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  • Wrongful Death

    Losing a loved one is always traumatic. When their death was preventable, however, the situation is even more difficult. People often feel a sense of injustice and anger. If you feel this way, please know that you are not alone.

    At Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC in Lutz, we understand that you and your family are going through a very distressing time. We will talk with you, be honest about your claim and advise you on next steps. We will not push you into a plan that makes you uncomfortable. Our job is to fight to make sure your rights are protected at every step and that your family has the financial compensation necessary to cover your economic losses from the incident. Please speak with us to learn how that may apply in your case. We offer free consultations.

    There Are Many Types Of Wrongful Death Compensation

    Depending on the case, you may be able to recover compensation for losses such as:

    • The deceased’s future lost income and benefits
    • The loss of support and services they provided to the family, including as a parent
    • The loss of their companionship and protection
    • Medical bills related to the accident
    • Emotional pain and suffering for parents who lost a child
    • Funeral costs

    In Florida, some damages are paid to the estate of the deceased and some are paid to the surviving family members. This can be confusing, so it is best to work with an attorney to ensure that you receive all the damages to which you are entitled. Your family’s future well-being may depend on the compensation you receive.

    How Did The Accident Happen?

    Accidents involving motor vehicles, including boats and planes, and those involving a fall are two of the most common causes of accidental deaths. In addition, incidences of medical malpractice can lead to wrongful death. We also represent people fatally injured in cases of work accidents/occupational hazards and criminal actions such as an assault, shooting or stabbing.

    We Are Here To Seek Justice And Compensation For Your Family

    While we cannot bring your loved one back, we can work hard to secure compensation that will allow you to cover your expenses from the accident and pay future expenses. Filing a wrongful death suit also allows you to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions. To learn how we can help, please call 844-313-0444 or send us an email. We answer our phones 24/7, every day of the week. You will find that we are good listeners and communicators who will stay in touch with you.

  • Catastrophic Injury

    Severe injuries such as head and spinal injuries can be life-altering, often requiring long-term medical care and personal adaptations. At Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, we are well aware of the impact that such injuries have on individuals and their families. Our dedicated attorneys, Axel J. Dumas and Jonathan Sanclemente, bring comprehensive legal knowledge and a compassionate approach to every case.

    Catastrophic injuries can result from a variety of accidents, but they are frequently seen in motor vehicle crashes. These injuries are not only physically devastating but also bring significant emotional and financial burdens to both the injured and their families.

    Types Of Catastrophic Injuries

    We often encounter the following types of catastrophic injuries in our personal injury practice in the Greater Tampa Bay area:

    • Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, permanently affecting mobility and sensation.
    • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially causing significant cognitive and physical impairments.
    • Burn injuries: Severe burns can result in extensive scarring and disfigurement. They may require multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.
    • Amputations: The loss of a limb or extremity can necessitate prosthetics and adaptions in daily life.

    Each type of injury carries its own challenges and may require narrowly focused medical attention and ongoing care.

    The Costs Of Catastrophic Injuries

    Catastrophic injuries come with extensive costs that go beyond the immediate medical bills. They can include:

    • Emotional toll: Dealing with the psychological impact of a life-changing injury.
    • Practical adjustments: Modifying homes and vehicles, and meeting the need for accommodations such as modified transportation and durable medical devices and equipment.
    • Financial strain: Addressing income loss ongoing medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.

    We at Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, understand these challenges. We are here to lead the way in seeking compensation for you to cover the full extent of your losses.

    Skilled Attorneys Offering Effective Legal Advocacy With Compassion

    Our attorneys are committed to providing skillful advocacy combined with genuine compassion. We will take the time to learn about your accident, your injuries, and how these losses are projected to affect your life and future.

    Understanding your losses will enable us to make compelling arguments on your behalf, whether we’re facing insurance claims adjusters, legal opponents in settlement conferences, or judges and juries in court in pursuit of the compensation that you deserve.

    Your Right To Compensation

    In a catastrophic injury claim or lawsuit, you may be entitled to ask for compensation for damages such as:

    • Medical and rehabilitation expenses
    • Loss of income and earning capacity
    • Pain and suffering
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • Punitive damages, in cases of egregious negligence

    We strive to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they need to support their recovery and regain their quality of life.

    Let Us Advocate for You

    Attorneys Dumas and Sanclemente, both fluent in French, Spanish, and English, have built a reputation for attentive and detail-driven representation. Since forming Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, in 2017, they have dedicated themselves to achieving results for clients, upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.

    If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, allow us to lend our legal support. We invite you to send us an email inquiry or call us at 844-313-0444 to discuss your situation. At Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, our commitment to you equals the pursuit of justice on your behalf.

  • Negligent Security

    We expect that certain places will be safe for us. Common examples include in hotels and motels, where we may rest in between long drives, on business trips, or as tourists in the Sunshine State. We also expect our apartment complex or a friend, family member, or coworker’s complex to be safe when we are going home or visiting. This is also true at work, where employers are deputized to protect us from foreseeable harm. And it is even more true at retail stores, particularly big box stores with plenty of revenue to keep us safe. Although many of these places do a great job at keeping us safe, some do not. In fact, some are negligent in keeping us safe and can cause us preventable personal injuries in an accident. If you or a loved one were seriously injured due to negligent security in Tampa Bay, call our experienced negligent security lawyers in Tampa Bay for help.

    Here at Dumas & Sanclemente, our team of personal injury lawyers, paralegals, and secretaries can help you and your family recover compensation for personal injuries, lost wages, and medical bills caused by a reckless, careless, or negligent business or entity that does not protect customers or guests. These are very complicated types of personal injury cases because most defendants will blame a third-party’s criminal actions, meaning that you will have to establish extra elements to recover compensation.

    Due to the complexity of these cases, we offer to go over what happened to you, what your injuries are, and what legal rights you may have under Florida law. To learn more, please call us to schedule a today.

    What is Negligent Security in Florida?

    Negligent security is a tricky type of cause of action (or claim). It essentially claims that a defendant was negligent in protecting you from harm caused by a third-party. Thus, it holds a defendant liable for a third-party’s actions – something not common in law. In fact, it even sounds like this is unfair. And defendant lawyers and adjusters will do everything in their power to push this theory on the jury and the judge in order to minimize your damages and their liability.

    But that is not the entire truth to a negligent security claim.

    A negligent security case is about protecting a person from a known risk of injury. It holds a defendant liable for not recognizing a risk and addressing it before someone is injured. After all, the places where negligent security claims apply are all places that invite members of the public in to make money or transact business. This is true even of your own apartment complex, which you pay to live there.

    Although this concept may sound rare, confusing, or even still unfair, examples of negligent security really can help demonstrate when you should call an experienced negligent security lawyer in Tampa Bay for help.

    Examples of Negligent Security Claims in Florida

    There are many different examples of when a defendant may be liable for a negligent security accident in Florida. All of these examples are just a small sample of possible claims. Some of the most common examples of negligent security include the following:

    • Broken locks on doors or windows – a hotel, motel, apartment complex, or another facility which offers a room or area that has broken locks on windows or doors could be negligent for not fixing them. All patrons, residents, and guests have a reasonable expectation that locks will work. If a criminal breaks into a location due to a broken or non-functioning lock, a victim may be entitled to recover compensation against the defendant who owns or manages the facility.
    • Inadequate lighting – not only is inadequate lighting dangerous for slip and fall or trip and fall reasons, but it is also dangerous because of criminal activity. Victims hurt in a parking lot due to inadequate lighting may be entitled to recover compensation for their damages. This includes damages caused by criminals who are waiting for a victim and commit an assault, battery, sex offense, or any other type of crime.
    • Failure to remove dangerous patrons – facilities such as bars, restaurants, sporting venues, music halls or concert halls, doctor offices, and other locations must guard customers from rowdy or dangerous individuals. This means removing aggressive or intoxicated people who may pose a risk of harm to others. It also means taking special steps to stop criminals from taking advantage of a large crowd to hide and cause repeated offenses. Defendants who fail to eject dangerous individuals may be liable for a victim’s injuries in Florida.
    • Delays in calling the police – where third-party individuals are committing criminal activity in a business, government entity, or other location, owners and managers have a responsibility to call the police to protect others. When they allow a dangerous group of individuals to remain at large and pose a risk of harm to innocent people, they could be liable for not calling the police or taking actions to remedy the situation.

    Common Injuries Due to Negligent Security in Tampa Bay

    There are many possible types of common injuries that could be caused due to negligent security in Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, many of these are avoidable injuries but for the negligence of a defendant. Some of the most common injuries include the following:

    • Brain injuries like concussions, brain bleeds, and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
    • Paralyzing injuries like paraplegia or quadriplegia, and other types of spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
    • Broken bones and fractured bones, including orbital blowout fractures
    • Jaw injuries and pain due to TMJ
    • Nerve injuries
    • Knife wounds
    • Gunshot wounds
    • Emotional harm and physical harm in sexual attacks
    • Organ injuries
    • Blindness
    • Neck and back injuries
    • Wrongful death, and
    • Many other common types of personal injuries in Tampa Bay.

    Were You Injured Due to Negligent Security in Tampa Bay? Call Us Now

    Negligent security cases are very difficult to prove. That is why victims and their families need to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer like one of ours at Dumas & Sanclemente. We offer our personal injury clients a personalized and dedicated experience, ensuring that their rights to compensation are protected under Florida law. If you believe that negligent security in Tampa Bay caused your personal injuries, call to schedule a to learn more about your rights by dialing  866-832-1569 or use our convenient “Contact Us” box available here to send us a message.

  • Premises Liability

    Slip, trip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. They can occur on another person’s residential property, a business, sidewalk, government agency, parking lot, open field, or another type of property.

    While Florida requires property owners to maintain their properties to keep their properties in a safe condition to minimize the risk of falls, many people fail to properly maintain their properties, leading to serious or fatal injuries. When this happens, victims may be entitled to recover compensation in a premises liability action.

    If you have been injured in any type of trip, slip, and fall accident in Florida, our compassionate and dedicated team of lawyers is ready to help you recover the compensation that you are entitled to and will stop at nothing to get you the compensation you deserve.

    Call Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you and your family today.

    The Seriousness Of Your Losses

    Here at Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, our dedicated bodily injury team of slip-and-fall lawyers understand how catastrophic falls can be for a victim and his or her entire family.

    Many times the effect of a fall is much more than just physical pain and emotional harm, but also financial distress for a victim and the victim’s family. This is particularly true of permanent and disabling fall injuries which result in catastrophic harm keeping a person out of work for a prolonged period of time.

    Common Scenarios Of Fall Accidents In Florida

    Although there are many common causes of falls that apply to nearly every state, there are certain examples that may occur more commonly in Florida. Some of the most common scenes or causes of slip-and-fall accidents in Florida include the following:

    • Pool decks
    • Falls on painted wood stairs without friction stripes near water or pools
    • Leaky AC units
    • Tracked in rainwater without carpets
    • Excessive use of water, wax, or cleaning agents on a floor that becomes slippery
    • Spilled products on a floor
    • Leaky refrigeration units
    • Broken curbs
    • Uneven flooring
    • Missing handrails on ramps or stairs
    • Improperly built stairs
    • Other serious floor defects

    People often dismiss falls as being an inconvenience or an embarrassment. Which they can be, but that is often not the full story. Falls can lead to permanent or fatal injuries. Examples of injuries due to slip-and-fall accidents include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding or internal organ injuries, back, shoulder or knee injuries and many other serious injuries.

    The Legal Concept Of Premises Liability

    Premises liability refers to the assigning of liability when another individual is injured on someone else’s property. As mentioned above, landowners have an obligation to maintain their property and keep it safe from any potential hazards. Liability depends on the type of property and the reasonable expectations of the property owner and the person who was on the property.

    If a land owner or land occupier fails to properly maintain their property, the owner or land occupier may be liable to pay for damages to the injured person. This means that a property owner can be just as liable as a tenant, maintenance company, or another type of individual or entity who has a responsibility to maintain the premises in a safe condition.

    Statistics And Trends

    Slip-and-fall accidents are quite common and often lead to serious personal injuries. According to statistics, there are over 1 million hospital emergency room visits each year in the United States due to slip-and-fall accidents.

    Although many falls may result in a mere bump or bruise, unfortunately some falls may result in serious or catastrophic personal injuries – including traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI), which falls are the most common cause of a TBI and the second most common cause of a SCI.

    Additionally, some falls are fatal, with some statistics reporting estimates of seven (7) fall deaths an hour by the year 2030 based on current trends. If you suffer injuries or if you lose a loved one in a fatal fall accident, please call our slip-and-fall lawyers in Tampa Bay, Florida, who can help you.

    Common Injuries Occurring Because Of Slip-And-Fall Accidents

    Slip-and-fall accidents often result in serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries seen as a result of slip-and-fall accidents include the following:

    • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and other brain injuries – TBIs are particularly common as a result of slip-and-fall accidents. Traumatic brain injuries occur when a person hits their head, resulting in a brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries are often serious and can be permanent or fatal. TBIs and other brain injuries do not always cause immediate symptoms after an accident and may take hours or days to show signs of the injury that has occurred.
    • Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries can occur due to a slip and fall accident. This type of injury can cause alteration in mobility or permanent paralysis. This is one of the most life-altering types of injuries resulting from a slip-and-fall accident.
    • Broken bones or fractures – Broken bones or fractures are commonly caused by slip-and-fall accidents. Victims who fall due to a slip-and-fall accident commonly break their hip, wrist, arm, leg, or other bones due to the fall.
    • Soft tissue injury – A fall due to a slip-and-fall accident can result in permanent or serious injury to soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Some of these injuries may heal but may cause permanent injury.
    • Nerve damage – Nerve damage is another example of an injury caused by slip and fall accidents. Nerve damage may lead to an alteration in sensation and chronic pain for individuals who suffer nerve damage as a result of a slip-and-fall accident. The most common type of nerve injury after a fall is a brachial plexus injury, which occurs when a person’s outstretched arm lands with a heavy and significant impact.
    • Back and neck injuries – Herniated discs, slipped discs, and other types of serious back injuries and neck injuries are very common in fall cases. Although some may recover, unfortunately too many will require a spinal fusion surgery to repair the damage done.

    Based on the statistics that we cited above, falls are some of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death in the United States. This is a shocking statistic as falls are actually ahead of car accidents in two out of three of those categories.

    After A Fall Accident, Call Our Slip-And-Fall Lawyers In The Tampa Bay Area

    If you or your loved one was injured or killed in a slip-and-fall accident, you should call our lawyers at Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, to learn how we can help you by protecting your rights and recovering you the compensation you truly deserve.

    We offer free case evaluations and can help you understand what your legal rights to compensation may be under Florida law. To learn more, please call 844-313-0444 or use our convenient inquiry form to send us a message.

  • Slip and Fall

    Property owners are supposed to protect people entering their property from unsafe conditions. They need to take the steps in order to properly maintain the safety of their premises. There are many types of premises liability accidents that cause serious injuries to visitors.

    The lawyers at Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC in Lutz have experience with numerous types of Florida premises liability cases, including those involving slip-and-fall accidents. We understand how challenging these cases can be, and we know how to craft a strong argument for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Please speak with us today to learn more. Your free consultation is free.

    Falls Can Result In Severe Injuries

    Slip-and-fall accidents are very common, and some of the most frequent reasons they happen are wet or slick surfaces, uneven surfaces, poor conditions on stairways, objects on the ground and hazards such as potholes.

    A slip-and-fall accident can be more dangerous than it sounds. If you slip or trip and fall, you may suffer injuries such as broken bones, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), or a back or spinal cord injury. While some people only suffer clean breaks or mild concussions, others find themselves severely or permanently injured. The most serious cases may result in wrongful death from a spinal cord injury or TBI. In both situations, you will want a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney on your side.

    There Are Many Ways A Visitor Can Be Injured On Another Person’s Property

    In addition to falls, there are numerous other potential dangers on a property, including:

    • Building defects
    • Lack of maintenance
    • Inadequate security
    • Amusement park attractions
    • Swimming pools and open hazards
    • Dangerous dogs and other animals
    • Fires and electrical accidents
    • Elevator and escalator accidents

    Any of these accidents can cause serious, catastrophic or fatal injuries. You and your family will need a lawyer who has a thorough understanding of premises liability cases in Florida. You can rely on us to aggressively pursue compensation for you.

    Don’t Let The Insurance Company Deny Your Right To Compensation

    Insurance companies often scrutinize a homeowner’s insurance policy to find loopholes that will minimize the compensation that a plaintiff may receive. They might even deny a claim in bad faith in the hopes that the injury victim will give up on the case.

    You don’t have to let this happen to you. We know how insurance companies operate and will not back down in the face of their tactics. Count on us to fight them from start to finish and keep you updated at every step. For a free consultation, call us at 844-313-0444 or complete a short intake form online.

  • Personal Injury

    At Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, we know that a personal injury can change your life in an instant and leave you with serious or permanent injuries. In the worst cases, a family loses a loved one in a wrongful death accident. During this difficult time, you need the counsel of a compassionate lawyer.

    Many people in the Greater Tampa Bay area turn to our firm when an injury or death occurs. We are known for our caring approach to personal injury law as well as our experience on the defendant and plaintiff sides of cases. Today, we represent only plaintiffs, vigorously pursuing the full compensation they need to cover their losses from the accident. Learn how we may be able to help you by speaking with us in a free consultation.

    You Can Trust Us With A Broad Spectrum Of Injury Cases

    With our experience, we can handle many types of personal injury cases, including those that involve:

    • A full range of vehicle accidents: Car and truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle and bicycle accidents, drunk and distracted driving accidents, ride-sharing accidents, boating accidents and aviation accidents
    • Dangerous property accidents: Slip-and-falls and trip-and-falls, negligent security, dog bites, and assault and robbery or mugging
    • Brain injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, coma and vegetative states, and wrongful death
    • The death of a loved one: Wrongful death caused by vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, dangerous property conditions, falls, criminal actions, and driver or pilot negligence

    If you don’t see your case mentioned above, simply call us, and we will tell you if we can help.

    We Will Stay In Touch With You

    At our firm, we believe that client communication is a critical part of any case. You are already worried about your injuries, finances and other losses. You don’t need to worry about the status of your case as well. We will give you our cellphone numbers and answer calls any time of the day or night.

    To get started on your personal injury or wrongful death case, please call us at 844-313-0444 or complete a short intake form. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means that we do not charge anything unless we secure compensation for you.

  • Personal Injury

  • Bicycle Accidents

    Bicycle accidents often cause disabling and long-lasting injuries, some of which are permanent. Unfortunately, our bicycle accident lawyers in Tampa Bay know that bicycle accidents can also cause the wrongful death of a loved one. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year, almost 1,000 cyclists are killed and almost another 55,000 are seriously injured in bicycle accidents in the United States.

    Although the Sunshine State’s warmer weather and near-perfect riding conditions make this a great state to bike in, we are sadly the deadliest state for bicycle accidents. According to statistics from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), bicyclists account for almost 170 fatalities, almost 800 incapacitating injuries and nearly 2,600 other injuries each year. These are shocking statistics, as they lead the country in every category.

    At Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, our personal injury law firm in the Tampa Bay area of Florida is dedicated to helping injured people and their families recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering resulting from any type of injury-causing accident. This includes catastrophic and tragic bicycle accidents in Florida.

    We offer free case evaluations, and we only get paid after you get paid in a settlement, verdict, award or another type of recovery. This means there is no upfront cost or financial risk to begin working with our experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Tampa Bay. To learn more about how we can help you, call our bodily injury law firm today to schedule a Contact.

    Common Injuries Caused By Bicycle Accidents In The Tampa Bay Area

    Given that bicyclists have little protection except a helmet, if a car collides with a cyclist, the chance of injury is great. While some victims of bicycle accidents suffer little harm, not all are as fortunate. As mentioned above, Florida has the highest number of bicycle deaths each year. Some of the most common injuries that are caused by bicycle accidents include the following:

    • Broken bones and fractures
    • Scarring or disfigurement
    • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis (quadriplegia and paraplegia)
    • Internal organ damage
    • Face or eye injuries
    • Dental injuries
    • Lung punctures and other varieties of internal bleeding
    • Amputation or loss of limb
    • Traumatic brain injuries
    • Head trauma
    • Wrongful death
    • Knee, hip and shoulder injuries
    • Neck or back injuries

    We represent Florida residents and visitors, such as tourists, who have suffered the above injuries and other injuries caused by bicycle accidents in the Tampa Bay area. We also bring wrongful death claims for surviving next of kin.

    Liability For Bicycle Accidents In Florida

    While there are certain situations in which bicyclists may be partially or fully to blame for an accident, oftentimes, the driver of the motor vehicle is to blame. That being said, bicycles are considered to be vehicles, and liability typically comes down to who had the right of way at the time. This only applies to certain situations, such as accidents at intersections.

    For accidents involving distracted drivers, drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, reckless driving or opening their door without checking for oncoming cyclists, the driver is often to blame. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Tampa Bay will work to help prove that the other driver was at fault for your injuries and recover the compensation that you deserve.

    Damages For Bicycle Accident Victims In Florida

    People who have been injured in a bicycle accident due to negligence or recklessness and their close family members may be eligible for something called damages. Damages are typically awarded to victims in the form of monetary compensation. Some of the most common damages awarded to bicyclists and their families include the following:

    • Physical pain and suffering (past and future)
    • Loss of consortium: This includes loss of relations with a spouse, loss of society, etc.
    • Emotional pain and suffering (past and future)
    • Medical bills (past and future)
    • Coverage for assistive devices
    • Nursing care
    • Rehabilitation therapy
    • Vehicle or home modifications
    • Funeral and burial expenses
    • Punitive damages
    • Property damage
    • Other damages for victims injured in a bicycle accident in the Tampa Bay Area

    Damages are intended to compensate a victim or their family members for any injuries or financial losses that they sustain as a result of someone else’s negligence – including a person, business or government entity.

    Recover The Compensation For Which You Are Eligible

    Being involved in a bicycle accident can be frightening. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, your focus may just be on your recovery. The unfortunate truth, however, is that victims of bicycle accidents often suffer long term from any injuries sustained. Not only that, victims also often face serious financial losses, especially if their injuries force them to be out of work for a prolonged time or if their injuries force them to leave their previous careers behind.

    If a bicycle accident is catastrophic and fatal, the wrongful death of a loved one due to a bicycle accident is devastating. While the emotional effects of such an event are catastrophic, you are also forced to face all financial burdens as a result of the loss of your loved one. We will work with you to recover compensation for any current and future financial losses that you suffer as a result of your loved one’s death and any damages that you may be eligible for on behalf of your loved one, such as pain and suffering.

    Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers

    We are here to help, first by explaining what your legal rights and remedies may be under Florida law.

    Call our experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Tampa Bay at Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you by dialing 844-313-0444 or by sending us a private message on our “Contact Us” box available here.

  • Lyft and Uber Accidents

    Uber and Lyft are two common rideshare options for residents and visitors alike in Florida who are looking for a convenient and affordable means of transportation. There are many different reasons that people in Florida choose to use Uber and Lyft, whether they need one for a night out, to get to or from an airport, or to ride to an attraction, a hospital or any other place in Florida.

    While Uber and Lyft are excellent options for travel, there is always the risk of being injured in an accident while riding in a Lyft or Uber vehicle. When this happens, you may not be sure of what you should do, as it can be a bit more complicated than when you’re injured in your own vehicle. This is why it is wise to speak with an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Tampa Bay who can help you understand your rights after being injured in a ride-sharing accident in Florida.

    Here at Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC, our compassionate and experienced lawyers understand how devastating and stressful it can be when you’re involved in any type of ride-sharing accident. They are prepared to help victims of these accidents by protecting their rights and working to ensure that they are able to recover the maximum amount of compensation available to them under Florida law.

    We offer free consultations, and our lawyers can help you and your family recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills and other damages caused in an Uber or Lyft accident in the Tampa Bay metro region.

    How Rideshare Accidents In Florida Are Different From Other Types Of Motor Vehicle Accidents

    According to research, rideshare accidents are on the rise with an increase of approximately 2% to 3% in car accident-related deaths in the last few years. Uber reports that there are over 100 Uber-related fatalities each year. While ride-sharing accidents may appear to be quite similar to other types of motor vehicle accidents, after you are involved in a ride-sharing accident, you will see how different the aftermath of Uber and Lyft accidents is from that of other car accidents.

    If you try to contact Uber or Lyft directly after being involved in a car accident, they typically will refer to their lawyers or insurance companies. Typically, this process can be lengthy, and in the end, they will often tell you that the driver was only an independent contractor or freelancer, not an employee of their company.

    Many times, the insurance company of the rideshare driver will try to claim that the insurance policy does not cover personal injuries of victims who are injured while the driver is working. The reason for this is that if the driver fails to tell their insurance company that they are driving for a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft, then the insurance company is not required to provide compensation for injuries.

    Drivers of rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft often do not notify their insurance companies because, typically, their insurance premiums will then go up. And, if you try to notify your own insurance company of the accident, it will tell you that you have to recover compensation from the at-fault party, not from your own policy.

    As you can see, trying to navigate the process of recovering compensation for your injuries can be complex and stressful. A free consultation with an experienced Uber and Lyft injury accident lawyer is essential if you hope to recover all available compensation.

    What You Should Do After Being Involved In An Uber Or Lyft Accident?

    After being injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, there are certain steps that you should take to set yourself up with the best opportunity to recover the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

    These steps are similar to those you must take after a regular car accident, but there are some unique ridesharing steps to take, too. These include the following:

    1. Call 911: If you or someone else is injured in a rideshare accident, the first thing you should do is call 911.
    2. Get evidence from the Uber or Lyft app: A screenshot can show whether a paid ride was still in progress as well as the location of where the accident occurred.
    3. Seek medical treatment: It is important to receive medical treatment if you are injured. Even if you believe that you were not injured, it is a good idea to seek medical attention for assessment just in case you suffered an injury that may not be apparent immediately but will require medical treatment at a later date. Getting medical attention also initiates a record of any injuries sustained.
    4. Talk to witnesses and take photographs of the scene: It is important to take down contact information from witnesses should you need them to serve as witnesses in a trial. Snapshots of the scene can serve as evidence. If you are severely injured, ask a friend or loved one to take these photos.
    5. Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney: This step is vital to you successfully receiving compensation for your injuries. It is important to contact a rideshare accident lawyer first before you speak with any insurance companies, as insurance companies may try to get you to say something that could hurt your case.

    How Our Experienced Uber And Lyft Injury Accident Lawyers In Tampa Bay Can Help You

    Being injured in a Lyft or Uber accident can be scary, but our team of personal injury lawyers is experienced in navigating the complexities of recovering compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident. Some attorneys will not fight back for clients as they should, allowing rideshare companies to withhold compensation that their clients are eligible for.

    But that will not happen at Dumas & Sanclemente, PLLC. Our compassionate and experienced car accident lawyers will fight back against the rideshare company and insurance companies to recover the compensation you are entitled to. This includes proving that rideshare companies were negligent in hiring unsafe drivers or that they failed to provide proper training and reassessments of their drivers.

    Get Answers And Help Today

    For answers to your questions, please reach out to us, a bodily injury law firm, to schedule your free consultation by dialing 844-313-0444 or using our convenient online contact form to send us a message.

  • Truck Accident

    Although all motor vehicle accidents can be dangerous and deadly, trucking accidents involving large 18-wheelers, semi-tractor trailers, big rigs, and other large commercial vehicles often result in the most catastrophic, disabling, and fatal injuries.  This is because large commercial trucks are heavier and generate more momentum, even at lower speeds, which means this force is dispersed in an impact and can easily cause broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other damage to occupants of smaller, passenger vehicles.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), light trucks and large trucks cause over 11,000 fatalities and almost 860,000 injuries in traffic accidents each year.  In just Florida, trucks classified as light, medium, or heavy cause roughly 35 fatalities, over 150 incapacitating injuries, and over 600 other injuries in traffic accidents each year.  Our experienced trucking accident lawyers in Tampa Bay know that many of these accidents result in long-lasting harm to both victims and their families.

    That is why here, at Dumas & Sanclemente, our personal injury lawyers in the Tampa Bay Area handle all types of catastrophic and serious accidents involving motor vehicles.  This includes trucking accidents involving big rigs and 18-wheelers that result in permanent and disabling injuries or the wrongful death of an innocent person.  If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a trucking accident, or if you lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler wreck, please call our trucking accident lawyers in Tampa Bay to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you recover the damages that you deserve.

    Common Causes of Florida Trucking Accidents

    There are numerous reasons for commercial trucking accidents, with many of the causes being due to some degree of negligence. This means that another driver who was exercising reasonable caution could have avoided the accident. Some of the most common causes of commercial trucking accidents in the Tampa Bay Area include the following:

    • Distracted driving – All drivers, especially commercial truck drivers should realize the importance of maintaining full attention to the road while operating their vehicle. They receive special training and must carry a special license in order to operate this type of vehicle due to how dangerous the vehicle can be to others if it is not driven safely. Examples of distracted driving include talking or texting on a phone, talking to other people in the cab, reaching for something on the floor, eating or drinking, playing with the radio or navigation system, looking at billboards or other advertisements, or many other things that constitute as distracted driving.
    • Driver Fatigue – This is a big cause of trucking accidents, even though it shouldn’t be. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has guidelines in place to prevent driver fatigue. This includes limiting the number of hours a driver is allowed to consecutively drive, as well as how many days in a row a driver is allowed to drive. These guidelines are referred to as the hours of service (HOS) guidelines.
    • Improperly Loaded Cargo – If cargo is not properly loaded, it can create a high risk for trucking accidents such as rollover trucking accidents. If weight limits are not adhered to, it can wear down the tires, creating a greater risk for tire blowout, jackknife, rollover, brake failure, or another type of accident.
    • Speeding – Truck drivers often feel a great sense of pressure to meet deadlines set forth by their commercial trucking company. Therefore, some drivers may choose to speed, creating great risk for others on the road.
    • Improperly Trained Drivers – Drivers who are not fully trained are at a greater risk for causing trucking accidents as they do not know how to safely operate a truck of that size.
    • Failure to maintain – Failure to maintain commercial trucks puts other drivers at great risk. Examples of mechanical failures that can often be avoided if proper maintenance is conducted includes brake failure or tire blowouts.
    • Other types of traffic accidents due to violations of the vehicle code.

    Common Injuries Caused by Trucking Accidents in Florida

    Most people involved in trucking accidents sustain some degree of injury. While some people are fortunate enough to suffer minimal injuries, other people are not as fortunate. The most common injuries seen after being involved in a trucking accident includes the following:

    • Spinal cord injuries
    • Back injuries
    • Neck injuries
    • Traumatic brain injuries
    • Internal organ injuries
    • Burns
    • Scarring or disfigurement
    • Amputation
    • Broken bones
    • Lacerations
    • Emotional trauma
    • Wrongful death
    • Joint injuries or replacement
    • Blindness, and
    • Many other serious types of injuries.

    Trucking Accident Liability

    The question people often ask is who is liable for a commercial trucking accident? The answer is not black and white however. Most of the time, the driver is at least partially to blame, if not completely at fault. When the truck driver is liable, that means his or her employer – the trucking company – is also at fault and liable for the truck driver’s negligence.

    However, a trucking company could also be independently liable for some instances of negligence caused by it directly.  Examples of when the commercial trucking company may be liable include if proper maintenance was not conducted, or if they knowingly allow a driver to violate the federal guidelines in place by the FMCSA regarding hours of service. Another party who may be responsible for a commercial trucking accident is a third-party cargo loader. If a third-party cargo load company is used and they improperly load the truck or load the truck with too much cargo, they may be held partially responsible for the accident.

    Damages for a Trucking Accident in the Tampa Bay Area

    Victims of commercial trucking accidents are often entitled to recover damages. The purpose of damages is to provide victims financial compensation for any injuries sustained and any financial losses they suffered or will suffer in the future as a result of the accident. If a victim dies as a result of the accident, their loved ones may be able to recover compensation on the victim’s behalf. Common damages victims are often able to recover include the following:

    • Physical pain and suffering
    • Emotional pain and suffering
    • Medical bills
    • Lost wages
    • Lost future earnings
    • Funeral and burial expenses
    • Home and vehicle modifications
    • Physical rehabilitation
    • Nursing care
    • Emergency service transportation coverage
    • Loss of consortium
    • Other damages for victims involved in trucking accidents in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida

    How Our Trucking Accident Lawyers Can Help You

    Our compassionate trucking accident lawyers in Tampa Bay are ready and prepared to help you recover the compensation you deserve for any injuries you or your loved one sustained. It is important to work with a lawyer who is specialized in working with trucking accident victims. This is because personal injury lawyers who are not experienced with trucking accident cases do not know all of the steps that need to be taken, evidence that needs to be obtained, or laws and federal guidelines that are specific to commercialized trucking. If you choose to work with our firm, our lawyers will help you by doing the following:

    • Investigation Your Case – Our lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case and obtain vital evidence that will be invaluable to your case. Evidence we may collect includes the black box of the truck, security camera footage, police reports, photographs, medical records, and medical bills.
    • Negotiate on Your Behalf – Our attorneys are prepared to work with the insurance company to resolve your case for maximum compensation before it goes to court. We will make every effort possible to settle the case out of court while preserving your rights and recovering the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to.
    • Litigate Your Case – Sometimes cases need to go to trial. Reasons for that include the insurance company is placing the blame on the victim, or they are not offering an appropriate amount of compensation for the victim’s injuries. Whatever the reason may be, we are prepared to litigate your case to get you the compensation you deserve.

    Were You Injured in a Trucking Accident in Florida?  Call Our Trucking Accident Lawyers in Tampa Bay for Help Today

    If you or a loved one were seriously injured, or if a loved one was wrongfully killed, in any type of big rig, box truck, semi-tractor trailer, or any other type of catastrophic trucking accident, call our experienced trucking accident lawyers in Tampa Bay at Dumas & Sanclemente to schedule a free consultation by dialing 866-832-1569.  We are committed to helping victims and their families recover the maximum amount of compensation that they may be entitled to in a lawsuit.  To learn more about our services, call us at the number above or send us a private message through our “Contact Us” box available here.