Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer

Ready to Protect Your Rights & Help You Recover Your Entitled Compensation

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating accidents that can occur on our roads. The massive size and weight of these vehicles can lead to life-threatening injuries and death when they are involved in collisions with other vehicles, especially passenger cars. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident in Tampa, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Michles & Booth, our Tampa truck accident lawyers have represented the injured for decades. We know what it takes to win and are prepared to fight for you and your recovery. Our team has recovered millions of dollars for our clients, so we have the experience, skills, and resources to help you with your case.

Call (813) 981-7780 or contact us online to request a free initial consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Tampa, FL.

Federal Trucking Regulations

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) responsible for regulating and overseeing commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the United States.

FMCSA regulations related to truck accidents encompass various aspects of safety, compliance, and investigation procedures. Here's a breakdown:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: FMCSA enforces HOS regulations to prevent driver fatigue, a leading cause of truck accidents. These regulations dictate how many hours a commercial truck driver can operate their vehicle before taking mandatory rest breaks.
• Driver Qualifications: FMCSA sets standards for the qualifications of commercial truck drivers, including medical examinations, training requirements, and licensing procedures. Ensuring drivers are properly qualified helps reduce accidents caused by inadequate skills or health issues.
• Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections: FMCSA mandates regular inspections and maintenance of commercial vehicles to ensure they are safe for operation. Requirements include regular inspections by qualified personnel, maintenance records, and adherence to safety standards for brakes, tires, lights, and other critical components.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): FMCSA mandates the use of ELDs to electronically record a driver's HOS. These devices replace traditional paper logbooks and provide more accurate tracking of driving hours, reducing the risk of falsification and helping enforce HOS regulations.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: FMCSA requires drug and alcohol testing for commercial truck drivers. These tests are conducted during pre-employment, randomly, after accidents, and under reasonable suspicion. Ensuring drivers are sober helps prevent accidents caused by impaired driving.
• Carrier Safety Management: FMCSA monitors carriers' safety performance through various programs, such as the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. Carriers with poor safety records may face interventions, fines, or even shutdowns to prevent future accidents.
• Accident Reporting and Investigation: FMCSA requires carriers to report certain types of accidents involving their vehicles. The agency also conducts investigations into serious accidents to determine causes and identify potential safety deficiencies. These investigations help improve safety regulations and enforcement.
• Training and Education: FMCSA promotes safety through educational programs and materials for both drivers and carriers. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of safety risks and best practices to prevent accidents.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Truck accident claims are often quite complicated, mainly because there are multiple parties involved. Here are some parties who may potentially be held liable for a truck accident:

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, directly causes the accident, they can be held liable. This liability could extend to actions such as violating hours of service regulations or failing to properly maintain the vehicle.
• Trucking Company: The trucking company that employs the driver may also be held liable under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability or respondeat superior. This doctrine holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees if those actions occur within the scope of employment. Additionally, if the trucking company is found to have been negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, they may be directly liable for the accident.
• Vehicle Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: If a defect in the truck or its components contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the vehicle or the parts involved may be held liable under product liability laws. Similarly, if inadequate maintenance or negligent repairs were a factor, the company responsible for maintaining the truck may be held liable.
• Shippers and Cargo Loaders: In cases where improper loading or securing of cargo leads to an accident, the parties responsible for loading the cargo may be held liable. This could include the shipper, freight broker, or loading company. Improperly loaded cargo can cause the truck to become unstable or create hazards on the road.
• Other Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, liability may extend to other third parties, such as contractors, subcontractors, or entities responsible for road construction or maintenance.

How Can a Tampa Truck Accident Attorney Help?

Truck accident claims are incredibly complex. You need a skilled attorney on your side who knows how to handle these types of cases and who can fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

At Michles & Booth, we have been representing the injured for over two decades. We know what it takes to win, and we have a proven track record of success. When you choose us, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands.

With offices in Tampa, Pensacola, and more, we represent clients throughout the state of Florida. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.