Truck Accident Overview

Seeking Justice for Truck Accidents in Bradenton

Commercial trucks play an important role in the U.S. economy, but unfortunately, their presence on the roads in Florida also puts other road users in danger. These commercial trucks are capable of causing catastrophic accidents due to their massive size and weight. In fact, many people who are involved in truck accidents suffer from life-threatening or fatal injuries. Have you been injured in a truck accident in Bradenton? If so, it’s important to take action to seek the compensation you deserve. Don’t do it alone—let a truck accident lawyer in Bradenton at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett stand in your corner and aggressively fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Discuss your legal options with our team now by calling (941) 289-0504 to schedule a free consultation.

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents often occur because of preventable mistakes or unsafe practices within the trucking industry. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a single error can lead to catastrophic injuries and extensive damage. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents can help identify liability and support a strong injury claim.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Driver fatigue caused by hours-of-service violations
  • Distracted driving, including phone use or in-cab technology
  • Speeding or aggressive driving to meet delivery deadlines
  • Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo
  • Inadequate truck maintenance or mechanical failures
  • Unsafe lane changes or failure to yield
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Poor training or negligent hiring by trucking companies

Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the immense size and force of commercial vehicles. Victims may face long recovery periods, permanent disabilities, and significant financial strain. The attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett represent individuals injured in serious truck accidents and understand the medical, legal, and financial challenges these cases involve.

Common injuries resulting from truck accidents include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
  • Spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and herniated discs
  • Broken bones and complex fractures
  • Severe burns and disfigurement
  • Internal organ damage and internal bleeding
  • Crush injuries and amputations
  • Neck, back, and soft-tissue injuries
  • Psychological trauma, including PTSD

Attorneys at Carlson Meissner Law Firm on Personal Injury

Attorney Jennifer A. Burns

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Responsive team and really understanding. They made sure I was aware of every legal option available. Great communication and no surprises.

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Who Can Be Sued After A Truck Accident in Bradenton?

Many different parties can be held liable for a truck accident, including:

  • Truck driver
  • Trucking company
  • Cargo loader/shipper
  • Parts manufacturer

The key to establishing liability is determining how and why the accident occurred. For example, the accident may have occurred because the driver was too tired to pay attention to the road.

In this case, the truck driver may be held liable since the accident occurred as a result of their negligence. The trucking company that employs the driver can also be held liable for the actions of their negligent employee, especially if the driver was drowsy because the company pressured him to meet unrealistic deadlines.

Investigating the accident to identify the cause and liable party is difficult, which is why you should turn to our attorneys for help with your case.

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What Compensation Can I Receive After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries, property damage, and financial losses. Our attorneys work to ensure that injured individuals in Bradenton and throughout the Tampa Bay area receive full and fair compensation for the impacts of a truck accident.

Potential compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity due to injury
  • Property damage, including repair or replacement of vehicles and personal items
  • Pain and suffering, including physical and emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium or companionship for family members in wrongful death cases
  • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless behavior
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How Much Time Will I Have to Take Legal Action After A Trucking Accident?

The statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Florida is four years, so you will need to file a personal injury lawsuit within four years from the date of the accident.

Failing to do so could cost you the right to recover compensation for your injuries. The law may give you four years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but that doesn’t mean you should wait this long to take action.

It’s crucial that you contact one of our truck accident attorneys in Bradenton right away after an accident. If you don’t, it may be difficult for us to obtain certain pieces of evidence that are vital to your case. The longer you wait to seek legal representation, the harder it could be to prove liability and secure compensation for your injuries.

How Much Will It Cost to Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer in Bradenton?

You won’t have to worry about whether or not you can afford to hire an attorney to recover the compensation you deserve after a truck accident. This is because our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t need to pay upfront for our legal services. Instead, our attorneys will take a percentage of the compensation you are awarded for your injuries. If we are unable to secure compensation in your case, you won’t have to pay for our legal services. We don’t get paid unless you win.

Semi-truck on the highway.

What Does A Truck Accident Attorney Do?

A truck accident attorney can play an invaluable role in your case. Some of the many responsibilities that our attorneys will take on include:

  • Conducting a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident
  • Working with expert witnesses to analyze evidence from the accident and evaluate your medical records
  • Building a strong case supported by evidence that clearly proves liability
  • Negotiating with the at-fault parties’ insurance companies to secure a favorable settlement
  • Presenting your case in court if we are unable to reach a settlement with the defendants

Ultimately, our goal is to maximize the compensation you are awarded for your truck accident injuries. We’ve won over $115 million in compensation for the injured. Let us add to this figure by winning compensation for you.

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Why Choose the Bradenton Truck Accident Lawyers at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett?

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and long-term financial strain. Victims in Bradenton need legal representation with the experience and resources to take on trucking companies and their insurers. The truck accident attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett bring more than 125 years of combined legal experience and a proven approach to handling complex commercial truck accident claims throughout Manatee County.

At Carlson Meissner & Hayslett, we provide a personalized, hands-on legal experience grounded in strong ethics and genuine client care. What sets our firm apart includes:

  • Deep roots in the Bradenton and greater Tampa Bay legal communities
  • Extensive familiarity with local courts and the judges who preside over serious injury cases
  • Active leadership within the legal community, including involvement in the nomination of judges our clients rely on during critical proceedings
  • Recognition from respected organizations such as Super Lawyers, Florida Trial Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and local bar associations

If you were injured in a truck accident in Bradenton, let us put our experience, resources, and local insight to work for you. Contact Carlson Meissner & Hayslett today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our truck accident attorneys in Bradenton can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Casey K. Carlson

Truck Accident FAQs

What should I do after a truck accident?

What evidence is needed to prove liability?

Can I still recover compensation if I’m partially at fault?

How long will it take to resolve my case?

Will I have to go to court?

What should I do after a truck accident?

Immediately ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 if necessary. Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Gather evidence at the scene, including photos, witness contact information, and truck details. Notify your insurance company, but avoid giving recorded statements without consulting an attorney. Contact the truck accident attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What evidence is needed to prove liability?

To establish fault in a truck accident, evidence may include:

  • Police reports and citations
  • Photos or videos of the accident scene and vehicles
  • Truck maintenance and inspection records
  • Driver logs and hours-of-service reports
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records documenting injuries

Can I still recover compensation if I’m partially at fault?

Yes. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible. Your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault, but our attorneys can help minimize your liability and maximize your recovery.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the accident, severity of injuries, and insurance negotiations. Some cases settle in a few months, while others—especially those involving serious injuries or multiple parties—may take a year or longer. We will keep you informed and work efficiently to reach a fair resolution.

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Many truck accident cases settle through negotiations with insurance companies. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team will be prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively for your rights.

Check Out This Truck Accident Blog

Who is Liable For Truck Accidents?

Who is Liable For Truck Accidents?

The consequences of a truck accident can be deadly. Semi-trucks weigh thousands of pounds even if they aren’t carrying a full load of cargo.

Read more about Who is Liable For Truck Accidents?

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