Truck Accident Attorney in St. Petersburg

Serious Help After A Crash With A Truck, Big Rig, Or 18 Wheeler

A collision with a commercial truck can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you are driving through an intersection or along the highway, and the next you are dealing with severe injuries, a damaged vehicle, and calls from insurance adjusters. If you were hurt in a crash with a tractor-trailer, big rig, semi-truck, or 18 wheeler in St. Petersburg, I am here to talk with you about your options as your truck accident attorney in St. Petersburg.

My name is Joseph Montrone. At Joseph Montrone, Jr., I have spent more than 29 years in courtrooms across this region handling high stakes cases. That experience in both civil and criminal trials helps me guide people through complex situations and protect their rights when a serious truck crash turns their life upside down.

If you were injured in a crash with a truck, tractor trailer, big rig, semi-truck, or 18 wheeler, I encourage you to reach out online or call us at (727) 617-6095 to get support from our truck accident attorneys in St. Petersburg. 

Why My Experience Matters In Serious Truck Accident Cases

Truck and commercial vehicle claims are not simple fender benders. These cases often involve severe injuries, multiple insurance policies, and companies that move quickly to protect themselves. Having a truck accident attorney in St. Petersburg who is comfortable in the courtroom and familiar with serious litigation can make a real difference in how your case is prepared.

I have practiced law for more than 29 years and tried cases in both civil and criminal courts in and around St. Petersburg. That background has taught me how evidence is challenged, how judges view disputes, and how juries react to different arguments. When I evaluate a truck crash case, I draw on that experience to anticipate the other side’s moves and build a clear story about what really happened.

Before I focused my practice on defending the rights of individuals, I worked as a prosecutor. That perspective helps me understand how the other side approaches a file, which facts they look for, and how they may try to shift blame. In a serious truck case, the trucking company and its insurer may try to push responsibility toward the injured person. My prosecution experience allows me to spot those tactics early and prepare responses that protect your interests.

I also understand that no two truck cases are the same. Your injuries, your job, your family responsibilities, and your medical needs are all unique. When I take on a case, I work to shape a plan that fits those specific facts instead of forcing your situation into a standard formula.

What To Do After A Truck Or 18 Wheeler Crash

In the hours and days after a serious truck crash, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. You may be in the hospital, missing work, and worried about your vehicle and medical bills. Knowing a few practical steps can help protect your health and your rights.

Prioritize Safety & Medical Care

First, focus on safety and medical care. Call 911 if you can and follow the instructions of first responders. Even if you think your injuries are moderate, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some serious conditions, such as head or internal injuries, may not appear immediately but can worsen if they are not diagnosed and treated.

Gather Information & Evidence

If you are able, or if someone you trust is with you, try to gather basic information at the scene. This can include the truck driver’s name, the trucking company, license plate numbers, and contact information for any witnesses. Photos of the vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and your visible injuries can also be useful later.

Be Careful With Insurance Contacts

You will likely hear from insurance adjusters soon, sometimes within a day or two. They may ask you for a recorded statement or encourage you to sign forms quickly. It is usually better to speak with a truck accident lawyer in St. Petersburg so you understand what you are being asked to agree to and how your words could be used later. As a 18 wheeler accident attorney in St. Petersburg, I can review these requests with you and help you decide how to respond.

Reach Out For Legal Guidance

Finally, consider reaching out to my office to discuss what happened. In a consultation, I can talk with you about the police report, your medical treatment, and the contact you have already had with insurance companies. From there, I can explain the next steps that may make sense for you.

How I Approach Truck, Tractor Trailer, & Semi-Truck Claims

Claims involving tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles require a careful, methodical approach. These cases often involve company policies, driver log books, electronic data from the truck, and federal safety rules in addition to the usual police reports and witness statements.

Listening To Your Story & Reviewing Initial Records

When someone contacts me after a crash, I start by listening. I want to understand how the collision happened from your point of view, what injuries you have, and how your daily life and work have been affected. I then review available documents, such as the crash report prepared by the St. Petersburg Police Department or the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and your initial medical records.

Looking Beyond The Surface Facts

As a truck accident attorney in St. Petersburg, I look beyond the surface facts. I consider whether there may be issues with driver fatigue, rushed delivery schedules, maintenance problems, or loading practices that contributed to the wreck. My prior work as a prosecutor helps me evaluate evidence with a critical eye and anticipate how the other side will try to use it.

Evaluating Losses & Planning The Case

From there, I work to identify the insurance coverage that may be available and to understand the full scope of your losses. That can include current medical bills, expected future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the ways your injuries affect your quality of life. I then discuss options with you, such as negotiating with the insurance company or preparing for litigation if a fair resolution is not possible.

Throughout this process, I aim to keep you informed, so you always know where your case stands. A truck accident attorney in St. Petersburg should not leave you guessing about what is happening or what comes next. I work to explain your choices and the potential consequences in clear language so you can make informed decisions.

Who May Be Responsible After A Big Rig or Tractor Trailer Accident

One of the most important questions after any commercial truck crash is who may be held responsible. Big rig and tractor trailer collisions can involve more than one at-fault party, which means there may be several sources of compensation to investigate.

Truck Drivers

The truck driver is often the first person people think about. Driver-related issues can include distraction, speeding, following too closely, driving while fatigued, or operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When I review a case, I look for signs that any of these factors may have contributed to the crash.

Trucking Companies

The trucking company may also play a major role. Companies sometimes set aggressive schedules that encourage drivers to push beyond safe limits or fail to enforce proper maintenance and inspection routines. In some cases, a big rig accident attorney in St. Petersburg needs to examine hiring records, training materials, and repair logs to determine whether the company’s choices created unnecessary risks.

Other Potentially Liable Parties

Other parties may share responsibility. These can include businesses that loaded the truck if the cargo shifted, maintenance contractors if repairs were performed poorly, or other drivers whose unsafe actions helped trigger the chain of events. As I investigate a case, I work to identify each party who may have had a role in causing the collision so that your claim is not limited to only one source.

Sorting through these issues can be complex, especially when multiple insurance companies are involved. My years in court and my background evaluating evidence from many angles help me approach this process in a thorough and organized way.

Learning About Common Injuries & Losses In Commercial Truck Crashes With Our Truck Accident Attorneys in St. Petersburg

Commercial trucks are much heavier than passenger cars, which means the people in smaller vehicles often suffer serious harm when a collision occurs. If you are reading this, you may already be dealing with significant pain, surgeries, or a long rehabilitation plan.

Injuries Often Seen After Truck Crashes

Common injuries in these crashes include fractures, neck and back injuries, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage. Some clients also experience burns or severe cuts if their vehicle catches fire or if glass and metal cause deep wounds. These injuries can require extended hospital stays, physical therapy, and follow-up care that continues for months or years.

Financial & Daily Life Impacts

Beyond the physical harm, a crash with a semi-truck can have major financial and emotional effects. Time away from work can lead to lost wages, and some people are no longer able to return to the same job or work the same number of hours. Daily activities that once felt simple, such as driving, playing with children, or handling household tasks, may now be difficult or impossible.

Types Of Losses That May Be Considered

In a claim, the law allows you to seek compensation for several types of losses. These can include medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. As a truck accident attorney in St. Petersburg, I focus on understanding the full picture of how this crash has affected you so that any demand reflects more than just the first few medical bills.

Truck Accident Laws & Local Considerations

Truck accident cases sit at the intersection of several sets of rules. Commercial truck drivers and the companies they work for must follow federal safety regulations, which address things like hours of service, maintenance, and driver qualifications. At the same time, every crash on our roads must be evaluated under Florida traffic laws and rules of the road.

Investigations By Local Agencies

Crashes in and around St. Petersburg are typically investigated by local agencies, such as the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, or, in some cases, the Florida Highway Patrol. Their reports, diagrams, and photographs often become central pieces of evidence in a claim. I regularly review these materials to understand how they support or conflict with what my client remembers.

Local Courts & Procedures

Many civil cases arising from these collisions are filed in Pinellas County courts. Having appeared in these courts for many years, I am familiar with the procedures, scheduling patterns, and general expectations that can affect the timing and course of a case. While every situation is different, local familiarity can help set realistic expectations and guide strategy.

As a truck accident attorney in St. Petersburg, part of my job is to navigate these rules so you do not have to. During our work together, I explain which laws and regulations matter for your specific case, such as how Florida’s comparative fault rules might apply or how federal safety violations may support your claim.

To schedule a consultation, call (727) 617-6095.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Really Need A Lawyer After A Truck Accident If Insurance Contacted Me?

You are not required to hire a lawyer just because an insurance company called, but it is often wise to speak with one before you make important decisions. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company or another driver, and their goal is to resolve claims in a way that protects their own side. They may ask you questions in a way that limits their responsibility or offer a settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

With nearly three decades of practice and a background as a former prosecutor, I am familiar with how statements and documents are later used in court. When you talk with me before agreeing to a recorded interview or signing forms, I can help you understand what is being requested and what rights you may be giving up. That conversation can help you decide whether handling the claim on your own is realistic or whether it makes more sense to have a truck accident lawyer St. Petersburg guide you through the process.

How Soon Should I Call You After A Semi-Truck Crash?

It is usually best to contact an attorney as soon as you are able after a serious crash. Important evidence, such as vehicle data, skid marks, and surveillance footage, can be lost or harder to obtain as time passes. Early legal guidance can also help you avoid missteps in conversations with insurers or investigators.

When you reach out to my office soon after a collision, I can start by reviewing the basic facts and any documents you already have, such as the exchange of information form or a preliminary crash report. From there, I can explain what additional information may be helpful and how the timeline for your particular matter might look. Even if you are still in the hospital or focusing on medical appointments, a short conversation can give you a clearer sense of the road ahead.

What Will Our First Meeting About My Truck Accident Involve?

During our first meeting, my goal is to listen and to understand your situation. I usually begin by asking you to describe the crash in your own words, including where you were driving, what you remember seeing, and what happened afterward. We then talk about your injuries, your medical treatment so far, and how your daily life and work have been affected.

If you have documents, such as the crash report, photographs, medical records, or letters from insurance companies, I will review those with you. I explain how claims involving big rigs, tractor trailers, and semi-trucks typically move forward and what steps may be needed to protect your rights. By the end of the meeting, my aim is for you to have a clearer understanding of whether pursuing a claim makes sense and how my office would approach your case if you decide to move ahead with a tractor trailer accident attorney.

How Long Does A Truck Accident Claim Usually Take?

The length of a truck accident claim can vary widely. Some cases resolve through negotiations within several months, while others that require extensive discovery or a trial can take significantly longer. Factors that influence timing include the seriousness of your injuries, how long it takes your doctors to understand your prognosis, the number of parties involved, and how willing the insurance companies are to discuss settlement.

In our conversations, I explain how these factors might apply to your situation and give you a general sense of what to expect at each stage. My 29 years in practice allow me to draw on many prior cases to outline typical patterns, while also acknowledging that every case is different. Throughout the claim, I keep you updated so you are not left wondering what is happening or why there might be delays.

What If I Was Partly At Fault For The Truck Accident?

Even if you believe you were partly at fault, you may still have the right to pursue compensation. Florida uses a form of comparative fault, which generally means that a court or insurance company can look at the actions of everyone involved and assign percentages of responsibility. Your potential recovery can then be adjusted based on that share of fault.

Before you assume you do not have a claim, it is usually helpful to have a truck accident attorney in St. Petersburg review the facts. People often blame themselves for events that had many contributing causes, such as a speeding truck, poor maintenance, or an unsafe lane change by another driver. As I evaluate your matter, I consider all of these factors rather than accepting an insurance company’s quick assessment. That review can give you a more accurate picture of your rights.

How Will You Keep Me Updated About My Tractor Trailer Accident Case?

Clear communication is important in any legal matter, especially when you are recovering from serious injuries. When I handle a case, I work to keep clients informed about key developments, such as receipt of important records, settlement offers, or court dates. We can communicate by phone, mail, or electronic means, depending on what works best for you.

During our initial conversations, I explain how often you can expect to hear from my office and encourage you to contact me when you have questions. As a tractor trailer accident lawyer, I know that medical appointments, therapy, and work obligations can make your schedule challenging, so I strive to coordinate communication in a way that respects your time. The goal is for you to feel informed and supported rather than left in the dark.

When you contact my office, my goal is to listen to what happened, answer your questions in plain language, and help you understand how a truck accident lawyer St. Petersburg can help you move forward. You do not need to figure this out alone while you are in pain or trying to get back to work.