
Hillsborough County Truck Accident Attorney | Your Rights After a Commercial Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, obtaining the services of an experienced Hillsborough County truck accident attorney from Paul | Knopf | Bigger is essential to securing fair compensation. Truck accident cases can be complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties, strict insurance requirements, and the severity of potential injuries or fatalities. Navigating Hillsborough County, Florida’s roads can be particularly hazardous, especially with large commercial trucks sharing the space. The significant size difference between your vehicle and these massive trucks increases the risk of severe damage and life-altering injuries.
Contact us today at (800) 434-4327 to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney.

Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex Than Car Accidents
Truck accidents involve much more complexity than typical car accidents due to the numerous parties that may be liable, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and even third parties involved. As Hillsborough County continues to grow, so does the volume of truck traffic, which heightens the frequency of these devastating incidents. Although truck drivers are required to carry extensive insurance policies, obtaining fair compensation can be challenging without the help of a skilled Hillsborough County truck accident attorney. They can assist you by:
- Protecting your legal rights.
- Handling the insurance claims process.
- Negotiating effectively with insurance companies.
- Collecting and presenting essential evidence.
- Advocating for the full compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Hillsborough County
Truck accidents can stem from various causes, often related to negligence by the driver, trucking company, or others involved. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road often result in exhaustion and reduced reaction times.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers, like all drivers, may become distracted by devices like smartphones, GPS systems, or other in-cab technology.
- Speeding: The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make speeding especially dangerous, as trucks need longer stopping distances.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Mechanical failures, such as brake issues or tire blowouts, can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloaded or unsecured cargo can cause rollovers or jackknifing incidents.
Each of these causes may result in liability for different parties, making the investigation of your case by an Hillsborough County truck accident attorney crucial.

Determining Liability in an Hillsborough County Truck Accident
Liability in truck accidents isn’t always clear-cut. Several parties could share responsibility, depending on the circumstances. Some of the potential liable parties include:
- The Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent—by violating hours-of-service regulations or driving under the influence, for instance—they may be held accountable.
- The Trucking Company: Companies could be liable if they failed to train drivers properly, didn’t maintain their vehicles, or engaged in poor hiring practices.
- Cargo Loaders: In cases where improperly loaded cargo leads to the accident, the company responsible for loading the truck may share the blame.
- Vehicle Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect, such as faulty brakes or tires, causes the accident, the manufacturer may be held liable.
A dedicated Hillsborough County truck accident attorney will investigate your case thoroughly to identify all responsible parties. Call us today at (800) 434-4327 to explore your legal options.
Proving Fault in a Truck Accident Case
Proving fault in a truck accident can be complex and often requires gathering substantial evidence. A skilled attorney will work diligently to collect the following key information:
- Police Reports: These reports can provide essential details about the accident and initial fault assessments.
- Truck Driver Logs: These logs reveal whether the driver adhered to federal hours-of-service rules and other safety protocols.
- Electronic Data: Commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs), which record vital information such as speed, braking patterns, and more.
- Eyewitness Testimonies: Witness accounts can help reconstruct the accident and pinpoint its cause.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: In particularly complicated cases, experts may recreate the accident scene to establish liability.
With this comprehensive evidence, a Hillsborough County truck accident attorney can build a strong case to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Types of Compensation in a Hillsborough County Truck Accident Case
Truck accidents often lead to substantial financial losses, and you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. A skilled attorney can help you seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes immediate costs like emergency care, surgeries, and hospital stays, as well as ongoing rehabilitation and long-term care.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Property Damage: Compensation may cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged personal property.
- Other Financial Losses: This could include the cost of hiring help for daily tasks like housekeeping or childcare.
In addition to these economic damages, non-economic damages may also be available:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological effects of the accident can be compensable.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, sports, or other activities, you could receive compensation for this loss.
The Possibility of Punitive Damages
In rare cases, Florida law allows punitive damages to be awarded. These damages are intended to punish reckless or egregious behavior, such as drunk driving or deliberate safety violations. While less common, punitive damages may be available in cases involving extreme negligence.
Filing a Truck Accident Claim with a Hillsborough County Truck Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal process after a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that often offer low settlements. A Hillsborough County truck accident attorney can help by:
- Managing all communications with insurance companies.
- Negotiating a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Representing you in court if necessary to fight for your rights.
By entrusting your case to a skilled attorney, you can focus on your recovery while they work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Paul | Knopf | Bigger – Your Hillsborough County Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t delay in seeking legal help. Contact a Hillsborugh County truck accident attorney at Paul | Knopf | Bigger for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the process and help you obtain the compensation you need to move forward. Call us today at (800) 434-4327 for expert legal advice and representation.
Sources:
- https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CrashStatistics?tab=Summary&type=&report_id=1&crash_type_id=4&datasource_id=1&time_period_id=2&report_date=0&vehicle_type=1&state=NAT&domicile=ALL&measure_id=1&operation_id=null
- https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/data-details/
- https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/crash-citation-reports/
- http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
- https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/768.72