Hurt in a Tampa truck crash and suddenly buried under medical bills, pain, and nonstop insurance pressure? You might be missing work, watching bills stack up, and wondering how you’re supposed to fight a trucking company backed by aggressive insurers and corporate lawyers.
That’s where we come in.
At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our Tampa truck accident attorneys move fast to protect your rights, investigate the crash, preserve critical evidence, and negotiate for the compensation you deserve. If the trucking company refuses to play fair, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court. And we have:
- Over $2B Recovered for Clients
- No Fees Unless We Win
- Tampa Office & Local Experience
- 24/7 Free Case Reviews
You don’t have to carry this alone. Call us today for a free case evaluation and let our team fight for your recovery.
Why Truck Accidents Are Often Worse Than Other Accidents
Accidents involving trucks are far more destructive than typical car accidents because the impact is so much greater. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, nearly 20 times heavier than a passenger vehicle, leading to life-changing injuries like spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries.
Even though trucks make up only 4% of vehicles, they’re involved in 9% of fatal crashes nationwide. Florida reflects the same trend, with more than 32,000 commercial vehicle accidents in 2023 and truck-related fatalities rising 13% in recent years.
The biggest differences that affect truck accident victims most include:
- Severe injuries from massive force result in longer recovery, higher medical costs, and greater long-term impact.
- Multiple liable parties — drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and maintenance crews, making cases more complex.
- Fast-disappearing evidence — black box data, logs, and maintenance records can vanish quickly, hurting your claim if not preserved.
- Higher financial stakes — insurers fight harder because truck cases often involve significantly larger compensation.
With so much on the line, working with an experienced Tampa truck accident lawyer can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Tampa
After a truck accident, it’s important to do several things:
- Step 1: Call 9-1-1
Report the crash and request police and an ambulance. Check for injuries, but don’t move anyone who is seriously hurt. Move to a safe spot if you can. - Step 2: Take Quick Photos
If you’re able, document vehicle damage, your injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs where the accident happened. A few photos can protect your claim. - Step 3: Get Medical Care
Let paramedics examine you and follow their advice. Truck-related injuries often appear later, and medical records matter. - Step 4: Give a Basic Police Statement
Share only facts such as time, location, vehicles. Don’t guess or admit fault. - Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the crash with the essentials such as your policy info, when and where it happened, the truck driver’s insurance - Step 6: Contact a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer
- Truck companies act fast after a crash. Your lawyer can secure evidence, deal with insurers, and protect your rights.
Common Causes of Tampa Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often stem from preventable mistakes or safety violations, and each one increases the danger for victims. The most common causes include:
- Distracted driving – Even a split second of inattention in an 80,000-pound truck can lead to devastating, high-impact collisions that leave victims with severe injuries.
- Inadequate training – Inexperienced drivers struggle with blind spots, wide turns, and Tampa’s heavy traffic, increasing the likelihood of crashes and complicating liability.
- Mechanical failures – Brake issues, worn tires, and poor maintenance can turn a truck into a deadly hazard; victims often face more severe injuries when equipment fails at highway speeds.
- Driver fatigue – Long hours on tight deadlines, slow reaction times lead to catastrophic rear-end or rollover crashes.
- Speeding and aggressive driving – Heavy trucks need more distance to stop; speeding often results in higher-force impacts and greater injuries for those hit.
- Oversized or unsecured loads – Shifting cargo can cause trucks to tip, spill, or lose control, putting nearby drivers directly in harm’s way.
- Impaired driving – Alcohol or drug use dramatically magnifies the risk, often resulting in violent, high-speed crashes.
Each of these failures, whether by a driver, trucking company, or maintenance crew, raises the stakes for victims. That’s why truck accident cases require fast action, preserved evidence, and an experienced Tampa truck accident lawyer to hold every responsible party accountable.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Tampa
As we navigate Tampa’s roads, we’re often faced with the reality of various truck accidents, each carrying distinct implications. Here are some common types we might encounter:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents, frequently caused by distracted or fatigued truck drivers, occur when a truck strikes our vehicle from behind. The impact can lead to severe injuries for us and our passengers.
- Jackknife Accidents: Picture a truck’s trailer swinging out unexpectedly due to sudden braking. This scenario creates a dangerous blockage on the road that can affect all of us driving nearby.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks need more space to navigate turns, which can lead to collisions with our vehicles or pedestrians, especially if drivers misjudge the truck’s turning radius.
- T-Bone (Side-Impact) Collisions: When a truck strikes the side of our vehicle at intersections, the consequences can be catastrophic, often leaving us with serious injuries.
- Head-On Collisions: Though less common, these collisions can occur when drivers inadvertently cross into oncoming traffic, resulting in devastating outcomes.
- Cargo Spills: If cargo isn’t secured properly, spills can create hazards on the road, leading to accidents that affect everyone in the vicinity.
- Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents: We should be aware that trucks have significant blind spots. If we attempt to change lanes without realizing a truck is nearby, it can lead to dangerous situations.
- Rollovers: High winds, sharp turns, or excessive speed can cause trucks to roll over, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities for those involved.
- Underride Accidents: These occur when our vehicle slides under a truck during a collision, often leading to severe injuries. Despite regulations mandating underride guards, violations still happen, putting us at risk.
Each type of accident brings potential liability for the truck drivers or their companies. If you find yourself victim of these accidents, you can pursue compensation for the injuries received in the accident.
Common Injuries in Tampa Truck Accidents
After a truck accident, many of us face serious injuries that can change our lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 100,000 people suffer injuries in large truck crashes annually in the U.S., with Florida seeing its fair share. Here are the most common injuries we might experience:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can result from violent impacts, leading to long-term cognitive issues that affect our ability to work and enjoy life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting in paralysis or chronic pain, these injuries can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision frequently causes these injuries, often needing surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash and contusions can lead to persistent pain and limited mobility, impacting our daily activities.
Understanding these common injuries is crucial, as they play a significant role in determining compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When pursuing justice, having legal representation can make all the difference in navigating recovery and ensuring we receive the support we need.
Recovering Damages After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, your compensation generally falls into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your direct financial losses, including:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash
Non-economic damages address the human impact of the accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, or sleep issues
- Permanent disability or loss of quality of life
Truck companies usually carry much larger insurance policies, and Florida’s employer-liability rules often make the trucking company responsible for the driver’s negligence. An experienced truck accident lawyer can identify every party that may be held accountable.
If a truck crash results in a wrongful death, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of a loved one’s companionship.
In rare cases where the trucking company or driver acted with extreme recklessness, accident victims may also pursue punitive damages, which are meant to punish dangerous behavior and discourage it in the future.
Liability in Truck Accidents
Determining liability in truck accidents is often more complex than in standard vehicle collisions. Let’s look into possible liable parties in truck accidents.
Trucking Companies
Truck companies typically carry larger insurance policies than individual drivers, providing them with greater financial resources to cover losses. According to Florida law, employers are generally held accountable for their employees’ actions under the doctrine of vicarious liability. This means that if a truck driver causes a collision while performing job-related duties, the trucking company can be held responsible for the damages. They must ensure that their drivers are properly trained and that vehicles are well-maintained.
Truck Drivers
Individual truck drivers can also be held liable for negligent actions, such as distracted driving or speeding, which may lead to personal liability alongside their employer’s.
Maintenance Providers
Maintenance providers may share liability if negligence in servicing the truck leads to mechanical failures that contribute to an accident.
Manufacturers
Manufacturers of defective truck parts can be held accountable if a malfunction results in a crash, allowing victims to pursue product liability claims.
If a truck accident results in a fatality, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering.
In many cases, multiple parties may share liability, making it essential to identify all potential defendants. A Tampa truck accident attorney specializing in truck accident cases can help ensure victims pursue the compensation they deserve.
State and Federal Laws on Trucking
Federal Safety Regulations (FMCSA)
The trucking industry is heavily governed by federal rules designed to keep fatigued, unqualified, or unsafe drivers off the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets standards for:
- Hours-of-service limits to prevent fatigue
- Mandatory inspections and maintenance to avoid brake and tire failures
- CDL qualifications and drug/alcohol testing, which ensure only trained, sober drivers operate commercial trucks
- Cargo securement and weight limits, reducing rollover risks and load-shift accidents
These rules create a baseline of safety, and violations often become critical evidence in a truck accident claim.
Florida-Specific Trucking Requirements
Florida adds its own layer of regulations, including commercial vehicle registration, traffic rules tailored to large trucks, and higher liability insurance minimums than those required for regular drivers. These increased coverage limits help ensure funds are available to compensate victims after a serious crash.
Employer Liability and Corporate Responsibility
Under both state and federal principles of respondeat superior, trucking companies may be held responsible for the negligence of their drivers. Florida law also allows claims for negligent hiring, training, or supervision when companies put unsafe or inexperienced drivers on the road. These rules make it possible to hold the trucking company—not just the driver—financially accountable.
Evidence Preservation: Black Box Data and Logs
Commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules (black boxes) that record speed, braking, hours driven, and other crash-related data. Federal rules require proper recordkeeping, but this data can be overwritten quickly. Fast legal action is often necessary to preserve it before it disappears.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations
Florida now gives victims two years to file a negligence-based personal injury claim for accidents occurring on or after March 24, 2023. Missing this deadline eliminates your right to seek compensation.
How Violations Impact Your Case
When a truck driver or company breaks safety laws, it can significantly strengthen an injury claim. Proof of non-compliance may increase the value of compensation for medical bills, lost wages, long-term disabilities, and pain and suffering.
Understanding how state and federal trucking regulations work together allows our Tampa truck accident lawyers to identify violations quickly, preserve key evidence, and hold every responsible party accountable.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You After a Crash in Tampa
A truck accident case moves quickly and involves far more complexity than a typical car wreck. Our role is to step in early, protect your rights, and build the strongest claim possible while you focus on healing.
When you hire Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we move fast to investigate the crash and preserve critical evidence before the trucking company or its insurer acts. Our team works with:
- Accident reconstruction experts to analyze impact forces, black box data, skid marks, and vehicle damage.
- Medical and psychological experts to explain the full extent of your injuries, long-term limitations, and emotional toll.
- Industry and safety specialists to examine violations of federal trucking regulations and Florida traffic laws.
This process allows us to prove how the crash happened, who is responsible, and how deeply the injuries have affected your life. Once the evidence is secured, we negotiate aggressively with insurers, and if they refuse to treat you fairly, we’re ready to take the case to trial.
Our Truck Accident Case Results
These are some of the outcomes our process has helped achieve for past clients:
- $8.1 MILLION Truck Accident Verdict for a client rear-ended by a wrecker truck, causing injuries that made him unable to work in his prior occupation for the rest of his life.
- $4.7 MILLION Truck Accident Verdict for a client injured in a collision caused by the defendant’s lack of reasonable care regarding compliance with federal safety regulations for trailers and Florida traffic laws.
- $1.4 MILLION Truck Accident Verdict for a father injured by an 18-wheeler that was driving too fast to stop in time.
Every case is unique, but our goal is always the same: protect your future, prove your losses, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Ready For Next Steps?
Truck accident cases may be much more complex than typical car accident claims due to the severity of the collision, the multiple potential defendants, and the special federal regulations applicable to truckers. When a trucker breaks the rules of the road, it can be easier to prove negligence. You need a lawyer who knows truck accident cases inside and out to help you put together your case or to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Steinger, Greene & Feiner attorneys have decades of collective experience representing victims of truck accidents. Since 1997, our legal team has been there for collision victims. Call today to schedule a FREE consultation with an experienced lawyer in Tampa and learn more about how we can help with your case: (813) 553-5352. Our Tampa personal injury lawyers fight relentlessly for your settlement and, when necessary, aren’t afraid to take a case in front of a judge and jury.
Client Testimonials
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I am so glad I chose Steinger, Greene & Feiner as my law office after my accident. Everyone that I dealt with during my case was very helpful. I do have to give a bigger shout out to my attorney Mr. Alan Petit though, it was a pleasure … More working with him. He made sure I was never left in the dark, he explained and educated me when I needed it and overall made sure I was compensated accordingly. Thanks so much team! I will always recommend this office to any and everyone! -
Mrs.Maria is by far the very best attorney that I’ve ever used. Her law firm and also her assistant as well as herself was extremely quick with returning all calls and handling all of my concerns. She was very good at getting me into all … More appointments quickly as well as communicating with all my providers with all my concerns. She most definitely stayed on top of everything. I felt extremely comfortable and confident with everything. She never made me feel that they were to busy at all in fact I felt as if me and my case was the primary concern at all times.. highly recommend
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Mrs Maria and her assistant was by far the very best. She stayed on top of all my appointments and got me seen very quickly. She also stayed in full contact with all physicians about any concerns. I was very impressed. They always returned … More all of my calls quickly and never once made me feel unimportant. I am very appreciative for all they have done for me and highly recommend.. honestly I can’t think of not one complaint or one time I was unsatisfied with there services. Very impressed.. thank so much Mrs Maria and asst
