What You’ll Learn in This Blog?
|
Did you know Florida ranks third in deadly truck accidents? Do you know what causes truck accidents the most in our state? High crash volumes are especially noted on dangerous roads like I-95, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike. But are roads the only factor that makes Florida so risky, or are there other factors at play? Read on to discover the 10 most common causes of truck accidents in Florida.
Truck crashes on Florida’s highways are common and often make the news. But do you really know why these accidents happen?
Sometimes it’s negligence by truck drivers; other times, unsafe practices by trucking companies.
And the victims aren’t always the truckers themselves—car drivers, bikers, or ordinary travelers often have to pay the price. In such cases, victims and their families deserve answers and fair compensation—but getting it isn’t always easy without the right legal support.
That’s why understanding the real causes of truck accidents matters—it keeps drivers safer and helps victims build stronger claims. Yet, most people don’t fully understand these causes—and so they naturally begin to wonder:
- What are the most common causes of truck accidents in Florida?
- Are truck drivers always at fault?
- Can trucking companies share the blame?
If you have these questions as well, we bring you the 10 most common reasons for truck accidents in Florida in this blog.
Keep reading to know about them.
-
Distracted Driving
Human error, i.e., distracted driving, is the #1 cause of truck accidents. In fact, it is behind nearly 90% of all accidents on the road. In 2022, over 53,500 crashes involved distracted drivers, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) data.
What Causes Distracted Driving?
Truck drivers can be distracted by:
- Texting or talking on the phone.
- Eating or drinking while driving.
- Adjusting the GPS or other onboard technology.
- Communicating with dispatch.
- Checking mirrors or blind spots too late.
Even a brief lapse in attention can lead to serious collisions. Recognizing these distractions not only helps drivers stay alert but can also support a legal claim if an accident occurs.
-
Driver Fatigue:
Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents in Florida. It can turn an ordinary drive into a dangerous situation, putting both the driver and others on the road at serious risk.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 13% of truck drivers involved in crashes were fatigued at the time.
What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?
Truck driver fatigue often comes from:
- Driving for long hours.
- Health and Lifestyle Factors.
- Insufficient rest.
- Regular night shifts.
- Tight delivery schedules.
These factors can slow reaction times and impair judgment—sometimes as severely as drunk driving.
Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules limit commercial truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours of rest, but many push past these limits to meet deadlines, causing accidents.
Note: Driver logs and GPS records can help show if fatigue was a factor, which can support a compensation claim.
-
Speeding & Aggressive Driving
Tractor-trailers take far longer to stop than cars due to their massive weight. When a truck driver speeds, especially in busy traffic areas like Florida’s I-95, it becomes harder to stop in time and increases the chances of a deadly accident.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports, in 2023, speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities.
What Causes Truck Drivers To Speed Or Drive Aggressively?
- Tight schedules push drivers to speed.
- Fatigue from long hours causes rushed driving.
- Tailgating and weaving increase crash risk.
- Per-mile pay encourages faster driving.
- Mechanical issues can lead to loss of control.
- Distractions cause erratic speeds and lane changes.
- Overconfidence leads to aggressive driving.
If you’re involved in a truck crash, make sure to document evidence of the truck’s speed. Take photos of skid marks, the scene, and any visible damage.
This evidence can help your lawyer determine if speeding was a factor and strengthen your compensation case.
-
Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol/Drugs):
Despite the awareness efforts and strict punishments, impaired driving is still one of the top reasons for truck accidents in the USA. Even small amounts of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications can cause failure to obey traffic laws, like running red lights or stop signs, making handling a truck much more dangerous.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 1 in 15 truckers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug. It shows just how real the risk is.
What Substances Impair Truck Drivers?
- Alcohol (even within legal limits can affect focus.
- Illegal drugs that cause drowsiness, confusion, or risky behavior.
- Prescription medicines with side effects like dizziness or slowed reflexes.
If a truck driver were impaired, it could become strong evidence of negligence. A skilled attorney can obtain toxicology reports to prove that impairment played a role in the accident and help victims pursue full compensation.
-
Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers
Operating an 80,000-pound commercial truck isn’t the same as driving a car. It requires skill, training, and quick decision-making.
Unfortunately, the trucking industry’s ongoing driver shortage often pushes companies to rush new or undertrained drivers onto the road.
When faced with heavy traffic, bad weather, or sudden stops, inexperience can quickly lead to tragic accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that about 5% of truck crashes involve inexperienced drivers.
How Do Accidents Involving Inexperienced Drivers Affect A Claim?
If an accident involves a rookie or undertrained driver, an attorney can investigate the company’s training records and hiring practices based on:
- Driver’s age & experience.
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) verification.
- Employment & background checks.
- Supervision & probation periods.
Any discrepancies in the above details can prove negligence on the part of the trucking company and strengthen the victim’s case.
-
Improper Cargo Loading or Overloading
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo is a hidden danger behind many truck accidents. Even a slight weight shift can cause an 18-wheeler to jackknife, roll over, or spill hazardous debris onto busy Florida highways. At high speeds, the consequences are often catastrophic.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), cargo shifts or spills contributed to 4% of large truck crashes.
What Are The Common Cargo Violations?
| Violation Type | Risk Level | Common Result |
| Overweight Load | High | Tire blowouts, brake failure |
| Unsecured Cargo | High | Falling objects |
| Imbalanced Loading | Moderate | Vehicle tipping or swaying |
Investigating how the cargo was loaded is a key step after an accident. Sometimes the fault lies not just with the driver, but also with the loading company. If they failed to secure or balance the cargo properly, they may share liability.
-
Poor Truck Maintenance
Truck accidents aren’t always caused by reckless driving—sometimes the truck itself is unsafe. Truck parts may wear out over time and require strict upkeep, but some trucking companies ignore maintenance until the last moment to save money, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Which Truck Maintenance Issues Result In Serious Accidents?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), brake system problems were a contributing factor in 29% of truck accidents. Here are the other issues of truck maintenance that can cause serious accidents:
- Worn brakes make stopping harder.
- Faulty steering reduces the driver’s control.
- Broken lights/signals hide driver actions.
- Weak suspension makes trucks unstable.
- Engine or transmission breakdowns cause sudden stops.
Tip: After a crash, your attorney can request the truck’s maintenance logs and inspection records. Any signs of neglected or faulty parts can serve as strong evidence of negligence against the trucking company or repair shop.
-
Blind Spots & Lane Change Errors
Trucks have massive blind spots—on both sides, in the rear, and even the front—where smaller vehicles disappear from view. This makes U-turns and lane changes especially risky.
When truckers change lanes without checking these “no-zones,” or attempt a U-turn without proper precautions, it can easily lead to sideswipes or deadly collisions. Even with training and mirrors, these errors remain common, especially on busy highways.
Why Are Blind Spots So Dangerous In Truck Accidents?
- A vehicle can completely disappear from a driver’s view.
- Sudden lane changes decrease reaction times.
- Side-swipes and underride crashes are common outcomes.
An attorney can use dashcam footage, truck data, or witness statements to prove negligence. Fault isn’t always one-sided—car drivers may share blame if they enter a truck’s blind spot unexpectedly.
-
Weather Conditions
Florida’s weather can change suddenly—rain, fog, and hurricane-force winds create dangerous driving conditions. Trucks are difficult to control, and failing to adjust speed or distance in bad weather can quickly turn a routine drive into a serious accident.
According to the Department of Transportation, there are an average of over 5,891,000 vehicle crashes each year. Approximately 21% of these crashes, nearly 1,235,000, are weather-related.
How Does The Weather Contribute To Truck Accidents?
- Slippery roads increase the risk of skidding or hydroplaning.
- Reduced visibility makes it harder to see other vehicles or obstacles.
- Strong winds can push the vehicle off course, leading to rollovers or collisions.
An attorney can review accident reports, weather data, and truck logs to determine if the driver disregarded the conditions, which can help victims recover compensation.
-
Negligent Third Parties
While truckers are often blamed for accidents, not every crash is their fault.
Sometimes, other drivers cause accidents by cutting off a truck, making sudden lane changes, or braking unexpectedly in front of a large vehicle.
Secondly, companies may set unrealistic delivery expectations, pressuring drivers to drive recklessly or beyond their limits.
Who Else Can Be At Fault In A Truck Accident?
- Other car or truck drivers on the road.
- Trucking companies pressuring the drivers.
- Loading or cargo companies are responsible for unsafe loads.
- Maintenance providers failing to keep trucks safe.
A Florida truck accident lawyer can determine how third parties contributed to the accident and help the victim get claims and compensation.
Legal investigations often reveal that multiple parties are at fault, not just the truck driver. This can lead to higher compensation, as all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Also, read how truck accident lawsuits work in Florida!
What To Do After A Truck Crash Or Collision?
When faced with a truck accident, most people feel shaken or hurt. Acting swiftly and wisely can protect your health and legal rights. If you’ve already received medical care, contact our office immediately for guidance.
-
Prioritize Safety
If your vehicle is operational, move it to a safe spot off the road. If hazardous materials are involved, distance yourself significantly from the scene—up to a mile if necessary.
-
Contact Emergency Services
Call 911 immediately! Provide the dispatcher with details about the vehicles, injuries, your precise location, and any visible placards on the truck. Follow their directions while they dispatch help.
-
Document The Scene
From a safe position, capture photos or videos of the accident, including vehicle damage, road debris, injuries, and truck markings. Only do this if it’s safe—never risk your well-being for evidence.
-
Gather Witness Information
If bystanders offer help, ask them to stay and speak with the police. If they must leave, collect their contact details for future follow-up by our team.
-
Get Medical Care
Even if you feel fine, let EMTs assess you at the scene and follow their advice about hospital transport. If not transported, see a doctor soon after to document any injuries, which helps link them to the accident.
-
Be Cautious with Statements
Insurance companies for truckers often act quickly, with adjusters contacting you at the scene or shortly after.
Studies show that accident victims with legal representation typically receive settlements that are up to 3.5 times higher than those without.
Avoid giving recorded statements about the accident. Politely state that you’re consulting a lawyer. Adjusters may discourage legal help or offer quick settlements for medical costs or lost wages. These offers often undervalue your claim, ignoring long-term costs or pain and suffering.
Contact Berke Law Firm – Your Florida Truck Accident Lawyers
When you’re up against powerful trucking companies and insurance adjusters, you need a legal team that’s on your side, fighting for your rights every step of the way. At Berke Law Firm, we specialize in helping Florida truck accident victims secure justice and fair compensation.
✅Free Consultations – No Upfront Costs for You.
✅No fees unless we win – we only get paid if we win your case.
Call us now at (800) 572-3753
Email Us at contact@truckwreckflorida.com
You focus on recovery – we’ll handle the legal battles.
⚠️Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, consult a qualified Florida truck accident attorney.
FAQs For Common Causes of Truck Accidents
What state is number one in truck accidents?
Texas has the highest number of truck accidents in the U.S.
What is the average settlement for a truck accident in Florida?
Most settlements range from $70,000 to $500,000, depending on the injuries and damages.
Which state has the most trucking accidents?
Texas reports the most trucking accidents each year.
What is the leading cause of death in truck drivers?
Crashes and transportation incidents are the leading cause of death among truck drivers.
How much are most truck accident settlements?
Settlements often range between $50,000 and $500,000. Severe cases can go higher.
How long does a truck settlement take?
Truck accident settlements usually take 6 to 18 months, but can vary by case.
What is the number one cause of death for truck drivers?
The number one cause is transportation-related crashes.
What is the average death rate for truck drivers?
Truck drivers face a fatal injury rate of around 26 per 100,000 workers, much higher than the average.
What causes most semi-truck accidents?
Most semi-truck accidents are caused by driver error—like distraction, fatigue, or speeding.
What are the most common causes of truck accidents?
The most common causes are driver fatigue, speeding, improper cargo loading, and poor maintenance.
How can I file a truck accident claim in Florida?
To file a claim, contact a Florida truck accident lawyer who will guide you through the process of gathering evidence and submitting the claim.
How can I prove negligence in a truck accident case?
Evidence such as a driver’s log, maintenance records, and eyewitness testimony can help prove negligence in a truck accident.
How can a truck accident lawyer help me?
A truck accident lawyer helps protect your rights, gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court.
How do I find the right lawyer for a truck accident case?
Look for a lawyer with experience in truck accident cases, positive reviews, and a proven track record of successful settlements.
Sources Used in This Blog:
- Fatal truck accidents: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Large truck crash causation study: FMCSA
- Speeding: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Cargo loading-related crashes: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Impaired driving: U.S. Department of Transportation
- Weather conditions: Department of Transportation
