Were you injured in a flatbed truck accident in St. Petersburg, Florida? Contact Graves Thomas Injury Law Group at (772) 569-8155 for a free consultation. Our experienced St. Petersburg flatbed truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today!
How Graves Thomas Injury Law Group Can Help After a Flatbed Truck Accident in St. Petersburg, FL
At Graves Thomas Injury Law Group, our team has decades of combined experience representing victims of serious truck accidents across Florida. We have recovered millions of dollars for clients in St. Petersburg and throughout the state, and we are proud to be recognized for our skill, dedication, and compassion in personal injury law.
When you hire our St. Petersburg truck accident attorneys, you can expect:
- Thorough investigation of your accident to determine fault and liability.
- Access to experts in accident reconstruction, medical care, and trucking regulations.
- Aggressive negotiation with trucking companies and insurance providers.
- Strong courtroom advocacy if your case goes to trial.
- Personalized support throughout every stage of the legal process.
Our firm understands how devastating a truck accident can be—physically, emotionally, and financially. We are committed to standing by your side, ensuring your voice is heard, and pursuing maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Flatbed Trucks and Their Risks
Flatbed trucks are different from regular enclosed trucks because they have no sides or roof. This open design makes it easier to load and unload large items. However, it also makes the cargo more likely to shift, fall off, or become loose during transport. If the cargo is not properly secured, it can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Due to their size and weight, flatbed trucks need more time and space to stop. If a driver is speeding, distracted, or tired, the chances of an accident go up. Flatbed trucks also have large blind spots, making it hard for drivers to see cars next to or behind them.
These factors make flatbed trucks more prone to certain types of accidents, including:
- Rollovers
- Jackknifing
- Cargo spills
- Rear-end crashes
- Sideswipes
Flatbed truck accidents often cause more serious damage than regular car accidents because of the size and weight of the truck and its load.
Common Causes of Flatbed Truck Accidents
There are many reasons why flatbed truck accidents happen in St. Petersburg.
Some of the most common causes include:
Improperly Secured Cargo
One of the biggest dangers of flatbed trucks is cargo that is not tied down correctly. If the straps or chains fail, the load can fall off the truck and hit other vehicles or cause roadblocks. Cargo can also shift while the truck is moving, making the truck harder to control.
Driver Error
Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet delivery deadlines. This can lead to speeding, driving while tired, or using a phone while driving. All of these behaviors can lead to accidents.
Poor Truck Maintenance
If a flatbed truck is not kept in good working order, it can lead to tire blowouts, brake failures, or steering issues. Companies that own the trucks are responsible for keeping them safe.
Weather and Road Conditions
Heavy rain, strong winds, and slippery roads can make it harder to control a flatbed truck. When roads are in poor condition or under construction, it adds to the risk.
Lack of Training
Driving a flatbed truck takes special training. If a driver is not fully trained in handling a loaded flatbed, they may not know how to respond in emergency situations.
All of these factors can lead to serious and sometimes deadly accidents on St. Petersburg roads.
Types of Injuries from Flatbed Truck Accidents
Because of their size and weight, flatbed trucks can cause life-changing injuries when they crash. Victims of these accidents may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Severe burns
- Cuts and bruises
- Emotional trauma
These injuries often require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and time away from work. In the worst cases, accidents may lead to permanent disability or death. In many flatbed truck accidents, it is not just the truck driver who is hurt. People in nearby cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and even other truck drivers may also be affected.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
In a flatbed truck accident, several parties may be legally responsible, including:
- The truck driver
- The company that owns the truck
- The company that loaded the cargo
- A maintenance provider or repair company
- A parts manufacturer (if a mechanical failure was involved)
Florida uses a legal rule called comparative fault, which means that more than one person or company can be blamed for an accident. Even if you are partly at fault, you may still be able to recover money for your injuries. Because so many people can be involved, flatbed truck accident claims can get complicated. A personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident and find out who is responsible.
Call Our St. Petersburg Truck Accident Law Firm for a Free Consultation
No one expects to be involved in a flatbed truck accident, but when it happens, the effects can be devastating. Medical bills pile up, work may become impossible, and life can change in an instant. That’s why it’s so important to understand your rights and get legal help as soon as possible.
Contact Graves Thomas Injury Law Group for a free consultation. A St. Petersburg flatbed truck accident attorney can guide you through the process and fight to get you the justice and support you deserve.
