Trucks of all sizes share Florida’s roads with much smaller passenger cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Florida’s traffic laws are put into place to protect vulnerable drivers and others. If you were injured in a truck crash, you may want to understand how truck accident statistics influence policy changes in Florida, as they help prevent future accidents.
If you were injured in an accident caused by truck driver error or negligence, a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer can help you build a strong case for financial compensation. Most will review your injury claim at no cost or obligation to you. They can also clarify the truck driver or trucking company’s negligence and how future policy can create safer roadways across the state.
Truck Accident Data and Trends in Florida
Understanding why accidents happen is a vital part of preventing accidents. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) data for 2022, truck accident statistics track the following accident causes:
- Driver errors: Distraction, intoxication, hours-of-service violations, etc. Policy changes requiring continuing driver education and minimum training could combat these issues.
- Mechanical errors: Improper or no truck repair or maintenance, etc. Policy changes requiring regular inspections help ensure that trucks on Florida’s roadways are safe and well-maintained.
- Road conditions: Potholes, unmarked or incorrectly marked roads, etc. Policy changes can ensure regular monitoring of roads, repair of severe potholes, and street and highway markings are clearly visible and up to date.
The state tracks the initial harmful event that led to the collision and attempts to use Florida truck accident data to help prevent similar incidents. Tracking accidents and their causes allows traffic control officials and Florida lawmakers to understand danger zones, dangerous actions, and previously unforeseen hazards. A collection of such data can aid in future planning.
How Post-Accident Analysis Impacts Safety Awareness and Prevention
Calling police to the scene of an accident and filing an official report is important in cases where the injured party will seek compensation from the at-fault party. The police report can also play a role in the study of truck accident causes since it will contain important data, including:
- Causes and contributing factors
- Road and weather conditions
- Identifiers of accident-prone areas
- Vehicle speeds upon impact
- Truck body type, size, and weight
Understanding the most frequent causes and locations of truck accidents can help shape policy by devising tools and methods that foster improvement. Truck accident statistics Florida can influence road construction and infrastructure in areas where large, heavy trucks travel.
It can also direct attention to areas with high rates of accidents that can lead to policy changes and accident reduction. Upgraded infrastructure can improve visibility and ensure lane size and marking keep up with new truck bodies and types.
The Influence of Truck Statistics Florida on How Cargo is Loaded and Balanced
Large, commercial, flatbed, and lumber trucks carry goods all over the state on a daily basis. Truck accident statistics impact cargo regulations when they reveal the frequency of cargo-related accidents. How cargo is loaded, labeled, and tied down can make a surprising difference in how a truck handles the road.
Cargo-related accident causes can include:
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Improperly secured cargo
- Improperly balanced cargo
All these conditions can cause the trailer of the truck to shift, rock, or tip during transport. In addition, cargo that is not tied down properly can fall causing multi-vehicle collisions. Florida policies and regulations mandate that cargo loads meet specific weight and size limits, display appropriate flags and lamps, and carry labels for hazardous materials.
Policy Updates May Improve Truck Driver Training and Licensing
Truck accident liability can be attributed to many different factors. Since one of these factors is driver error, tracking accident statistics can lead to enhanced training and licensing requirements. Current requirements for truck drivers across the state include:
- Skills and knowledge tests
- Combination vehicles test
- Air brakes testing
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection
- Basic vehicle control
- On-the-road testing
Current FLHSMV guidelines meet current needs based on statistics from previous years. To address changes in road design, truck maneuverability, and industry demands, commonly reported truck accident causes can be incorporated into future training programs.
Recent Legal Changes Impacting Truck Accident Claims in Florida
In 2023, Florida changed its personal injury statute of limitations, which applies to truck accident lawsuits. From its previous four-year filing deadline, Florida Statutes § 95.11 generally gives you two years to file your lawsuit after a truck accident.
This recent change can make filing your lawsuit confusing. If the statute of limitations does run out, you could lose the right to file your lawsuit at all. Florida also amended its comparative negligence law. It now allows injured parties to sue for damages as long as less than half of the accident’s cause is attributed to them.
The Role of New and Emerging Technology on Policy Changes Truck Accidents
Technology affects virtually every aspect of our daily lives. Technology also affects how trucks are driven, built, monitored, and how truck accidents are investigated. New tech and emerging tech that impact the trucking industry includes:
- Dynamic routing technology
- Electronic logging devices
- Trailer tracking technology
- Front-facing dash cams
- Collision avoidance systems
These technological advances also play a role in law enforcement and personal injury claims. The trucking industry is already heavily regulated. The implementation of new and emerging technology can influence how truck crashes are investigated and litigated. Florida policies may also soon need to include electric and autonomous trucks.
Contact Our Firm for Legal Guidance on Your Florida Truck Accident Claim
Commercial truck accidents are serious events that can cause severe injuries and loss of life. The state of Florida is working hard to prevent these dangerous events and create safe roads for all its citizens.
Learn more about how truck accident statistics influence policy changes in Florida and how your injury claim could be affected. Contact our consultation team at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today.
