[10-27-22] Hazmat Situation in St. Pete After Semi Crashes, Spills Used Oil on Road

TRUCK ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Large truck crashes continue to cause thousands of deaths and serious injuries across the United States. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 5,340 people died in crashes involving large trucks in 2024. Passenger vehicle occupants accounted for 62% of those deaths, while 17% were large truck occupants and 19% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.

Large trucks also spend more time on the road than many passenger vehicles. In 2024, large trucks represented about 5% of registered vehicles but accounted for approximately 10% of vehicle miles traveled nationwide.

Florida also sees thousands of crashes involving commercial vehicles each year. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 46,651 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Florida in 2024. Those crashes were associated with 315 fatalities.

Truck crashes can be especially serious because of the size and weight differences between large commercial vehicles and passenger cars. Occupants of smaller vehicles are particularly vulnerable when a collision involves a tractor-trailer or other large truck.

For drivers in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County, truck traffic on major roads and highways creates an ongoing risk of serious collisions. A crash involving a commercial vehicle can also involve more complicated insurance, ownership, maintenance, and employment issues than a typical passenger vehicle accident.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, a St. Petersburg truck accident attorney can investigate the crash and help determine which parties may be responsible.

ST. PETERSBURG TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS FOR VICTIMS OF MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS

Our St. Petersburg truck accident lawyers represent people injured in collisions involving commercial trucks and other large vehicles. Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and, in some cases, the loss of a loved one.

When a fatal truck accident occurs, eligible family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be available for losses such as medical expenses, lost income, funeral expenses, and other damages allowed under Florida law.

Truck accident cases can involve several potentially responsible parties, including the driver, trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance provider, or another business connected to the shipment. Our attorneys can investigate the circumstances of the crash, preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies, and determine what sources of compensation may be available.

Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is one of Florida’s oldest and most established law firms, with a long history of recognition for client advocacy across multiple legal fields. Sean McQuaid has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers every year from 2016 through 2026. In 2026, six Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid attorneys were recognized by Florida Super Lawyers or Rising Stars. The firm was also recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.”

Call Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas at (727) 381-2300 or schedule a free consultation to speak with a St. Petersburg truck accident attorney about your case.