It’s probably not at all as surprise to hear about the many trucking accidents that occur on a daily basis in Florida. In fact, these numbers are even a little scary.
There were approximately 3800 fatal accidents involving a truck in 2012 alone, which was a 5 percent increase from the year before. This problem only continues to worsen rather than improve with time, making commercial truck accidents a big problem in Florida.
If you have been involved in a trucking accident already, then you are probably familiar with the serious injuries and outcomes that can lead to a driver not paying attention or being properly prepared to operate the vehicle.
If this sounds like you, then click here to learn more about working with a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer.
What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents?
While accidents of all kinds are an everyday occurrence, industry experts believe that these increased accidents can be due to several different factors, which include:
- An increased reliance on electronic devices, which leads to distracted driving
- An improved economy which means an increase in business and shipments
- Lower gas prices
Read more about the various causes for commercial truck accidents in Florida here.
Road Rules
Despite the common causes for accidents, commercial truck drivers are still responsible for driving safely. The majority of truck drivers in the United States are responsible for sticking to strict schedules while also following regulations established by state and federal governments.
Such regulations include:
- The amount of time spent driving
- The amount of time required to rest
- The set number of miles a driver must follow
Despite this, truck drivers may still feel a great deal of pressure from their employer to get shipments to particular places on time. This means that they might compromise safety in return for delivering a load as soon as possible.
A weather incident in one location, for example, could cause a driver to be delayed for several days and to try to make up the time elsewhere.
Road Risk Factors
While we’ve looked at some reasons why commercial truck drivers feel so much pressure while on the road, and even some regulations mandated by the state of Florida and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), here are some reasons why commercial truck drivers themselves are at risk for accidents:
- Over-sized loads or shifting truck loads can create hazards.
- Over-sized trailers and extra wide loads are dangerous, but making an abrupt turn or changing lanes can lead to critical accidents.
- It is much more difficult for commercial trucks, including semi-trucks to brake. Recent research study show that large trucks are the most common vehicles associated with rear-end collisions because a driver is not able to stop in time.
- Failing to maintain proper brakes can be a serious issue for a commercial truck. More than half of the trucks linked to fatal accidents, in one recent study, had a minimum of one brake safety violation.
- Jack-knifing is a common incident with commercial trucks that can lead to critical accidents, and even involve multiple vehicles.
- Trucks make wide turns, which may catch other drivers on the road off guard.
- Distracted driving, driver fatigue or drug and alcohol impairment can all contribute to devastating accidents involving commercial truck drivers. Recent research from the federal highway administration indicated that many professional truck drivers are only able to get half the amount of sleep they are supposed to!
- Lack of training and other driver inexperience issues. Commercial trucking enterprises are responsible for educating all of their drivers about the best way to handle these large vehicles and how to avoid accidents.
Hire a West Palm Beach Truck Accident Lawyer for the Long Haul
Commercial truck accidents are common, and often involve other vehicles, resulting in serious injuries and even fatalities. Check out this site here to learn more interesting facts about the dangers of commercial truck accidents in Florida.
If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident at any capacity, then, you need a truck accident lawyer in West Palm Beach to help you figure out your next steps.
Visit here to learn more about working with a West Palm Beach truck accident attorney, and how a reputable legal team can help you to determine who is liable in a truck accident.