Reportedly, there is only one state with higher numbers of annual truck accidents. From 2007 to 2013, 180 to 300 truck accident-related fatalities were reported in Florida every year. These accidents also resulted in many injuries and property damage.
Navigating a 26,000-pound 18-wheeler while also hauling a trailer is a tough. The movement and control of big rigs are significantly more challenging than smaller vehicles. Drivers must make wide turns, and extra space is necessary to bring an 18-wheeler to a halt. Truckers often make one or more of a few common driving errors.
Reckless driving
There are many truck drivers whose employers make them adhere to unrealistic deadlines. Due to the pressure of meeting deadlines, they often drive recklessly. This includes running red lights and driving at dangerous speeds.
Distracted driving
Having to drive for long periods is a daily occurrence for truck drivers. As a result, they can easily become fatigued and distracted. In addition, they also need to eat and drink while driving to meet deadlines. Truckers’ jobs take them away from home for days, weeks or even months. The need to maintain contact with family and friends often has them texting or talking to them on mobile phones while heading to the next destination.
Loading and maintenance
There are many restrictions on the amount of cargo that trucks can carry. A common practice among trucking companies is to expect their drivers to haul overloaded cargo loads. As a result, the vehicle is not correctly balanced, which can result in catastrophic truck accidents. Another cause of truck accidents is poor maintenance. Unfortunately, many trucking companies prioritize profits over safety. They provide drivers with poorly maintained trucks, endangering the lives of truck drivers and others.
Victims of truck accidents might not realize that they could name the trucking company owner as a defendant when they file a personal injury lawsuit in a Florida civil court to pursue financial relief. A successfully presented claim might result in a monetary judgment to cover documented damages.