Truck Accident Attorneys in Pasco County

When a truck accident disrupts your life in Pasco County, you need legal advocates who understand both Florida’s complex commercial trucking laws and the unique challenges facing our rapidly growing community. At Lowman Law Firm, our Pasco County truck accident attorneys have spent over two decades helping collision victims secure the compensation they deserve while navigating the aftermath of serious crashes with skill and compassion.

Operating from our conveniently located Dade City office at 14233 7th St, we serve truck accident victims throughout Pasco County, from Wesley Chapel and Land O’Lakes to Zephyrhills and New Port Richey. With Interstate 75 running directly through our county and thousands of commercial vehicles traveling our highways daily, truck accidents in Pasco County can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, making local legal representation crucial for fair compensation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Pasco County

Pasco County’s location along major transportation corridors and rapid development creates significant truck traffic that our attorneys encounter regularly. The combination of Interstate 75, growing commercial areas, construction zones, and local delivery routes creates a complex environment where devastating truck accidents can occur.

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest, but pressure to meet delivery deadlines often leads to violations. Fatigued truck drivers pose enormous risks on highways like I-75, where high speeds and heavy traffic require constant attention. Common causes of trucking accidents often involve these regulatory violations.

Interstate 75 Corridor Dangers

I-75 runs directly through Pasco County, creating a major trucking corridor with heavy commercial traffic. This highway sees frequent truck accidents due to high speeds, multiple access points, construction zones, and the mixing of local traffic with long-haul commercial vehicles traveling between Tampa and northern destinations.

Construction Zone Hazards

Pasco County’s explosive growth means constant road construction and infrastructure improvements throughout the area. These construction zones create unique dangers for large trucks, including lane restrictions, temporary surfaces, and confused traffic patterns that can lead to serious accidents.

Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Issues

Commercial trucks require extensive maintenance due to their size, weight, and constant use. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems can lead to catastrophic accidents. Our attorneys investigate maintenance records to determine if negligent upkeep contributed to crashes.

Improper Loading and Cargo Issues

Overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, or falling debris that strikes other vehicles. Weight distribution problems affect truck handling and braking, particularly dangerous on curves and during emergency maneuvers.

Local Delivery and Distribution Challenges

Pasco County’s growing population means increased local delivery traffic throughout residential and commercial areas. Delivery trucks navigating unfamiliar suburban neighborhoods, tight spaces, and areas not designed for large vehicles create additional accident risks.

Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle

Interstate 75 Multi-Vehicle Crashes

High-speed accidents on I-75 involving multiple vehicles and commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries and complex liability issues. These cases require thorough investigation and reconstruction to determine fault among multiple parties.

Jackknife Accidents

These occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic and causing multi-vehicle crashes. Jackknife accidents frequently result from sudden braking or slippery road conditions on Pasco County highways.

Rollover Accidents

Trucks have high centers of gravity that make them prone to rollovers, especially when turning, carrying unbalanced loads, or traveling at excessive speeds. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles and can be fatal.

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive weight, trucks require much greater stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers fail to maintain safe following distances on busy Pasco County roads, rear-end collisions can crush smaller vehicles.

Blind Spot Accidents

Commercial trucks have large blind spots on all sides. When passenger vehicles travel in these zones and truck drivers change lanes or turn on busy county roads, serious side-impact collisions can occur.

Underride Accidents

These occur when smaller vehicles slide underneath truck trailers, often shearing off the tops of cars and causing fatal injuries. Inadequate underride guards or poor lighting contribute to these devastating crashes.

Understanding Federal and State Trucking Regulations

Commercial trucking is heavily regulated by federal and state agencies. Our Pasco County attorneys understand these complex regulations and use violations to build stronger cases for our clients.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Rules

The FMCSA establishes hours of service limits, maintenance requirements, driver qualifications, and cargo securement standards. Violations of these regulations can establish liability in truck accident cases.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements

Truck drivers must maintain proper licensing, complete regular training, and pass medical examinations. Drivers operating without valid CDLs or with disqualifying conditions pose significant risks.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Most commercial trucks must use electronic logging devices to track driving hours and prevent fatigue-related accidents. ELD data often provides crucial evidence in truck accident cases.

Weight and Size Limitations

Florida has specific limits on truck weights and dimensions. Overweight or oversized loads can cause accidents and may indicate negligent loading practices.

Multiple Liable Parties in Truck Accidents

Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple potentially responsible parties, increasing the complexity of these cases but also the potential for compensation.

Trucking Companies

Companies can be liable for inadequate driver training, pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations, poor maintenance practices, or negligent hiring of unqualified drivers.

Truck Drivers

Individual drivers may be responsible for violations of safety regulations, impaired driving, or other negligent behaviors that cause accidents.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable if improper repairs or missed inspections contribute to mechanical failures that cause crashes.

Cargo Loading Companies

Separate companies that load truck cargo may be responsible for overloading, improper weight distribution, or inadequate cargo securement.

Parts Manufacturers

Defective truck parts, including brakes, tires, or steering components, can lead to product liability claims against manufacturers.

Government Entities

Poor road design, inadequate signage, or dangerous road conditions may make Pasco County or state government entities partially responsible for truck accidents.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

The massive size and weight of commercial trucks mean that accidents often result in catastrophic injuries with long-lasting consequences for victims and their families.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

The force of truck accidents can cause severe head trauma, leading to cognitive impairments, personality changes, and reduced quality of life. These injuries often require lifelong medical care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Truck accidents frequently cause spinal cord damage that can result in partial or complete paralysis. These life-altering injuries require extensive medical treatment and home modifications.

Multiple Fractures

The impact forces in truck accidents often cause complex bone fractures that require multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation periods.

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, causing life-threatening bleeding and requiring emergency surgery.

Severe Burns

Truck accidents involving fuel spills or fires can cause severe burns requiring skin grafts and resulting in permanent disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, truck accidents frequently result in fatalities. Our wrongful death attorneys help families pursue compensation for their devastating losses.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

Due to the severity of truck accident injuries and the commercial insurance policies involved, compensation amounts can be substantial compared to typical car accident cases.

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and rehabilitation
• Future Medical Costs: Long-term care, medical equipment, and ongoing treatments
• Property Damage: Vehicle replacement and personal property losses
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduced ability to earn income due to permanent disabilities
• Home Modifications: Accessibility improvements for disabled accident victims

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress from injuries
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities
• Disfigurement: Permanent scarring or changes to appearance
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on relationships with spouse and family
• Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma and depression following the accident

Immediate Steps After a Pasco County Truck Accident

The actions you take immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Follow these crucial steps to protect your rights:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Truck accident injuries can be life-threatening
2. Call 911: Ensure proper emergency response and police documentation
3. Document the Scene: Take extensive photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and injuries
4. Identify the Truck: Record company names, DOT numbers, license plates, and driver information
5. Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from all witnesses
6. Preserve Evidence: Don’t repair your vehicle until it can be professionally inspected
7. Contact Our Office: Call (352) 437-7777 before speaking with insurance companies

Learn more about 3 things to know about truck accidents and understand the importance of immediate legal representation in these complex cases.

Working with Trucking Company Insurance

Trucking companies carry substantial insurance policies, often $1 million or more, but their insurers employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts on claims.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

• Rapid Response Teams: Investigators arrive quickly to secure evidence that favors the trucking company
• Quick Settlement Offers: Low offers made before the full extent of injuries is known
• Blame Shifting: Attempting to place fault on the accident victim rather than their insured driver
• Surveillance: Following victims to find evidence contradicting injury claims
• Document Destruction: Allowing crucial evidence like driver logs or maintenance records to be destroyed

How Our Attorneys Protect Your Rights

We immediately send preservation notices to prevent evidence destruction, conduct independent investigations, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. Our preparation for trial often leads to better settlement offers.

Trucking Industry Resources

Understanding the trucking industry helps build stronger cases. Learn about common causes of trucking accidents and how federal regulations are designed to prevent crashes.

Proudly Serving All of Pasco County

Dade City | Wesley Chapel | Land O’Lakes | Lutz | Zephyrhills