Tampa Truck Accident Attorney
Fighting for Injured Truck Accident Victims in Tampa, FL
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating collisions on Florida’s roads. When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the results can be catastrophic — leading to severe injuries, significant property damage, and, in the worst cases, loss of life. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck crash, our Tampa truck accident lawyer at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can help you pursue justice and fair compensation.
Our firm represents truck accident victims throughout Tampa and the surrounding areas, fighting to hold negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable. We have the experience, resources, and commitment to take on even the most complex truck accident cases.
Call (727) 591-3354 today for your free consultation.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents occur in a variety of ways, each presenting unique challenges when it comes to proving liability and recovering compensation. Some of the most common types of truck accidents we handle in Tampa include:
- Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out to the side and forms an angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery conditions.
- Rear-End Collisions: Large trucks require more distance to stop. When drivers follow too closely or fail to brake in time, rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries.
- Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles can become trapped under a truck’s trailer, often resulting in fatal injuries.
- Rollover Accidents: Trucks that take turns too quickly or carry unbalanced cargo can roll over, endangering everyone nearby.
- Wide-Turn Accidents: Trucks making wide right turns can strike nearby cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.
- Lost Load Accidents: Improperly secured cargo can spill onto the road, creating dangerous conditions for other motorists.
Each type of truck accident has its own set of legal and technical challenges. Our experienced team investigates the specific cause of your crash to build the strongest possible case.
Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents
Truck accidents often stem from a combination of driver error, equipment failure, and company negligence. Some of the most frequent causes of 18-wheeler and big rig crashes in Florida include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face long hours on the road. Despite federal rest requirements, fatigue remains a leading cause of truck crashes.
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, GPS, or other devices while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention for just a few seconds — with disastrous results.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Truck drivers who exceed speed limits or drive aggressively place everyone on the road at risk.
- Improper Truck Maintenance: Trucking companies must inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to deadly crashes.
- Overloaded or Unsecured Cargo: When trucks are overloaded or cargo isn’t properly balanced, it can cause rollovers or spilled loads.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug use by a truck driver can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Trucks require extra caution during rain, fog, or wind. Failure to adjust driving behavior can result in a serious crash.
Our team thoroughly investigates the cause of your accident — reviewing black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and more — to determine who is at fault and ensure all negligent parties are held accountable.
Common 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
Due to their immense size and weight, truck accidents often cause far more serious injuries than regular car crashes. Victims may suffer life-altering harm, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Crush Injuries and Amputations
- Severe Burns
- Internal Organ Damage
- Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries
These injuries can lead to long hospital stays, extensive rehabilitation, and permanent disabilities. In addition to physical suffering, victims often experience emotional trauma and financial strain from lost income and mounting medical bills.
Our Tampa truck accident attorneys fight to recover full and fair compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, future care costs, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?
Truck accident claims are more complex than standard car accident cases because multiple parties may share liability. Depending on the circumstances, the following may be held responsible:
- The truck driver (for negligence, fatigue, or impairment)
- The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or supervision)
- The cargo loading company (for overloading or improper securing of cargo)
- The truck manufacturer or parts supplier (for defective brakes, tires, or equipment)
- The maintenance provider (for improper inspection or repair work)
Our legal team works with accident reconstruction experts and industry professionals to identify every liable party, ensuring that no potential source of compensation is overlooked.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Tampa
After a truck accident, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal claim.
- Call 911 and get immediate medical help for anyone injured.
- Document the scene by taking photos or videos of the vehicles, debris, and road conditions.
- Get contact information from witnesses, the truck driver, and any responding officers.
- Do not speak to the trucking company or their insurer before consulting an attorney.
- Contact as soon as possible to discuss your case.
We can step in immediately to handle communications with insurers, preserve key evidence, and begin building your claim.
Truck Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida?
In most cases, Florida law gives victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, certain exceptions can shorten or extend this period, so it’s best to contact an attorney right away.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Every case is unique. The value depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact on your life. Our attorneys can assess your damages and pursue the maximum recovery possible.
What if the truck driver works for a large company?
Trucking companies and their insurers often have powerful legal teams. has the experience and resources to take on large corporations and fight for your rights.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under Florida’s comparative negligence rule, you may still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Contact a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a truck crash in Tampa, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The skilled attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options, handle the insurance companies, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Contact Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your situation.
We treat you like family.
If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
Representing Accident Victims in Tampa Bay since 1955
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“Friendly knowledgeable and kept me informed about my case. Any offer, bill or question was readily answered. Would definitely recommend and refer people to Bryan Caulfield and his team!!”- Betty B.
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“Mrs Bryant works her butt off to make sure you get what is do to you in medical and beyond! They won’t take your case if they don’t feel you haven’t been wronged.”- Christine R.
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“Working with Mark Perenich on my auto injury case was an absolute game-changer. From the very beginning, he brought a level of professionalism, expertise, and care that immediately put us at ease.”- Kerry B.
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“Lorrie and Allyson are phenomenal. I highly recommend them to anyone. It seemed like a never ending journey but I can’t thank them enough for diligently fighting my case with the greatest integrity, support and prayers.”- Former Client
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“From the first day we met this law group I felt very comfortable and knew we would be well taken care of. This was our first experience filing for SSD, and was not disappointed. The lawyers are awesome and very professional.”- Shari J.
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“Very nice they worked with you. Never ignored me with my case. Always on top to work with you. Thank you so much for all that you have done to help me! Very highly recommend.”- Margarita O.
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“My appointed attorney was Jacqueline, Bryant. She is very compassionate about her client and work. When it comes to negotiation, she's a Beast and she gets the job done.”- Alaina J.
We’ve been proudly serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area for generations. As the first personal injury law firm in Clearwater, our dedicated legal team brings over 300 years of combined experience to each and every case. If you’ve been injured and need support, please reach outtoday for a free consultation, we are here to help you.
