In Florida, we often share the road with large semi-trucks transporting cargo to and from homes and businesses throughout the state. Due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, truckers and their employers need to take extra precautions to avoid accidents and ensure safety.
Unfortunately, not everyone abides by these rules, leading to dangerous collisions. Below, the Riverview personal injury attorneys of Franchi Law are here to explain what are some of the most common factors that contribute to semi-truck accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of semi-truck accidents. This encompasses any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from the road, such as using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Given the massive size and weight of semi-trucks, even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Victims of accidents caused by distracted driving may have strong grounds for a legal claim against the negligent driver.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Semi-trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe for the road. Failure to perform necessary checks and repairs can lead to critical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, directly causing accidents. If improper or neglected maintenance is found to be the cause, both the trucking company and the maintenance provider could be held liable for any resulting damages.
Driver Inexperience
Driving a semi-truck is a skill that requires extensive training and experience. Inexperienced drivers may lack the necessary judgment and reaction time to navigate complex traffic situations or adverse weather conditions safely. When accidents are caused by a lack of experience, the trucking company may be liable for not adequately training their drivers or for hiring employees who do not have the required experience or licenses.
Fatigued Driving
Truck drivers often have demanding schedules, which can lead to dangerous levels of fatigue. Despite regulations aimed at limiting driving hours, the pressure to meet tight deadlines can push drivers beyond their physical limits. If fatigued driving was a factor in your accident, both the driver for not taking necessary rest and the trucking company for imposing unrealistic schedules might be deemed negligent.
Manufacturing Defects
Sometimes, the cause of a semi-truck accident lies in the vehicle itself. Defects in the truck’s design or manufacturing can lead to unforeseen accidents; for example, a truck with a top-heavy design could be prone to rollovers. Issues with the brakes or steering system can lead to dangerous situations and serious collisions. In these situations, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
The way cargo is loaded onto a semi-truck can significantly impact its stability and safety on the road. Improperly secured or unevenly distributed loads can cause trucks to tip over or shed their cargo, creating hazardous conditions for other road users. The parties responsible for loading the truck would likely be liable for any accidents caused by improperly loaded cargo.
Speak to a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be devastating, resulting in serious and sometimes fatal injuries, financial hardship, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida truck accident, it is important to know that help is available.
Our Riverview truck accident attorney can advocate for your rights and hold the truck driver, their employer, and any other liable party accountable for the harm that you suffered. To learn more about your legal options, contact a truck accident lawyer today and take your first steps toward justice.