Florida
Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has announced a new initiative that will take place at the end of February. The Florida Highway Patrol will target aggressive and dangerous drivers between February 27 and February 29, citing drivers who speed, change lanes unsafely, or tailgate. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, this initiative is taking place because the FHP has found that 88% of Florida traffic collisions are caused by driver error or driver negligence while only 12% are caused by roads, weather, or car defects.

Between February 27 and February 29, the FHP will have a zero tolerance policy towards any unsafe driving. In addition, the organization will work closely with the Florida Trucking Association to educate the public about sharing the road. The FHP hopes that the initiative will raise awareness about aggressive driving and hopes that the initiative will reduce Miami car accidents as well as truck accidents and traffic accidents across the state.

There are many reasons why aggressive driving is such a concern that the Florida Highway Patrol is cracking down on it:

1) Aggressive driving can breed road rage and more aggressive driving. When one driver drives aggressively, it can spark many instances of road rage, as other drivers react to the oppression. This can lead to a chain of events leading to a Miami car accident or truck accident.

2) Aggressive driving is distracted driving. Numerous studies have been done showing that distracted driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. However, while numerous initiatives have helped show motorists how dangerous Miami drunk driving can be, motorists are still learning about the dangers of distracted driving. When a driver is angry and aggressive behind the wheel, he or she is not focused solely on the road, and this can easily lead to a Miami pedestrian accident or car accident.

3) Aggressive driving can increase the risk of Miami traffic accidents. Motorists who are driving aggressively often make mistakes or take chances which can lead to a Miami car accident or truck accident. Studies have shown that many traffic accidents overall are caused by driver error, and drivers are more likely to make errors when they are distracted or driving aggressively.

If you have been injured in a Miami car accident caused by an aggressive a reckless driver, Florida law does protect you. In these cases, you may be able to recover for the cost of your medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and other costs related to the accident. However, it often takes a qualified Miami personal injury attorney in order to negotiate with your insurance carrier and in order to pursue your claim aggressively, ensuring that you don't have to pay for the cost of someone else's reckless driving out of your own pocket.

Continue reading "Florida Highway Patrol Announcement Aims to Curb Miami Truck Accidents " »

According to news reports, Joe Amunategui was involved in an early-morning Miami Gardens truck accident when an 18-wheeler hit his car on Northwest 27th Avenue. According to Amunategui, the driver of the truck drove over part of his car and spun his vehicle into a wall. The truck driver then kept going and an officer who was at the scene assisted by calling for emergency personnel. The accident is still under investigation.

Unfortunately, the accident is not an isolated one. Many Miami Gardens car accidents and truck accidents are hit and run accidents, with one driver failing to stop at the scene of a crime. There are many reasons why drivers fail to stop at the scene of a Miami Gardens traffic accident, according to experts. Drivers may be under the influence of drugs or may be engaging in some other illegal activity and may be wary of getting caught. They may also not want to face police for other reasons. In some cases, drivers panic and leave the scene of a crime.

Unfortunately, hit and run Miami Gardens traffic accidents are a serious and all-too-common concern. When drivers fail to stop, they break the law. They also make it harder for victims at the scene of get appropriate help. In this case, Amunategui was fortunate that he remained conscious and that a police officer was nearby to help. However, in a serious Miami Gardens pedestrian accident or traffic accident, the victim may be too injured to call for help and there may not be anyone nearby to call for assistance. In these cases, the victim may die from injuries if the other motorist does not stop to offer help. In addition, not stopping to exchange contact information can make it harder for a victim to get compensation for any injuries, since no insurance information is exchanged.

Hit and run truck accidents can be especially difficult to investigate, as well. A truck may be rented by one company to another, and may be carrying cargo for a third party. In many cases, the truck may be from outside of Florida or even out of state. Finding the truck can be extremely challenging, especially if the victim does not get a clear description of the vehicle.

Even if a truck involved in a hit-and-run is found, it can be challenging to establish liability. In hit and run cases, the driver is often held liable. However, a truck company’s policies may contribute to the accident if the company failed to screen or train the driver adequately. The company may therefore be held liable as well. In many cases, it takes a qualified Miami Gardens personal injury attorney to investigate a hit and run accident and to determine liability.

Continue reading "Early-Morning Miami Gardens Truck Accident " »

There is some dispute about how many US and Miami Beach truck accidents may be caused by truck drivers who use illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs that may impair their driving. Some investigative reports and former truckers claim that drug use is a wide-spread problem in the trucking industry. Some allege that tight deadlines and long hours make drivers reliant on drugs in order to meet work deadlines. They also note that the challenges drivers face often affect their health and compel them to use prescription and over-the-counter drugs while on the road.

Other trucking industry experts note that drug use is not a large problem. They note that truck drivers have much safer driving records than average passenger car drivers. They also note that truck drivers are subject to random drug testing to ensure that they are drug-free. Some point out that passenger car drivers are more likely to cause Miami Beach drunk driving accidents and car accidents because these checks are not in place for passenger car drivers. The Transportation Department also notes that truck accident deaths have been declining – and that driver error is the most common cause of commercial truck accidents.

Some investigations suggest that drug testing alone may not be enough. A 2007 investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that 75 percent of drug testing sites did not remove items that could be used to alter drug specimens. Undercover officers for the GAO were also able to purchase online products that hide drug use and were able to add them to urine samples at the testing sites without being caught.

Possibly as a result of testing challenges, it is difficult for experts to note how many truck drivers are using illegal or restricted drugs on the road. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), in 2007 less than 2% of randomly tested truck drivers tested positive for controlled drugs. However, when Oregon started testing truck drivers on its roads randomly on its own, it found that 9% of commercial truck drivers failed a random drug test.

Whatever the exact rates of drug test failures are, there is no doubt that any drug use by commercial truckers can – and does -- lead to fatalities and serious injuries. Drivers who are impaired and make errors that lead to Miami Beach car accidents, which in turn lead to brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries. No matter what efforts have been made so far in reducing the use of controlled substances among commercial truck drivers, more needs to be done to prevent accidents caused by this problem.

If you have been in a Miami Beach truck accident that you think may be caused by an impaired driver, you may want to contact an experienced Miami Beach personal injury attorney. Commercial truck accidents are already complicated due to the multiple parties involved, but proving impairment can be even more challenging. A qualified Miami Beach personal injury attorney can advise you of your rights and options so that you do not have to face the aftermath of your accident by yourself.

Continue reading "How Much of a Concern are Miami Beach Truck Accidents Caused by Drugged Drivers? " »

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recently released the results of its Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), which analyzes the causes of large truck accidents across the country. The study found that driver fatigue, distracted driving, and poor truck maintenance were among the leading causes of big truck accidents. Although the study was national in scope, the same issues are causing Miami Springs truck collisions.

The LTCCS study examined close to 1000 traffic accidents involving large trucks. According to the study, big truck accidents cause 5000 fatalities each year, and the nearly 500,000 semi truck collisions that take place in the US each year can be reduced through prevention.
According to the latest LTCCS study, the majority of big truck accidents examined are related to safety violations. Researchers of the study concluded that roughly 66% of commercial trucks have at least one documented violation. In many cases, the violation has to do with something significant, such as the braking system or the tires.

According to the LTCCS study, however, the biggest concern for motorists is driver fatigue. The study’s authors concluded that driver fatigue was the most common cause of larger truck accidents. In 2011, the FMCSA released new Hours-Of-Service which are intended to ensure that drivers get more rest. However, it is not yet known what impact the new rules will have on road safety. As well, as many experts have noted, Hours-Of-Service rules only apply to commercial truck drivers. Most motorists are not restricted by such rules and many Miami Springs car accidents may be occurring due to drivers of passenger vehicles who are too tired to drive safely. Miami Springs personal injury attorneys may pursue legal action against drivers of passenger vehicles who do not drive safely, but such drivers may still be causing a number of traffic accidents.

According to the LTCCS study, another major cause of truck accidents involving 18-wheelers, semis, and other large trucks is driver distraction. While a federal ban prevents commercial drivers from texting and driving, there are still many potential distractions in a truck cab. Drivers may easily be distracted by hands-free devices, PDAs, tablets, mp3 players, CB radios, laptops, and other devices. As mobile devices get smaller and more omnipresent, they can cause a greater distraction. Unfortunately, there is currently no practical way to ban the ever-growing number of distractions available to drivers.

Many Miami Springs personal injury attorneys and law enforcement professionals also point out that it is very hard to enforce existing no-texting laws for truck drivers. Mobile devices and cell phones can be kept in a driver’s lap, making it hard for law enforcement officers to catch drivers who are texting. In most cases, it is not until after a Miami Springs traffic accident that driver distraction is uncovered when police check phone and text message logs on a driver’s mobile device.

Of course, another key problem is that while commercial truck drivers are not allowed to text and drive, there is no texting ban in Florida for drivers of passenger cars. This means that local drivers can easily cause Miami Springs pedestrian accidents and truck accidents unless they willingly put mobile devices away when driving.

Continue reading "Could LTCCS Study Shed Light on Miami Springs Truck Accident Causes?" »

Speed-related Miami Shores car accidents and truck accidents are an especial concern. High-speed traffic accidents are more likely to cause fatalities and serious injuries, including brain injuries, burn injuries, and spinal cord injuries. This is because the force of a collision is considerably greater when a vehicle is speeding. When a higher-speed Miami Shores truck accident occurs involving a car and truck, the results can be even more devastating. Since the force of the truck is already so much greater than that of the smaller passenger vehicle, when speed is a factor it is even more likely that the occupants of the passenger vehicle will be seriously injured.

To reduce the risks of accidents such as these, many suggestions have been made to reduce speeding on roads and to make sharing the road safer. In 1987, a federal law was passed, for example, which allowed states to increase highway speed limits on rural interstate highways. At the time, the highways had speed limits of 55 mph and states were permitted to raise the speed limits to 65 mph. A few states decided to post different speed limits on these highways for trucks and different speed limits for cars – but does this make highways safer?

Speed limits on roadways are based on the idea of the 85th percentile. While many people assume that slower speed limits are safest, some research has shown that the safest speed is the one at which the majority (or about 85%) of traffic moves. Some studies have shown that when speed limits are posted lower or higher than what most drivers are driving, some drivers speed to reflect the speed at which they feel they should be driving while other drivers drive at the posted speed limit. This creates two sets of speeds, and this can cause reckless driving, tailgating, and other situations which lead to traffic accidents.

When trucks and cars share the road, therefore, some experts believe that both trucks and cars should travel at the same pace to prevent accidents. However, there are some issues with this. Some Miami Shores traffic accidents, for example, are caused because in many cases trucks and cars cannot travel at the same speed. Trucks may need to slow down and stop more often if they are making deliveries. Commercial big rig trucks also need to start slowing down much sooner than passenger cars do, as it takes longer for tractor trailers to brake. This can cause shifts in speed which, according to the 85th percentile idea, are unsafe.

There are other issues, too, which affect safe speed limits and trucks. A 2006 study at the University of Arkansas found that trucks that travel at lower speeds actually may be safer since they can maneuver and brake more easily than trucks which are going faster. Rather than supporting the 85th percentile idea, which suggests that uniform speed is best, the study found that a slower speed for trucks may be best – even when other vehicles are going faster.

Continue reading "Speed Limits and Miami Shores Truck Accidents " »

If you work with a North Miami personal injury attorney because you have been injured in a truck accident, one of the things your attorney will do is evaluate all the information available and will investigate the accident itself to determine all liable parties. There are many ways that attorneys can do this:

1) Look up records regarding past violations involving the same truck driver or trucking company. If a truck driver has previously involved in a North Miami car accident or if the track record of the truck carrier is poor, this can indicate that the driver or the company did not take due care and may be held liable for the accident.

2) Subpoena the truck’s maintenance records. One reason it is important to retain an attorney quickly after a North Miami truck accident is because maintenance records may not be kept for very long. Yet, they can indicate whether the truck was well maintained. If the truck had known problems that were never fixed or if the truck was not regularly inspected and maintained, this can help show dangerous negligence on the part of the driver or truck company.

3) Determine the speed at which your vehicle and the truck were traveling. Excessive speed is a frequent factor in fatal collisions.

4) Gather evidence about, and analyze, any damage to the vehicles. This damage can help accident reconstruction experts determine the cause of an accident.

5) Subpoena the driver’s log book. Again, the log book may not remain forever, so it is important for a North Miami truck accident attorney to secure this book right away. By law, all commercial truck drivers are supposed to indicate hours and miles driven, as well as stops taken. If a log book is incorrectly kept or shows that the driver did not rest adequately before an accident, this can help prove driver liability in the accident.

6) Speak to first responders and witnesses at the scene of the North Miami traffic accident. Securing this testimony can be especially important if a victim decides to pursue legal action against the truck company or driver.

7) Gather evidence from the truck’s black box. This can indicate information about what the truck was doing (and how fast the truck was moving) before, during, and after the accident.

8) Work with accident reconstruction specialists and private investigators to determine the cause of the accident and liable parties in an accident. If more than one liable party emerges, this can increase the chances that the victim will get a fairer settlement for injuries. In many cases, a North Miami truck accident is blamed on the drivers, but a number of factors – including road maintenance, other drivers, car defects, truck brake defects, and other causes – may be to blame. Often, only a thorough and professional investigation can help uncover the true reasons behind an accident.

9) Review the trucking company’s policies, safety procedures, maintenance schedule, and accident track record.

10) Evaluate the total costs of the accident. In many cases, insurance companies and victims do not consider the long-term costs of a North Miami traffic accident, but the injuries sustained in a serious accident can last many years and may require many years of expensive medical treatment.

Continue reading "What a North Miami Personal Injury Attorney Looks at After a Truck Accident " »

When most drivers think of Miami Gardens car accidents involving a truck, they imagine a truck barreling down a highway and colliding with a car. However, in many cases a Miami Gardens truck accident involves a truck that is parked on the side of the road. These types of accidents can still cause serious injuries and fatalities and they are very preventable.

Most commercial tractor trailers need to make frequent stops, including stops on the shoulder of a roadway or highway. In some cases, it is safer to pull over than to keep driving. If a commercial truck driver is not feeling well, for example, or needs to check directions, it is safer to pull over than to keep going. When a truck malfunctions, the driver may simply have no choice about stopping. In some cases, commercial truck drivers also pull off to the side of the road in order to make a delivery or to rest in areas where no other spaces for resting are provided.

Unfortunately, a large tractor trailer pulled over on the side of the road can be a hazard. A large truck can partially obstruct the outside lane, and any car traveling along that outside lane can collide with the truck and cause a serious Miami Gardens truck accident if the passenger car driver does not notice the truck in time. Along winding roads and in the dark, it can be especially difficult to spot a truck stopped by the side of the road. A number of Miami Gardens personal injury cases have been launched after the devastating impact of just this type of accident.

According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, when a tractor trailer is stopped on a highway or highway shoulder, the driver is mandated to follow some measures to ensure that oncoming cars are aware of the danger. That is, drivers are expected to use warning devices, such as hazard warring flares, fuses, or other warning devices to ensure that oncoming traffic can see the truck. If a driver fails to take these precautions and a Miami Gardens traffic accident takes place as a result, the driver of the truck may be held liable for not taking the proper precautions and for being illegally parked on the side of the road. In some cases, the truck carrier may also be held partly liable if the driver is not given adequate warning devices for this situation or is not trained in the use of such devices.

In this type of Miami Gardens traffic accident, the results can be devastating, especially if the accident occurs on a highway, where speed limits are higher. A motorist traveling unsuspectingly along a highway may not be able to slow down or swerve in time to avoid a truck that is illegally parked on the side of the road. In many cases, the motorist hits the truck head-on at high speeds. Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities are the common outcome of this type of accident, in part due to the high speed involved.

Continue reading "Stopped Trucks Can Still Cause Miami Gardens Truck Accidents" »

After a Fort Lauderdale truck accident, one of the first things that the truck carrier, attorneys, and insurance companies will do is try to determine liability. If you have been injured in a Fort Lauderdale car accident involving a truck, you will want to work with a qualified Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney, since an experienced attorney can help determine liability. If your attorney is able to find that a few people share liability for the truck accident, the odds that you will get fair compensation for your lost income, medical costs, car repairs, and other accident costs is improved. There are a few parties who may be found liable for your Fort Lauderdale traffic accident:

1) The truck driver. In many Fort Lauderdale truck accidents, the truck driver is considered the primary liable party. This is because in many Fort Lauderdale traffic accidents, it is driver error that leads in to the accident itself. Your Fort Lauderdale car accident, for example, can be caused by a truck driver’s distraction, fatigue, drug use, or other errors.

2) The trucking company. In many cases, the trucking company can be held at least partly liable in a Fort Lauderdale truck accident. This is because many trucking companies have policies which contribute to accidents. For example, a truck carrier may not adequately screen or train its drivers, or may encourage drivers to drive longer distances or longer hours than is safe. However, in order to prove that a trucking company is liable, you generally need to work with a qualified Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney, who can gather evidence and can prove that the trucking company is partly liable for the accident.

3) The loaders who placed the cargo on the truck. The people who have placed the cargo on the truck are responsible for ensuring that the cargo is correctly distributed and safely secured before the driver pulls away. While the driver is expected to check the cargo periodically throughout the trip, if the loaders are negligence or reckless in loading the cargo, they may be held partly liable for any accident that results due to cargo shifting.

4) The owners of the cargo on the truck. In some cases, the people who own the cargo on the truck may be held partly liable if they do not adequately warn the driver and the trucking company about the dangers of the cargo, do not adequately declare the content of the cargo, or take other negligent actions which result in injury.

5) The owners of the property where the accident took place. In some cases, the roadways or locations where the accident takes place are not correctly maintained or are unsafe due to faulty road engineering or road design. In these cases, the city of Fort Lauderdale, the state itself, or the local government in charge of the road may be held partly liable for the accident.

Continue reading "After a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident: Evaluating Liability " »

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), cargo shifts are one of the most dangerous causes of truck accidents. Although they are not common occurrences, when cargo shifts do occur, they are very likely to cause a serious accident. In Deerfield Beach, traffic accidents caused by cargo shifts are likely to cause fatalities and serious injuries.

To understand why cargo shifts and resulting Deerfield Beach truck accidents take place, it is important to understand tractor-trailers. These larger commercial trucks have very high chassis, making the truck more likely to roll over and making stability essential. The cargo is the heaviest part of the truck, but the ability of the truck to stop, maneuver, and speed up is in the tires. When a truck attempts to move, the force of the move must be transferred through the truck, from the ground to the load. When a load is not carefully balanced, a Deerfield Beach rollover accident or cargo shift is the likely result.

In addition to incorrectly balanced loads, incorrectly secured loads are another common reason for cargo shifts. In a larger commercial truck, cargo needs to be very securely tied down or secured to prevent shifting. In some cases, loads are naturally more difficult to secure. For example, liquid loads naturally shift and move during transport. In these cases, special tanker trucks need to be used to ensure that the load shift does not lead to an accident.

Truck drivers are primarily responsible for a cargo load. They are expected to inspect the cargo during the trip and before the trip to ensure that it is safe. However, in a Deerfield Beach truck accident caused by shifting cargo, there may be multiple liable parties. For example, trucking companies are expected to properly train drivers so that drivers can inspect cargo correctly. In addition, loaders are expected to load and secure cargo correctly.

If you have been in a Deerfield Beach truck accident that you believe may have been caused by a cargo problem, it is important to consult with a qualified Deerfield Beach personal injury attorney. In many cases, where a commercial truck is involved in an accident, truck carriers have access to powerful insurance companies as well as teams of attorneys to represent them. You will need a qualified personal injury attorney who can investigate the accident, find all liable parties, and safeguard your rights.

Even in cases where a Deerfield Beach traffic accident seems fairly straightforward, where commercial entity is involved, the case may be more complex than you realize. Even simply finding all liable parties can be very important. For example, if a Deerfield Beach personal injury attorney is able to find multiple liable parties in your case, you can drastically improve your chances of getting a fair settlement that covers more of your medical costs, lost income, and other expenses. As well, a good attorney can help safeguard your rights and can ensure you do not sign away your rights when making an insurance claim.

Continue reading "Cargo Shifts and Deerfield Beach Truck Accidents " »

According to experts, commercial truck cargo theft is a serious and growing problem. In 2009 alone, thieves stole nearly $500 million worth of commercial truck cargo, representing a 67% jump in thefts when compared with 2008. In many cases, cargo is stolen while truckers step of their vehicle out to eat or rest. According to law enforcement, medical and pharmaceutical cargo as well as electronics are especially targeted by thieves, since these can easily be re-sold. Florida, Texas, and Georgia are considered among the highest-risk states for cargo theft.

Some experts believe that cargo theft may be fueled in part by economic woes. While the thefts are certainly a concern for trucking companies, who lose considerable amounts of money due to the crime, there is some concern that the thefts can also have a negative impact on public safety in a number of ways:

1) Possible injuries to truck drivers who want to protect themselves and their cargo. If truck drivers interrupt a theft in progress or attempt to defend their trucks, there is the possibility that thieves may attack the driver in order to steal the cargo, increasing the risk of injuries to the driver.

2) More focus on cargo safety can detract from truck safety. As truck carriers are forced to focus on cargo theft, they may have fewer resources to put towards truck safety and driver safety overall. In other words, the more carriers are focused on cargo theft, the less they can focus on driver fatigue, driver distraction, and other common causes of Davie car accidents involving trucks.

3) Thieves who steal large amounts of cargo may be driving with unsafe loads, increasing the risk of Davie traffic accidents. If thieves steal entire cargo loads off of trucks, they must then transport the cargo. If they do so in trucks, they may simply not have the skills to securely distribute and secure the load, increasing the risk of a Davie truck accident. In addition, if thieves steal flammable or hazardous cargo, they may cause a fire, toxic spill, or other dangerous situation if they do not know how to transport this type of cargo safely.

4) Thieves escaping from a crime scene may cause an increase in Davie car accidents as they are likely to speed.

5) Re-selling of some cargo goods may cause injuries. One troubling thing about cargo theft is that thieves specifically target pharmaceuticals as a form of profitable product. Unfortunately, when pharmaceuticals and other dangerous cargo are resold on the common market, there is no control over how they are used. Pharmaceuticals, taken for the wrong purposes or in the wrong doses can be extremely hazardous or even fatal. Similarly, hazardous cargoes, including fireworks, flammable materials, and others pose a danger when used incorrectly.

Continue reading "Could Cargo Theft Increase the Risk of Davie Truck Accidents and Other Injuries?" »

In the New Year, many people make big changes in their lives. If your change involves moving to a new home, you may be interested in renting a truck to move your furniture and possessions to your new house. While renting your own truck can be a cost-effective option, it is not always the safest option. Each year, people are involved in Palmetto Bay traffic accidents while driving rental trucks.

The truth is, most motorists are not prepared for the dangers and risks of driving larger moving trucks. These trucks have more blind spots and handle much differently than a regular car, putting you at a much higher risk of a Palmetto Bay truck accident. In addition, some truck rental companies have poor records for truck maintenance. Many companies renting trucks have long lists of unsatisfied customers, some of whom claim that the companies rent trucks that are not kept in good condition. In past years, investigative journalists have found that some companies even move trucks from state to state to avoid costly repairs and maintenance on their fleets. The track records of some of these trucks may give you pause.

Luckily, there are ways to move safely. Where possible, leave the driving to someone else. Professional and experienced truck drivers can handle large moves and large trucks with ease, potentially saving you from a Palmetto Bay car accident. Professional movers can also pack your possessions carefully and are generally fully insured, so that if any injuries or any damage occurs during the move, the costs are covered. Many people feel that the costs of professional movers are very high, but the costs of a Palmetto Bay truck accident can also be very high. Before making a final decision, at least consider speaking with a tax preparer – if you are moving due to your job, the costs of the move may be partly tax-deductible, making movers more affordable.

If professional movers are not in your budget, there are still other options which allow you to have someone drive a moving truck for you. For example, you can rent a truck and hire a driver who can drive the truck for you. If you decide to do this, make sure that you speak with the truck rental company about insurance options. Another option is do-it-yourself services. These moving services will deliver a large container to your current home and you can pack the container with your possessions. Once you are packed, the company will transport the container to your new home, where you can unpack it. These services cost less than professional movers but do not require you to drive your own moving truck.

If you do decide to drive your own moving truck, at least take several precautions to ensure that your trip is safe. For example, book a truck that is large enough for all your possessions. Overloading a truck can cause brake failure and tire failure, so err on the side of caution. Next, make sure that you take the rental truck to a trusted mechanic before you load in anything. If there are any maintenance or safety issues, your mechanic can let you know so that you can contact the rental company to get a safer truck. Be careful to load the truck evenly and to secure your possessions in place to prevent them from shifting. Correctly loading the truck is important in preventing Palmetto Bay rollover accidents. Where possible, drive with a friend so that you can take turns driving and so that you can get help with blind spots and parking, if needed.

Continue reading "New Year, New Home? What You Need to Know to Prevent Palmetto Bay Moving Truck Accidents " »

In 2011, food trucks were a major issue in many Florida cities. Some Florida cities including Miami, argued that food trucks were a danger, because they could cause Miami car accidents due to increased traffic congestion, or could cause other types of Miami traffic accidents because food trucks attract both pedestrian and car traffic to small areas. Those who opposed food trucks argued that they posed unfair competition for restaurants and also were unregulated, making them potentially dangerous.

However, there was no denying that food trucks were immensely popular in Florida in 2011, and they had their fair share of supporters. Many argued that even in Miami, where food truck rules were tightened over the summer, food trucks had not been found to cause any Miami truck accidents or traffic accidents. Many also argued that the food trucks provided a safe and affordable option for diners.

Diners certainly flocked to food trucks in 2012. Many cited the low costs and good quality of the food as the reason. With lower overhead, food trucks were often able to provide lower prices than traditional bricks-and-mortar businesses. They are also able to travel to events and other locations where diners are, often making them a more convenient option for hungry patrons.

In 2012, Florida communities will likely see the debate about food trucks continue and may also see new legislation for the food truck industry. For example, St. Petersburg, Florida is considering a few options. The community is considering allowing food trucks in vacant lots. This, according to advocates, would help revitalize vacant areas in and near downtown while providing a service that the public wants. St. Petersburg is also considering allowing food trucks only near Beach Drive and near the Pier, where demand is greatest. Another option being considered is to allow food trucks only in cooperation with private businesses (such as existing bricks-and-mortar restaurants). This option would ensure that food trucks could co-exist with local restaurants rather than competing with them.

St. Petersburg does not currently permit food trucks, although that is expected to change by the end of 2012. Many other Florida communities, however, do permit food trucks. For example, Orlando allows food trucks to work collaboratively with local businesses as long as the trucks stay ten feet or more from the road. Tampa permits food trucks in private lots and at special events only. St. Petersburg’s efforts to bring a food truck scene into the community may eventually affect other communities who wish to allow food trucks on their streets.

While so far there have not been injuries reported involving food trucks, these are commercial trucks and in the event of an accident, they will be protected by larger insurance carriers. As well, gathering evidence in these cases and determining liability could be challenging since the truck may be owned by more than one entity and may be located on a city street or a private lot owned by a third party. Since food trucks can simply drive away, locating drivers and evidence can also be challenging. In any such accident, victims would need to work closely with a qualified personal injury attorney.

Continue reading "Food Trucks and Truck Accidents Across Florida " »

Numerous studies have shown that distracted driving is a major cause of concern in terms of Miami car accidents and truck accidents. In fact, by federal law, commercial drivers are not allowed to text and drive. During this time of year, however, it seems as though there are many more serious Miami truck accidents featured in the news. More holiday traffic and more pressure are one reason for this alarming trend in Miami truck accidents, but distracted driving is another major culprit. While distracted driving is a problem all year long, it can be an especial problem during the holiday rush, when it seems that far too many of us are trying to do far too much at once.

The pressure to keep retailers stocked with holiday items is considerable, and many truckers face extra pressures in terms of deliveries at this time of year. There are more trucks on the roads, more deliveries to make, and tighter deadline pressures. Truck drivers may feel more pressure to keep driving and more pressure to check in often about deadlines and deliveries. This can tempt drivers to use their mobile devices while on the road – to save time and to keep in touch. In addition, truck drivers have their own holiday plans, just like anyone else, and may be trying to balance a heavier holiday workload along with personal obligations. Again, this can tempt drivers into trying to multitask.

In addition, temporary truck drivers may need to be hired at this time of year in order to meet holiday demand. Many retailers and businesses hire temporary workers – including temporary drivers – at this time of year. While any truck carriers hiring commercial drivers are supposed to ensure that they hire only qualified drivers, any business hiring a driver for a company van may face fewer distractions. A less experienced driver may feel overconfident in their ability to text and drive, and drivers who drive vans for a company may not even realize that they should not use their mobile devices while driving.

There are also more drivers on the roads in general at this time of year, and while commercial truck drivers are prohibited from texting and driver, the drivers of passenger vehicles do not face any similar ban in Florida. Even if truck drivers do everything right at this time of year – even with the added pressures they face – passenger car drivers may be driving distracted and may cause serious collisions with trucks.

All drivers need to be more alert at this time of year. That means putting away all distractions, including mobile devices, and driving safely. The Flaxman Law Group wants to ensure that all our readers have a safe and happy holiday, and we hope that none of our readers are affected by a Miami traffic accident.

Continue reading "Why Distracted Driving Can Lead to More Miami Truck Accidents at This Time of Year " »

If you have been holiday shopping this year, you have likely noticed that parking lots are extremely busy at this time of year. Unfortunately, parking lots can also be the site of many holiday Miami traffic accidents. Parking lots require pedestrians, trucks, and cars to share the same space and as more trucks, pedestrians and cars converge on parking lots at this time of year, accidents are more likely. You can reduce your risk of Miami pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and traffic accidents in parking lots this year by following these safety tips:

1) Be aware where trucks park in your mall parking lot. They may park in a separate area behind stores in order to make deliveries. If this is the case, try to park away from the route that trucks would need to take to get to their delivery area. This will keep you safer as you drive to and from your space and walk to and from your car.

2) Give yourself plenty of time to do your shopping and errands. The less time you have, the more frantic you will be and the more rushed, which makes you more likely to make mistakes that could lead to a Miami car accident.

3) Don’t cut corners when driving through a parking lot. Treat parking lots just like roadways, with lanes of traffic. Do not drive across parking spaces, even if they are empty, to get to a far corner of the lot more quickly. You are sharing the parking lot with other vehicles as well as with children and pedestrians. Stick to those lanes where pedestrians and cars expect vehicles to be.

4) Don’t drive distracted. Although you are driving slowly through a parking lot, you need to be even more alert since other vehicles may pull out in front of you or pedestrians may emerge from in between parked cars. When driving through a shopping mall parking lot. Do not check your messages, text, make phone calls, or change your music. Keep your full attention on the road.

5) Be especially careful at entrances and exits. These are the areas where bottlenecks and accidents are more likely to occur, especially as shoppers and delivery trucks are anxious to get in and out of the parking area. Proceed slowly, make eye contact with other drivers, and yield right of way. When a truck is trying to enter to leave the parking lot, provide plenty of room and make sure that you are not following behind the truck too closely – if you cannot see the truck driver in the mirrors, he or she cannot see you.

6) Stay calm. Holiday stress can easily translate to road rage in a shopping parking lot, especially if someone cuts you off or takes a parking space you were trying to drive into. Do your best to stay calm and avoid engaging with stressed out drivers who may be suffering from road rage.

7) Be cautious when walking to and from your car. Make sure that drivers can see you, stick to pedestrian areas, and avoid emerging from in between parked cars. This is especially important if you are shopping at night or in darker conditions, where visibility is poor. In busy parking lots, Miami pedestrian accidents are a real concern.

Continue reading "Avoid a Parking Lot Miami Truck Accident This Holiday Season" »

At any time of the year, Miami truck accidents can be devastating. Many Miami brain injury victims, spinal cord injury victims, and other seriously injured victims receive their injuries from Miami traffic accidents. Due to the size and force of commercial trucks, accidents involving these types of vehicles can be especially deadly. A large commercial truck can completely flatten and destroy a passenger vehicle, causing extensive and even fatal injuries to any passengers stuck inside the car. Unfortunately, some experts believe that truck accidents are more common at this time of year for a number of reasons:

1) More trucks are on the road. Holidays are a busy time of year for retailers, and many retailers get more deliveries at this time of year. There are also more deliveries being made to residences at this time of year as companies offer delivery services and as presents are delivered by mail to customers. With more trucks on the road, there is also a correspondingly bigger risk of Miami truck accidents.

2) More temporary drivers are driving trucks. To cope with increased demand, some companies and carriers hire seasonal workers to meet deadlines. Some of these drivers may have less experience with specific routes than drivers who have been doing the same job for months or years.

3) More traffic is present on streets overall. During the holiday season, many more people are out and about to run holiday errands, finish their shopping, and take part in holiday events. In addition to more cars on the road, there are also more trucks on the road as businesses try to capture the profits possible during this time of year.

4) Busy parking lots are a fact of life during the holidays. Parking lots are a major hazard during the holidays, as trucks are trying to make deliveries and as more shopper pour into the malls to take advantage of holiday deals. This can lead to frayed emotions and even road rage, increasing the risk of a parking lot Miami traffic accident.

5) More rushing. As people feel the stress and pressure of the holiday season, they often feel they have to rush into order to accomplish all their tasks. Unfortunately, this can lead to distracted driving as individuals try to multitask. It can also lead to fatigued driving if drivers cannot sleep well due to holiday stress. The holiday rush can also lead to road rage and speeding, which can also contribute to holiday Miami car accidents.

6) More drinking. Unfortunately, some people still choose to get behind the wheel after attending a party where there has been drinking. Each holiday season, police work to crack down on Miami drunk driving accidents, but these accidents still do occur as some people make poor choices.

Continue reading "Why Miami Truck Accidents Are an Especial Concern During the Holidays" »

The Teamsters union has been involved in a legal battle to stop a U.S. Department of Transportation pilot program which would see trucks and truck drivers from Mexico on US roads. The Teamsters allege that the trucks are unsafe and would pose a threat on the roads. They also allege that the pilot program is illegal. The lawsuit has created quite a bit of media coverage and has many in Florida asking whether Mexican trucks would increase the risk of Miami truck accidents as well as traffic accidents across the state.

One reason that the pilot program is so controversial is because Mexican drivers, under the program, would not be mandated to meet the same physical requirements as US drivers and would not need to show proof that they adhere to safety standards. They would also not need to meet the standards established by the National Environment Policy Act. Many are concerned about this, since US drivers and trucks must meet a long list of requirements in order to drive on the roads. The Teamsters, as well as some truck drivers and carriers, are concerned that Mexican truck carriers do not need to meet these same strict guidelines when driving on US and Florida streets.

Also at issue is the safety standards of trucks allowed to drive in US roads. Some of the truck carriers from Mexico approved by the pilot program, for example, have had safety issues. The pilot program at first approved Grupo Behr, a truck carrier from Tijuana. However, the pilot program eventually withdrew that approval after it was found that the carrier had one semi-tractor trailer that was 20 years old and had safety problems. The pilot program eventually approved Transportes Olympic, another truck carrier. However, the Teamsters and other groups have expressed concerns about the safety problems possible with this carrier, as well.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), US taxes will pay for electronic On-Board Recorders with GPS for all Mexican trucks. While this may make it easier to keep track of any trucks from Mexico involved in accidents on the US border, some groups are upset, since US truck carriers must pay for these devices out of pocket. US taxes will also pay for muffler replacements on some older Mexican trucks, to ensure the safety of US air quality.

Despite the concerns, the first trucks from Mexico were allowed to enter the US on October 2011. Canadian trucks have been allowed on US roads for some time. So far, it is not known how any Miami car accidents involving Mexican trucks might be handled. Such cases may necessarily be more complicated, since victims would need to pursue carriers and drivers across the border. Since Miami is a major port and business center in the US, it does see quite a bit of truck traffic. So far, it is not known how the approval of Mexican trucks in the US would impact Miami traffic accident rates, if at all.

Continue reading "Are Mexican Trucks a Miami Truck Accident Risk?" »

When many people think of the causes of Miami truck accidents, speed, distracted driving, fatigued driving, and substance abuse may be the top causes that come to mind. However, according to a recent article in The New York Times, obesity and health issues may be a risk factor that we all need to take seriously to reduce the number of truck accidents on US roads.

According to a 2007 article in The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, there were 3.2 million truck drivers in the US that year, and roughly 86% of those drivers were either overweight or obese. When the Healthy Trucking Association of America held a blood pressure screening a few years ago, 21 of 2000 drivers tested were sent directly to the emergency room from the screening with chronically high blood pressure levels. Many more showed high blood pressure levels, and one driver had a heart attack after being screened.

According to industry experts and insurance carriers, there are many reasons why truck drivers may be especially susceptible to obesity and the health risks that come with it. For example, Miami truck drivers drive very long hours, and get very little exercise while actually driving. After long shifts, few truck drivers have the energy or motivation to work out, and finding places to work out while on the road can be challenging. In addition, drivers often eat on the road, and truck stops as well as other dining experiences on the road do not always offer the same healthy options available to those who have the benefit of eating at home most of the time.

Despite these challenges, insurance companies, trucking companies, and drivers want to see changes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers are among the most at-risk workers for on-the-job injuries and there is mounting evidence that some of those injuries may be due to the health conditions of truck drivers. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, approximately 87% of truck accidents in 2007 stemmed at least in part in from driver error and in 12% of cases these errors were related to health, as they were caused by heart attacks, diabetic shock, and other health problems.

There is no doubt that obesity and excess weight can pose a danger on our roads. Obesity can cause diabetes, heart attacks, sleep apnea, and a host of other medical conditions which can be extremely dangerous on the road. When a truck driver has a heart attack or other medical emergency on the road, a Miami car accident or truck accident is virtually inevitable. When truck drivers are so unfit and in such poor condition that they are ill, they may be making mistakes that lead to Miami traffic accidents.

By law, the United States Department of Transportation mandates that all commercial truck drivers need to take a bi-yearly medical exam. This exam tests for high blood pressure, respiratory problems, cardiac conditions, sleep disorders, and other medical problems which can affect a driver’s ability to drive safely. However, the tests do not address the real issue of driver health. The tests may determine when a driver is no longer safe on the road, but do not address the conditions that lead to truck driver obesity in the first place.

Some truck drivers, insurance companies, and truck carriers are fighting back. There is a growing movement of drivers looking to make health changes and companies assisting, by providing health seminars, access to nutritionists, and other resources. However, the biggest changes will likely occur when there is a financial incentive to get fit. When truck drivers can enjoy additional benefits or bonuses for staying healthy or are given more tools to stay fit, more changes can be expected.

Continue reading "Is the Obesity Epidemic Contributing to Miami Truck Accidents?" »

The National Sleep Foundation, the NHTSA, police authorities, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, and most other experts agree that driving drowsy is as dangerous as driving drunk. Many Miami car accidents and truck accidents take place because tired drivers get behind the wheel. Commercial truck drivers are especially at risk of accidents cause by tired driving. Since commercial truck drivers work odd hours, must drive long distances, and must meet strict deadlines, they are more likely than many other drivers to drive tired. There are many reasons why driving tired can lead to more Miami car and truck accidents:

1) Drowsiness causes awareness to decrease. A commercial truck driver who is very tired needs to focus on trying to stay awake, and tiredness can mean that the driver notices less of what is going on around them. This lack of awareness can easily lead to a Miami pedestrian accident or other accident.

2) Drowsiness slows reaction times. Studies have shown that reaction times are impaired similarly by fatigue as by drinking alcohol. Slower reaction times can mean that drivers do not have adequate time to take collision evasion action or drive defensively to prevent an accident. In a commercial truck, this can be especially deadly since trucks respond more slowly than passenger vehicles.

3) Drowsiness impairs judgment. Research suggests that judgment is as impaired by fatigue as it is by alcohol. Tired drivers may misjudge distances or make poor choices about speed and traffic signs, which can lead to accidents.

4) Tiredness may lead to vision impairment. In cases where someone does not get adequate sleep over a longer period of time, vision problems may occur. Eyes can get fatigued and dry, leading to blurry vision. In cases of pronounced sleep deprivation, a person may see flashes of light or experience other vision problems.

5) Fatigue can lead to delays in processing information. When the mind does not get adequate rest, it does not process data as quickly. This can make drivers slow to respond to traffic signs and other important traffic information.

6) Drowsiness can lead to “micro sleeps.” One of the most dangerous things about fatigue is that eventually the body needs to get sleep so badly that it effectively shuts down. Usually, this occurs with tiny micro sleeps of only a few seconds. In many cases, people are not even aware that they have fallen asleep for a few seconds. A truck driver, however, can travel the length of a few football fields in a micro sleep. This is truly frightening, and of course can easily lead to Miami traffic accidents. Eventually, the body needs sleep so badly that it shuts down completely, leading the driver to fall asleep at the wheel and lose complete control of the vehicle. In this situation, multi vehicle accidents or rollovers can easily occur.

7) Fatigue leads to mood swings and emotional upset. If you have ever woken up upset and grumpy because you did not get enough sleep, you already know that lack of sleep can lead to emotional upset. Someone who does not get adequate sleep may be angry, upset, and more likely to experience road rage.

Continue reading "Why Fatigued Driving Leads to Miami Truck Accidents " »

Hollywood rollover accidents are among the most Hollywood truck accidents. During rollover accidents, passengers are more likely to be ejected from the vehicle, flammable liquids are more likely to explode, and items in the truck cab are more likely to become projectiles, severely injuring those inside. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are many causes of rollover truck accidents:

1) Types of vehicles. Large commercial trucks are more likely to be involved in rollover accidents than passenger vehicles due to the excess pressure on the tires of the truck as well as due to the higher center of gravity of these vehicles. In addition, tankers are more likely to be involved in rollovers than many other types of trucks, simply because the load in these vehicles is more unstable and more likely to move, causing the center of gravity in the truck to shift.

2) Speed. Studies have suggested that up to 40% of fatal rollovers occurred while the vehicle was speeding. In addition, about 75% of such accidents took place in higher-speed areas of at least 55 mph. High speeds, especially with a heavily loaded commercial truck, make it harder for drivers to control their vehicle and make it easier for trucks to roll over or go into a slide that can lead to a rollover.

3) Almost one in two fatal rollover accidents involve alcohol, according to some studies. Even in cases where a driver is not above the blood alcohol limit, impairment can still be an issue. A truck driver who has had some alcohol but is still below the legal alcohol limit may still face impaired judgment, sleepiness, and other symptoms that can lead to a serious Hollywood traffic accident.

4) Location. According to studies, almost 75% of fatal rollover accidents occur on higher-speed rural roads. Part of the reason may be because such roads often have no barriers and are not divided. Unfortunately, commercial drivers in Hollywood often drive on rural roads outside the city, increasing their risk of an accident.

5) Driver error. According to the NHTSA, the vast majority of fatal rollover accidents are single-vehicle accidents that occur during routine events (such as turning). As a result, many experts believe that most of these accidents are caused by driver mistakes and behaviors, such as distracted driving.

6) Tire issues and load issues. Commercial trucks that are heavily loaded may weigh 80,000 pounds or more. This places enormous pressure on the tires, and can easily lead to tire blowouts as well as other tire malfunctions. When tires do not function correctly, the commercial truck driver cannot properly control the vehicle and is more likely to be involved in a serious traffic accident. In addition, when loads are not correctly secured or exceed the weight limit of the truck, the truck can more easily roll over, especially if the load is not distributed evenly, shifting the balance of the vehicle.

Continue reading "A Look at the Causes of Hollywood Truck Accidents" »

Miami firefighters and fire departments rely on tanker trucks to save lives and put out fires. While tankers do help Florida fire departments fight blazes, these trucks are also a hazard on the roads and are involved in a disproportionate number of accidents, when one considers how few tankers there are. According to experts, there are a few basic things that make these tankers so likely to contribute to Florida truck accidents:

1) Conversion problems. Many Florida fire departments purchase tankers used. In many cases, departments convert trucks which were originally meant to carry other materials, such as gas. When the tankers are converted for the use of fire departments, however, it can be difficult to determine how much the tankers can carry. The tankers may indicate how much gas they can carry, for example, but water weighs more. With no clear guidelines, it is easy to make a mistake and overload the tankers, which can lead to Miami rollover accidents and other traffic accidents. Converting a tanker can also lead to problems with chassis weight ratings. In addition, some fire departments add a tanker to a flatbed or add a hosebed on a used truck, altering the center of gravity and making the truck more prone to rollovers.

2) Driver issues. Tankers require extensive training, yet in many fire departments are considered merely support vehicles. As a result, in many cases the tanker is the most dangerous vehicle at the average fire department but is often driven by the least experienced driver. Tankers have loads that shift and tend to have higher centers of gravity. These unique conditions mean that any driver who drives a tanker should be given on the road and classroom training before being allowed to drive a tanker.

3) High speed. Fire departments need to limit the speed of tankers, because these vehicles are prone to rollovers. Trying to drive too fast in a tanker truck is likely to result in a Miami truck accident as the tanker driver is likely to lose control of the vehicle at higher speeds. The Insurance Services Office places tanker speed limits at 35 mph.

4) Seatbelt issues. Even if the tanker driver does everything right, other motorists can drive recklessly and cause a Miami car accident. It is important to ensure that everyone on a tanker wears the appropriate safety belts. If a fire department buys a tanker second-hand, the tanker should be equipped with seat belts, preferably, a modern three-point safety restraint.

5) Lack of guides. Side dump valves can ensure that tankers need to back up less often. However, since tankers have so many blind spots, it is imperative to have someone on the ground guiding the tank driver during any attempt at backing up. Failure to do so can easily result in a Miami pedestrian accident.

6) Not following rules. Under NFPA 1901, tankers are subject to many rules concerns the cab, chassis, and all elements of the tanker. It is important for fire departments to study and follow these rules to prevent needless tragedy. Under NFPA 1911, tankers are subject to regular testing. In addition to required testing, fire departments should create and stick to a regular maintenance schedule to keep all tankers safe.

Continue reading "Miami Tanker Trucks Save Lives, But Can Cause Accidents" »

In 2006 and 2007, Miami was named by AutoVantage as the city suffering from the worst road rage in the country. Road rage can lead to aggressive driving and can contribute to Miami car accidents and truck accidents as well. Anyone who has seen an incident of road rage on the road knows that this type of rage is more than just someone's bad day. A trucker driving an 80,000 pound fully loaded commercial vehicle can cause a serious accident if they are making reckless decisions or poor choices due to road rage. Road rage leads to aggressive driving and contributes to Miami pedestrian accidents and car accidents.

According to experts, impatient drivers often become enraged drivers. Emotional driving can also lead to road rage, especially if a motorist is driving while stressed, angry, or upset. Lack of patience is one of the leading reasons for road rage, as impatient drivers often lose their temper due to simple traffic delays, congestion, and other unavoidable problems. Unfortunately, truck drivers need to work hard to stay patient. Many of them have tight deadlines to make and often feel frustrated if they are stuck in traffic or otherwise unable to do their jobs. Experts also suggest that driving while emotionally upset can lead to road rage. Having a bad day and then getting into the car can mean that simple traffic problems escalate into a serious situation. Most experts suggest driving only when you are calm, well rested, and prepared for the road.

Road rage can manifest itself in all kinds of ways. It can include gesturing, yelling, or swearing at another driver. It can include tailgating and other reckless driving behaviors. Gesturing, swearing, and yelling can distract other drivers and lead to a Miami bicycle accident or other traffic accidents. Reckless driving can be especially dangerous, particularly when it involves large trucks. Tailgating, cutting off trucks, and otherwise driving erratically can easily lead to a serious accident.

Road rage can be an especial problem when cars and trucks share the roadways. A passenger vehicle has little or no chance against a fully loaded commercial vehicle which weighs many times what the car weighs. Any accident between a passenger vehicle and a truck is likely to result in fatalities or permanent injury. Since preventing road rage can help prevent accidents, AutoVantage has several suggestions for preventing road rage:

1) Slow down. Driving more slowly and avoiding speeding helps ensure calm driving. Speeding tends to annoy other drivers and can lead to nasty confrontations. Slowing down overall can also help reduce the stress that often leads to road rage. That is, giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination ensures that you are not rushing and upset if there are any delays.

2) Stay alert and careful. Although Florida has no texting bans for drivers, staying alert and driving cautiously are your best defenses against road rage. Staying alert ensures that you are not cutting off other drivers and causing dangerous situations or upset on the road. Staying alert also reduces your risk of causing a Miami traffic accident.

3) Stay courteous and think of other drivers. When sharing the road with others, consider how other drivers feel. Give them plenty of room, don't cut people off, and signal as a courtesy so that other drivers know what to expect from you.

4) Take a deep breath and gauge your emotions. Avoid driving when you are upset, and try to calm yourself before getting behind the wheel. Driving upset ensures that any small problem on the road leads to even greater upset and potentially road rage.

Continue reading "Miami Road Rage Can Lead to Truck Accidents " »

In many cases, Miami truck accidents involve accidents between trucks and other motor vehicles. However, every year people are injured while walking too close to trucks. Miami pedestrian accidents involving trucks are far more common than many people think. Miami has high pedestrian traffic as well as high truck traffic, due to the size and vibrancy of the city. Unfortunately, Miami pedestrian accidents involving trucks usually lead to serious injuries or fatalities. A pedestrian has virtually no chance against a large 80,000 pound commercial vehicle.

Unfortunately, emergency medical personnel see Miami truck accidents involving pedestrians all the time. It is an unfortunate fact that there are many places where trucks and pedestrians share the same space, increasing the risk of an accident. For example, in many commercial parking lots – including mall parking lots – trucks deliver goods in the same areas where pedestrians are walking to their cars. As well, large trucks put out fires, deliver our mail, and pick up our garbage. These everyday larger vehicles can also pose a serious hazard for pedestrians. Fortunately, there are things that pedestrians can do to avoid becoming involved in a truck accident:

1) Teach children to stay away from trucks. One of the most tragic things about Miami pedestrian accidents involving trucks is that they often do involve small children. Small children are naturally drawn to trucks, and may not realize the dangers. Children are also so small that truck drivers simply cannot see them, especially if a child wanders into the blind spot of a truck. Parents need to be especially vigilant when a child is playing outdoors or is walking in parking lots where trucks may be sharing the area with pedestrians.

2) Don't walk where truck drivers are not expecting pedestrian traffic. Staying on designated pedestrian areas ensures that drivers are more likely to see you. Popping out between cars, walking in the path of a truck, and sharing the space where a truck is driving are poor choices that can lead to an accident.

3) Stay visible. If you like walking at night or in poor weather, make sure that you are wearing highly visible clothing, so that all motorists can see you.

4) Assume that truck drivers cannot see you. Truck drivers may not be looking for pedestrians in all areas, and the blind spots on commercial trucks, especially, can be significant. It is always safest to assume that truck drivers cannot see you until you make eye contact with the truck driver. If you cannot see the truck driver, he or she cannot see you.

5) Keep in mind that trucks make frequent stops and starts. Trucks that are delivering goods or picking up garbage may make frequent stops and may back up suddenly. Approach such vehicles with caution and give them a wide berth.

6) Be cautious of trucks turning. Trucks with wide loads can easily crush a pedestrian who is caught in the way. Truck drivers also usually cannot see a pedestrian walking up alongside a truck in this situation, so give the truck lots of space and wait until it drives off before continuing your walk.

Continue reading "Miami Pedestrian Accidents Involving Large Trucks" »

Miami is filled with green spaces, trails, beaches, and many other outdoor areas that are perfect for recreation. There many joggers and bicyclists in Miami who choose to exercise outdoors. If you are one of them, keep in mind that you need to stay safe. While Miami has lots of pedestrians, it also has a higher than normal level of truck traffic. Since Miami is a port city and a major commercial area, thousands of trucks pour into the city every day. This increases the risk of Miami pedestrian accidents and serious accidents for those who choose to exercise outdoors. In order to stay safe, make sure that you:

1) Avoid exercising or jogging alone. Whether you are taking a bicycle ride or jogging, consider taking friends with you. Friends not only make exercising more fun, but they can also ensure that you are less of a target. If you are in a Miami truck accident or pedestrian accident while jogging or bicycling, your friends can also help you call for emergency medical personnel. If you cannot find friends to work out with, at least have a planned route, a cell phone, and let someone know where and when you will be exercising.

2) Choose your exercise routes carefully. Avoid exercising outside at the same time and location every day. As well, select safe, well lit areas for jogging and bicycling.

3) Make sure that truck drivers and motorists can see you easily. If you are jogging, wear reflective clothing. If you are on a bicycle, make sure that your bicycle has reflective tape and working lights. The more visible you are to drivers, the less likely you are to be in a Miami pedestrian accident. Visibility does not guarantee that you won’t be in an accident, but it does reduce your risk.

4) Carry a cell phone with you. Make sure that your cell phone is turned off, as distracted jogging or bicycling makes you more prone to a Miami bicycle accident or pedestrian accident. However, if you are in an accident, a cell phone can help you call for help quickly.

5) Carry your personal identification, including emergency contact numbers and any allergies you have or medications you are taking, with you when you are exercising. If you are severely injured, this information can help paramedics save your life.

6) Consider jogging or bicycling in areas that do not have truck or car traffic. Miami has a number of parks and beaches where vehicles are not allowed. These can be safer areas for walking, jogging, and bicycling, especially if you stay on them during daylight hours.

7) Avoid bicycling or walking distracted. Avoid listening to music, texting, or otherwise distracting yourself while you work out. Staying alert allows you to notice what is going on around you, and allows you to notice traffic as well as any warning signs that can help you prevent an accident.

Continue reading "Do you Exercise Outdoors in Miami? Here is How to Stay Safe" »

A number of complaints have been filed in South Florida pertaining to tow truck operators. In some cases, drivers have complained that tow truck operators have towed their vehicles to far-off lots, have towed their vehicles from legal parking spots, or have charged exorbitant fees. The Broward County consumer affairs department has seen 102 such complaints filed against towing companies since 2009.

Local police in Broward County enforce Florida laws which govern where tow zone signs can be placed and where tow trucks can place cars for storage. Broward County also has specific rules which require towing companies to file a business tax receipt locally. Unlike other counties in Florida, Broward County does not require badges or background checks for tow truck operators.

In Broward County, there are non-consent towing fees. This means that if a driver is parked illegally in a place where they can be towed, Broward County permits tow truck operators to tow that car and charge a flat $100 towing fee. However, some motorists in Broward County have complained about tow truck operators charging additional fees or higher fees. Broward County has reclaimed towing fees in 35 cases where consumers complained about excess fees. Refunds ranged from less than a dollar to $350 in extra fees in each case.

Additional towing charges and being towed from a spot that is not clearly marked as a towing zone is frustrating for motorists. However, it can also be potentially dangerous. Tow trucks who ignore County regulations and tow cars to distant locations for storage in order to collect extra fees spend more time on the road and can increase the risk of truck accidents.

As well, unnecessary towing could potentially be a risk for increased Broward County truck accidents. When tow truck operators tow a vehicle, they can slow down traffic. The process of towing can also create a risk of an accident. While in some cases towing is necessary, in cases where it is not necessary it could be contributing to road congestion and the risk of accidents.

Tow truck operators perform an invaluable service in Broward County. They help motorists whose cars have broken down and they keep tow-away zones clear for emergency vehicles and other important traffic. However, it is important that tow truck operators obey all County laws to ensure that no unnecessary risks are taken. Every step taken to prevent Miami car accidents -- and accidents across Florida -- is a step worth taking.

Continue reading "Could Towing Irregularities Cause Broward County Trucking Accidents?" »

Miami truck accidents regularly close down highways and roadways and send victims to the hospital. A number of these accidents are caused by preventable load issues. The average commercial tractor trailer is more than 40 feet long, 13 feet tall, and is loaded with freight that can weight up to 80 000 pounds. Accidents occur every day in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables, and other Florida cities when incorrectly secured loads cause rollovers or when materials fly out of trucks and into oncoming traffic.

Commercial trucks are designed to carry large cargo, but that does not mean that cargo problems don’t occur. In fact, city authorities see many hazards and many Miami car accidents and truck accidents caused by load issues. Common issues can include:

1) Heavy weights that lead to loss of control of the truck. When a truck carries more weight than it was designed to carry, the extra pressure means more momentum, which can make it harder for the truck to stop, especially on hills and inclines. Heavy truck weight can make it very challenging for truck drivers to stop in time to avert an accident. Heavy cargo weights can also make it easier for the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

2) Incorrectly secured loads can make it harder for the driver to steer and control the vehicle.

3) Excessively heavy cargo can place so much stress on the brake system that the brakes fail. The extra momentum on a very heavy truck going downhill is especially dangerous for brakes.

4) Excessively heavy loads place so much extra pressure and weight on tires that tire blowouts can happen more easily, leading to accidents. Tires are designed to carry a specific limit of weight and exceeding this weight leads to an accident in many cases.

5) Very heavy cargo can make it hard for truck drivers to get uphill. The truck may roll back when the driver tries to brake or may move very slowly forward. This can make rear-end collisions far more likely, especially on curvy roads.

6) Incorrectly secured cargo can move and shift during the drive, distracting the driver and leading to an accident.

7) A poorly balanced cargo load can affect the center of gravity for the truck, causing a rollover or steering failure.

8) A cargo that has not been secured properly can roll and shift suddenly, increasing the risk of a rollover.

There are laws about the weight commercial trucks can carry and there are regulations about tire and axle load, weight distribution, and cargo securing. Truck drivers, carriers, and truck companies are responsible for ensuring that trucks stay safe on the road. Truck weigh stations across Florida and across the US make sure that truck drivers follow the laws. However, some companies and drivers are not as careful as they should be about securing loads and ensuring safe load weights. A casual attitude about load issues can easily lead to accidents.

Continue reading "Load Issues and Miami Truck Accidents" »

T-bone accidents cause 9,000 deaths annually in the US. In fact, only head-on crashes are more deadly. The only thing more deadly than a Florida side impact car accident is a Florida truck accident in which a truck t-bones a passenger vehicle. A Florida T-bone truck accident almost always leads to fatalities or very serious injuries for the passengers of the car. The sheer size and force of the truck usually not only crushes the side of the vehicle into the passengers, but the impact of the collision will generally push the car some way before the two cars come to a stop. The sheer impact can cause a fire, serious injuries, and complete destruction of the vehicle.

Since passenger vehicles have less padding on the sides than large trucks, any passengers in the vehicle affected by a T-bone crash with a truck are likely to be severely injured. Even with side impact airbags, which are not standard in all passenger vehicles, the impact of the crash is enough to cause fatal injuries or very serious injuries. In these types of accidents, the driver of the truck is unlikely to be injured, as he or she is seated above the point of impact and protected by a cab.

The frustrating thing about side impact truck accidents for victims is that very often they are extremely preventable accidents. A side impact truck accident in Florida is likely caused by a driver who does not stop for a red light or stop sign or fails to yield right-of-way. This can occur because a driver falls asleep at the wheel, is distracted, or is simply driving aggressively and runs a red light. It can be galling for victims to realize that their serious injuries or even the loss of a loved one is caused by someone who has been driving recklessly or negligently.

If you have been injured in a Florida T-bone accident, you will need a qualified Florida truck accident attorney. Truck carriers usually have teams of attorneys as well as powerful insurance companies working on their behalf. You will need a qualified Florida truck accident attorney to negotiate a fair settlement for you – one that covers the costs of your vehicle, medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. Without the help of a qualified attorney, you may end up paying some of these costs or even a substantial portion of these costs out of pocket. If you have sustained a long term or permanent injury, especially, the costs of your injury over a lifetime may be much higher than you think. Working with a qualified Florida personal injury attorney or truck accident attorney is your best chance of ensuring that you are adequately compensated for someone else's negligence and recklessness. As well, with a fair settlement you may be able to afford high-quality medical care which can help you to heal more fully from your injuries.

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Excessive cornering speed, tripping, collisions, and critical slopes can all contribute to rollover accidents. SUV rollovers and van rollovers are very common, but big rigs and tractor trailers are also at substantial risk for rollover accidents. Large commercial trucks are especially vulnerable to rollover accidents for number reasons:

1) Truck drivers cover many miles of road in their trucks. Since truck drivers are on the road more often, they're naturally a more at risk for Florida car accidents and truck accidents than drivers who drive less frequently. The sheer amount of time spent on the road increases the likelihood that a rollover or other type of Florida truck accident will happen.

2) Trucks are top-heavy. Commercial trucks are designed to carry enormous amounts of cargo, and are often very tall in order to accommodate cargo. Even with a wide wheel track and large wheels, this tends to make trucks very top-heavy and therefore more likely to rollover.

3) Trucks carry heavy, sometimes-unstable loads. A fully loaded truck can weigh many tens of thousands of pounds, and this puts additional pressure and weight at the top of the vehicle, which makes trucks even more top-heavy. As well, cargo may be incorrectly secured, making it shift and making a rollover more likely. In situations where a load is incorrectly secured, there may be multiple liable parties in the event of a truck accident. In some cases, such as when transporting live animals, securing a load so that it does not shift is almost impossible, and increases the risk of a rollover.

4) Truck drivers are under pressure to make deadlines. Truck drivers often need to make certain runs within a certain time limit in order to get their cargo to a destination on time. The additional pressure can encourage drivers to speed, and speeding is a leading cause of rollovers.

5) Tire problems. Trucks, due to their size and weight, place a great deal of pressure on their tires, and this causes to wear down and malfunction more frequently, especially if tires are not maintained correctly or if a truck is carrying too much weight. When Florida tire blowouts or tire problems take place, it is possible for rollovers to occur.

Truck rollover accidents are usually deadly. A truck that has rolled over can obstruct traffic and even cause secondary Florida car accidents. A truck that has rolled over can also easily ignite, especially if the truck is carrying flammable materials. If a truck rolls over into oncoming traffic or into other lanes, other cars are likely to be crushed or severely damaged due to the sheer size of the vehicle. Even though truck drivers are shielded in the cab of the truck, the force and impact of a rollover can lead to serious injuries for a truck driver. Spinal cord injuries and brain injuries are just two of the serious injuries which can occur with a truck rollover accident.

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There is no question that truck driver fatigue leads to Florida truck accidents and car accidents. Numerous studies have shown that fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as Florida drunk driving accidents. Tired drivers have slower response times and can actually drift off at the wheel, sometimes for only seconds at a time, momentarily losing control of their vehicle. Drowsy driving causes many Florida car accidents a year, as well as pedestrian accidents and truck accidents. Fatigued truck drivers in a special concern, since the size of their truck can mean that any impact with that truck can cause fatal or serious injuries.

Since driver fatigue among commercial truck drivers in such a serious problem, federal agencies have instituted rules to ensure that truck drivers get adequate rest before heading on the road. The federal government has imposed hours of service regulations, which restricts how much time drivers can spend behind the wheel before they have to take rest. The same policy also restricts total time on the road, and requires commercial truck drivers to keep records of the hours spent driving and resting. However, some experts claim that more needs to be done to ensure that drivers do not drive fatigued.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has suggested new rules, which would cut the driving time for interstate truck drivers to 10 hours in every 14-hour shift. Currently, drivers are permitted to drive 11 hours in every shift. Under the proposed changes, drivers would also need to take more time off between seven-day drives and would need to take one-hour rests on longer shifts. The rule will be deliberated until October 28, when a final decision about the suggested changes will be made.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has already passed new rules as of 2010 to combat fatigued driving. In 2010, the agency passed a policy which will require interstate truck drivers to install electronic devices if they violate hours of service rules repeatedly. The electronic devices will gauge rest periods and driving times more accurately than paper log books, which can be falsified easily. This rule has been approved and will be in effect by 2012. The agency is also contemplating a policy change which would make it mandatory for all interstate truck drivers to have recorders onboard, permanently replacing paper log books for all truck drivers.

While some advocates claim the new rules will reduce the number of fatigued drivers on the road, some experts claim that the rules will increase the costs of trucking without having a sizeable impact on safety. Some experts in the trucking industry, for example, point to statistics which show that the number of fatal truck collisions across the country has dropped since 2004. Between 2008 and 2009 alone, fatal commercial truck accidents involving large rigs dropped 20%. Federal records also show that driver fatigue is the cause of as few as 2% of fatal truck accidents.

However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains that while the drop in fatal collisions is a step in the right direction, the number of such crashes is still too high. As well, many experts say that drivers face tight deadlines and economic pressures to drive tired, especially now that truck companies are reducing the number of drivers amid cost concerns. Experts also note that statistics about driver fatigue can be misleading, since authorities often only cite drive fatigue as a cause of a truck crash in cases where fatigue is obvious or in cases where a driver admits to fatigue. According to some experts, driver fatigue is an underestimated cause of many traffic accidents.

Continue reading "What Can be Done About Driver Fatigue Causing Florida Truck Accidents? " »

According to some experts, the number of Florida truck accidents and car accidents may be caused in part by severe parking space shortages for commercial truck drivers. Statistics show that some roadways, including Florida's popular Interstate 95, see 1000 trucks or more daily. In many cases, truck drivers need to rest while driving on Florida streets. In places where there are no truck stops or areas for resting, the drivers need to pull over onto an exit ramp or highway shoulder in order to rest. However, experts agree that every time drivers do this, they put other motorists at risk for sideswipe car accidents and other Florida car accidents.

According to representatives with the Florida Department of Transportation, large commercial trucks and tractor trailers can be seen parking all over Florida, including under bridges, in parking lots, in ride lots, along the road, and in other places. That may be about to change -- and those changes could reduce the number of Florida car accidents and truck accidents caused by lack of parking spots.

Florida has been awarded $1 million by the Federal Highway Administration to add 90 truck parking spaces near Interstate 595, at a brand-new truck stop. According to the Florida Trucking Association, this is a great move that will give motorists and truck drivers alike a safer place to park than on road shoulders.

According to experts, the new truck stops will also address a basic problem. In 2003, the federal government began to require hours of service restrictions and rest periods for truck drivers. However, in many places there was not adequate space for truck drivers to stop and rest -- and the new federal laws did not necessarily create places or designate area where drivers could park safely and rest. This meant that more drivers were parking along roadways and in other areas, which ironically can actually increase the risk of Florida truck accidents and car accidents.

As transportation budgets have been slashed over recent years, many states have also closed existing truck stops, further restricting where truck drivers can stop and rest. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 7% of truck accidents involve driver fatigue. Statistics such as these suggest that more needs to be done to ensure that truck drivers have safe places to rest. U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y has already proposed earmarking $20 million each year to add truck parking across the country and to open more rest stops. The bill introduced by Rep. Tonko is named Jason's Law, named after a truck driver who was killed while parked in an abandoned gas station.

Continue reading "Could a New I-595 Truck Stop Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents?" »

Moving companies are busy at this time of year because many families and students move before the start of the school year. Unfortunately, moving also brings risks with it. Each year, Florida truck accidents involving moving trucks cause serious injuries. As well, moving can cause back problems and minor injuries.

If you are moving and you decide to move yourself, carefully consider the truck you will be hiring. Some investigative news reports have found that some rental moving trucks have poor maintenance and safety records. In some cases, customers have complained about poor truck performance. If you do rent a moving truck, try it out first and take the truck to a mechanic you trust to ensure that the truck is road-worthy.

Make sure that you rent the right size of truck and that you pack and load your truck correctly. Overloading a truck can place additional stress on the tires and can lead to tire blowouts. It is a good idea to estimate the weight of your possessions and then to get a truck slightly larger than you need. However, do keep in mind that the larger the truck, the more unlike it will be from a passenger vehicle. Commercial truck drivers have extensive training to drive larger vehicles. Without this type of training, you may feel uncomfortable and be unsafe in a larger truck.

Incorrectly loaded and packed trucks can also be a danger, as they can cause the load to shift while you drive, which can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Incorrectly loaded moving trucks can also be subject to roll-overs. Distribute the weight evenly inside the truck and secure the load with straps (available at many home building stores and automotive stores) to ensure that the load will not shift before transport.

Give yourself plenty of time to move and move on a day when visibility is good. If you plan on moving yourself with a rented truck, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. You will need time to pack the truck carefully and gradually and you will need time to take the rental truck to a mechanic before you drive it. You may also want to drive the truck around for a short time to get comfortable with the vehicle. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination and try to travel during the daytime, when visibility is better.

Given the dangers of moving yourself, you may want to consider alternatives to moving yourself. Many people choose to move themselves because the costs are much lower than hiring professionals. However, there are alternatives. You can rent a truck yourself and hire a truck driver to drive your possessions to your new destination. There are also "do it yourself" moving companies. These companies will deliver a freight crate to your current address and you can take time filling the crate. When you are done, a professional truck driver will deliver the crate – with all your possessions – to your new address. This costs less than a professional moving service but does not require you to drive a large truck.

If you hire do decide to hire professionals, stay well out of the way. Large commercial moving trucks have many blind spots, so it is important to keep pets and children away from the truck, to avoid accidents.

Continue reading "Florida Moving Truck Accidents and Moving Safety " »

According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, one out of seven motorists check their tire pressure properly and regularly. That's compared to six out of ten drivers who wash their vehicles at least once per month. While it's great to care about the look of a vehicle, tire problems and blowouts – especially on large commercial trucks and big rigs – suggest that drivers and truck drivers need to pay more attention to tires.

According to experts, high heat can also trigger tire failure, making it especially important for truck drivers to check tires regularly. Florida hot weather can contribute to Florida tire blowouts and the truck accidents that blowouts can cause. Trucks travel at high speeds and with heavy loads; truck tires are especially designed to support these loads and the friction produced. However, all truck tires have design specifications, or ideal conditions under which they are designed to be used. Hot Florida days can cause tires to get heated above the safety standards set by tire manufacturers.

When hot weather is combined with excessive loads or under-inflated tires, the hazards can be even greater. Tires under this type of duress can already get dangerously overheated or damaged. When combined with hot asphalt, the result can be a serious Florida car accident or big rig accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that between 2005 and 2009, 116 000 people across the US were injured in truck accidents caused by tire issues. And, according to experts, there is more reason to be concerned now. With many truck carriers looking to reduce costs, maintenance may get less attention. However, since trucks can be up to 20 times the size of passenger cars, it is more important than ever for truck drivers and companies to check tire pressure and tire condition on tractor-trailers regularly. Some carriers and companies have taken steps to promote tire safety. In the early summer, some truck carriers took part in National Tire Safety Week, taking part in nationwide events to raise awareness about tire safety.

Most experts agree that it is not only truck drivers and carriers who are liable when truck tires fail. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has established design standards and testing requirements for manufacturers of truck tires. When truck manufacturers do not meet minimal standards, accidents are an unfortunate result and in these cases manufacturers are often held liable for the accidents defective tires have caused. Some truck manufacturers have developed excellent standards for tire safety, but the number of Florida tire defect cases and recalls shows that there is still room for improvement.

If you have been in a Florida truck accident – whether caused by a tire blowout or not – it is important to consult with a Florida truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. There are statutes of limitations which can limit your timeframe and evidence that needs to be secured. Many qualified attorneys, including the legal team at the Flaxman Law Group, can even visit you in the hospital if you need to arrange a consultation quickly after your accident.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents Caused by Tire Problems Can be More Prevalent in The Summer Months " »

When a truck tire blows out, it can cause a truck accident. However, it is also a cause of many Florida car accidents. If you are a driver on Florida's roads, the pieces of truck tire that you see on the road are a danger to you. In most cases, a truck tire will blow out when a tire goes flat and then becomes considerably damaged. When this occurs, the tire loses all pressure. The truck driver can lose control of the truck and cause a Florida truck accident. Even if the truck is able to pull safely to the side, however, Florida truck accidents can still occur as pieces of truck fly at cars and as car drivers try to swerve out of the way.

There are many reasons for truck tire blowouts:

1) Florida truck tire defects. Tire defects are often in the news and manufacturers sometimes recall tires known to be defective. In many cases, these types of defects can lead to accidents and products liability cases brought against the manufacturers.

2) Incorrect tire maintenance. Whether tires are defective or not, incorrect maintenance can lead to blowouts and accidents. When tires are not properly inflated, they are far more likely to blow up. As well, truck tires should be checked regularly for signs of wear. Any defects or signs of wear mean that a tire should be replaced. As well, it is important to consider the age of tires. Even defect-free tires will disintegrate with time because they are made of rubber. Tires that have been sitting in a warehouse for years may not be as safe, even if they have never been used. Truck drivers and carriers should always check the date of manufacture of tires and reject older tires which may no longer be as safe.

3) Cuts. A large slash on the tire can cause air to leak quickly from the tire, leading to a blown out tire and an accident. Small punctures can also be dangerous, as they may not be noticeable but can cause air loss that causes tire pressure failure. Unfortunately, streets and roadways are often littered with sharp objects which fall of off trucks and cars, and these objects can easily lead to tire problems.

4) Road conditions. Potholes and poor road maintenance can cause added pressure on tires and can cause damage to tires.

5) Load problems. Large commercial trucks often carry large loads, but when drivers and truck companies overload vehicles, the resulting pressure can wear down tires prematurely and can even place enough pressure on tires to cause a blowout. Poorly secured loads can also shift, causing uneven weight distribution that can place pressure on tires and cause an accident.

Continue reading "Truck Tire Blowouts Cause Many Florida Car Accidents " »

Volusia County, like many counties in Florida, uses large Beach Patrol trucks to keep beaches safe. However, this year, one of the trucks was involved in a collision with a sunbather, shining the spotlight on Florida truck accidents on beaches. There have been three Beach Patrol accidents in the county since 2010, all involving collisions between trucks and sunbathers.

Miami Beach also has trucks patrolling its beaches. However, in that county, only higher-ranking patrol officers are permitted to drive the patrol trucks on beaches. As well, there is a limit of four trucks on the beach at one time. As well, some patrol officers use ATVs (all terrain vehicles) for their patrols, instead of the larger trucks. ATVs have the advantage of offering improved visibility, especially since they are lower to the ground than standard beach patrol trucks.

Across Florida, beach driving has been studied extensively after two children were killed in 2010 by private vehicles driving on beaches. While many people enjoy driving their trucks or passenger cars on Florida beaches, the combination of sunbathers and vehicles is a poor one. Sunbathers are often not visible to drivers of cars because they are lying down. And sunbathers are often not on the lookout for drivers on a beach. Children, especially, are vulnerable to accidents because they may not know enough to move out of the way of an oncoming vehicle amid the excitement of a day at the beach.

While beach patrol drivers get training to drive on the beach – something that drivers of private vehicles do not get – the accidents involving beach patrol trucks suggest that new rules may need to be considered. Volusia County authorities are investigating the accidents and will likely examine the drivers and vehicles allowed on beach patrol.

Critics say that the beaches could be made safer if private vehicles and larger beach patrol trucks were removed from beaches entirely. If the larger trucks were used to get cars out of sand only, that might help reduce some of the Florida truck accidents involving these vehicles, some have suggested. The larger beach patrol trucks have poor visibility during right turns and U-turns, whereas smaller vehicles and ATVs would ensure better visibility and potentially smaller risks. One local newspaper has suggested placing two officers in each beach patrol vehicle, so that one officer could look for sunbathers and check blind spots as well.

While it is possible that banning private vehicles from beaches would also help prevent Florida car accidents on the state's beaches, there is a long tradition of beach driving in Florida and many oppose any attempts to ban the practice. Beach driving is also a part of the tourism industry in many cities along the coast, which has helped create a lively debate about the future of beach driving.

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Drivers who choose to drive drunk are at risk of Florida car accidents, but also at risk of fatal truck accidents. That's because commercial truck drivers are often on the road late at night, when many drunk driving accidents take place. When drunk drivers take reckless risks around commercial trucks, those risks are likely to be their last. Commercial trucks can weight up to 80 000 pounds fully loaded and take much longer to come to a complete stop when compared to passenger vehicles. Commercial trucks are not as flexible and cannot make the same defensive maneuvers as passenger vehicles. A drunk driver weaving around trucks may cause a collision. In this type of crash, the passenger car driver is likely to suffer serious injuries or even death, due to the size and force of the truck. According to the AAA, there are many things that drivers can do to prevent Florida drunk driving accidents involving cars or trucks:

1) Get your car serviced regularly. Whether you plan on drinking or not, keeping your car in good repair is important, as it ensures that your car will respond the way you need it to in case you need to drive defensively. Even if you make the right decisions about drinking and driving, other drivers may not. Having a car that functions well can help you stop in time or can help you get out of the way of an accident.

2) Do not drink and drive. The easiest way to avoid a Florida drunk driving accident is to simply avoid drinking driving. If you drink, find another way home. If you are going somewhere where alternative forms of transportation will be difficult to find, avoid drinking entirely.

3) Avoid distractions. Drinking and driving is not the only danger on the road. You cannot share the road safely with trucks and other vehicles if you are distracted. You may not notice changes in traffic flow in time if you are looking at a cell phone or playing with the radio. Shut off your cell phone when you drive and pull over to the side of the road if you need to make a call or need to change a CD.

4) Have a few plans for getting home safely – whether you intend to drink or not. Even if you decide to go out and not drink, you need to have a plan for getting home safely. You may end up drinking after all, or you may be too tired after a long night to drive safely. If you decide to drink, make sure that you have a plan for getting home safely. Better yet, have a few options. That way, if one option does not work, you still have other ways of getting home. That is, have a designated driver and money to take a cab or have money set aside to get a hotel room if you need it.

5) Avoid driver fatigue. If you stay out late at a restaurant and bar and do not drink, you are still a risk on the road if you are fatigued. Driving fatigued can slow down your driving as much as alcohol. As well, driving tired late at night means that you run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. If you are too tired to drive, take a cab or get a ride from a sober friend.

Continue reading "Are Drunk Passenger Car Drivers More at Risk for Florida Truck Accidents?" »

Professional drivers, such as commercial truck drivers, face very close restrictions on their driving. Commercial truck drivers must pass more testing and get more training than the average driver. They must also adhere to more rules, including federal hours of service rules, in order to drive on the roads. Commercial truck drivers are also subject to close scrutiny and testing for alcohol and drug abuse. Truck carriers face lawsuits and legal problems if their drivers drive drunk. For this reason, drivers who drive under the influence face several penalties and loss of work. Despite all of this, some truck drivers report being involved in alcohol-related crashes, often when drunk drivers rear-end or collide with their truck. There are many reasons why truck drivers are susceptible to this kind of crash:

1) Truck drivers are on the road more often. Quite simply, most commercial truck drivers spend far more time on the road than the average driver. Longer hours simply means many more hours where an accident can take place.

2) Commercial truck drivers are more likely to be driving late at night. Many commercial truck drivers work odd hours, sometimes driving late at night or early in the morning. This is also when more inebriated drivers are more likely to be on the road, as these are the hours when bars close and when parties end.

3) Truck drivers are more likely to be driving around the holidays. Many businesses require more inventory, more deliveries, and more help around the holidays. Often, this means that truck drivers are busier around holidays, and more often on the road. Unfortunately, holidays also mean more parties and more drinking. Most authorities report an increase in the number of Florida drunk driving accidents around holiday weekends.

4) Truck drivers cannot stop as quickly as passenger vehicles. In many cases, drunk drivers in passenger cars take risks, such as weaving around other vehicles, driving without lights, and taking other risks. While commercial truck drivers are experienced and trained in avoiding collisions, commercial trucks take much longer to stop than most passenger vehicles. This means that if a drunk driver cuts off a truck, the truck may simply not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Drunk drivers may be uninhibited and too drunk to be aware of the risks of larger trucks. Taking risks can lead to fatal truck accidents.

Truck drivers and the truck driving industry do a great deal to prevent accidents. However, drunk driving by any driver can contribute to Florida car accidents and truck crashes. It is one more reason to emphasize the importance of driving sober.

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Truck carriers do not permit commercial truck drivers to text and drive or use cell phones while driving. In fact, federal rules place many restrictions on commercial truck drivers in a bid to reduce serious truck accidents. However, commercial truck drivers are still generally allowed to use hands-free devices. In fact, many drivers rely on these devices as a communication device while on the road. Hands-free devices help them contact their carrier and even call for help when needed. However, a new study finds that hands-free devices may not be useful in helping to prevent Florida car accidents and truck accidents after all.

According to a new study by the Governors Highway Safety Association, there is no firm evidence to show that hands-free cell phones are safer to use when driving than hand-held devices. The study examined hundreds of research studies and reports concerning distracted driving. The researchers found evidence that cell phone use increases the risk of a collision, but could find no evidence that hands-free devices are safer. Researchers did find that 15-25 percent of all traffic accidents were caused by cell phone use.

According to researchers, part of the problem is that drivers must still dial the phone or look at the phone in order to dial a number. According to some commercial driving research, the dialing of a number is considered a high-risk activity while driving, and hands-free devices do not necessarily remove this risk.

Some experts have also hypothesized that hands-free devices do not remove the emotional distraction of mobile devices. That is, a driver engaged in a phone conversation is necessarily distracted because he or she is not thinking about just driving. However, no firm research has been done about the effects of this specific type of emotional distraction.

Currently, cell phone carriers in the US do not release data about whether people use their phones or are dialing at the time of an accident. This makes it harder for researchers to determine exact causes of accidents. As well, in some cases, more than owe distracting factor may contribute to a Florida truck accident or traffic accident, and in these cases it is hard to determine what role a mobile device played in the accident.

Even more troubling are studies by The Highway Loss Data Institute, which found that cell phone bans in four states did not reduce the number of accidents in those states. These studies call into question whether legislation alone can help reduce crashes.

Despite the many questions, the Governors Highway Safety Association recommends a ban of hands-free and hand-held phones for new drivers. According to the researchers, new drivers are at highest risk of accidents and this type of ban can help new drivers avoid added distractions during the learning period. At the same time, however, researchers admitted that they have not found any proof that cell phone bans for new drivers help prevent car accidents. About 30 states have this type of legislation, and none of these states found a drop in the number of new drivers involved in car accidents.

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Commercial trucks are subject to strict federal rules which ensure operator safety. Drivers of these trucks need special training and must observe hours of service rules as well. Does this mean that commercial trucks are actually less likely to be involved in Florida car accidents and truck accidents?

While commercial trucks, such as tractor trailers, are in fact involved in fewer accidents – they are only involved in about 2.4% of all national traffic accidents – and are less likely to be in an accident than a passenger vehicle, the impact of these fewer accidents is very high. While the number of commercial truck accidents is lower than the number of car accidents, the devastation caused by the fewer number of truck accidents is immense.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 11% of all traffic fatalities in 2008 were the result of large truck accidents. That year, 4,229 fatalities occurred as a result of truck accidents. Of these fatalities, 74% involved the passengers of a car. Quite simply, when a large commercial truck is in an accident with a passenger vehicle, the passengers of the smaller car are at very high risk of serious and life-threatening injuries.

Large commercial trucks are also more likely to cause multiple-car accidents, simply due to their size. The amount of time it takes a truck to stop is longer and the length of the truck is also longer than that of a passenger car. When a truck brakes during a collision, the truck will likely travel the car-length of several passenger vehicles – hitting any cars that happen to be in the way.

A number of Florida truck accidents can be avoided. Operator safety issues, such as driver rests and monitoring of driver logs, can have an important impact in terms of reducing accidents. As well, reducing incentives for speeding and fatigued driving – incentives such as pay per mile – can also help encourage truck drivers to make safety a priority.

However, in many cases, passenger car drivers also need to be addressed. Some statistics suggest that as many as three-quarters of all truck accidents involving passengers cars are the fault of the passenger car. Better driver education and more education programs for passenger drivers can help teach these drivers how to safely share the road with trucks.

Continue reading "Are Commercial Trucks Less Likely to be in a Florida Truck Accident?" »

Summertime does pose a higher risk of Florida car accidents and truck accidents. There are many reasons for this:

1) Tourist season means busy businesses. Florida is a major tourist destination in the summer, and theme parks and amusement parks in the state are filled with tourists. Plenty of events and summer business, however, also means that more trucks are needed to make deliveries to businesses. Unfortunately, more trucks on the roads can also mean a higher risk of collisions.

2) Heavier car and pedestrian traffic. Florida streets really fill up during the summer. There are more pedestrians taking part in summer activities, and more drivers on the road taking part in summer road trips. More buses ferry tourists to major sites and children to summer camp. There are even more trucks on the road due to a heavier construction and road work schedule. All this extra traffic and congestion can cause tempers to fray and can easily lead to traffic accidents.

3) Hot weather can mean more truck tire blowouts. Florida tire defects are a serious problem for truck drivers, since trucks tend to be very hard on tires. In the summer heat, however, even good tires can wear down more easily and suffer blowouts as the rubber is affected by the heat.

4) Summer can be harder on drivers that need to drive long distances. The glare of the sun and the hot weather can create exhaustion and can make it easier for already tired drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. Truck drivers, who must often drive very long distances in the blinding sun and stifling heat, can be especially vulnerable.

5) More Florida drunk driving accidents. Unfortunately, there are more drunk drivers on the roads in the summer. Patios serve beer at restaurants and many summer events and parties serve alcohol. Worse, the summer heat and sun can magnify the effects of alcohol, making accidents even more likely.

Continue reading "Summer Can Mean More Trucks on the Road – and a Larger Risk of Florida Truck Accidents" »

While large commercial tractor trailers get a lot of attention in discussions of Florida truck accident risks, delivery trucks are also a danger on the state's roads. Delivery truck accidents can lead to the same serious injuries and to fatalities. As well, there are a number of factors that make delivery trucks especially dangerous:

1) There are a great many delivery trucks on the roads. In addition to major courier services, most cities have local couriers as well as a host of local companies offering delivery service. The large number of delivery trucks increase the odds that these vehicles will be in accidents.

2) Driver training varies widely. Commercial truck drivers are required by federal law to meet specific training requirements and to commit to specific job-safety standards (such as hours of service regulations). This is also true of delivery truck drivers working for large national companies. However, local companies with drivers operating smaller trucks often are not required to adhere to such regulations.

3) The pressures of the job. Delivery truck drivers – especially drivers working for couriers – are under a great deal of pressure to deliver packages under very strict deadlines. This can lead to mistakes, speeding and carelessness that can lead to serious accidents.

4) Delivery trucks often deliver items to residential areas. While commercial tractor trailers largely drive on highways, delivery trucks generally make deliveries to residential addresses – including addresses in areas where a driver may not be familiar with a specific neighborhood. This can increase the risk of Florida pedestrian accidents involving such trucks.

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Two recent truck accidents in Florida have made headlines and have highlighted some of the risks on Florida roads. In one incident, well-known professional wrestler Randy “Macho Man” Savage suffered a heart problem while driving his Jeep truck. His heart was on the accelerator when he lost consciousness due to ventricular fibrillation (VF) and lost control of his vehicle. His wife, who was a passenger in the car with him, steered the car away from the traffic and into a tree. Many experts believe that her actions helped prevent a more serious Florida car accident. Sadly, Randy “Macho Man” Savage passed away as a result of VF.

In the second incident, a 29-year old man in Florida caused a 5-car accident and $44,000 in damages when he dropped his cell phone in his car and bent down to pick it up. Since his eyes were not on the road, he did not notice when the cars in front of him stopped and he plowed his truck into four cars and then crossed lines of traffic before ending in a ditch. He was charged with careless driving.

That incident highlights the dangers of distracted driving – and shows that not all distracted driving is caused by texting while driving. Any activity that takes your eyes off the road is dangerous and can lead to charges filed against you. Even taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds can mean that you don’t have time to react to a stopped car or a pedestrian and can cause you to be in a Florida car accident.

Both accidents also show how quickly Florida truck accidents can happen. A sudden medical emergency or a moment's distraction cause thousands of Florida car accidents and truck accidents each year and each such accident can result in fatal injuries that can change families in tragic ways. While there may be no way to predict a medical emergency, there are ways to help prevent Florida truck accidents and car accidents.

For example, drivers can place possessions – including cell phones – safely in the glove compartment or the trunk. In the event of a collision, this prevents these objects from becoming airborne. Each year, victims in car accidents are seriously injured by flying objects inside a car, so the fewer items you have loose in your car the less likely you are to be injured and the less likely you are to be distracted. Turning off your mobile devices and putting them away entirely is also an important safety precaution. The temptation to just take a quick peek at your messages can be strong – and that one quick peek can result in a tragic accident.

Continue reading "Two Recent Florida Truck Accidents Show the Dangers of Driving" »

New plans by the government could improve the economy in Florida while also possibly helping to prevent Florida truck accidents. A new government plan will divert some cargo traffic from trucks to a Florida East Coast Railway line that runs between Hileah and the Port of Miami. The move – slated to cost millions – could remove up to 5% of truck traffic between the cities and could reduce downtown Miami traffic by 1.4%. Since heavy traffic is considered a contributing factor to both Florida car accidents and truck accidents, one can’t help but wonder whether the move will help reduce collisions.

Changes to the railway line could be finished by 2012, thanks to a $22.7 million grant from the government and a further $10.9 million from the Florida Department of Transportation. Miami-Dade County will contribute $4.8 million to the project. The rail will help to get rid of 60 000 truck trips each year between Miami and Dodge Island.

The Miami Access Tunnel project is also underway. The two tunnels now being constructed will connect the port of Miami to Watson Island. This project, too, will help remove some truck traffic and other types of traffic from Miami. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, 16 000 vehicles each day travel through Miami's downtown to get to or from the port. This includes about 4, 480 cargo trucks, or about 28% of all traffic. Each year, this amounts to 1.16 million trucks and 4.16 million vehicles traveling in the downtown area due to the Port of Miami. Diverting some of that traffic could have an impact on traffic and therefore the risk of collisions.

Experts believe that up to 80% of passenger cars traveling from the Port of Miami and to the area can start to use the Miami Access Tunnel once that is completed. However, there are plans underway to make Miami and Florida in general a cargo capital, and there are concerns that this could mean more traffic in the area over the long term. When the Panama Canal expands in 2014, more cargo and larger ships could eventually start heading for Florida. Experts believe that by 2015 and 2016, the Port of Miami will start to see a large increase in the number of cargo ships destined for the port.

So far, no research has been published about how the changes in the Panama Canal may affect truck traffic or Florida truck accident rates across the state. The construction of the Miami Access Tunnel and the changes to divert more traffic to railways may help to offset some of the traffic, but hopefully more research will be done to determine the effects of the changes on overall traffic and traffic accident rates.

Continue reading "Will Plans to Change Cargo Ship and Train Access Affect Florida Truck Accident Rates?" »

Dr. Ronald R. Knipling has questioned some of the research submitted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as support of its hours of changes regulation revisions. Dr. Knipling used to work at the research division of the FMCSA and noted that the published study by researchers Pennsylvania State University was not of much use because of problems with the sample of drivers in the study. As well, Dr. Knipling noted that other factors involved in the crashes studies were not closely analyzed.

Dr. Knipling also found problems with a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. He also noted that the FMSCA's reference to a study of Florida bus drivers in terms of hours of service regulations did not make sense, as the study might be useful in studying Florida bus accidents, but not interstate truck driving risks. Dr. Knipling has done his own research into fatigued driving and has found several risk factors that can contribute to truck accidents:

1) Fatigue associated with lack of sleep is associated with truck accidents. Fatigue related to work schedules and driving does not contribute as significantly to truck accidents, according to Dr. Knipling.
2) Fatigue associated with being awake for more than 16 hours at a time contributes to truck accidents.
3) Early morning driving contributes to car accidents. Due to increased exposure, Dr. Knipling also concluded that truck accidents are more likely during daytime driving.

The questions over research studies highlight some of the challenges of creating hours of service and other regulations to prevent trucking accidents. While the FMSCA works to prevent Florida truck accidents and accidents across the country, it can be difficult to determine which measures may be most effective in preventing such collisions.

Continue reading "Researcher Questions Truck Accident Data " »

Teen drivers across the state have higher rates of Florida car accidents, and experts believe that this is the case because younger drivers simply have less experience when it comes to dealing with common road hazards and situations. For example, many teen drivers have little experience sharing the road with trucks. To ensure that your teen has the skills to avoid a collision with a truck, make sure that you:

1) Have your teen sign a no-distracted-driving and no-drinking-and-driving agreement. You can find such pledges on the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) website or you can devise your own. It’s important to really explain to your teen the dangers of drinking and driving or driving distracted, as these behaviors greatly increase the risk of a Florida truck accident.

2) Go over the rules of driving around trucks. Better yet, take your teen out in a car and teach them the basics of allowing extra room behind a truck and the basics of passing a truck safely. Do not just assume that your teen was taught about sharing the road with trucks in driver's education. Your teen may not have absorbed that information enough to apply it easily.

3) Pay for extra training for your teen or ask your teen to get extra training before giving your new driver car privileges. Most teen driver programs cover a lot of ground and some include minimal in-car instruction. Extra defensive training or extra in-car lessons with a qualified instructor can be very helpful in giving your teen some extra skills and experience.

4) Limit the behaviors that can cause your teen driver to get into a car accident. When you allow your teen to drive, consider placing a limit on the number of passengers your teen can have in the car while driving. As well, if you live in a small community, consider limiting your teen to non-highway roads for a few weeks or a few months. Once your teen gains confidence and experience on smaller and less busy roads, you can then permit your teen to share the road with trucks.

Continue reading "Help Your Teen Avoid a Florida Truck Accident" »

In the last few years, there has been more awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. In fact, new regulations have been passed over the past three years which make it illegal for commercial truck drivers and government employees on the job to text and drive. As well, victims who are injured in a Florida truck accident caused by a distracted driver can usually pursue the driver in court for negligence.

Despite this, however, distracted driving continues to cause Florida car accidents and truck accidents everywhere. These accidents continue to claim lives and cause hundreds of thousands of injuries each year. Part of the problem is that while steps are being taken to address texting and driving, the larger role of distracted driving is not being addressed.

The reality is that distracted driving is not just about texting. Distracted driving can occur every time that a truck driver removes his or her focus or eyes from the road. Distracted driving can happen when a truck driver is changing a CD, talking on a cell phone (even on a hands-free device), eating or drinking while driving, looking at a map, searching for something in the cab, and otherwise doing anything else but focusing completely on the road.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to legislate the long list of possible distractions available for truck drivers on the road. It is also impossible to enforce rules requiring truck drivers to remain focused on the road at all times. In fact, the very nature of the job makes long-term concentration difficult. Drivers spend all day, day after day, on the road, driving. Mainlining 100% concentration on the road during long stretches of time is very difficult.

Some industry experts have recommended that stricter rules be put in place against truck drivers who have accidents or "near misses" while distracted. They argue that once a truck driver has shown that he or she is prone to distracted driving, he or she should be taken off the road. Others argue for better education campaigns to teach all drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Some industry experts also recommend adding devices into the cab of trucks – devices such as cameras – which would help investigators and carriers evaluate truck drivers' levels of performance and distraction.

Continue reading "Distracted Truck Driving Leads to Accidents in Florida " »

The only way to tell for sure whether a truck driver is driving under the influence is to let a police office administer a sobriety test or a blood alcohol test. However, according to the Florida chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), there are a number of signs that a truck driver is drunk and may cause a Florida drunk driving accident:

1) Rapidly changes speed, generally changing speed quickly and without reason
2) Follows too closely or tailgates other vehicles
3) Weaves across lanes of traffic or across the roadway
4) Near-misses, such as almost colliding with an object or another vehicle
5) Erratic stopping and starting
6) Does not drive on the road
7) Uses signals incorrectly or makes other basic driving errors.
8) Swerves
9) Does not use headlights at night
10) Drives very slowly (more than 10 mph under the posed speed limit)
11) Responds slowly to traffic conditions or traffic signals
12) Turn illegally or too sharply
13) Drives on the wrong side of the road

If you see a truck driver exhibiting any of these signs, gain a safe distance and call the authorities. You could help prevent a truck accident. Even if the driver is not under the influence, the behaviors listed above are dangerous and could cause a collision. It is helpful to authorities if you can provide details about the truck – such as the license plate number – but never put yourself in danger to get this information.

Continue reading "How to Spot a Truck Driver Who May Cause a Drunk Driving Accident" »

Many rental agencies rent out large trucks for do-it-yourself moves. If you are trying to save money, this can seem like a great alternative to the costs of hiring professional movers. However, this sort of move can also lead to a Florida truck accident. To stay safe, follow these tips:

1) Get the moving van inspected and get some training. Many moving truck rental have poor reputations for failing to maintain their fleets. You can read about company safety records online, but it is a good idea to get the truck inspected before you pack it, just in case. You may also want to get at least an hour or two of training with an instructor to get familiar with the truck. Many driving training schools can offer you two hours of training for less than $50, which will not add to moving costs substantially.

2) Keep a log of your hours on the road and your rests. If you are renting a very large moving truck, you may be required to maintain a log of time traveled, distance traveled, and any rest stops taken. If you are required to keep such records, keep them carefully; you could face serious legal problems if you fail to keep these records.

3) Get the right truck for your weight of cargo – and stop at weight stations as needed. Overloading a truck because you don’t want to go into the next larger truck size can mean that your moving truck is more prone to rollovers, tire blowouts and even brake problems. Most truck rental companies will help you estimate how much truck you need. If you need a very large truck, make sure that you stop at weight stations, as you are required to do by law.

4) Secure your cargo carefully. Pack your belongings carefully any use plenty of tie-downs to keep them secure in the truck. If your cargo moves or shifts as you drive, you will have a harder time controlling the truck and you will increase your chances of being in a Florida car accident.

5) Consider alternatives. If you need to move many items and will require a very large truck, think twice. Very large trucks are hard to maneuver and are not really intended to be driven by passenger car drivers with no truck driving experience. There are many low-cost alternatives. For example, you can rent the low-cost truck yourself and hire a professional driver to drive it for you. You can also combine moving costs with another family headed for the same destination. Another option is to take advantage of one of the DIY packing companies. The company will drop off a large freight container at your home, which you can pack at your leisure. A professional truck driver will then drive the container to your destination.

Continue reading "Renting a Moving Truck? Here's What You Need to Know About Florida Truck Accidents" »

In June 2009, a Miami truck driver who was fatigued caused a severe truck accidents that resulted in a multiple-vehicle pileup, ten deaths, and six injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the accident was caused by fatigued driving, with the driver suffering from mild sleep apnea as well as "circadian disruption" caused by the driver's shift schedule.

Unfortunately, the incident was not isolated. Every year, Florida truck accidents as well as car and truck accidents across the entire country, are caused by fatigued drivers. According to Deborah A.P. Hersman, chairman of the NTSB, the 2009 crash shows that three new federal rules are needed to help prevent these types of truck accidents:

1) A fatigue management system. According to the NTSB, such a system would include set scheduling practices, attendance rules, education of truck drivers and the public about warning signs, medical screening and treatment for sleep apnea and other sleep-related conditions, the creation of rest environments for drivers, and new commuting policies. This comprehensive system would address some of the more common causes for driver fatigue.

2) Event recorders. The NTSB has also recommended recorders such as video cameras in cabs. While these might not help prevent accidents, the NTSB notes that such devices would help investigate accidents. The NTSB also believes that event recorders would help carriers evaluate driver performance and this might ostensibly help prevent Florida trucking accidents as well as accidents across the country.

3) A collision warning system. Airplanes in Florida use Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) to help prevent Florida aviation accidents and the NTSB believes that similar technology can help prevent truck accidents. The systems work by providing auditory warning signals when other vehicles are close.

Continue reading "Driver Fatigue and Florida Truck Accidents " »

Rudeness is usually seen as a social fault, and certainly not as something potentially fatal. However, on the road, rudeness can actually cause dangerous situations which lead to Florida car accidents and truck accidents. Rude behavior that can be downright dangerous includes:

1) Cutting trucks off. Cutting off a commercial truck is rude to the truck driver – but it can also be deadly for the passenger car driver. Trucks take a longer time to stop than smaller vehicles, so a truck that is cut off may not have enough time to stop. When passing a truck, give yourself plenty of room before you cut back in. This is especially true if you are on an incline, where a larger and heavier truck will be picking up speed.

2) Road rage. Road rage is never polite – the screaming, swearing, and rude gestures are never appropriate. However, in a confrontation with a truck driver, such behavior can be downright deadly. Road rage can distract a truck driver, causing an accident. It can also distract you, causing you to make a deadly mistake.

3) Aggressive driving. Speeding, swerving, cutting other drivers off, and otherwise driving aggressively makes other drivers angry because it is rude. Driving aggressively around trucks, however, is dangerous because aggressive driving often involves erratic and impulsive maneuvers – maneuvers that truck drivers cannot anticipate in time.

4) Tailgating. Tailgating is always considered aggressive and rude. With a truck, it can lead to a car accident, since truck drivers cannot see directly behind them due to blind spots. If you are following too close to a truck, you likely cannot see the truck driver in the truck's mirrors, and that means that the truck driver cannot see you.

Continue reading "How Rudeness Can Lead to Florida Trucking Accidents" »

Many Florida truck accidents are caused by hazards on the road that are not recognized in time. In the trucking industry, hazards are defined as any situations or obstacles which could impede safe driving. When those hazards create the need for sudden action, they are defined as emergencies. Therefore, a car weaving up ahead may be a hazard for a truck driver, while a car cutting off a truck is generally an emergency as the truck driver may need to brake or swerve out of the way to avoid an accident.

Hazards are important in preventing truck accidents. Since trucks are larger and have slower response times than passenger cars, it is vital for truck drivers to anticipate hazards well in advance and respond accordingly. When truck drivers wait for hazards to become emergencies, they may simply not be able to respond in time to avoid a collision. Common hazards which truck drivers need to be aware of include:

1) Dangerous weather conditions. Conditions such as fog, strong winds, rain, and nighttime can affect visibility and can make road surfaces slippery. Strong winds can easily cause an emergency by blowing objects onto the road surface.

2) Dangerous road conditions. Obstacles on the road, poor paving, road work, and other hazards often pose a greater danger for passenger vehicles, as they often feel bumps and poor road surfaces more than larger trucks. Nevertheless, road conditions can cause trucks to lose control or rollover.

3) Other drivers. Aggressive or dangerous driving, speeding, fatigued drivers, and drunk drivers share the road with trucks each day. Truck drivers need to be aware of the red flag signs of dangerous drivers and need to be able to get out of the way in time.

4) Disabled cars, stopped buses, and stopped trucks. Cars left on the road – especially without emergency flashers – can be a severe hazard for truck drivers, who may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision unless they anticipate the hazard well in advance. A similar hazard are trucks and buses, which make frequent stops and may take up much of lane of traffic.

5) Pedestrians, workers, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Anyone on the road who is walking or riding a bike is harder to spot for a truck driver, especially at night. As well, pedestrians and bikers may be in spots where truck drivers do not expect them – such as weaving around traffic.

Continue reading "Hazards that Lead to Florida Truck Accidents " »

After a Florida car accident or truck accident, many drivers assume that they are covered by insurance and that the insurance carrier they have been paying premiums to all along will help them. Many Florida truck accident victims are surprised to find, however, that insurance companies actually often launch private investigations on the victims in traffic accidents. These insurance companies are looking for several things:

1) Mitigating factors and other liable parties. Insurance companies would not make money if they paid out the full possible claim amount to every claimant. Therefore, many companies look for other possible liable parties – such as road conditions or even the victim.

2) Evidence of insurance fraud. Insurance fraud is a serious problem and unfortunately, it can mean that the industry sometimes suspects legitimate claimants. Some injury victims find themselves under surveillance by private investigators as insurance companies try to determine whether a claimant is faking or exaggerating an injury.

3) More information about the accident. Insurance companies, like police and other investigators, work hard to determine the cause of an accident. Unlike other investigators, however, private investigators hired by insurance companies are paid to find information which is advantageous to the insurer.

4) The cost of damages. One of the tasks of the insurance company is to determine the value of a claim – the amount that will be paid out to the victims in an accident. In many cases, however, these initial amounts cover only the bare necessities of care. Most of the time, Florida personal injury attorneys need to work hard to ensure that a victim has all medical costs and related accident expenses covered.

Continue reading "Insurance Companies Hire Private Investigators After Florida Truck Accidents " »

Florida truck accidents often involve larger, commercial trucks. According to a 2007 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report, tractor trailers and other large trucks cause accidents because of a number of common reasons:

1) Drug use. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report, more than a quarter of crashes involving commercial trucks involved a banned substance or prescription drugs, which affect driver response times. About 18 percent of accidents were caused by prescription drugs specifically. According to the report, drug use was the most common cause of tractor trailer accidents.

2) Excessive speed. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report found that speed was a factor in 26 percent of the crashes studied. When truck drivers travel at high speeds, there is virtually no way for them to stop in time to prevent an accident.

3) Lack of familiarity with route. Truck drivers who drive along familiar travel routes are less likely to be in a collision than drivers in an unfamiliar area. Unfortunately, commercial truck drivers are routinely asked to make deliveries to new areas. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report, this factor contributed to 22 percent of accidents.

4) Blind spots. Truck drivers have many more blind spots than the drivers of passenger vehicles. In training, truck drivers are carefully instructed to check blind spots before making any maneuvers. Despite this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that 14 percent of collisions were caused by a truck driver's failure to check blind spots.

5) Driver fatigue. There are hours of service regulations to ensure that truck drivers get adequate sleep. As well, truck drivers are supposed to be screened carefully for any illnesses – such as sleep apnea – that can lead to car accidents. Despite this, 13 percent of truck accidents studied in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report were caused by driver fatigue.

Continue reading "What Can Cause Florida Truck Accidents Involving Tractor Trailers?" »