Truck Accidents in South Florida
Truckers have to deal with driving in South Florida traffic every day. With so many vehicles on the highways and roads, accidents happen. Unfortunately, many casualties in South Florida involve large trucks, making it a dangerous place for truck accidents.
Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) puts safety measures in place, accidents still occur on South Florida highways. When these collisions happen, accident victims have legal recourse.
What Makes South Florida So Dangerous for Truck Accidents?
Some factors that make South Florida a hotbed for truck accidents include:
- Ecommerce Centers. South Florida is home to many distribution facilities that pride themselves on same-day shipping. For example, Sunrise, Florida, welcomed a new Amazon fulfillment center in 2021. This puts more trucks on the road than residents are used to.
- Proximity to Miami. Thousands of people commute to Miami every day from neighboring cities. The density of traffic on the roads (and the rush to get from one place to the next) increases the likelihood of accidents.
- Elderly Drivers. South Florida has many “snowbirds” and seniors on the roads. Seniors can experience poor vision, hearing loss, and medication side effects that can affect their driving.
These are only a handful of factors that make South Florida dangerous for truck accidents. There are other risk factors not included here.
Common Causes of South Florida Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Some causes of these collisions include:
Truckers Driving While Fatigued
Driver fatigue shares many of the same effects as drunk driving. These effects could make truckers fall asleep at the wheel, have slower reaction times, or impede their vision. The FMCSA requires truckers to take breaks based on how long they drive in one period.
Unfortunately, drivers sometimes ignore these regulations and continue driving, putting others at risk of harm.
Truckers Driving While Distracted
Truck drivers are on the road for long hours. During this time, they might eat, drink, text, turn on the radio, or talk on the phone while driving. All of these activities constitute distracted driving and increase the likelihood of traffic accidents.
Truckers Driving Aggressively
Truckers have tight schedules when it comes to delivering goods. Because of this, they could participate in aggressive driving, which may include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Failing to yield
All motorists, regardless of whether they drive trucks or cars, must operate their vehicles with caution.
Truckers Driving While Intoxicated
If the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they put all road users at risk of grievous harm. Some truckers use stimulants and other drugs to stay awake while driving for long periods.
These are just some of the causes of truck accidents in South Florida. Again, if you suffered harm in a truck accident, you have legal options.
Who Is Responsible When Truck Accidents Happen in South Florida?
If you were in a truck accident, you could hold the trucker’s employer vicariously liable for your injuries. This is possible in situations where:
The Driver Was Inadequately Trained
If the trucking company has a staff shortage, it may put drivers on the road before training them. All truckers must have appropriate training and licensure before operating large commercial vehicles.
The Truck’s Cargo Was Loaded Improperly
The trucking company is liable if the accident occurred because of improper cargo loading. Procedures should be put in place to make sure cargo is loaded correctly, and employees inspect the truck before making trips.
The Trucking Company Did Not Maintain the Truck Properly
Trucking companies have a responsibility to keep their trucks maintained. If a truck is not correctly maintained, a malfunction could cause a collision.
The Trucking Company Imposes Unreasonable Deadlines
The FMCSA recognizes that some trucking companies place unreasonable schedules on drivers. This encourages truckers to drive recklessly or for long periods. If an investigation finds that the trucking company violated the FMCSA’s Hours of Service regulations, it could bear liability for any resulting losses.
Our Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help if You Were in a South Florida Truck Accident
South Florida is a dangerous place for truck accidents. Too often, fatalities or catastrophic injuries arise from these incidents. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a truck accident, you can partner with a Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney from our team.
Contact us at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato
The Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato advocates for injured people in South Florida. We offer free consultations where you can discuss your legal options with our truck accident lawyer in Fort Lauderdale. During our conversation, you can share your legal goals, the circumstances of your accident, and what you’re expecting from the claims process. Call us today at (954) 633-8270 to begin.
