A truck crash seldom amounts to a minor traffic incident. For many people in Tampa, it’s a life-changing event that leaves lasting injuries, financial strain, deep emotional trauma, and lots of uncertainty about the future.
If a negligent truck driver injured you in an accident on I-275, I-4, Dale Mabry Highway, or elsewhere in the Tampa area, you may be wondering how you’ll cover medical bills, recover lost income, and regain stability in your life.
At Roman Austin, our Tampa truck accident lawyers believe you shouldn’t have to handle these pressures by yourself, especially when you’re dealing with the consequences of a devastating collision. We know how aggressive and unfair trucking companies and their insurers can be when they’re protecting their bottom line.
You may be entitled to significant compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your truck accident. Our Tampa truck accident lawyers can protect your rights, build your claim, and fight for the full recovery you may deserve. Call us today at (813) 694-3054 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Why Choose Roman Austin for Your Tampa Truck Accident Case?
Choosing the right law firm after a truck crash can make all the difference in your case. Clients often entrust their future to us when we handle their case. That’s a responsibility we take to heart, because we know how much is at stake. Here’s why we think we are the right choice for truck accident victims in Tampa:
Board-certified trial skills, respected across Florida
Attorney Mark Roman is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer—a distinction earned by fewer than 2% of Florida attorneys. This means your case is handled by someone with courtroom experience and peer-validated skills to take on complex litigation if needed.
We’ve seen what these crashes do to people
After decades of helping truck accident victims, we’ve seen more than just injury reports. We’ve seen the ripple effects—families upended, careers derailed, long recoveries filled with pain and uncertainty. That kind of experience changes you. When we take your case, we treat you the way we’d want someone to treat our own family.
Deep roots in the Tampa community
We live and work in the communities we serve. Our team knows Tampa’s roads, traffic patterns, and the insurance tactics used by local carriers. From navigating cases involving Hillsborough Avenue collisions to I-4 rollovers, we bring geographic insight that matters.
Small caseloads. Big results.
Our attorneys intentionally limit the number of cases we handle so we can focus on yours. We’ll take the time to get to know you, understand your goals, and build the strongest possible case. You’ll never be left wondering where things stand. We stay in close contact, always.
Proven track record of results
Since 1996, Roman Austin has recovered more than $200 million for injury victims across Tampa and the surrounding areas. That includes multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for clients seriously injured in truck accidents, brain injuries, and catastrophic crashes.
No fees unless we win
You won’t pay anything upfront to hire us. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. It’s simple: if we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Collisions involving commercial trucks often cause far more damage than crashes between smaller vehicles. The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers, semis, and other large trucks put other drivers at a severe disadvantage.
A typical fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while most passenger vehicles weigh around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. That disparity leads to devastating consequences in a crash.
Truck accidents also differ in how they happen. Many involve unique scenarios that require thorough investigation. Common types of truck accidents include:
- Jackknife crashes, where the trailer swings out and forms a sharp angle with the cab
- Underride accidents, when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer
- Override crashes, where a truck runs over a smaller vehicle from behind
- Rollover accidents, often caused by high speed, cargo shifts, or tight turns
- Blind spot collisions, also known as “no-zone” crashes
- Rear-end and head-on collisions, particularly dangerous at high speeds.
Tampa’s congested roadways and heavy freight traffic make these types of accidents more likely. Hotspots like the I-4/I-275 interchange, the Port Tampa Bay freight corridors, and stretches of U.S. 92 see frequent commercial truck activity and, unfortunately, more crashes.
Truck Accidents in Tampa
Commercial truck accidents occur with alarming frequency in the Tampa area, and the consequences are often tragic. In one recent year alone, Hillsborough County reported 3,132 crashes involving large trucks.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), these incidents caused 984 injuries and 28 fatalities. While not every truck accident results in a catastrophic outcome, many do.
Tampa’s role as a major logistics hub—home to distribution centers, ports, and major interstates—puts it at greater risk for truck traffic hazards. With I-275, I-75, and State Road 60 crisscrossing the region, thousands of commercial trucks pass through daily, increasing the chance of serious accidents.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Tampa?
Most truck accidents are preventable. They happen when someone cuts corners, skips safety protocols, or drives recklessly. While every crash has unique facts, some common causes include:
- Driver fatigue due to long hours behind the wheel
- Distracted driving, including texting or using navigation devices
- Speeding, especially on highways and congested routes
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Improper maintenance of brakes, tires, and lights
- Poorly loaded or unsecured cargo
- Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers
- Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or abrupt lane changes.
Even when truck drivers follow the rules, the companies they work for might not. Trucking companies sometimes push drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, skip maintenance, or cut costs in dangerous ways.
How Do I Know if I Have a Viable Truck Accident Claim?
If someone’s careless or reckless actions caused your injuries, you may have a valid personal injury claim. In legal terms, this is known as negligence. Most truck accident claims are based on proving that:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty through their actions or inaction
- That breach caused the truck accident
- You suffered damages—physical, emotional, or financial—as a result.
You don’t need to prove these elements yourself. That’s our job. Our legal team will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and work with experts to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Don’t Fight with the Insurance Companies
Unfortunately, many people trust insurance companies to do the right thing after a serious truck accident and pay them fairly for their damages and losses. But that is seldom, if ever, the case. Trucking companies and their insurers begin working immediately after a crash to limit their liability, even if that involves minimizing or denying your claim.
Insurance companies usually try to settle your claim before you consult a lawyer and understand the full extent of your injuries, losses, and recovery needs. They know that once you accept a check, you can’t go back and ask for more, even if your condition worsens or new complications arise.
Let us handle those conversations for you. Our Tampa truck accident attorneys deal directly with insurance companies, so you don’t have to. We push back on lowball offers, uncover the full value of your case, and protect you from tactics that can harm your claim. We fight for what’s fair, not what’s fast.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Tampa Truck Accident Case?
Truck accident cases often involve more than just the truck driver. In fact, multiple parties may be legally responsible for what happened. Identifying all liable parties is key to securing the maximum compensation available under Florida law.
Depending on the facts of your case, liability may rest with:
- The truck driver, if they were distracted, impaired, or violated traffic laws
- The trucking company, if it hired unqualified drivers, failed to maintain the vehicle, or encouraged unsafe practices
- A third-party maintenance provider, if poor repairs or inspections contributed to the crash
- The cargo loader, if unsecured or imbalanced cargo played a role in the accident
- The manufacturer of defective truck parts, such as faulty brakes or tires
- Government entities, if dangerous road conditions or poor signage were involved.
We’ll investigate every angle to uncover who should be held accountable and pursue them for the compensation you need to recover and move ahead.
Common Truck Accident Injuries We See in and Around Tampa
Truck accident injuries are often severe and long-lasting. Survivors may face months or even years of treatment, pain, and lifestyle adjustments. At Roman Austin, we’ve seen firsthand the toll these injuries take on victims and their families.
Here are some of the most common injuries we see in Tampa truck accident cases:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even a moderate TBI can impair memory, focus, and daily function
- Spinal cord injuries: These may result in paralysis or long-term nerve damage, often requiring lifelong care
- Multiple fractures: Broken bones are common, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs, and may require surgical repair
- Internal organ damage: Internal bleeding and damage to organs like the liver or lungs can be life-threatening
- Amputations: High-impact crashes sometimes lead to traumatic loss of limbs or surgical amputations
- Burn injuries: Fires, hot surfaces, or chemicals can cause painful and disfiguring burns
- Severe lacerations: Deep cuts may lead to infection, scarring, and emotional trauma
- Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and depression often follow serious accidents and are valid injuries under the law.
Every injury has a ripple effect, not just on your health, but on your daily routine, relationships, and sense of security. These aren’t just medical problems; they’re life problems. That’s why our truck accident lawyers in Tampa take the time to understand the full impact of what you’re going through. When we build your case, we make sure the details reflect the real toll the accident has taken and what it will take to move forward.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Tampa
If you’re already receiving medical treatment, you’ve taken the most important first step. Prompt care not only protects your health, it also creates critical documentation for your injury claim.
Beyond that, here are several steps that can help protect your legal rights:
- Hire a truck accident lawyer. This should be your next move. The sooner we get involved, the better we can preserve evidence and protect your interests.
- Keep all medical appointments. Gaps in treatment can be used to argue that you’re not seriously hurt, even if you are.
- Document your experience. Use a journal or video log to record your pain levels, daily struggles, and emotional stress.
- Save all records. Hold onto medical bills, imaging results, prescription receipts, repair invoices, and any communication with insurance companies.
- Avoid posting about the accident online. Insurance companies monitor social media. Even innocent posts can be used against you.
You don’t need to figure this all out by yourself. Our team can guide you every step of the way.
What Compensation Is Available to Truck Accident Victims?
A serious truck accident can impact nearly every aspect of your life, from your health and career to your relationships and long-term plans. Florida law recognizes this and allows you to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be eligible for:
- Medical expenses: Including emergency care, surgeries, rehab, and long-term care
- Lost wages: Income you missed while recovering
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries limit your ability to work in the future
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional hardship
- Disfigurement or disability: Compensation for permanent impairments
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal items
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries limit your ability to engage in activities you once loved.
If a family member died in the crash, you may also be able to bring a wrongful death claim, which could include funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a deadline for filing a truck accident lawsuit in Tampa?
Yes. Florida’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your timeline.
What if I am partly to blame for the truck accident?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. That means you can still recover compensation if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of the blame is 50% or less. Your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your fault. We work to ensure you aren’t unfairly blamed.
How much does it cost to hire a Tampa truck accident lawyer?
At Roman Austin, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. We also offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in learning about your rights.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring any documents related to your accident and injuries—police reports, medical records, insurance letters, and photos from the scene. If you’re not sure what’s relevant, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through everything.
Can I still sue if the truck driver was arrested?
Yes. A criminal charge for reckless or impaired driving does not affect your right to pursue civil compensation. In fact, it may support your claim. Civil and criminal cases are separate, and we can explain how the two might interact in your case.
How Can a Lawyer Help with My Tampa Truck Accident Case?
You have enough to manage between medical care, time away from work, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. A truck accident lawyer at Roman Austin can take control of the legal side of things and handle everything, including:
- Investigating the crash and gathering critical evidence
- Identifying all liable parties and applicable insurance policies
- Working with medical and financial experts to value your case
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers
- Taking your case to court if necessary.
We treat your case like it’s our own because after decades of helping people through the hardest times, we’ve learned that trust is earned through action.
Contact the Tampa Truck Accident Lawyers at Roman Austin Today
When someone’s negligence leads to a devastating truck accident, the damage goes far beyond the crash site. It reshapes lives, sometimes permanently. You may be recovering from painful injuries, trying to help a loved one heal, or mourning someone you can never replace. These aren’t just legal cases to us. They’re deeply personal.
At Roman Austin, we’ve spent decades standing beside people during the hardest chapters of their lives. We’ve seen what these tragedies take from families, and we know how important it is to have someone in your corner who listens, fights, and follows through.
Call our office at (813) 694-3054 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case. Let us carry the legal work so you can focus on what matters most: healing, rebuilding, and honoring what was lost.