Injured by Loose Objects on Tampa Highways: Can I Sue?

You’re driving down a highway in Tampa when suddenly a loose object flies through your windshield, causing catastrophic injuries to you and your passengers. You have no idea where this object comes from, and no one seems to have any answers. How do you proceed in this type of situation? Is a lawsuit even possible? How can an auto accident lawyer in Tampa help you cover your medical bills?

Loose Objects Often Come From Other Vehicles

If you struck a loose object while driving on a Tampa highway, there is a high chance that it originated from another vehicle. Dump trucks are common culprits, as they may haul open-topped trailers filled with all kinds of junk. This might include trash, scrap metal, and other items that can cause tremendous damage after impacting a vehicle.

The trucking industry in general is often responsible for these issues. A poorly maintained truck might literally fall apart on the road, sending loose car parts flying onto the roadway. These might include pieces of metal, hubcaps, and entire wheels. Many people have been killed by flying wheels on highways, and these wheels often detach from poorly maintained vehicles.

That being said, private vehicles driven by average citizens can also pose similar threats. Someone might use a small trailer to move junk or other objects, perhaps towed by a pickup truck. Other motorists refuse to maintain their vehicles until pieces start falling off on the road. These objects, such as wheels and hubcaps, can cause tremendous harm and damage.

How Do I Figure Out Where the Object Came From?

The first priority is your medical treatment, and you can investigate the circumstances of your crash once your injuries stabilize. Always seek medical attention after a crash, even if you’re not sure how bad your injuries really are. You may have suffered some kind of head injury or spinal injury without even realizing it.

Once your condition stabilizes, you can contact law enforcement and personal injury attorneys to help you investigate the crash. These professionals may review traffic surveillance footage and trucking records to determine where the object might have come from. If you can’t find out where the object came from, you may still have the right to file a no-fault “PIP” claim in Florida. This could be enough to cover medical bills, missed income, and other damages.

Can a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me? 

If you were injured by a loose object while driving on a highway, a Tampa auto accident lawyer at Anderson & Anderson may be able to help. These legal professionals can gather evidence on your behalf, perhaps determining where this object came from. Once you determine the source of the roadside object, it may be easier to take legal action and recover compensation. You can use this compensation to cover your medical bills, missed earnings, and other damages.

Sources: 

tampa.gov/service/objects-streets-roads-alleys-sidewalk-grass-strip-right-way

wfla.com/news/junk-on-roads-a-driving-hazard-in-tampa-bay-area/