Truck Accidents In Florida: What You Need To Know

The more time you spend on Florida’s roadways, the more you realize that commercial trucks are everywhere. Along with that, you also realize that some truck drivers don’t take as much caution as they should.

In 2020, there were more than 340,000 motor vehicle accidents in the state of Florida — many of which involved a commercial truck.

These accidents resulted in 3,335 deaths and 212,269 injuries.

The more you learn about truck accidents in Florida, the more confident you’ll be in your ability to prevent trouble.

Common causes of Florida truck accidents

There’s no way of knowing what will happen when you get behind the wheel of your car. Furthermore, you only have control over yourself. You can’t control what other drivers do.

On the plus side, understanding the most common causes of Florida truck accidents can help keep you safe.

Drowsy driving: Commercial truck drivers often push the limit in regard to the number of consecutive hours they drive. Even with laws in place to protect against this, some truckers don’t adhere to them. This has the potential to result in drowsy driving, which increases the risk of an accident.
Drunk driving: It’s illegal for anyone to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication.
Distracted driving: This takes on many forms, such as reading a map, talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, and smoking.
Reckless driving: Truckers are not always the safest drivers. From excessive speeding to illegal passing, reckless driving increases the chance of causing an accident.
Improper training: There’s nothing simple about driving a commercial truck. When a trucking company neglects to provide the proper training, it puts the trucker and everyone else on the road at risk.
Improper loading: There’s a right and wrong way to load a commercial truck. Should a mistake be made, it’s more difficult for the driver to control their vehicle.

Along with the above, keep in mind that it’s more dangerous to drive at certain times of the year. For example, the period that starts on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day is referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days.”

It’s during this time that there’s generally an increase in motor vehicle accidents, deaths, and injuries in Florida.

What to do after a commercial truck accident in Florida

If you find yourself in the unenviable position of managing the aftermath of a commercial truck accident, there are five key steps to take:

1. Assess yourself for injuries

Your health and well-being are the top priority. You’ve likely suffered some type of injury — such as broken bones — and it’s critical that you administer first-aid until help arrives.

2. Call 911

The sooner you call 911, the sooner police and an ambulance will make their way to the scene of the accident.

The responding officers will take control of the scene, while you receive treatment from the responding paramedics.

3. Accept medical treatment

Even if you feel okay, it’s never a good idea to turn down medical treatment. You could be suffering from an injury that’s yet to present symptoms. A concussion is a good example, as symptoms can remain dormant for several hours.

Not only should you accept treatment at the scene of the accident, but allow the ambulance to transport you to a local hospital.

Your medical team will examine you, order tests, and help you better understand your injuries, prognosis, and treatment options.

4. Collect evidence and records

Evidence comes in many forms, such as pictures of the accident scene and your injuries. Also, collect witness contact information, if possible.

As for records, things such as medical bills, doctor notes, and a police report are helpful.

The evidence and records you collect will help as you seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.

5. File an insurance claim

As soon as your health allows, contact your insurance company to file a claim. This will put the wheels in motion.

From there, expect the process to become complicated, as the trucker and/or trucking company’s insurance company will do whatever they can to minimize your payout.

This is also the right time to consult with a Florida truck accident attorney. They’ll protect your legal rights, answer your questions, and communicate directly with insurance company representatives.