Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa, FL
Everywhere you travel in Hillsborough County, you see massive trucks: I-4, 275, Gunn Highway, and major roads leading in and out of Tampa. Accidents involving 18-wheelers and other large trucks tend to result in extensive injuries, and sadly, loss of life. If you or a loved one has suffered because of another party’s negligence, a truck accident lawyer in Tampa at Meldon Law can help.
For more than 50 years, the personal injury lawyers at Meldon Law have recovered hundreds of millions for clients throughout the Tampa Bay area. Although Florida is a “no-fault” state for traffic accidents, you likely have the right to take legal action depending on the details of your case. Don’t guess about your rights. You pay nothing unless we win, so there’s no reason not to reach out.
Call Meldon Law today for a free consultation.
Why Work with a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer from Meldon Law
Truck crashes are often the most complicated of traffic accidents. There are several reasons, and all the more reason why you should consider working with a truck accident attorney:
- They often cause greater injuries. The massive size and weight of a large truck are more likely to lead to extensive injuries. The nature of these injuries tends to be more serious, often requiring emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and a lengthy recuperation.
- They often cost more. If you’ve spent any time at a doctor’s office or emergency room, you know how quickly medical expenses add up. Truck accident claims can shoot up into the hundreds of thousands in mere days or weeks.
- They typically bring greater scrutiny from insurance companies. When there are extensive injuries and significant financial losses, insurance companies tend to become highly inquisitive. They may question the severity of a victim’s injuries or try to shift the blame to avoid paying a fair settlement.
- They often involve several liable parties. The truck driver is not the only party that could play a role in your case. Trucking firms, as the employer, may bear some of the responsibility for your injuries. Each liable party usually has its own insurer, further complicating matters.
In a complex case, a Tampa injury attorney who is familiar with state law and local courts is a valuable ally and powerful advocate.
Why Choose Meldon Law
As practicing lawyers since 1971, we know how to prove negligence in your case. Meldon Law is proud to be the only official injury law firm partner of the Florida Gators, and just like a true “gator,” we don’t back down from a fight. We put our knowledge, experience, and skills to work for each client. Your fight is our fight, and our case results show that we fight to win.
Here is how one of our clients recalls their experience with Meldon Law:
“A former client of theirs referred me to them the day of my accident when a dump truck hit me, and I would just like to say that I am glad they did and that I met Mr. Meldon and his associates. They are all very kind and warm-hearted.” Barbara G.
Our attorneys are ready to take on the insurance company to pursue compensation from a truck accident caused by someone’s negligence or wrongdoing. Contact Meldon Law today for a free consultation.
We Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve
Regardless of where you receive care, you could be facing hefty medical bills. Medical care is only one part of the overall impact a truck accident has on your finances. An attorney from Meldon Law can assess your total physical, mental, and economic damages and seek maximum compensation for:
Medical Care and Treatment
Some truck accident victims require immediate care at the scene. Meldon Law can compile a list of expenses that should be covered by those responsible, including ambulance service, surgery, inpatient and outpatient care, specialists, diagnostic tests, and more.
Rehabilitation
Truck accident injuries can be severe and often require rehabilitation to help victims recover physically and emotionally. Common injuries that may need rehab include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and broken bones. You may need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility or counseling to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional trauma.
Lost Wages
It can take weeks or months to recover from truck accident injuries. You should not have to worry about missing work and regular paychecks. An attorney from our firm can pursue compensation for lost wages and potential reduced earning capacity due to injury.
Lost Earning Capacity
Truck accident injuries can be catastrophic, making it impossible for you to work again. We can recover compensation for your future lost wages.
Pain and Suffering
The physical and emotional pain after a truck accident can impact every part of your life. This includes chronic pain, embarrassment or loss of reputation due to disability or disfigurement, and loss of consortium with a spouse or partner. You deserve to be made whole for all the ways the crash affects your life.
Related Expenses
We ask our clients to keep track of every dollar spent on treatment and other related expenses. Sometimes, these costs are as simple as mileage from their home to the pharmacy, doctor’s office, or rehabilitation therapy. In other cases, they could include modifications to your home if your injuries require the use of a wheelchair.
Property Damage
We help you recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or personal belongings. You should not have to pay out of pocket for damages caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing.
Get the Compensation You Deserve – Talk to a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer Now!
Call UsHow We Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Claim
According to the 2023 crash report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were 5,075 accidents involving trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds. The overwhelming cause of all accidents reported by the FDHSMV during this time was drivers operating their vehicles in a “careless or negligent manner.”
Proving negligence requires solid evidence, expert analysis, and a legal team that understands how to present a case convincingly. With over 5,000 cases handled and five decades of experience, Meldon Law knows what it takes to build a strong claim. We:
- Gather key evidence from medical records and surveillance footage, to witness statements and expert opinions
- Investigate the accident thoroughly to identify who was at fault and how their actions caused your injuries
- Use our long-standing relationships with judges, clerks, and attorneys in Hillsborough and surrounding counties to anticipate and counteract challenges
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies using our experience and reputation.
Talk to Meldon Law Today About Your Truck Accident
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash involving a large truck, you have the right to consult an attorney about your case. We invite you to learn more about how our decades of experience and documented results could help you. While we cannot take away the trauma of the crash, we can protect you from unscrupulous or unwilling insurers. Our Tampa truck accident lawyers handle the insurance claim and legal details so you can focus on resting and feeling better. Get a free consultation today. Call Meldon Law now.
Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs
Can I Still File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Tampa Even Though Florida Is a No-fault State?
Yes, but there’s a process. Because Florida is a no-fault state, you must first file a claim with your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, which covers up to $10,000 in medical bills and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash.
However, truck accidents often cause injuries that meet Florida’s “serious injury” threshold, such as permanent disability, significant disfigurement, or death. This opens the door to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue additional compensation. To file a lawsuit against the other driver, you must establish that their negligence caused your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida (Florida Statutes § 95.11). While many cases settle out of court, negotiations can take time, so it’s vital to act early in case you need to pursue a lawsuit.
You can still continue to negotiate once the statute of limitations has expired; however, you won’t have leverage and will likely need to accept whatever the insurer offers.
Should I Accept the First Offer from the Insurance Company?
Insurance companies are known for making lowball first offers. They count on victims feeling the pressure of medical bills or lost wages. However, you do not have to, and should not, accept their initial offer. Talk to a truck accident attorney before you accept a settlement offer. Our legal team has experienced negotiators who aggressively pursue maximum compensation based on your injuries and property damage.