Struck and Injured by a Commercial Truck in Florida?

In 2020, large commercial vehicles were involved in a staggering 107,000 crashes resulting in injuries, along with 4,842 fatal truck accidents, as reported by the National Safety Council. This grim statistic translates to 4,965 lives lost in large truck crashes that year. These figures mark a troubling increase from 2015, when the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) documented approximately 480,000 large truck accidents, resulting in 97,000 serious injuries and 3,838 fatalities.

 

 

 

 

​​​Numerous factors contribute to truck collisions, with driver error identified as the primary cause in many cases according to the FMCSA. Common instances of negligence that lead to truck accidents include:

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Distracted driving occurs when truck drivers fail to maintain proper focus on the road, often due to the use of cell phones, tablets, or other electronic devices. Such distractions greatly increase the risk of severe accidents as drivers may fail to notice surrounding vehicles or pedestrians, ultimately leading to serious collisions and injuries.​

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has long recognized driver fatigue as a critical factor in truck accidents. Many truck drivers face undue pressure from employers to operate their vehicles for extended hours without adequate rest, significantly raising the chance of accidents due to impaired reaction times or, worse, falling asleep at the wheel.

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Operating a large truck while under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses immense dangers on the road. Florida law sets a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for regular drivers, but commercial truck drivers must adhere to a stricter limit of 0.04%. Driving while impaired not only incurs legal penalties but can also lead to civil liability if an accident occurs, placing responsibility on the intoxicated driver for resulting injuries.

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When truck drivers exceed the speed limit, the risk of losing vehicle control significantly escalates, particularly during sharp turns or adverse weather conditions. Speeding can lead to disastrous collisions with both smaller vehicles and pedestrians.

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Failing to maintain a safe following distance can result in catastrophic consequences. When a truck driver tailgates a smaller vehicle, the likelihood of an accident increases if they are unable to stop in time during sudden traffic changes.

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Failure to adhere to FMCSA regulations regarding cargo security and trailer safety can result in serious accidents. Trucks overloaded with cargo or improperly secured can become hazardous on the road. Inadequate lighting on trailers increases the risk of collisions by preventing other drivers from seeing the truck.

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​Both truck owners and trucking companies can be held accountable for negligent practices, including:

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Regular inspection and maintenance of truck equipment are legally required. Neglecting these duties can result in mechanical failures, creating hazardous traffic situations.

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Trucking companies must exercise due diligence in hiring qualified drivers. This includes thorough background checks and assessments of driving history. Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers significantly raises the risk of accidents.

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Proper management and training of truck drivers are essential. Trucking companies should conduct regular drug testing, inspections, and performance evaluations to ensure drivers operate their vehicles safely and responsibly.​​​​​

 

 

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In the unfortunate event of a truck accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damages. It is crucial for those injured victims to seek legal counsel from a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer specializing in accidents to navigate the complexities of liability and ensure their rights are protected.​​

 

Don't leave money on the table that you may be entitled to. Protect your rights and future by contacting Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Bethany Dolezal of Dolezal Law, P.A., at (888) 411-7854 or bethany@dolezallaw.com.

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