Common Causes of Truck Accidents on Florida Roads
Thousands of large trucks traverse Florida roads every day. While trucks are essential for a thriving economy, their size and weight pose significant risks to other motorists. Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, extended hospital stays, and overwhelming financial burdens. From head-on collisions to rollovers, the damage can be life-changing. In this article, we help you understand the common causes of truck accidents to stay safe on the road and know how you can protect your rights if you are involved in a truck accident in Florida.
1. Poor Truck Maintenance
One common cause of truck accidents is poorly maintained trucks. If a truck has worn brakes, bald tires, or faulty steering, these can turn a routine drive into a dangerous situation. When a truck isn’t properly maintained, drivers may lose control, especially in emergencies or heavy traffic. Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining trucks through regular inspections and repairs. When maintenance isn’t performed, and an accident happens, it can constitute negligence.
2. Improper Cargo Loading
How cargo is loaded affects a truck’s stability. Shifting or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to tip or lose control, especially when negotiating sharp turns or during emergency maneuvers. Overloaded trucks can also put strain on brakes and tires, leading to blowouts or brake failure, all of which can cause these accidents.
3. Driver Fatigue and Hours-Of-Service Violations
Truck drivers are required to follow federal rules limiting how long they can drive without rest. Despite this, some drivers exceed the limits due to company pressures, tight schedules, or personal choices. This leads to having a fatigued driver behind the wheel. Fatigued drivers often react more slowly and have impaired judgment, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
4. Distracted Driving and DUI
Distractions like texting, adjusting the GPS, eating, and even daydreaming are risky for any driver, but can be especially catastrophic for truck drivers. Additionally, drunk diving can lead to devastating accidents. In fact, commercial drivers are strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol while on duty. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the blood alcohol concentration threshold for commercial vehicle drivers at .04%, half that of other drivers. If a drunk truck driver causes an accident, this can form a basis for your truck accident claim.
5. Inexperienced or Untrained Drivers
Operating a truck requires special training and practice. If a driver is inexperienced, they may not react appropriately to sudden traffic changes, weather hazards, or mechanical issues, which can lead to accidents. Unfortunately, some trucking companies put untrained drivers on the road, increasing the likelihood of crashes. In such a case, you can hold the company and the driver responsible for the resulting accident
Steps To Take After a Truck Accident in Florida
If you are involved in a truck accident in Florida, below are the steps you should take:
- Call 911
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Document the scene
- Gather contact information of the truck driver and eyewitnesses
- Avoid speaking to insurance companies before consulting an attorney
- Consult with an experienced attorney
Contact Us for Legal Help
Truck accidents typically involve multiple liable parties and federal regulations, making legal guidance critical. If you were injured in a Florida truck accident, contact our experienced Orlando truck accident lawyers at Orlando Accident Attorneys today. We can help investigate the case, protect your rights, and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Source:
fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service