Semi-Truck Accident Attorney

With many warehouses and logistics centers near I-4, US 27 and US 60, Polk County is a thriving area that has a substantial amount of semi-truck traffic. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent truck driver, our Lakeland semi-truck accident attorneys can represent you and secure compensation. 

Howell & Thornhill, P.A., helps semi-truck accident attorney clients like you who have been impacted by the trauma of semi-truck accidents. We stand by you and help you get back on your feet after the losses you have suffered. These cases are complicated, but our team is equipped to handle whatever comes your way. Our Lakeland injury lawyers will listen to you, advocate for you, and negotiate for maximum compensation so you can begin to rebuild your life. 

Howell & Thornhill, P.A. Will Advocate for You After a Semi-Truck Accident

Founded in 1975, Howell & Thornhill, P.A. can help you navigate the complexities of semi-truck accident cases. We take the time to understand your circumstances and examine the accident from every angle so we can determine the most effective approach and strategies for your case. We are dedicated to making sure you receive the most favorable outcome so you are not held back by your losses. 

We Can Negotiate with Insurance Companies for You

While our team can help you sue at-fault parties after an accident, we can also help even if you are only filing an insurance claim. We understand how stressful communicating and negotiating with various parties can be, and we handle that for you so you can focus on healing from your injuries. There are just a few of the ways that Howell & Thornhill, P.A. can help when you need a personal injury lawyer.

Free Consultations and Contingency Fee Representation

Additionally, you do not have to worry about paying a lawyer up front when you need representation after an accident. Howell & Thornhill, P.A., works on contingency, so you pay nothing for fees nor costs unless we win your case. Our team deducts our fees and costs from awarded settlements or verdicts, so you do not have to pay anything out of pocket or pay anything up front. 

Thousands Are Impacted by Semi-Truck Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 8,507 accidents involving semi-trucks in 2024. Of that number, there were 269 fatalities and 4,283 injuries. On a broader scale, the National Safety Council reports that large truck accidents are generally most likely to occur in rural areas, on non-interstate highways, and during the day. 

These statistics and accident characteristics highlight the potential harm motorists face when driving in proximity to semi-trucks. Because trucks are unable to react or stop as quickly as passenger vehicles, congested traffic can elevate the risk of accidents. Motorists need to keep factors like this in mind when driving so they can further reduce the risk of an accident. 

Common Factors that Contribute to Semi-Truck Accidents

The truck industry is heavily regulated to ensure compliance with safety standards in every area of operation. When trucking personnel are negligent in their duties, they can cause or contribute to preventable accidents. This carelessness can occur at any point during operations, either on or off the road. Some of the most common factors that contribute to these accidents include: 

• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Large blind spots
• Distractions
• Poor weather or road conditions
• Inadequate training
• Overscheduling
• Overloaded, imbalanced, or unsecured cargo
• Equipment failure
• Poor maintenance or defective parts

It may not be immediately clear what factors were involved in the cause of an accident. As such, collisions must be thoroughly investigated to discover how the accident occurred. These factors also provide clarity on who is at fault for a collision, and subsequently, what claim options are available to you.

Dangerous Roads to be Aware of in the Lakeland Area

Lakeland is positioned along several key commerce routes, which increases the volume of semi-truck traffic in the area. While these thoroughfares can improve transportation logistics, it can be a bad combination when paired with dangerous roads throughout and around Lakeland. Such areas can be hazardous due to traffic volume, poor visibility, merging traffic, poor road design and signage, and more. The following are a few areas that present potential challenges when driving in or near Lakeland:

• U.S. 98
• U.S. 92
• U.S. 27
• Interstate 4
• Polk Parkway
• Florida Avenue
• Combee Road
• Hwy 540
• Hwy 540a

Drivers should use extra caution when traveling through these areas to reduce the risk of an accident. This means remaining alert, not speeding, and staying mindful of semi-trucks’ no zones. Motorists should leave space between themselves and semi-trucks when possible, and pass as quickly as possible.

Semi-Truck Accident Victims Often Sustain Serious Injuries

During any accident, there is a significant amount of energy transfer between the vehicles. Typically, smaller vehicles absorb more of the impact from the crash, which means accidents involving big rigs result in serious injuries because of their size. A semi-truck’s weight and high center of gravity can also contribute to the severity of an accident.

When a large truck collision occurs, motorists in smaller vehicles may sustain the following injuries: 

• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck injuries
• Spine and back injuries
• Chest and rib injuries
• Organ damage and internal injuries
• Burn injury
• Paralysis, disability, and disfigurement
• Death

Because of the potential for harm, semi-truck accident victims should see a doctor right away. They can assess and treat your injuries, as well as run tests to rule out hidden and internal injuries. We have all heard someone say “they never knew it would get worse with time” about an injury.  Ensure you have treatment so you know your futuer.  As you heal, it is important to continue to follow your doctor’s directions, both for your health and to prove the extent of your injuries. You should also keep all of your medical records, test results, and medical bills to document the extent of your condition and expenses.

You Have a Limited Time to File a Semi-Truck Accident Case in Florida

The statute of limitations for collecting damages after a truck accident is usually two years from the time of injury.

Because these cases often take a lot of time to resolve, it is important to act quickly to initiate your claim. Evidence can also deteriorate over time, so the quicker you act, the stronger your case will be. Talk with our Lakeland semi-truck accident attorneys as soon as possible.

Semi-Truck Accidents and Claim Options

Your options to recover compensation after an accident will depend on the extent of your injuries. Florida requires all drivers to have a $10,000 health insurance coverage on their vehicle, called personal injury protection.  Sadly, $10,000 will probably not even cover one CT scan at the emergency room.  

At this point, your next step will be to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance or file a personal injury lawsuit. This gives you the opportunity to not only recover additional compensation for your medical expenses, wage loss, as well as pain and suffering damages.

Regardless of the type of claim you file, semi-truck accident attorneys in Lakeland, FL can be an invaluable resource. They can protect you from tactics the insurance company may use to pay you less than you deserve. They also handle all communications with the insurance company, so you do not have to do it yourself. A lawyer will advocate for you so you can be confident you are not leaving compensation behind.

Who Is Liable for a Semi-Truck Accident?

A careless truck driver is responsible for the harms caused by the crash.  The owner of the truck under Florida law using the doctrine of dangerous instrumentality is also responsible.  Your lawyer will submit your claim to both the driver and owner’s insurer.  The federal motor carrier, or the company for which the driver is hauling, is also legally responsible for the negligence of the truck driver.  Your lawyer will investigate insurance coverage for all three, the driver, the owner, and the federal motor carrier. 

Brokers, cargo loaders, mechanics, shipping companies, and manufacturers can also contribute to accidents if they fail to perform their duties properly. 

Semi-truck accidents are very complex because of the many parties involved in executing trucking operations. Determining who is liable after an accident requires a thorough investigation of the accident and the roles of all potential parties. Once determined, our semi-truck accident lawyers in Lakeland can work to hold the appropriate party liable for their negligent contribution.

Establishing Liability in a Semi-Truck Accident Case

Regardless of who is liable for causing an accident with a semi-truck, their negligence must be shown during your case. This means that evidence must be provided to show what was expected of the at-fault party versus what happened. Medical records of the driver at fault, photos, surveillance videos, police reports, repair estimates, witness and expert statements, and more can be used when fulfilling the requirements to demonstrate negligence. Your lawyer will use this information to show the following:

• Duty of Care: Truck drivers and personnel are responsible for safely fulfilling their driving and inspection duties and making sure they protect you and other motorists from harm. 
• Breach of Duty: Truck drivers and personnel who carelessly perform their duties or intentionally deviate from safe practices endanger you and others. 
• Causation: When truck drivers and personnel engage in these actions, the consequences of their actions are serious injuries. 
• Damages: Liable truck drivers and personnel must pay for the damages they caused you and other motorists. 

Because so many parties are involved in trucking operations, determining and establishing liability can be complex. This is why it is essential to have a skilled lawyer who is familiar with the nuances of semi-truck crashes, their causes, and potential contributing factors. It is also essential to gather as much evidence as possible to better show the other party’s fault and streamline the process. Your lawyer will work to build your case and communicate with you to show how you sustained your losses. 

Understanding Florida’s Approach to Shared Fault

Semi-truck accidents can also be the result of shared fault between trucks and passenger vehicles. When this occurs, Florida’s modified comparative negligence law is implemented. Parties who are 50% or less at fault for an accident can recover compensation that is reduced by their fault percentage. Parties who are more than 50% at fault are prohibited from recovering compensation. If you think you are partially at fault for a crash, consult your lawyer right away document the truth of the fault of the other party. 

Compensation After a Semi-Truck Accident

Semi-truck accidents leave devastation in their wake, which translates to staggering losses and exorbitant expenses for you. This burden can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to recover from your injuries. When you recover compensation after filing a claim, you can get the financial relief you need to face the future with renewed hope. Some common losses that you can recover compensation for after a truck accident include:

• Medical expenses, equipment, accommodations, rehabilitation, and medications
• Property damage expenses
• Lost wages or earning potential
• End-of-life care, funeral, and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment
• Decreased quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Emotional distress 
• Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD

Compensation is customized to your needs and losses. This means that your lawyer will need to identify all of your expenses and pain and suffering losses to determine what to demand from the insurance companies. 

Contact Our Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Law Firm in Lakeland, FL

Howell & Thornhill, P.A., are ready to fight for you when you have been injured by a negligent semi-truck driver. When you hire our team, you can benefit from the years of knowledge and experience we have in handling cases like these. We use our many resources to fight for your rights, interests, settlement, and future as we stand up to opposing parties for you. To get started with your claim and to discuss what happened with our Lakeland semi-truck accident attorney law firm, contact our law firm today.