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Have you ever wondered what causes the most car or truck accidents on Florida’s highways? Is it texting, speeding, bad weather, or something even more unexpected?
When you hit the road, especially in Florida, the risks are higher than you might think.
Every year, thousand of devastating truck crashes leaves families shattered. And often, it’s small mistakes that lead to the biggest disasters.
Whether you’re just commuting or considering hiring a truck accident attorney in Florida, understanding the true causes behind these accidents can be a life-saving move.
Ready to find out the real reasons behind Florida’s most dangerous truck crashes?
Let’s examine the 10 most common causes of truck accidents, starting with one that affects drivers every day: distraction behind the wheel.
One of the common causes of truck accidents is distracted driving. Truck drivers juggle multiple tasks on the roads – phones, food, GPS devices, and dispatch radios. Each distraction delays their reaction time and can lead to fatal mistakes.
According to the FMCSA, 5,904 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2021, with distraction identified as the primary cause in some cases.
Tired drivers pose a silent danger on Florida’s highways. In fact, driver fatigue can impair reaction time and judgment just like drunk driving. Despite strict federal rules under the Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations, many truck drivers still push past safe driving limits to meet tight delivery deadlines.
According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crashes.
Therefore, be sure to get a sufficient amount of sleep each night. If possible, avoid driving when your body is naturally drowsy, between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m., and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Speed and size are dangerous combinations for large vehicles, such as trucks. Due to their massive weight, trucks already require a significantly longer distance to stop safely. When a truck driver speeds, especially in busy traffic areas like Florida’s I-95, it becomes much harder to react in time, increasing 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.
🔺Tip: If you’re involved in a truck crash, it’s essential to investigate the truck’s speed at the time of the accident. Speeding violations can be crucial evidence for your case. |
Improperly loaded cargo can lead to serious disasters, such as rollovers, jackknifing, and hazardous debris spills. Even a small shift in weight inside a trailer can cause an entire semi-truck to flip over, especially one that is traveling at high speed on Florida’s highways.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), cargo shifts or spills contributed to 4% of large truck crashes.
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 |
Truck parts wear out over time: brakes, tires, lights, and more need regular maintenance to stay safe on the road. But unfortunately, some trucking companies cut corners to save time or money. This puts everyone at risk.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), brake system problems were a contributing factor in 29% of truck accidents.
🔺Note: It is crucial to access the truck’s maintenance logs after a crash. Signs of worn or faulty parts can provide powerful evidence of negligence. |
Truck drivers must follow strict rules about alcohol and drug use, but violations still occur. Even prescription medications can dangerously impair a trucker’s focus, reaction time, and judgment. Sadly, impaired driving leads to devastating crashes on highways every year.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 2.4% of truckers involved in fatal accidents tested positive for drugs.
Blind spots, also known as “no zones,” are a common cause of truck accidents. These are large areas around a truck, especially along the sides, rear, and even front, where smaller vehicles completely vanish from the truck driver’s view.
When a trucker tries to change lanes without noticing a vehicle in these blind spots, it can result in a devastating crash. Proper training, mirror use, and awareness can help reduce these incidents, but mistakes still occur too often, particularly in heavy traffic or at highway speeds.
A serious problem linked to many truck accidents is inexperienced or poorly trained drivers. Currently, the trucking industry is facing a significant driver shortage. To keep up with the demand, some companies rush new, undertrained drivers into massive rigs without ensuring they have enough skills to handle real-world challenges.
In high-pressure situations like heavy traffic, bad weather, or sudden stops, inexperience can be deadly.
Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that 5% of truck crashes involved driver inexperience. That’s a concerning number when you consider the size and weight of commercial trucks.
Florida’s weather can be unpredictable- rainstorms, thick fog, and hurricane winds often hit with little warning. When truck drivers fail to adjust their speed, following distance, or driving behavior during bad weather, the consequences can be devastating. Trucks are already difficult to control, and poor weather conditions exacerbate the issue.
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.
While truckers often get 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. Additionally, companies may set unrealistic delivery expectations, pressuring truckers to drive recklessly or beyond their limits.
In such cases, a Florida truck accident lawyer can help determine how third parties contributed to the accident. 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.
When you’re up against powerful trucking companies and insurance adjusters, you need a legal team that’s on your side, fights 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 berkelaw@yahoo.com
You focus on recovery – we’ll handle the legal battles.
Sources –
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
The FMCSA outlines strict rules and safety guidelines for commercial trucks. They cover areas such as driving hours, driver requirements, and vehicle maintenance.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides detailed statistics, research, and resources on truck accidents and highway safety, highlighting key trends and causes.
U.S. Department of Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is a federal agency that oversees the nation’s transportation systems, ensures safety, and regulates policies related to transportation infrastructure and services.
The most common causes are driver fatigue, speeding, improper cargo loading, and poor maintenance.
To file a claim, contact a Florida truck accident lawyer who will guide you through the process of gathering evidence and submitting the claim.
Evidence such as a driver’s log, maintenance records, and eyewitness testimony can help prove negligence in a truck accident.
A truck accident lawyer helps protect your rights, gather evidence, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court.
Look for a lawyer with experience in truck accident cases, positive reviews, and a proven track record of successful settlements.
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