Truck Accidents in Florida: Everything You Need To Know

Trucks are a surprisingly integral part of society because they are used to transport food, large goods, fuel, and other valuable items that we use in our everyday lives. However, trucks are not immune from accidents. Due to the nature of trucks and their large size, truck accidents can have catastrophic results. While accidents are not always preventable, it is important to be well-informed on the causes and consequences of truck accidents. By educating yourself and your loved ones, you can protect yourself or others from imminent harm.
How Prevalent Are Truck Accidents in FL?
Within the United States, truck accidents are not uncommon. By 2012, there was a national average of 333,000 traffic accidents involving commercial trucks. By 2017, in Florida alone, there were nearly 32,000 accidents involving large trucks. Of those accidents, 194 of those large trucks were involved in fatal crashes. That number places FL in third place for the top ten list of fatal crashes involving large trucks.
Common Causes for Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen for many different reasons. Truck drivers usually spend a few, or maybe even a couple hours on the road, which then leads to complacency and distraction. This is a noticeable cause of accidents that occur within the United States. Including the long hours, there are a couple other obvious reasons for collision. A few of the most evident causes are driving while tired, ignoring the rules of the road, and driving on unfamiliar roads.
What To Do If You Have Been Involved in a Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In order to receive this compensation however, there are steps that you should take to make the process run as smoothly as possible. While the situation varies from person to person, you should consider following these steps when unsure on what to do:
- Check for injuries. Assess the scene and make sure everyone is safe. Call the ambulance or emergency services as necessary.
- Exchange information with the truck driver. You should aim to jot down or take pictures of the person’s name, address, license, and vehicle registration number.
- Report the motor accident to the police. Crashes that involve property damage requires drivers to file a crash report to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
- Take pictures of the scene. These pictures can serve as useful evidence in a personal injury case. It may also be helpful to collect evidence from witnesses at the scene. Some witnesses may be able to vouch for you in trial.
Searching for a Personal Injury Attorney?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Injuries from car accidents can be brutal, which is why our team at Payer Law is committed to giving you the best outcome possible. To schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Orlando truck accident attorneys today, please do not hesitate to give our team a call at 866-930-1238.