Trucks and large vehicles are essential as they convey goods from one place to another. In Florida, large trucks bring food items or transport them to other states. There is the likelihood of negligence from the drivers due to the increase in their numbers and the size of these trucks. This negligence resulted in an overall increase in truck accidents in Florida. Due to the weight of these trucks, when an accident happens, passengers from personal cars will be more affected than the drivers of these trucks. The victims of truck accidents can hire a truck accident attorney in Florida to recover the losses they incurred from the accident.
This article will look at facts and statistics of Florida truck accidents.
Accidents involving trucks are a national problem and not only in Florida alone. A report stated that in 2019, Florida was one of the top three states with the highest number of trucks and bus crashes. The report also says that most accidents happen between midnight and 3 a.m., with other risky times being 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
Causes of Heavy Truck Accidents
Human error is the leading cause of truck accidents in Florida. Here are some of these human causes.
Drunk driving: Most accidents in Florida and the whole country are caused by drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs.
Most drivers who drive while drunk does so to stay alert after long hours on the highway. However, contrary to their beliefs, alcohol has the opposite effect as it limits the driver’s ability and reduces the reaction time.
Distracted driving: Distractions are mainly mental, visual, or even manual and are among the leading causes of truck accidents. Other causes of distractions are GPS devices and phone calls, among others.
Drowsy driving: Some truck drivers spend up to 11 hours on the highway, leading to fatigue. Drivers are advised to take at least a 30-minute break after driving for at least 8 hours.
Aggressive driving, blind spots, and reckless driving are other causes of accidents. When drivers and other road users fail to wear seat belts, the risk of fatal crashes increases. Passenger vehicle drivers are advised to ensure that they have child safety seats while traveling with children as it reduces the rate of fatal accidents.
Compensation You Get From Florida Truck Accident
Some of the minor, severe, or catastrophic injuries caused by nonfatal accidents are,
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Lacerations and cuts
- Neck injuries, among others
Undergoing medical treatment may result in medical bills that your insurance cannot cover. In case of a serious accident, you can decide to file a compensation claim against the driver. If you win the case against the driver, you will get economic and non-economic damages. The compensation should cover the following:
- Lost wages
- Suffering and pain
- Medical expenses
- Mental anguish, among others
You can go further and request punitive damages if you believe there was gross negligence on the truck driver’s part.
Accidents can leave you with injuries or even change your entire life. Alternatively, you may lose a loved one, or even you may lose your life. It is advisable to get help from a lawyer who can get you the compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, or mental injuries you suffered.
