Florida Truck Accident Attorney
Empowering Truck Accident Victims Across Florida
Truck accidents are devastating events that cause life-changing injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. With their massive size and weight, semi-trucks often turn routine collisions into catastrophic incidents, making it critical for victims to secure skilled legal representation. At Kemp Law, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are committed to protecting the rights of accident victims in New Port Richey, Tampa Bay, and throughout Florida.
Our experienced Florida truck accident attorneys fight aggressively to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and other liable parties accountable. With a client-first philosophy and a proven record of success, we’ll work tirelessly to recover the compensation you deserve and help you rebuild your life after an accident.
Contact Kemp Law today at (727) 788-6792 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You won’t pay unless we win.
The Devastating Impact of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are often more destructive than other motor vehicle collisions due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded. This leads to accidents that cause significant physical, emotional, and financial harm to victims.
Among all types of motor vehicles, car accidents, and trucking accident cases on Florida roads, semi-truck accidents cause the most physical and financial damage. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported a 6.8% increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks from 2016 to 2017. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), fatalities in large truck crashes have increased by 20% in the past 10 years. What’s more troubling, injuries have increased 57% over the same period.
Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of fatalities from commercial truck accidents each year. The combination of tourist traffic, complex urban interchanges, and long rural stretches makes routes like the Florida Turnpike or US-27 especially dangerous for motorists and truck drivers alike. After a major crash on a Florida highway, victims often face not only physical pain but also mounting medical bills, missed work, and disrupted families.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours and unrealistic schedules force truck drivers to push their limits, raising the risk of drowsy driving.
- Distracted Driving: Internal distractions, such as texting or eating, as well as external distractions like billboards, impair focus.
- Equipment Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues often result from poor maintenance or defective parts.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo increases the risk of rollovers, jackknifes, and other hazardous situations.
- Speeding: Trucks traveling above the speed limit, or too fast for road conditions, require longer stopping times, which can lead to devastating collisions.
Semi-truck collisions are some of the most severe accidents on Florida’s roads. Each year, Florida has 200 to 300 fatal truck crashes involving large trucks, and the number of semi-truck accidents in Florida has continued to rise. Thousands of injuries from these trucking accidents cause lasting impacts on the lives of victims.
High traffic areas such as Miami, Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Jacksonville see a concentration of truck accidents, especially during peak shipping seasons or around busy port areas. Commercial trucks traveling through the state often haul cargo across long distances, making them especially vulnerable to dangerous conditions like sudden tropical storms, unpredictable traffic patterns, and nighttime driving. The unique geography and major freight routes in Florida increase the likelihood of multi-vehicle pileups and hazardous material spills when a truck crash occurs.
Regardless of the cause, Kemp Law stands ready to investigate your accident, uncover the truth, and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Complex
Truck accident claims involve far more complexity than standard car accident cases, often bringing multiple parties and extensive evidence into play. At Kemp Law, we recognize the unique challenges these cases present and have the experience and resources to overcome them.
Challenges in Truck Accident Cases:
- Complex Liability: The truck driver, trucking company, maintenance crew, cargo loaders, or even truck manufacturers may share responsibility.
- Regulations: Trucking companies must comply with strict federal and state safety regulations, such as those enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Violations of these rules can complicate liability.
- Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurers often hire aggressive legal teams to minimize payouts.
- Evidence Gathering: Crucial evidence, such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, truck maintenance logs, and dashcam footage, must be preserved and analyzed.
Kemp Law handles every detail of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies, so you can focus on healing while we manage the legal challenges.
Compensation We Can Help You Recover
Truck accident injuries often result in substantial physical, emotional, and financial hardships. Kemp Law fights for full and fair compensation to cover all your losses.
Florida law allows injury victims to pursue several forms of financial recovery after a truck accident, and damages can extend well beyond initial medical costs. Thorough evaluation of both the short-term and permanent impacts of your injuries is essential to presenting a complete claim under state law. Whether you are dealing with extended hospital stays in Tampa, specialized rehabilitation in Miami, or costly modifications to your home in Jacksonville, comprehensive compensation claims help protect your future stability.
Types of Compensation Available:
Economic Damages: For financial losses, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages: For non-monetary losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Disability or disfigurement
Punitive Damages: These may apply in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct, such as driving under the influence.
If your loved one tragically passed away in a truck accident, Kemp Law can also pursue wrongful death damages, including compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support your loved one would have provided.
How Kemp Law Helps You Win
Kemp Law takes a meticulous and aggressive approach to truck accident cases, making certain that every client receives the highest quality representation.
Our team’s commitment to direct attorney involvement ensures you always have access to the guidance you need. Unlike many law firms that delegate intake or daily updates to paralegals, we believe that personal, hands-on advocacy makes a real difference for clients recovering from catastrophic accidents. We’re here to answer your questions, discuss strategy, and address your concerns—providing clarity and peace of mind during a difficult time.
Our Process Includes:
- Free Consultation: We begin by evaluating the unique details of your case and explaining your legal options.
- Comprehensive Investigation: Our team conducts an extensive investigation, including gathering accident reports, witness statements, and video footage.
- Expert Collaboration: We partner with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and other experts to strengthen your claim.
- Determining Liability: We analyze key factors such as truck driver error, company negligence, and equipment failure to pinpoint responsibility.
- Aggressive Negotiation: We negotiate with insurers to seek the compensation you deserve. If they don’t offer a fair settlement, we prepare to take your case to trial.
From start to finish, we keep clients informed about their case progress, developments in negotiations, and important legal deadlines. By working directly with you, our attorneys build a case that reflects your individual needs and goals. We place a high priority on communication, responding promptly and keeping every step transparent for your confidence.
From the moment you hire us, you can rest assured that Kemp Law works tirelessly for your best interests.
Why Choose Kemp Law?
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, you need a legal team you can trust. Kemp Law has built a reputation for excellence by combining legal skill with compassionate client care.
Above all, what truly separates us from other truck accident lawyers in Tampa is how we treat our clients. We provide legal representation in your best interests, maintain open communication, and keep you updated about your case every step of the way. We’re here for you.
At Kemp Law, you’re more than just a case number. We treat every client as part of our family, delivering personalized attention and relentless representation.
Our direct attorney approach means you will never be shuffled between staff members when you need answers or reassurance. We believe that listening to your concerns and responding quickly reinforces trust and helps create a plan tailored to your case. This level of attention is why so many clients in Florida and across Tampa Bay recommend us to their friends and family after difficult accidents.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Florida
Knowing what steps to take after a truck accident can protect your health and strengthen your claim. If you’re involved in a crash with an 18-wheeler, always prioritize safety and never leave the scene before authorities arrive. Call emergency services so the incident can be properly documented, and make sure to obtain a police report, which serves as a vital record for your case.
Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor at first. Some conditions, such as internal trauma or soft tissue damage, may not be obvious right away. Thorough medical documentation provides an objective account of your injuries and helps demonstrate the impact of the accident. If you can, collect contact information for witnesses, and take photographs of the vehicles, road debris, license plates, and surrounding area before they are cleared.
In Florida, accident victims should also notify their insurance provider about the crash in a timely manner, as required by most policies. Avoid discussing the accident with the trucking company’s representatives or their insurers without legal advice; it is common for large carriers and their insurers to contact victims quickly after a crash. Preserving evidence, remaining cautious in post-accident conversations, and seeking legal guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes and preserve your right to compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Florida?
Florida law typically gives you two years from the crash date to file a personal injury claim involving a truck accident. Starting your case as early as possible helps preserve evidence and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
Does Florida have special rules for commercial trucks involved in accidents?
Yes. Florida follows both federal FMCSA regulations and state-specific commercial vehicle laws. These rules set requirements on driver rest periods, safety checks, insurance limits, and evidence collection, impacting how accident claims proceed.
What makes truck accident cases different from regular car accident cases?
Truck accident cases often involve larger damages, more severe injuries, and multiple at-fault parties, including trucking companies, cargo loaders, and manufacturers. They also require a thorough review of complex federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry.
You Deserve a Great Team
Many of our acclaimed personal injury attorneys are among the top one percent of all attorneys in the country, as members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum – and they’re right here in our area, ready to help you. Big commercial trucking companies have good reason to pay attention to Tampa Bay Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers in this elite class.
Our commitment stretches beyond recognition or membership in select forums; it reaches into the heart of every case we take in Florida. We understand that challenges persist long after an accident, so we focus on building strong attorney-client relationships and ensuring every client feels seen, heard, and valued throughout the process. Standing up for Floridians injured in truck accidents remains the driving force behind everything we do.
Timing Is Critical
Under Florida’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, acting quickly is essential for preserving critical evidence and building a strong case.
Evidence like black box data, driver logs, and dashcam footage can be lost or destroyed if you wait too long to pursue your claim. In cities like Miami or Tampa—where congestion is common and road construction frequently alters the landscape—it’s especially important to begin your case right away, before witnesses relocate or accident scenes change. Fast action not only protects your rights but also ensures your legal team can investigate fully.
The trucking company and its insurers will likely begin their investigation immediately, so you should act quickly, too. Contact Kemp Law today to ensure your rights are protected from the start.
Contact Kemp Law for a Free Consultation
Don’t wait to put decades of experience to work for you. Choose Kemp Law to fight for the compensation and peace of mind you deserve after a truck accident. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, our legal team is here to help. We understand the challenges you’re facing and remain committed to achieving justice on your behalf.
Call Kemp Law at (727) 788-6792 anytime – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
FAQs
you deserve answers
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How Do I Know Who Was At-Fault?
Fault is determined by the evidence collected during the investigation. We look to many things to determine fault in the case: we look to the police report, we look to witness statements, we look to the property damage to the vehicles, skid marks, layout of the cars, etc. Sometimes we even have to refer to accident re-constructionists to do a professional examination of the all the evidence to do a recommendation for us, but that does not happen in very many cases.
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What Constitutes Pain and Suffering in a Florida Auto Accident Case?
Here are some examples of what constitutes pain and suffering in a Florida auto accident case: physical pain, emotional trauma, limitations on daily activities, limitations on abilities at work, depression, scarring, disfigurement, and any kind of post-traumatic stress disorders.
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What Should I Say To The Insurance Company?
The at-fault party’s insurance company could ask you to give them a recorded statement. You do not have to give them a recorded statement. However, if your own insurance company asks you for a recorded statement please seek advice from your attorney so that they can assist you in giving that statement. But yes you do have to comply and you do have to give your insurance company a recorded statement.
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What Constitutes Pain and Suffering in a Florida Auto Accident Case?
Here are some examples of what constitutes pain and suffering in a Florida auto accident case: physical pain, emotional trauma, limitations on daily activities, limitations on abilities at work, depression, scarring, disfigurement, and any kind of post-traumatic stress disorders.
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Who Will Pay for the Damage to My Vehicle in an Accident?
It depends on who was at fault for the accident. If you were at fault, your insurance company will pay for the damage to the vehicle. If you were not at fault, the at-fault driver’s or owner’s insurance policy will pay for the damage, and if they do not have enough coverage to cover the damage to your vehicle, your collision coverage (if purchased) would pay for the damage to your vehicle.
