The trucking industry continues to grow throughout the United States. As the number of big trucks travelling Florida’s roadways increases, accidents between big trucks and other types of vehicles are also rising.
When an 18 wheeler, dump truck, cement mixer or other big truck clashes with a passenger vehicle, the outcome can be disastrous. Serious, even fatal injuries can result for the occupants of the passenger vehicle.
Sadly, big truck accidents aren’t that uncommon. A few types of big truck accidents include:
- Head on collisions
- Rollovers
- Jack-knifes
- Underride
- Overrides
- Hazardous cargo spills
In 2017, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration statistics show there were about 450,000 crashes reported to police involving large trucks in the United States. Of these, 4,237 crashes resulted in fatalities and 344,000 resulted in injury. A little over 32,000 of these big truck accidents took place in Florida.
Driver Errors are a Big Cause of Big Truck Accidents in Florida
Many commercial truck accidents result from driver errors. Speeding is the most frequent cause in truck accidents caused by a driver issue. After speeding, distracted driving was the most common cause of driver error truck accidents.
Other driver errors include:
- Impaired driving (fatigue, alcohol, drugs, illness, etc.)
- Failing to check blind spots
- Insufficient driver training or experience
Trucking companies are obligated to ensure their drivers have the correct training and experience and are safe drivers. If a truck crash is attributed to driver error, the company that employs the driver may also be liable for the accident.
Mechanical Problems
Another cause of truck accidents in Florida is mechanical failures or breakdown due to faulty equipment or improper vehicle maintenance. A few of the mechanical problems that can result in a big truck accident can include:
- Blow outs due to severe tire wear and tear
- Brake failures
- Transmission failures
- Defective brake and signaling lights
Accidents can also result from improperly loaded cargo or improperly attached the trailer.
Road Conditions
Big truck accidents in Florida also happen due to adverse weather and poor road conditions
Have You Been Injured in a Big Truck Accident in Florida?
Big truck accident injuries can include bone fractures, burns, amputations, spinal cord injuries and severe brain trauma. Have you been injured in a truck accident due to negligence on the part of the truck’s driver or its owners? You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
Tania Rivas is a leading Lutz truck accident attorney who has helped clients in Lakeland, Lutz and other Central Florida communities after being injured in an accident. Don’t agree to any settlements with the truck company’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with Tania.
Contact Tania Rivas and Rivas Law Group today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We handle truck accident cases on a contingency basis. That means there are no upfront charges and we only collect a fee after winning your case.
