Truck accidents can be incredibly complex, often leading to severe and long-lasting consequences for those involved. In the state of Florida, truck accidents can be particularly devastating due to the size of the commercial vehicles. The weight and force of a truck crash can cause extensive damage to both people and property, making it essential that victims pursue justice with the help of a qualified truck accident lawyer.

Are you a driver in Sarasota, Florida who was recently involved in a truck accident? If so, then you may find yourself looking for reliable legal help. At Herman & Wells, we provide experienced and compassionate guidance to anyone dealing with the aftermath of a truck wreck. We have a team of experienced truck accident attorneys in Florida that can evaluate your individual case to determine how best to represent your rights.

We make sure every interaction—whether on the phone or in person—is tailored specifically for each client’s unique needs and circumstances. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance from knowledgeable truck accident lawyers!

The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Page

• When searching for a truck accident lawyer in Sarasota, it is important to look for an attorney with experience and qualifications specific to this area of law.
• Schedule an initial consultation to make sure the attorney is right for you by preparing a list of questions and bringing relevant documents like insurance policies or medical records.
• Have an understanding of applicable laws and regulations that could impact your case outcome like Florida’s new statute of limitations which is currently two years.
• Request contact information from past clients who have used the attorney’s services for feedback on how they handled similar cases in the past.
• Contact one of our experienced attorneys at Herman & Wells Law Firm today for a consultation. We are committed to providing personalized and compassionate legal support for truck accident victims and their families throughout the Sarasota area.

Why Have Truck Accidents Become A Major Problem In Sarasota?

Truck accidents are becoming an increasingly frequent occurrence in Sarasota, Florida. Statistics from the last few years show that truck-related fatalities are on the rise, with incidents involving large commercial trucks accounting for more than half of all traffic fatalities since 2019.

This is due to a combination of factors, from congested roads and aging infrastructure, to bad road conditions and a lack of public awareness. But one factor that can’t be overlooked is the negligence of truck drivers who are not always properly trained in safe driving practices or aware of their surroundings.

When you consider the sheer size of commercial trucks—which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—it’s easy to understand why truck accidents can be so devastating. In addition to the danger of catastrophic injuries, truck accidents often involve a high risk of property damage.

What Causes Most Truck Accidents In Sarasota?

The roads of Sarasota are usually bustling with heavy vehicle traffic, and unfortunately, truck accidents can happen all too often. The most common causes of truck accidents in Sarasota tend to be related to driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, and improper maintenance.

Truck Driver Negligence

In the vast majority of truck accidents, the crash is usually caused by some form of negligence on the part of the truck driver. Distracted driving, speeding, and fatigue are all forms of negligence that can lead to an accident. Additionally, any maintenance issues or improper loading can also be attributed to a negligent truck driver or company.

Shipping/Trucking Company Negligence

Additionally, trucking companies may also be held liable for any accidents that occur due to their negligence. If a company fails to properly maintain its fleet of trucks or has inadequate safety protocols in place, it could be held liable for any resulting crashes.

The Risk Of Equipment Malfunctions

Finally, equipment malfunctions can also lead to truck accidents in Sarasota. This includes tire blowouts or engine malfunctions, which may be due to poor maintenance or faulty parts. The risk of equipment malfunction is yet another reason why it’s important for companies to properly maintain their vehicles and adhere to safety regulations.

Where Do Most Sarasota Truck Accidents Occur?

As the roads of Sarasota become increasingly congested, truck accidents become more and more common. But where do most of these crashes occur?

Dangers On The Highway

The highest concentration of reported truck accidents can be found on I-75, which runs from north to south in Sarasota County. This highway is known for its dangerous curve, and the combination of large truck traffic and fast-moving vehicles makes for a perfect storm.

The Florida Department of Transportation has worked hard to make this stretch of highway safer by installing additional cameras, guardrails and signage, yet it still remains one of the most dangerous roads in Sarasota.

Do Many Truck Accidents Happen In Residential Areas In Sarasota?

Truck accidents can also occur in residential areas in Sarasota, due to the fact that they are often required to make tight turns and navigate narrow roads. The combination of large trucks and small streets makes these areas particularly hazardous for truck drivers. In addition, there are often a number of pedestrians and cyclists on local roads, who may not be visible to truck drivers.

Common Injuries Reported In Sarasota Truck Accidents

Truck accidents in Sarasota, Florida can lead to serious injuries and even death for those involved. Common injuries reported from these types of accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are one of the most catastrophic and life-altering injuries that can be sustained in a truck accident. The severity and scope of such an injury can be difficult to fully understand, but it is important to do so in order to recognize the importance of safe driving.

The impact between a large truck and a smaller car can cause the brain to move violently inside the skull, leading to serious injuries such as swelling of the brain, bleeding in or around the brain, bruising and other types of tissue damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The spine is an incredibly important part of our bodies that helps us move and function. When it is damaged in a truck accident, the effects can be severe and long-lasting. The force of a collision between a truck and another vehicle can cause damage to the vertebrae and discs that make up our spines. This damage can lead to serious pain, numbness, paralysis or even death.

Amputations

Truck accidents can have catastrophic consequences, especially when amputations are involved. When a truck collides with another vehicle, the force created by the collision can cause severe damage to the body that may require amputation of a limb. The force of impact on the body is so great that it can even break bones and severe muscle tissue, leading to amputation.

Life Long Treatment & Rehabilitation

Victims of truck accidents often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation to help them recover from their injuries. Brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, and amputations can have long-term effects that may require ongoing care.

Why You Should Always Seek Medical Attention After A Truck Accident In Sarasota

Occasionally injuries after a truck accident may not always be immediately apparent. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident even if you think you are completely fine.

Medical professionals are trained to diagnose and treat potential issues that may create long-term problems if left untreated. Additionally, seeking medical attention right away can help establish a personal injury case and provide you with the compensation you may deserve.

Legal Rights Of Truck Accident Victims In Sarasota

In Sarasota, if you are in an accident with a truck, you have certain legal rights. These include the right to seek compensation for your losses and injuries caused by the accident. For example, if you were injured in an accident involving a truck, you may be eligible for damages due to medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses.

Additionally, depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be eligible for punitive damages if the truck driver or other party acted in a reckless or negligent manner. When it comes to recovering compensation, victims of truck accidents should always seek help from an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and determine what kind of damages you may be entitled to recover.

Why You Don’t Want To Deal With Commercial Shipping/Trucking Companies On Your Own

In the wake of commercial shipping and trucking accidents, particularly in Sarasota, it is important to be aware of the tactics that companies and their insurers may use in order to limit or deny liability for any damages caused by their vehicles. In some cases, they may attempt to argue that their driver was not at fault in the crash, or that the accident was caused by a third party.

It is important to understand that commercial shipping and trucking companies are businesses, and as such, their priority is to protect their own interests first. In order to do this, these entities will try to limit or deny responsibility for any damage, injury or death resulting from an accident involving one of their vehicles.

Hire A Sarasota Truck Accident Lawyer To Advocate For You

The best way to protect your rights after a truck accident is to hire an experienced lawyer. A qualified attorney will know how to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and evaluate your case in order to determine who was responsible for the accident.

An attorney can also help you understand all of your legal options, provide guidance on what documentation you need to file a claim and help you negotiate with the insurance company and other parties involved in order to reach a favorable settlement.

How To Recover Damages Following A Severe Accident

Recovering For Medical Expenses

If you’ve been the victim of a serious truck accident in Sarasota or elsewhere in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. It can seem like an overwhelming task to assemble all the necessary information, paperwork, and records needed to submit a successful claim for damages.

As your personal injury attorney, our team will help you through the process of recovering compensation following a truck accident. We’ll help you recover any and all costs related to the expenses, wages lost, and property damage caused by the accident.

Recovering For Lost Wages

Any missed time at work due to the truck accident will be taken into consideration when calculating a fair and just compensation amount. We’ll review your job history, current wage information, medical documentation and other records related to the accident in order to determine the exact amount of lost wages you should receive for this particular incident.

Recovering For Pain & Suffering

Pain and suffering are an important part of a truck accident claim. We’ll review your medical records, bills, photos, and other evidence to determine the amount of compensation you should receive for all physical and emotional pain resulting from the accident.

What Should You Do First Following A Truck Accident In Sarasota

If you are in Sarasota and have been in a truck accident, the first thing to do is call for help. Tell the 911 operator where you are and that you were in an accident involving a truck. If possible move to a safer area until help arrives. Once help is on the way, collect information and evidence from the accident.

Critical Evidence In Truck Accident Injury Claims

After a truck accident in Sarasota, it is essential to collect evidence as quickly as possible. This could include taking photos of the scene and any damage to the vehicles involved. It may also be helpful to ask for witness statements. In addition, getting a police report can be very important for filing insurance claims or seeking legal advice.

Additionally, it is important to save any documentation related to the accident, such as medical records of injuries sustained. This evidence can be used to support a claim and prove that the truck driver or trucking company was liable for the damages.

Why Contact A Truck Accident Attorney Asap

Having an experienced attorney on your side means that they will have the knowledge to understand all the complexities of truck accidents and use evidence such as police reports, witness statements, photos, and medical records to build a strong case for compensation.

Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Truck Accident Claim In Sarasota

Recently, the amount of time you have to file a claim for a truck accident in Sarasota changed from four years to two years. You must file your claim within two years or you won’t be able to receive any compensation. Contacting a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident is essential to ensure that you don’t miss the filing window or make any mistakes that could affect your claim.

Are There Exceptions To The Statute Of Limitations For Truck Accidents?

Yes, there are certain exceptions to the statute of limitations for truck accidents in Sarasota. For example, if you were not able to discover your injury until much later, you may have more time to file a claim. Speak with an attorney to learn more about the exceptions and how they might apply to your case.

How To Find The Best Sarasota Truck Accident Lawyers

Finding the best truck accident lawyer for your unique case takes time and preparation. When looking for an attorney, make sure you:

Check Reviews & Ask For Referrals

Check for reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their experience with the lawyer. You can also ask peers, family members, and other lawyers for referrals.

Check Websites & Social Media

Look at the lawyer’s website or social media page to learn more about their services and qualifications as a truck accident attorney in Sarasota.

Proven Track Record

Ensure that they have a good track record of success with similar claims, such as those involving negligence or product liability issues related to trucks or other large vehicles on Florida roads.

Ask Questions

Ask questions about how they will handle your case, including details like fees, timelines, and expected outcomes so you can make an informed decision when selecting legal representation after a truck accident near Sarasota

Truck Accident Claim Experience

When searching for a truck accident lawyer in Sarasota, it is important to look for an attorney with experience and qualifications specific to this area of law. Make sure the attorney you are considering has specialized knowledge on the subject, such as understanding applicable statutes and regulations that may impact a truck accident case.

Schedule A Consultation

The best way to determine if a truck accident lawyer is the right fit for you is by scheduling an initial consultation. Here’s what recommend to get the most out of your visit with a potential attorney:

1. Prepare a list of questions to ask the lawyer, such as their experience in handling truck accident cases, potential outcomes, and timelines for the case.
2. Bring relevant documents like insurance policies or medical records related to the injury sustained during the accident.
3. Have an understanding of applicable laws and regulations that could impact your case outcome so you can discuss them with your lawyer before making a decision.
4. Ask about fees associated with services, including estimates for both legal fees and any additional costs related to expert witnesses or court costs that may be necessary for your claim.
5. Request contact information from past clients who have used their services in order to get feedback on how they handled similar claims in the past.
6. Be sure to provide information about the trucker, their employer, and any other drivers that may have been involved in the accident. This will help your attorney in understanding the circumstances of the incident and building a strong case for compensation.

Talk To One Of Our Sarasota Truck Accident Lawyers

Taking the time to find an experienced and knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible can help ensure that you don’t miss any filing deadlines or make mistakes that could affect your claim. When looking for an attorney, be sure to check reviews and testimonials from past clients, look at their qualifications specific to this area of law, ask questions about how they will handle your case, and request contact information from past clients who have used their services before making a decision.

Were you recently in a truck accident in Sarasota? For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys at Herman & Wells Law Firm today. We are committed to providing personalized and compassionate legal support for truck accident victims and their families throughout the Sarasota area. Call (727)  821-3195 to schedule a free consultation today!