Florida Truck Accident Statistics
Year after year, Florida remains a constant contributor to truck accident mortalities in the United States. The effects of any traffic accident can be shattering, but when an automobile collides with a commercial truck, a tractor-trailer, or an 18-wheeler, the vehicle’s occupants are likely to suffer serious injury or even death.
Compared to how many truck accidents occur in a year in Florida, only Texas and California experience more lethal truck accidents. And since trucks weigh up to 30 times greater than a passenger vehicle, their damage can be mind-blowing.
How Regular Are Truck Accidents in Florida?
Florida constantly has one of the highest averages of deadly truck accidents in the U.S. A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that:
- 1345 individuals succumbed to truck accidents over a recent period of five years.
- 81 of those deaths were in Hillsborough County.
- 61% of deadly Florida truck accidents occurred in rural areas.
Nationally, the statistics were as follows:
- Between 1997 and 2017, there was a 13% increase in the number of injured individuals in the U.S. The percentage keeps rising.
- Out of the 450,000 truck accidents reported to FMCSA in 2017, 344,000 were injury collisions, and 4,237 were fatal accidents.
- Nearly 30% of fatal truck crashes happen on interstates.
- 63% of lethal large truck accidents in 2017 involved 2 vehicles.
- Distraction, impairment, and speeding were listed as the most regular contributing factors in commercial vehicle wrecks.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida
Although truck accidents may occur due to several reasons — some of which are out of control, like poor weather conditions — there are a few common factors that lead to such crashes in Florida. They include:
1. Fatigue
Truck drivers with the pressure of delivering goods on time may push the limits of their human bodies. When they drive while tired, they tend to experience slower reaction times, slower reflexes, trouble concentrating and may fall asleep behind the wheel.
2. Distracted Driving
Truck drivers use a large part of their lives on the road. In order not to miss their deadlines, most are forced to drink, eat and carry out other tasks while driving if they have to remain on schedule. Unfortunately, this multitasking can divert their attention from their surroundings. Other distractions include phone calls, texting, watching videos, or checking social media.
Though these distracting activities are illegal, they continue to be a source of truck accidents. A report given by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles showed that a total of 299 individuals lost their lives in 2020 as a result of distracted drivers.
3. Speeding
Another significant problem among truckers in Florida is speeding. It’s a moving violation that majorly results in lethal truck accidents. Data shows that 10 percent of all Florida fatalities in 2016 were caused by speeding. 4. Overloaded Trailers
Though there are strict regulations on the amount of load a truck can carry, some organizations purposely overload their trucks so as to make fewer trips. Overloading largely affects the truck’s balance, compromising the driver’s ability to stop or turn suddenly.
4. Poor Truck Maintenance
Trucking organizations are responsible for sending drivers out with well-functioning trucks, and drivers are expected by the law to do the necessary safety inspections before beginning the journey. Irrespective of these rules, many trucks on the roadways have poor electrical systems, inadequate brakes, bald tires on top of other components that can lead to sudden failure.
Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Paralysis
- Loss of limbs
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Chest trauma
- Neck injuries
- Soft tissue damage
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself in a truck accident in Florida, the first step should be contacting the police if possible and going to the hospital for a checkup. Truck accidents can be so traumatic, with injuries ranging from broken bones to a damaged brain. Immediate medical care helps you to recover quickly and also document the injuries for your insurance company.
It’s crucial to act quickly after an accident since the evidence can be erased or lost. So, if you’re conscious of the scene, ensure that you gather all the evidence required to quicken the investigation process. Next, you’ll need an experienced accident lawyer to help you out. With an expert, it’s hard for the at-fault party to hide or get away with the needed evidence.
Call the Truck Accident Lawyers at Pardy & Rodriguez, P.A. Today
At Pardy & Rodriguez, P.A. we understand that a truck accident can jeopardize your health as well as general wellbeing. Our central focus is to ensure that you don’t suffer from another person’s carelessness, and so, we offer you the best representation and maximum settlement.
Contact us today, and let’s begin the journey of getting you the justice you deserve.
