for either outcome so you won’t be pressured into accepting less than what your case is worth.
Be cautious when speaking with trucking companies or their insurers, especially early on. You may not yet understand the full extent of your injuries, and anything you say could be used against you later on. It’s often best to leave detailed conversations to your attorney.
You may still be able to receive compensation if you share some responsibility. Florida follows a comparative fault rule, which means your compensation may be reduced based on your assigned percentage of fault, but not necessarily eliminated. We can give you a better idea of what to expect during your initial consultation.
A fast settlement may seem helpful if you’re facing steep medical bills or lost income. However, accepting one too early could prevent you from recovering additional compensation if your injuries worsen or require more treatment than initially expected.