Florida
Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

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? " »

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 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 " »

There are many more Miami trucks out during the holidays than during most times of the year, as demand for deliveries and merchandise increases at this time of year. Unfortunately, it can mean that there are more Miami car accidents involving trucks at this time of year. If you wish to prevent Miami truck accidents and traffic accidents, there are a few things you can do:

1) Avoid distracted driving. Driving distracted is dangerous at any time of the year, but it can be especially dangerous during the holiday season, when there is more traffic on the roads and a greater risk of Miami traffic accidents. At this time of year, it is even more important to put your mobile devices away and give 100% of your attention to the roads and to driving.

2) Give yourself plenty of time. With the holiday rush upon us, it is common to feel somewhat harried and pressured to get plenty of errands done. However, rushing can make it more likely that you will make driving mistakes that could lead to a Miami traffic accident or truck accident. Rushing can also make it more likely that you will drive aggressively or tailgate in order to get to your destination on time. A better solution is to reduce the number of commitments where you can during this time of year and give yourself extra time to savor the holidays.

3) Give trucks extra room. There are more trucks on the road at this time of year and with more trucks and more rushing on the roadways, you will want to give commercial trucks plenty of room. Remember: if you cannot see the truck driver in the driver’s mirrors, you are too close and the truck driver cannot see you. As well, be sure to leave extra room in cases where a delivery truck may be stopping and starting often in order to drop off deliveries.

4) Use extra caution in parking lots. Parking lots are dangerous because pedestrians, trucks, and passenger vehicles are all sharing the same space. You need to be especially vigilant about trucks and pedestrians in parking lots. While parking lot accidents are usually low-speed accidents, they can be quite serious.

5) Get plenty of rest and only head out to run errands when you are well enough to do so. The holiday season coincides with the flu season, so it is not unusual to be lacking in sleep and feeling under the weather just when you are feeling pressure to run many holiday-related errands. Feeling groggy and ill, however, can increase your chances of getting into an accident. Put off errands until you feel better and more rested. If you take over the counter medication or any medication to deal with seasonal illness, make certain that the medicine will not make you drowsy or sleepy.

Continue reading "Preventing a Miami Truck Accident During the Holidays" »

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" »

In Florida, all drivers are aware that they need to stop at the scene of an accident in order to render assistance and in order to exchange insurance information and contact information with any other drivers involved in the accident. Hit and run Miami car accidents are a serious offence, and any driver found guilty of this criminal offence can face serious penalties. Despite the penalties, however, hit and run Florida traffic accidents continue to be a serious problem. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Miami-Dade County and Broward County had the most hit-and-runs of any Florida county in 2008.

There are many reasons why people leave the scene of an accident. In some cases, drivers panic or are fearful of being accused of causing the accident. In other cases, drivers are already doing something illegal – such as driving without a license or insurance or driving under the influence – and do not want to be caught. It can be especially difficult when the person who leaves the scene of an accident is a commercial truck driver. There are many reasons why hit and run Miami truck accidents are especially challenging:

1) Trucks may sustain fewer damages in an accident. A collision between a car and a truck usually results in severe damages for the car, but the truck driver and the truck are less likely to be severely affected. This can make it easier for a truck to drive away and to not even show much damage on the truck itself.

2) Truck drivers may not be from the area, the state, or even the country, making them harder to find. Finding a truck driver who has fled the scene of an accident can be very challenging because truck drivers drive very long distances every day and may be from a different region, making them difficult to find, especially if the victim does not notice the license plate number or other details of the truck.

3) Truck drivers may share a truck with other drivers or may rent a truck from another company. One thing that can make it even more challenging to find the specific driver involved is that some carriers rent trucks or share trucks among drivers. Even if the truck itself is located, it can require even more investigative work to find the actual driver involved.

4) A truck driver involved in a hit and run Miami truck accident may be driving a load owned by one company in a truck owned by another company and may be hired by a third party. For all these reasons, it can be very difficult to determine liability in a hit and run accident. Usually, it takes a qualified Miami truck accident attorney to evaluate liability in these cases.

Most commercial truck drivers remain on the scene of an accident and try to help. However, in a hit and run accident involving a truck, victims can be left without recourse and assistance. In these cases, it can be important to consult with a qualified Miami personal injury attorney in order to locate the driver and determine liability in the accident.

Continue reading "Miami Hit and Run Truck Accidents " »

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), distracted driving resulted in more than 450 000 injuries and 5500 fatalities. The NHTSA has worked to reduce distracted driving on the nation’s streets and even helped to institute a ban on texting and driving for commercial truck drivers. However, distracted driving still continues to cause Miami car crashes and truck accidents.

There are many things that you can do to help reduce instances of distracted driving on the roads:

1) Raise awareness. Many people are not aware that simple tasks, such as eating or drinking or checking messages can be a hazardous distraction behind the wheel. Many drivers also think that driving with a hands-free device is safer, even though studies have shown that headsets are not significantly safer than hand-held devices. The NHTSA website devoted to distracted driving education (http://distraction.gov/content/get-involved/index.html) has a number of resources that can help you educate others about the dangers of distracted driving.

2) Don’t drive distracted yourself. Every time you take your eyes off the road or allow your mind to wander from the task of driving, your accident risk is 23 times higher than it would be if you were driving distraction-free. Even if the commercial truck drivers around you are following guidelines and driving distraction-free, you can still cause a serious Miami truck accident by driving distracted yourself. The NHTSA website has a pledge that you can sign with friends and family to vow not to drive distracted.

3) Get involved in changing laws. Although there are laws preventing commercial drivers across the US from texting and driving, not all states have similarly strict laws against distracted driving for drivers of passenger vehicles. Currently, 35 states ban texting and driving while nine states ban drivers from using handheld cell phones for talking, texting, or any other purposes. Currently, Florida is one of the states with no laws against texting and driving, despite efforts by advocacy groups who claim that distracted driving leads to many Miami traffic accidents and Florida accidents each year. Preemption laws in Florida make it difficult for localities to pass and enforce laws against distracted driving. However, you can write to your local representatives if you feel strongly about the issue, in order to encourage your representatives to seek solutions.

4) Encourage strict penalties for commercial drivers who do violate the no texting and driving rule. Unfortunately, while most commercial truck drivers do take the texting ban seriously, some Miami truck accidents each year are caused by drivers who violate the rule. If you feel strongly about this, you can write to your elected representatives to encourage harsher penalties for drivers who violate distracted driving laws.

Continue reading "Distracted Driving and Miami Truck Accidents: What You Can Do" »

Fatigued driving is a major concern for those who wish to decrease the number of Miami car accidents and truck accidents. There is well-established research that driving sleepy can be just as dangerous as driving drunk, as it affects reaction times, mobility, and other risk factors just as much. There are already many regulations intended to limit the hours that commercial truck drivers can spend on the road and the number of hours they must rest before they can resume driving.

However, there has been a growing movement to reduce hours of service for truck drivers even further. Advocates of the changes say that reducing the current “hours of service” limit from eleven hours a day to ten hours a day can further curb fatigued driving and the number of truck accidents caused by the problem. Others, however, claim that reducing hours can actually contribute to truck accidents.

A congressional panel was recently held in order to explore the issue. W.S. Badcock Corp., a furniture retailer, testified on behalf of the National Retail Federation (NRF), stating that reducing hours of service more would place more trucks on the road, effectively increasing the risk of Miami truck accidents and traffic accidents across the country. The furniture store also noted that the new rules would increase costs for the retail industry and hurt the US economy as a whole.

Retailers are also concerned about another proposed change – one that would require two nighttime rest periods for truck drivers taking the required 36-hour break after each week of driving. Retailers are concerned that in urban cities such as Miami, traffic accidents might actually become more common with this proposed change, since currently many truck drivers drive in city areas at night to avoid daytime traffic. Effectively reducing the possibility of nighttime deliveries, retailers state, could mean that trucks will be forced to share the road with Miami daytime traffic, leading to more congestion and more accidents.

The current 11-hour hours of service daily limit was introduced in 2004 and according to federal agencies the number of fatal commercial truck accidents declined 31% between 2007 and 2009, likely due at least in large part to the change. Since the initial restriction on driving hours had such a positive impact on truck crashes, some advocates of the new driving changes suggest that reducing hours of service may further reduce the number of truck traffic fatalities. However, others argue that any changes would upset the current systems in place and could result in more accidents. It is unknown at this time whether the new rules will be adopted or not.

Continue reading "Would Shorter Hours for Truck Drivers Decrease or Increase Miami Truck Accidents?" »

Thanks to the efforts of advocacy groups, many Americans are now aware of the dangers of distracted driving. To help prevent Miami truck accidents, there are federal laws in place which prevent commercial drivers from texting and driving. However, Florida currently has no laws preventing other drivers from texting and driving. Distracted driving continues to be a major cause of Miami car collisions. According to the NHTSA, 16% of fatal car accidents across the country in 2009 involved distracted driving.

One problem with banning distracted driving and thus preventing more Miami traffic accidents is that distracted driving is hard to legislate. While the focus in recent years has been on distractions caused by texting, there are a number of things that truck drivers can do while driving that can be just as dangerous:

1) Using any mobile device. Using any mobile device can be a distraction, and the VTTI has found that using headsets or other hands-free devices is not significantly safer than using hand-held devices. In addition, police across the US have admitted that it is very difficult to catch drivers who text or talk while driving. Texting can be especially easy to hide, since drivers can keep their mobile device in their lap, where it will not be noticed by any drivers or police passing by. Even since the texting ban, a number of truck accidents have occurred because a driver was texting while driving.

2) Eating and drinking. Truck drivers routinely eat on the road, especially when they are trying to make a deadline. However, experts agree that eating and drinking are among the most dangerous things that drivers can do. Each year, many Miami car accidents and other traffic accidents occur when drivers are distracted by spilled food and drink in the car. As well, opening food packaging can take the driver’s eyes off the road and hands off the wheel for seconds at a time – more than enough time to cause a Miami pedestrian accident.

3) Grooming. Checking hair or other grooming tasks dangerously remove the driver’s eyes off the road. Again, however, this behavior is very difficult to legislate, especially as legislating something like this could be seen to infringe on personal rights.

4) Reading maps and using navigation systems. In many cases, truck drivers need to make deliveries in areas that are unfamiliar to them. As a result, many drivers rely on navigation systems or, less often, on maps, to get them to their destinations. Unfortunately, these tasks take the driver’s eyes off the road.

5) Entertainment. Perhaps one of the most distracting things that drivers do is also the most difficult to legislate. Truck drivers spend many weary hours on the road and most rely on some form of entertainment – such as audio books, radio stations, or music – to make the time go by. Unfortunately, focusing on this entertainment can distract the driver. As well, changing stations, adjusting music, or otherwise changing the entertainment can cause an accident.

Continue reading "Distracted Driving, Miami Truck Accidents, and Legislation" »

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 " »

Commercial trucks arrive on Miami streets every day, moving items from the port of Miami, bringing items to Miami stores and businesses, and taking care of business around Miami. Since Miami is such a large city with so many businesses and residents, it's not surprising that the city also sees quite a lot of truck traffic. Unfortunately, this can mean a higher risk of Miami truck accidents as well.

Being involved in a Miami car accident involving a large commercial trucks can be intimidating, to say the least. A fully loaded commercial tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds or more, and a collision between this type of vehicle and a passenger vehicle usually leads to serious injuries or fatalities. Each year, Miami spinal cord injury patients and brain injury patients are admitted to emergency rooms following truck accidents on Miami streets. These accidents result in lifelong injuries as well as devastated lives.

Unfortunately, getting justice after a Miami truck accident involving a commercial truck can be difficult. Commercial truck carriers have considerable insurance coverage and insurance companies have extensive legal resources in order to help ensure that they do not have to pay out too much in any insurance claim. Victims of Miami truck accidents often find themselves blamed for an accident or find that the insurance claim offers do not fully cover the cost of their injuries. In many cases, Miami truck accidents also involve trucks which are owned by state or federal governments. In these cases, there are even more restrictions and even more powerful insurance companies at play, affecting the victim's ability to claim recovery for the injuries.

Miami truck accident victims face substantial medical costs, lost income, and other expenses and costs. If they are unable to get a fair insurance offer, these expenses need to come out of their own pocket – and in many cases these expenses add up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. For all these reasons, it is essential to speak to a Miami personal injury attorney if you have been in a serious truck accident involving a commercial vehicle. A qualified personal injury attorney has experience dealing with insurance companies, and can more effectively negotiate for a fair settlement offer or claim.

A Miami personal injury attorney can also do other things to ensure that you get the support and recovery you need. For example, a personal injury attorney can work with private investigators and accident reconstruction professionals to determine the true cause of your accident. This can be very important in convincing a commercial truck carrier to offer you a fair recovery. As well, personal injury attorneys can help find all liable parties after an accident. This can be very important, as multiple liable parties can ensure that you are able to recover a fair amount to cover all the costs of your injuries. As well, this is very important because determining liable parties after a commercial truck accident in Miami can be very difficult. For example, a commercial truck may be rented from one carrier, have a driver from another carrier, and may be carrying products for another company. Determining liability or responsible parties in this situation can be very difficult without a qualified attorney.

Continue reading "The Legal Issues with Commercial Truck Accidents in Miami " »

Miami truck accidents happen virtually every day, and they range from smaller accidents to the serious truck rollovers that affect traffic for hours. While Miami truck accidents are devastating to everyone involved, they also have many secondary dangers that all pedestrians and motorists need to be aware of:

1) Rubbernecking. Unfortunately, Miami truck accidents usually draw a large crowd. When people stop to take a look at an accident, they may inadvertently contribute to secondary accidents. Drivers who slow down to take a look may also contribute to problems such as fender benders, traffic problems, and other problems. If you see a Miami truck accident, it is best to proceed slowly and to keep your eyes on the road. If there are already emergency personnel on the road, be sure to follow their directions in order to get to your destination safely.

2) Secondary accidents. People who swerve to avoid a Miami truck accident may collide with other objects or motorists, causing additional accidents.

3) Spills and fires. Large commercial trucks often carry flammable or toxic materials. In a truck accident, these can easily spill, causing a blaze or creating a toxic environment for everyone around. A commercial truck that is fully loaded with flammable material and bursts into flames can create an inferno, shooting flames into the air for dozens of feet. If you see a commercial truck accident, it is important to get out of the way as quickly and as safely as you can, in case the truck is carrying something hazardous. If you see a truck on fire, contact emergency personnel and keep your distance.

4) Disabled trucks can block the road or lanes of traffic. Trucks that have flipped on their side or are otherwise un-drivable can block an entire road or several lanes of traffic. Oncoming vehicles that are not aware of this can easily collide with each other or with the truck itself, causing additional accidents. Truck drivers are required to set up warning signs where possible after an accident. However a truck driver may be too injured in order to do this. The hazards are especially pronounced in poor visibility conditions, such as fog or rain. Disabled trucks that are blocking lanes of traffic can also cause congestion throughout an entire area of the city as motorists look for alternate routes to get to their destination.

5) Property damage. The impact of an 80,000 pound commercial truck flipping over or lighting on fire is enough to do serious damage to roads, traffic signs, and other city property. In cases where the roads and traffic systems are not fixed immediately, other motorists may be in danger of Miami car accidents due to the damage.

Continue reading "The Secondary Dangers of a Miami Truck Accident" »

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" »

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" »

There is nothing more devastating about Florida truck accidents than the high fatality rate these accidents cause. Florida truck accidents often make the news because the sheer force and size of commercial truck accidents often cause dramatic, devastating accidents. These types of accidents claim lives every day, devastating families. If your family has suffered this type of loss, the Flaxman Law Group would like to extend our condolences. In our experience with grieving families, we have found that families who have lost a loved one in a traffic accident may wish to:

1) Take care of themselves and their family. If you have lost a loved one, there are likely many people touched by the loss. Working together as a family and grieving together can help everyone heal.

2) Secure their future. If there are children involved, especially, safeguarding their future is often a family's main concern. Unfortunately, when children lose a parent or family member, they lose support and also financial stability. Seeking a Florida wrongful death suit, if appropriate, after an accident can help children secure the financial resources needed for counseling and for a bright future. Working with a Florida personal injury attorney can be one way to ensure that children's futures are secured.

3) Get answers. After a truck accident, there are often many questions. A family may wish to know what caused the accident and whether it could have been prevented, for example. Answering these questions is often important in order for a family to get much-needed closure. Answering these questions can also help a family secure a fairer settlement, which can help the family pay for memorial services.

4) Make a difference. Although a truck accident fatality is tragic, many families do want to create some good, in order to commemorate a loved one. There are many ways to do this. Some families contribute to a charitable cause, for example, while other families become tireless advocates of road safety, raising awareness to prevent other tragedies.

5) Focus on healing. All families need to focus on healing and moving forward after a devastating loss. Unfortunately, there is often much to do after a loss. Families may need to settle an estate, plan a memorial service, deal with insurance carriers, and answer police questions about the accident. Working with a good Florida attorney can help. A full service law firm such as the Flaxman Law Group, for example, is dedicated to helping injured victims and families every step of the way.

Continue reading "Losing a Loved one in a Florida Truck Accident" »

The a 2010 report, the National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2010, has revealed that the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. in 2010 included truck driving, fishing, logging, mining and aircraft-related occupations. Many of these occupations are considered dangerous due to the heavy machinery or trucks used. For example, truck drivers drive commercial trucks which sometimes weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so that any accident involving these trucks leads to serious injuries and fatalities. The interesting thing about the other statistics, as well, is that many of the other occupations listed as dangerous also include trucks or heavy vehicles. For example, logging often requires large commercial vehicles in order to move timber. Even in jobs where trucks are not regularly used, such as animal handlers, many of the 2010 fatalities stemmed from transportation accidents. There's no doubt about it: transportation is a major risk in the workplace.

Transportation accidents are in fact a factor in many other dangerous jobs. For example, trash and recycling pick-up workers experience a high rate of injury and fatalities. While this can seem like an unusual statistic, the reality is that trash and recycling pickup workers use large trucks in order to do their jobs. These trucks must make frequent stops and starts in order to pick up garbage and waste. The frequent stops and starts can easily lead to accidents. As well, the drivers and workers must enter and exit the truck several times throughout the day, increasing the risk of a pedestrian accident and other types of accidents.

Accidents on the job are very complex from a legal point of view, as they often concern labor laws, workers compensation rules, and laws surrounding drivers. If you've been injured in a trucking accident on the job, you will need a qualified Florida trucking accident attorney and workers compensation attorney to investigate your accident and to determine whether adequate precautions were taken to keep you safe on the job. There may be multiple liable parties, which can help you get fair compensation in order to cover your medical costs, lost income, and other expenses. No one should be injured on the job. If you have sustained serious injuries in an accident while working, you deserve qualified legal help so that you can understand your options. Good legal help can also help ensure that there is someone to aggressively fight for your rights. Your employer and their insurance carrier have teams of attorneys working for them – don’t you deserve quality legal assistance as well?

Continue reading "Truck Driving a Dangerous Job: Report" »

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?" »

If you have teens moving to college, your teens may wish to hire a rental truck with friends or may be planning on packing their belongings into a car in order to get their belongings safely to their dorm room. However, Florida moving truck accidents do happen, so you want to make sure that you avoid this type of thing from happening to your children. Here's how you can help:

1) Discourage your child from overloading their car with their possessions. Many teens move to college by stuffing as many of their possessions as they can into a car. While it's true that most teens don't have tons of possessions and furniture, overloading a car can still be dangerous. It can obstruct visibility and make it hard for them to see through their rearview mirror or through their side windows. Placing additional pressure on tires can also lead to a tire blow or Florida car accident. If your child is moving with lots of possessions, consider a truck or travel in multiple cars.

2) Discourage your child from renting a truck and driving it themselves across the country or across the state. Rental trucks have varied safety records, and your child may simply not have enough experience with a large truck to drive safely. If your child needs a larger truck, consider hiring professional movers, or urge your child to pool resources in order to move with other college students this fall. Hiring professional movers as part of a group can cost just as little as renting a truck and driving it themselves.

3) Consider driving your child to college yourself. If you have a pickup truck or a larger van, you may be able to fit most of the possessions into this vehicle. If both you and your child have a vehicle, you can distribute your child's possessions between two cars and get to the college safely.

4) Help your child make a good moving choices. Help your teen pack and label possessions correctly, and explore all the options for moving together. There are many low-cost options for moving to college. For example, classified ads often have offers from college students moving at this time of year or looking for someone to share a truck with. This can be a relatively safe way to get your child's possessions to college at a low cost and with less risk.

If your teen does not have extensive experience with driving a truck, it can be dangerous to let your child rent a large truck in order to move their possessions into a dorm room. Similarly, it is very dangerous to overload a passenger car with possessions. Help your teen make the right decisions, to ensure that your child is not a victim of a Florida car accident or truck accident.

Continue reading "Are Your Teens Moving to College Safely to Avoid a Florida Truck Accident?" »

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 " »

Numerous studies have concluded that fatigued driving is extremely dangerous and contributes to many Florida car accidents and traffic accidents each year. Fatigued drivers have slower response times and in some cases fall asleep at the wheel and lose control of their vehicles completely. Commercial truck drivers are especially in danger of fatigued driving, as they often work on tight deadlines, do shift work, drive at odd hours, and work many hours at a difficult job. As a result, federal rules have been in place for many years to ensure that truck drivers get the rest they need. Under hours of service rules, commercial truck drivers must log the number of hours they work and rest. The rules also mandate how often truck drivers must rest and cap the number of continuous miles drivers can drive before having to take a break.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance holds a Roadcheck program each year, in conjunction with law enforcement, to check for road and safety violations. In 2011, the program had the lowest number of out-of-service rates since 1988. However, in 2011, most of the driver violations that the program uncovered were related to hours of service violations. Critics say that this shows that there may be a problem with fatigued driving in the industry.

Roadcheck 2011 was a three day event which saw Canadian, US, and Mexican law enforcement officials working in tandem with Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to check trucks at 2, 550 spot checks across the continent. The event was held between June 7 and 9, and saw a total of 70,712 inspections carried out. The inspections were carried out by inspectors with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. Medical exam certificates, driver's licenses, brakes, lights, tires, load security, record-of-duty status, and other major security features and systems were checked with every inspection. According to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, 95.8 % of drivers tested in the 2011 program were able to pass their inspections. In addition, 80.7% of trucks and buses passed the inspections.

When a driver was found to be in violation of the rules, he or she was pulled out of service by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance inspectors. In about 52.5% of cases, drivers who were pulled out of service for violations failed to pass inspection because of hours-of-service violations. This is a concern, as these federal hours-of-service regulations are intended to prevent fatigued driving. In addition, inspectors found that only 14% of drivers stopped as part of Roadcheck 2011 were using electronic on-board recorder devices (EOBR). These devices are intended to accurately log hours on the road. However, there is no requirement that makes the devices mandatory.

Some experts say that as a result of Roadcheck 2011 findings, EOBR devices should be made mandatory and hours-of-service rules should be tightened to keep fatigued drivers off the roads. Currently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering proposed changes that would mandate EOBRs in some types of trucks and would see hours of service rules changed so that drivers would drive shorter hours.

Continue reading "How Prevalent is Truck Driver Fatigue in 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.

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

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.

Continue reading "Hands-Free Devices and Florida Truck Accidents " »

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?" »

The Health & Safety Executive has reported that since the Fork Lift Truck Association's National Fork Lift Safety Week initiative was launched, UK has seen fatal fork lift truck accidents decline by two thirds. In 2006/7, 16 workers in the UK died due to such accidents, while in 2009/10, five workers were killed in these accidents. This is the third improvement in statistics.

Experts in the UK have reported that fork lift truck accidents are among the most dangerous accidents for workers. Even with the recent reductions in the number of these fatal truck accidents, there were 369 serious but non-fatal fork lift truck accidents in the UK in the past year – an average of one serious accident per year. Many of these accidents were life changing amputations, brain injuries, and other such serious incidents.

Can Florida learn from the UK example to reduce the instances of Florida truck accidents? There certainly seem to be a number of take-away lessons from the UK example:

1) Truck accidents can be reduced through effort. Although many people see accidents as an unavoidable reality of life, the UK example shows that the number of accidents overall can be reduced with concerted effort. Statistics prove that over three consecutive periods, the number of fatal truck accidents dropped. The statistics were also adjusted for the economic downturn, so it is not only the recession that is helping to reduce the accident rates in the UK.

2) Education is key. The Fork Lift Truck Association's National Fork Lift Safety Week was introduced in 2008 to help educate workers and the public about safety and to promote safety best standards. This program is credited for helping to reduce fatal fork lift accidents across the UK.

3) Training is important. The Fork Lift Truck Association's National Fork Lift Safety Week focuses on different safety topics every Safety Week. Recently, the Fork Lift Truck Association has been focusing on training, with the slogan "more skills, less spills." According to the Fork Lift Truck Association, poor training increases the risk of serious accidents.

Continue reading "Could a Lowered Rate of Fork Lift Truck Accidents in the UK Help Prevent Similar Florida Truck Accidents?" »

Federal lawmakers are considering transportation bills which would, over the next few years, change a number of things about the trucking industry. Some experts are concerned about a proposal in the bills which would allow higher weight limits and which would permit trucks on more roads across the country. Some experts are concerned that such changes could affect the rates of Florida car accidents and truck accidents on the road.

The bills would increase truck weight limits from 80 000 pounds to 97 000 pounds for single-trailer commercial trucks on state highways and interstate roadways. Trucks with two or three trailers would be permitted up to 100 000 pounds. As well, trucks with two or three trailers will be allowed the entire national highway system rather than on interstate roads.

According to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman, the bills could be put to a vote before committee by July 12. The suggested legislation would also place a tax on trucks over the weight limit. This money would be placed in a fund and distributed to states to assist with road repairs and bridge work.

There are many concerns about the proposed changes. Many legislators, for example, have pointed out that cars are currently getting smaller as more consumers look for fuel economy in their passenger cars. Combining smaller cars with larger trucks could create even more devastating Florida car accidents involving cars, whereby smaller cars would have no chance against very large commercial trucks. There is also concern that the larger trucks would have very large blind spots and would not be able to safely share the roads with motorcycles, bicyclists and others who use the road system.

There is also a concern that the larger trucks could create problems on residential streets. While the proposed legislation allows very large trucks only on the national highway system, when a section of the system is closed due to an accident or another cause, traffic is often rerouted through residential areas. There is a concern that 100 000 pound trucks would be on residential streets in such cases, posing the risk of Florida pedestrian accidents and other types of traffic accidents.

Other experts have noted that much larger trucks could create load problems and could make the roadways deteriorate faster, due to the weight and force of the larger vehicles. Those in the trucking industry have noted that improved technology in the trucking industry would potentially help offset some of these problems. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also notes that allowing the proposed changes would allow businesses to be more competitive and efficient, which would beneficial to the economy.

Continue reading "Truck Proposals Could Change Rates of Florida Truck Accidents " »

A blogger writing for TransitMiami, has recently written about the large number of accidents along Biscayne Boulevard. These accidents often reportedly include high speeds and in recent months have resulted in damage to light poles and storefronts. According to the blogger, some of the problem stems from design and suggests some of the ways that Miami truck accidents and car accidents along this road could be prevented:

1) Changing the design speed of the road. The design speed of Biscayne Boulevard in Upper East Side (where many of the accidents have been taking place) is 45 mph, and the posted speed limit is 35 mph. The TransitMiami blog suggests a design speed of 35 mph.

2) Re-striping scenario in order to bring back parallel parking to the street. The MiMo Business Improvement Committee (BIC) has made this suggestion to District 6 Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation. Creating parallel parking in the area would encourage cars and trucks to slow down, BIC believes, and would also provide a layer of protection for pedestrians, helping to prevent Miami pedestrian accidents in the area.

3) Adding traffic calming design features. According to the City of Miami’s Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan (MCNP), such devices can include wide sidewalks, different lane widths, medians, landscaping, roundabouts, lighting; and signage. All of these features make the area more like a neighborhood and less like a highway, encouraging motorists to slow down.

4) Enforcement. While improved design can help reduce the speed and therefore the number of accidents, enforcement is still an important part of the equation, ensuring that motorists obey the rules of the road. An enforcement campaign targeting the area specifically could help prevent accidents along the street.

Continue reading "Preventing Miami Truck Accidents With Design" »

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 " »

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 " »

Over the past few years, there have been concerns and debates about the possibility of allowing Mexican commercial five axle tractor-trailer trucks on US roads. Some people have claimed that allowing these trucks on the roads of the US will result in more truck accidents and car accidents in Florida and in every other state. Among the concerns raised are:

1) Differing regulations. There are federal rules which place severe restrictions on US truck carriers and truck drivers. Load limits, safety inspections, hours of service regulations, licensing and training standards, and other rules have been developed over time to ensure that the roads are as safe as possible. Mexico is a different country with different laws and therefore there is a concern that the laws which keep US trucks safer will simply not be in place in trucks from a different country.

2) Safety issues. There are concerns about whether trucks from another country will meet the same safety standards as domestic trucks.

3) Legal issues. Currently, any truck accident involving a commercial truck is tricky to litigate. Insurance carriers, truck companies, driver unions and other stakeholders get involved and there are many legal issues at play. Some Florida truck accident victims wait months or even years for their cases to work their way through the courts. There is a concern that cases involving Mexican trucks and truck drivers would be even harder to litigate, due to extradition problems, different laws, and the high risk of flight for suspected non-domestic drivers.

4) Regulatory problems. When a truck is deemed not fit for the road in the US, there are a number of authorities who can step in to take the truck off the road. However, there are concerns that trucks from Mexico driving on US roads would be harder to regulate. Would carriers from another country obey US standards and regulations different than their own? Would local authorities be able to exert authority over driver and truck companies from a different country?

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents and Mexico " »

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.

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After a Florida truck accident or car accident causing an injury or fatality, investigations are usually launched to find out what happened to cause the collision. Florida car accidents involving trucks may in fact be subject to several types of accidents:

1) A police investigation. An official investigation by police will usually be launched in any case where it appears that a law was broken. Suspected cases of Florida drunk driving, suspected cases of insurance fraud, suspected cases of vehicular manslaughter, and other suspected crimes will be carefully investigated by detectives. In many cases, if you are in an accident and decide to pursue legal action you can get a copy of this police investigation or report.

2) A private investigation. If you decide to hire a personal injury attorney after your Florida truck accident, your attorney may decide to launch a private investigation. The attorney will typically work with private investigators or accident reconstruction professionals to find evidence to support your legal action and to find any liable parties in the case.

3) An insurance investigation. In many cases, insurance carriers launch their own investigations, also using private investigators. The aim of insurance companies is to find out whether anyone other than their client was liable. Therefore, if you are in a car accident with a truck, the truck's insurance carrier will typically try to find evidence to protect the truck carrier and truck driver. This is one reason why it is important to hire a Florida personal injury attorney to protect your interests.

4) An industry investigation. In cases where a truck driver may have committed a crime and may be subject to disciplinary action, the truck carrier or truck driver union may launch their own investigation. This sort of investigation may also be initiated in any serious accident which may result in serious legal action for the truck driver or carrier. Again, these investigations are not deigned to protect you or your rights, which is why it is important to have your own Florida attorney conducting a separate investigation.

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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?" »

One of the reasons why trucks are so dangerous and contribute to so many Florida car accidents each year is the sheer weight of the vehicles. The large size and weight of commercial trucks such as tractor trailers or semi trucks makes these vehicles unwieldy and slow to respond on the road. In the case of an accident, even small mistakes can lead to serious injuries. As well, drivers of these vehicles are often limited in their ability to drive defensively; since commercial trucks respond far more slowly than passenger vehicles, it is harder to avoid an accident.

Congress passed laws in 1973 to make trucks safer and to reduce the risks of truck accidents. One of the laws restricted the size and weight of loads. For travel in between states, load weights were limited to 40 tons (80 000 pounds). However, overweight permits and oversize permits are available to permit larger trucks on the road in certain circumstances. As well, the weight limits for steer axles are 12 000 pounds while the limits of dual axles are 34 000 pounds and the limit on single axles is 20 000 pounds.

There are federal limits which limit the size as well as the weight of trucks. On all federal highways, trucks can tow 2 trailers of 28 feet or one trailer of 48-feet. Trucks must be no wider than 102 inches on these roads.

States have their own rules and limits on truck weights, as well. Some states, for example, impose seasonal weight limits. Michigan is one such state. Other states allow some oversize trucks or overweight loads, as long as truck carriers meet specific safety requirements.

The reason for these federal and state weight limits is simple. The heavier a truck is, the greater a danger it is on the road. This is because in a truck accident a heavier truck creates a greater impact upon collision and is therefore more likely to cause serious damage and possible fatalities. As well, heavier trucks are more likely to rollover and are more difficult to manage, making it more likely that even an experienced truck driver will be in an accident. Finally, heavier trucks cause more wear on tires and brakes, making it more likely that these systems will fail prematurely.

To enforce federal and state weight limits, there are weight stations in every state. Trucks are supposed to automatically stop at these stations when the stations are open to allow authorities to check for weight violations. Unfortunately, some trucks continue to flout the rules and avoid the weight stations, creating unnecessary danger on the roads.

Continue reading "Truck Weight Regulations and Florida Truck Accidents " »

Many experts agree that large commercial trucks are the most dangerous vehicles on the road. These vehicles cause many Florida truck accidents every year. There are many things that make them so dangerous:

1) Their size. Trucks are very large and this means that they can block visibility on the road. Driving behind a truck in a passenger vehicle means that you cannot see well ahead of you or anticipate dangers on the road. The size of trucks also makes them deadly in an accident, as they can easily crush smaller vehicles – and the passengers inside them.

2) Their weight. Fully loaded commercial trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. This makes them dangerous as it causes them to accelerate down hills and increases the risk of Florida rollover accidents. The heavy weight of trucks also means that in an accident they can easily crush smaller cars.

3) The limited visibility. Trucks have multiple blind spots. This means that drivers are not able to see and anticipate cars around them. The multiple blind spots on trucks makes it especially important that other drivers maintain a safe distance from these large vehicles.

4) Their slow response times. Due to their size and weight, trucks take longer to get up speed and take much longer than passenger vehicles to slow down and brake. This means that they often cannot act quickly enough in time to prevent a Florida car accident, making it crucial that other drivers leave adequate distance in front of trucks.

5) Their loads. Many trucks carry dangerous loads, including hazardous materials, flammable substances, and toxic products. In cases where these loads spill, it can cause severe health and environmental hazards. As well, if loads are not correctly secured, shifting loads can cause rollovers and accidents.

Continue reading "Why Are Trucks So Dangerous?" »

Along highways, especially, Florida car accidents and truck accidents often are caused by multiple vehicles. Multiple truck accidents are very complex cases because:

1) In these cases, there is usually a few mitigating factors involved. Multi-vehicle crashes usually occur due to complex reasons, such as a combination of weather and speed. After the fact, it can be complex to isolate all the specific factors without accurate accident reconstruction and analysis by investigative professionals.

2) Different passengers may have different ideas of how the accident happened. The police reports of Florida truck accidents involving multiple vehicles are often confused, because drivers near the rear of the crash may not have seen the initial impact and may have a very different view of events than the drivers in the first cars to collide.

3) There may be many liable parties. Every driver in such a crash may be held partly liable for the accident and car manufacturers, truck carriers, and others may also be held partly liable. It can take a skilled Florida attorney to determine and sort out all this information.

4) There are multiple sources of information. Conflicting reports are taken from different drivers and every car must be examined, as well as every truck in the crash. Such a crash usually involves multiple insurance companies and even multiple investigations by different attorneys and insurance carriers.

5) Evidence can easily get misplaced or damaged. Because there are so many people involved in this type of crash and because there are so many sources of information, early evidence recovery and investigation is important. In many cases, insurance companies arrive early at such accident scenes, knowing that the risk of evidence contamination exists. In some cases, insurance companies arrive before the police.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents Involving Multiple Trucks" »

There is no doubt that Florida truck accidents cause serious injuries. However, trucks can also cause other problems which can lead to Florida car accidents, fatalities, and serious injuries:

1) Trucks produce debris on the road. Trucks carry cargo, and sometimes that cargo simply isn't secured enough and comes loose. This can cause debris to spill all over the road, which can be dangerous for other drivers. Truck accidents can also produced debris which can cause tire damage as well as secondary accidents.

2) Trucks can cause visibility problems. If you've ever been trapped behind a truck in a traffic jam, you know how difficult it is to see around these large vehicles on the road. Groups of trucks can block your visibility and can make it harder for you to anticipate potential hazards and problems ahead, which can make it more difficult to drive defensively.

3) Trucks can cause road damage. A fully loaded commercial truck weighs tens of thousands of pounds. The heaviness on the roads is known to cause damage to the asphalt surface, causing potholes, cracks, and other problems which can affect your ability to drive smoothly and safely.

Trucks are an important part of the economy, allowing us to enjoy products from all over the world and allowing us to ship Florida-made goods all across the continent. However, allowing trucks on the roads does come with certain drawbacks. The number of Florida car accidents involving trucks shows this. While we need to share the road with trucks, however, we can do our best to ensure that as few accidents occur as possible.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents are not the Only Problem – Trucks Can Cause Dangerous Road Conditions" »

There is no doubt that Florida truck accidents cause serious injuries. However, trucks can also cause other problems which can lead to Florida car accidents, fatalities, and serious injuries:

1) Trucks produce debris on the road. Trucks carry cargo, and sometimes that cargo simply isn't secured enough and comes loose. This can cause debris to spill all over the road, which can be dangerous for other drivers. Truck accidents can also produced debris which can cause tire damage as well as secondary accidents.

2) Trucks can cause visibility problems. If you've ever been trapped behind a truck in a traffic jam, you know how difficult it is to see around these large vehicles on the road. Groups of trucks can block your visibility and can make it harder for you to anticipate potential hazards and problems ahead, which can make it more difficult to drive defensively.

3) Trucks can cause road damage. A fully loaded commercial truck weighs tens of thousands of pounds. The heaviness on the roads is known to cause damage to the asphalt surface, causing potholes, cracks, and other problems which can affect your ability to drive smoothly and safely.

Trucks are an important part of the economy, allowing us to enjoy products from all over the world and allowing us to ship Florida-made goods all across the continent. However, allowing trucks on the roads does come with certain drawbacks. The number of Florida car accidents involving trucks shows this. While we need to share the road with trucks, however, we can do our best to ensure that as few accidents occur as possible.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents are not the Only Problem – Trucks Can Cause Dangerous Road Conditions" »

Many Florida car accidents involve not only trucks, but problems caused by truck tires. There are many issues which can cause accidents:

1) Tires exploding. If you've ever driven behind a big wheel truck and have seen one of its tires fall apart, you know how frightening it can be. Rolls of rubber come flying at your passenger vehicle, and there's often no room to react, especially on the highway. You may simply drive over the pieces of shredded tire. If you are unfortunate, the shredded tire may hit your windshield, obscuring your view. It's easy to see how this can cause an accident. A tire coming off a truck can also cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.

2) Tire defects. Tire manufacturers do a great deal to prevent defects from getting into their products. However, defects do occur. Tiny, invisible defects can cause a tire to come apart on the road, explode, or otherwise function incorrectly. When this happens, drivers can lose control of the truck, the truck may roll over, and many other types of accidents can occur. Even if that tire is without defects, it can become defective if it is stored incorrectly or stored for an extended period of time, allowing the rubber to disintegrate.

3) Tire problems caused by truck accidents and truck debris. Sometimes, the problem is not truck tires themselves, but rather the damage that trucks can do to passenger vehicle tires. Truck accidents, for example, can rip out the surface of a road, affecting passenger vehicle tires and even causing accidents. If a truck is carrying sharp objects and these fall off onto the road, it can cause the tires of passenger vehicles to become damaged, potentially causing accidents.

4) Tires coming off trucks. If truck tires are not correctly secured, they may literally fly off the truck, hitting oncoming cars and causing chaos on the road. While fortunately such accidents are rare, when they do occur there is a high probability of fatalities and serious injuries.

Continue reading "Tire Problems and Florida Truck Accidents" »

For most customers, rising fuel and diesel prices are bad news. Not only are the costs of transportation quickly rising with fuel prices, but the costs of consumer products are increasing due to the costs of fuel. Most products sold to consumers need to be transported by truck or by other vehicles which use diesel. As fuel prices increase, companies are increasing fuel surcharges and consumers are facing higher costs at retail centers, too.

According to the trucking industry, diesel prices are close to $4 a gallon, a dollar increase over the same time last year. While no one likes higher prices, could the increase in costs actually have a hidden benefit? Many carriers are looking for ways to reduce fuel use in order to keep prices competitive, and many of the methods used to lower fuel consumption may actually also help prevent Florida truck accidents:

1) Better route planning. Most truck companies are now trying to find the most efficient ways to get from point A to point B, with an eye to fuel efficiency. However, faster routes can also mean less occupied routes, which could mean fewer Florida car accidents involving trucks. If companies avoid busy roads in order to reduce idling and slow speeds, there will be less competition on roads and potentially fewer accidents.

2) Less idling. Idling uses up fuel, so it is expected that carriers will be more strict about idling. However, idling can also help reduce pollution and can help make the streets safer and cleaner.

3) Better truck maintenance. Commercial trucks that need repairs are more likely to be fuel-inefficient. They are also more likely to have flaws – such as brake trouble or undetected tire defects – that can lead to an accident. By improving care of vehicles to save on fuel costs, carriers may also be making their fleets safer.

4) Using specific tires, air foils, mud flaps and other equipment. Using equipment designed to make trucks more fuel-efficient may not automatically make trucks safer. However, more attention to trucks can help carriers notice – and fix – any problems that could lead to an accident.

Continue reading "Could Rising Fuel Prices Actually Lower Florida Truck Accident Rates?" »

If you've been injured in a Florida truck accident and decide to pursue a claim, you need to be aware that defense attorneys hired by the insurance company or truck company will work to disprove your claim. During the pretrial discovery process, the defense attorneys will be able to access medical records -- not only from the accident but also from far before the accident took place.

It is important to be aware of this because it means that defense attorneys will have access to very personal information about you and will be able to use this information in court. As well, it is important to be aware of this in order to discuss your pre- accident medical records with your own Florida personal injury attorney. This way, your attorney is prepared to represent you.

If you have sustained a brain injury, for example, but you have sustained other concussions before due to sports -- even if those concussions occurred decades ago -- defense attorneys may try to claim that your current injuries are caused in part by those previous injuries and therefore their clients should not be held completely liable. It's very natural for plaintiffs to get very upset by this type of argument, but it is part of the legal process. Knowing about it ahead of time can help make you feel more comfortable with the court process.

If you have been injured in a Florida truck accident, it is important to find a good personal injury attorney you can trust. A good attorney can help prepare you for the court case, the defense attorneys' tactics, and the process itself so that you are more comfortable. However, before you start a claim you also want to be aware that any personal information that is available in any of your records will be made available. If you have previous reckless driving or drunk driving convictions, for example, you can be certain that the defense will try to use this to argue that you may be partly liable for the accident. Being prepared for such comments can help make them less upsetting.

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Hours of Service rules (49 CFR Part 395) apply to all commercial truck drivers and are designed to help prevent Florida truck accidents as well as truck accidents across the country. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that these rules are intended to lower the rate truck accidents, and it seems to be working – fatal truck accidents have been decreasing in number every year. Nevertheless, many thousands of people continue to die and many more thousands continue to suffer from serious injuries as a result of these accidents -- many of which are preventable.

This year, Hours of Service rules were changed, but experts still say that much can be done to help improve these rules to ensure that truck accidents caused by fatigued drivers are simply less of a risk on our roads. For example, under current regulations, employers can still push truck drivers to drive a tractor trailer 18 wheeler for 14 consecutive hours -- legally. Studies also show that truck drivers, on average, get less sleep than many other types of workers. Legislators and experts have both stated that more can be done to make such situations less common.

Hours of Service rules exist to ensure that drivers do not drive when unsafely tired. These rules require commercial truck drivers to log the number of hours that they drive, to take frequent rests -- which must be documented -- and to drive no more than a certain set number of hours within any 24-hour period before taking a rest.

Experts say that while these rules are a good start, part of the problem is that current rules shift most of the liability on to the driver. If drivers are pushed to break hours of service rules by unreasonable deadlines, for example, it is often drivers who are blamed if driver fatigue causes a Florida car accident or truck accident.

Companies often pay drivers by the mile. This means that drivers are pressured to drive longer in a smaller period of time in order to make better money. As well, it also means that drivers are not necessarily compensated for work-related tasks, such as waiting for trucks to be loaded, or sitting in traffic. Any delays a driver encounters mean a loss of revenue and drivers may be tempted to drive faster or to drive longer in order to make up the difference. It is for this reason that many experts believe that Hours of Service rules are not enough and that rules should be in place to protect drivers from such pressures.

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Statistics show that many truck accidents take place in rural areas, often on the weekends. Truck accidents cause nearly 5000 deaths across America each year, as well as billions of dollars in damage and many thousands of injuries. Accident reports state that the top reasons for truck accidents include:

1) Driver fatigue on the part of the truck driver. There are many regulations -- including hours of service regulations -- which ensure that truck drivers get adequate rest. Nevertheless, sleep apnea, illness, work pressures, tight deadlines, and a host of other reasons can cause a truck driver to be tired, and even to fall asleep at the wheel. While there's not a great deal you can do to ensure that truck drivers get adequate rest, you can ensure that you yourself get plenty of sleep and rest before you drive. Driving tired -- whether you drive a truck or a passenger vehicle -- is always dangerous. Another thing you can do to help prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue is to write to your representatives and support legislation which encourages long rest periods for truck drivers.

2) Drugs and alcohol. Many accident reports show that truck driver errors are often caused by drugs and alcohol. Florida drunk driving accidents -- whether they involve trucks or cars -- steal far too many lives each year. If you see a truck driver driving erratically, contact your local authorities to report the problem. As well, never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking yourself.

3) Failure to follow the rules and regulations of the roads. Both truck drivers and passenger car drivers are responsible for accidents when they fail to obey traffic laws. Whether it's speeding, obeying stop signs, or following proper rules for passing, merging, and turning, it's important to get excellent driver training and to follow the rules at all times.

4) Improperly loaded and secured loads on trucks. Truck loads can be heavy, and if they are not loaded correctly and secured, they can roll around on the truck, increasing the chances of rollovers and causing a weight imbalance which can cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle. While there's not a great deal you can do to ensure that carriers follow proper rules for loading and securing cargo, you can keep an eye on trucks on the road, avoiding any that seemed to be top-heavy or weaving.

5) Distracted driving. This is another problem for both truck drivers and passenger car drivers. Whether distracted driving is caused by changing a CD, using a mobile device while driving, or talking too animatedly with passengers, taking your eyes and mind off the road can be deadly. Commercial truck drivers are not permitted to use mobile devices while operating their vehicles. If you see any truck driver who's driving unsafely because they are using a mobile device, pull over and record them to your local authorities.

Continue reading "Top Causes of Truck Accidents – and How to Avoid Them " »

More than 500 000 truck accidents occur on US roads and highways annually. Like all states, Florida sees its fair share of car accidents caused by trucks. To avoid becoming a statistic, make sure that you follow these best practices for road safety when sharing the road with trucks:

1) Avoid trucks' blind spots. All trucks have significant blind spots, but this is especially true for big rigs and tractor trailers. A good rule of thumb is that the truck driver cannot see you unless you can see the driver in their side view mirror. If you can't see the driver, speed up or slow down until you have a safe distance from the truck.

2) Give trucks plenty of extra room. Many Florida car accidents involving trucks are caused by passenger vehicles following trucks too closely. Trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles, so most experts recommend that passenger vehicles stay a minimum of 20 car lengths behind large tractor-trailer trucks. Giving yourself extra room allows you to see around the truck, allows the truck driver to see you, and gives you both plenty of room and time to react in case of an emergency.

3) Pass trucks carefully. Once you have passed a truck, don't move back into the lane until you can see the truck's headlights in your rearview mirror. If you cut in too quickly, you may not be giving the driver enough time to stop in an emergency.

4) Be aware of trucks around you. Obviously, Florida drunk driving accidents are a major cause of fatalities and serious injuries. However, anything that distracts you can be a potential hazard on the road, all the more so when there are large trucks around you. When you see a truck, be extra vigilant. If the truck is weaving or at an unusually, get out of the way. Being aware of trucks around you also ensures that you don't brake suddenly or otherwise act in a manner that is dangerous.

Continue reading "Avoid Being in a Florida Truck Accident " »

Now that the weather is getting more pleasant and tourists are trickling into Florida in greater numbers, South Florida has seen a rise in the number of mobile food trucks around the area. According to some reports, there are many as 40 of these trucks in the area, serving food to customers in parking lots. While customers like the cheap food and fun names these trucks offer, others are concerned about safety and noise issues.

Many trucks have been fined for lacking the required licensing, even when they have the permission of parking lot owners to congregate and set up business. Area residents where these trucks set up voice concerns over pollution, noise, litter, and the potential for truck accidents. Local restaurants are not always happy about food trucks, which do not need to pay leases and can therefore charge low prices.

Others worry about the safety of the trucks – many are older vehicles equipped with deep-fryers and large propane trucks. Some area residents worry about the potential for fires and injuries as a result of the trucks. A few people have voiced concerns about food safety in the here-today-gone-tomorrow world of mobile food.

The truck owners note that they run affordable and legitimate businesses. Many of them would want to see more cooperation from communities. Currently, restaurants in Florida need a $550 license as well as $200 food manager's license. Both can be complicated to acquire and mobile food truck owners believe that such licensing does not apply to them since they provide no sit-down areas for patrons and are therefore not "restaurants." Some municipalities require special events permits or peddler's permits – often used by ice cream trucks. These, too, are expensive to secure. South Florida communities are now looking at new legislation which would regulate the food trucks.

So far, no official Florida truck accidents or traffic accidents have been reported to be caused by the food trucks, but some residents are worried that it is only a matter of time. The trucks attract large crowds of pedestrians to parking areas and the truck themselves are large and move often, increasing the risk of accidents. According to food truck owners, however, the vehicles are less likely to be in accidents because they are stationary for such long stretches of time. If there was an truck accident in South Florida caused by one of these vehicles, however, it would likely cause serious liability issues, especially given the concerns over licensing and vendor permits.

Continue reading "Could Food Trucks Contribute to Florida Truck Accidents?" »

Each year, almost half a million truck accidents occur across the country each year, resulting in serious burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities. When commercial truck accidents are Florida car accidents involving a passenger car, the injuries to the passengers in the passenger vehicle are often severe. While the truck driver may walk away from such an accident unharmed, in many cases the other passengers in the other vehicle suffer severe injuries. Many Florida spinal cord injury, burn injury, and brain injury patients sustain their injuries in traffic accidents.

Unfortunately, many injury victims assume that their car insurance will cover all costs and do not seek out professional or legal help after an accident. This is unfortunate because in many cases Florida truck accidents involving commercial trucks are quite complex. There may be a few liable parties as well as several contributing factors to the accident and its injuries.

When patients sign any documentation from an insurance company they often sign away at least part of their rights to pursue legal action. All truck carriers have teams of attorneys to help companies avoid expensive litigation. What many patients do not realize is that they may be entitled to more compensation and more coverage of their injuries.

In too many cases, Florida truck accident victims receive less than the full cost of damages from insurance carriers. While immediate hospital care may be covered, for example, long-term care, counseling, and other treatments may need to be paid out of pocket. It is often difficult for injured parties without legal training to truly appreciate the liability of an accident or to calculate the full cost of an injury.

This is why consulting with a Florida personal injury attorney is so crucial. An attorney can investigate the causes of an accident, find all liable parties, and aggressively pursue a fair recovery for the patient. In many cases, this recovery can help the patient pay for lost income, medical treatment, car repairs, and any related costs. As well, an attorney can help the victim understand and take advantage of all their rights.

Continue reading "Why It's Important to Get Help If You Have Been in a Florida Truck Accident" »

According to both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and The American Trucking Association (ATA), fatal truck accidents have declined as much as 14% through 2009. The improved safety of the industry can be attributed to many things, according to the ATA:

1) Better driver training. Truck carriers are improving driver training and driver training courses are improving at schools across the country, stressing things such as driver safety, defensive driving, and other similar topics which help reduce fatal truck accidents. Most industry experts agree that today's drivers receive more training and better-quality safety training than drivers of years past.

2) Lower truck highway speeds, which are mostly self-imposed. Many truck drivers are slowing down. Thanks to government regulations and a greater awareness among carriers that safety is good business, there is less pressure on drivers to deliver by deadline at any cost. Since speeding is considered a major contributor to most Florida car accidents and truck accidents – not to mention traffic accidents nationwide – slower speeds mean safer highways.

3) Improved truck safety systems. Systems such as roll–stability, GPS, lane-departure warning, and collision-avoidance systems are increasingly being installed in new commercial trucks. Manufacturers have been aggressively researching and developing new safety devices over the past five years, which are designed to help prevent serious accidents. These technologies are being implemented more often, helping to avert disaster, although the ATA has argued that better incentives would make implementing newer technologies more universal.

4) Improved regulations. The past five years have seen growing awareness about Florida truck accidents and US truck accidents in general. States and the federal government have passed legislation aimed at making streets safer. For example, last year all commercial truck drivers were banned from texting while driving. Better regulations and enforcement reduce the instances of violations and improve safety in the industry.

Continue reading "Why Are Truck Accident Rates Dropping?" »

According to both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and The American Trucking Association (ATA), fatal truck accident rates continue to drop, as do personal injuries resulting from truck accidents. In 2009, there were 1.17 fatalities involving trucks per 100 million driven miles, the lowest rate since 1975. According to the NHTSA, there were 3 380 truck accident fatalities across the US in 2009, compared with 2 245 in 2008.

According to The American Trucking Association, statistics show that the trucking industry is getting safer, but agree that more can be done to improve overall safety. For example, the ATA is currently asking the government to allow programs which give incentives to truck companies that install safety technology. Tax incentives and other incentives, the ATA argues, would encourage carriers to install the latest technology that can help prevent accidents. Some of this technology, for example, creates alerts when truck drivers drive too fast or drive too long without taking breaks. This alerts carriers when drivers break the rules and makes it harder to circumvent federal rules which are designed to make trucking safer.

The ATA also recommends creating a national clearinghouse to streamline blood alcohol and drug test results. According to the organization, this would help coordinate information, so that drivers with poor records could not simply move to another state in order to avoid career problems in their home state. A national clearinghouse, according to the ATA, would help the industry track drivers with drug and alcohol problems, offer better treatment, and help catch repeat offenders.

Further, the ATA recommends advanced notification systems to target drivers with problems. Current systems, according to experts, allow drivers with repeat offenses and repeat problems to find themselves on the road again and again. Drivers and carriers sometimes go to great lengths to ensure that drivers remain on the road. Advanced notification systems, the ATA argues, could help alert carriers and authorities when a driver has multiple near-misses, multiple accidents, or other problems. These problems could then be addressed before the driver is allowed to return to the road.

Florida, too, could make changes to help make trucking safer in the state. Legislation is already proposed to ban texting and driving, which could help prevent Florida car accidents involving trucks caused by distracted drivers. As well, Florida could work on legislation which could help support federal efforts to prevent Florida truck accidents and accidents across the country.

Continue reading "What Else Can be Done to Reduce Florida Truck Accident Rates?" »

When Florida trucking accidents happen, legislators often call for new laws and regulations. While policies are useful in preventing Florida drunk driving accidents and other types of accidents and while safety practices instituted by the trucking industry have helped to prevent many accidents, these steps alone are not enough. In order to really help prevent more Florida car accidents involving trucks, it is important to move beyond reactive practices to more proactive practices.

Most safety policies focus on violations and post-violation action rather than focusing on preventing problems in the first place. That is, most policies are created as a response to existing problems and current violations. They are looking back at the mistakes already made. Many safety experts believe that the trucking industry needs to look forward to anticipate problems and create holistic solutions to these problems.

For example, it is expected that Florida will see more and more trucks on the road as industries boom. The state will also see more extra-large trucks as a result of legislation passed last year to allow larger and heavier trucks on the road. While no accidents have yet been reported from this change, now is the time to address the change and to take steps to help prevent any future accidents. For example, investing in new tire technology would help the industry avoid trucking accidents caused by tire defects. This will become especially important as trucks increase in size and weight load.

Another way to become more forward-looking is avoid too much attention on incident rate leads. These tend to look back, just like safety policies, rather than looking forward to future problems. Of course, incident rate leads and safety policies are important. However, to truly create greater safety on the road, we must look beyond these issues and anticipate problems and address them in a forward-thinking way.

Drivers of course play a significant role in preventing Florida truck accidents. Training drivers extensively and well to anticipate problems and to become part of the solution is important. When drivers are given a greater voice to improve safety and their concerns are heard, good things can happen. Truck drivers want to help prevent accidents; giving them more leeway to take action to prevent accidents can help prevent collisions.

Many carriers have incentives based on lack of injury, but this, too can backfire. Drivers may be less likely to report injuries or possible injuries if it means discipline or lack of incentives, and this can mean more drivers driving unwell. Rewarding the right behaviors means rewarding safety and a commitment to safety, not rewarding lack of accidents. Rewarding additional training and any action taken by the drivers to remain safer simply may make more sense.

Continue reading " Safety Practices and Policies Alone Won't Prevent Florida Trucking Accidents" »

In many industries, the term "safety culture" is a buzzword and a key goal. Broadly, safety culture means creating an environment in which safety is an essential part of all tasks and business matters. Creating a safety culture is important because it can help reduce accidents and injuries. To help prevent Florida truck accidents, the trucking industry and local carriers may wish to work to create the type of safety culture than many other industries are creating.

Most experts agree that in order for safety culture to be effective, industries need to see culture as actionable. That is, it's easy to talk about a safety culture as something abstract, but companies need to create a culture rooted in specific steps so that it is easy to implement. For example, the trucking industry has taken steps to create a safety culture by banning texting and driving all across the country. Safety must be translated into steps of action in order to work.

Most experts also agree that safety policies alone do not mean safety culture. While it is important to have safety rules, in other words, rules alone will not create a culture of safety. A safety culture needs to go well beyond rules and regulations to work. The problem with many safety policies is that they are top-down. That is, authorities in an industry impose rules and everyone else is expected to follow them. This creates directives, not a culture. To create a safety culture that prevents Florida car accidents and truck accidents, industry authorities need to work with truck drivers and even the drivers of passenger cars to create solutions that involve everyone.

In order to work, safety culture must mean integration. That is, a safety culture includes all levels of a company or industry and it involves everyone. In the trucking industry, everyone must be held accountable for safety and safety must become a priority at all levels – from driver training to loading and unloading of trucks to truck maintenance and tire manufacture.

Safety cultures are not created overnight. In many cases, they begin with a goal to improve safety and with a few policies. Many industries dedicated to implementing a culture safety do so over time, working with employees and other stakeholders to gradually make safety a larger and larger focus across the board. As the trucking industry continues to do this, hopefully the number of Florida car accidents involving trucks will decline.

Continue reading "How the Trucking Industry And Carriers Can Create a Safety Culture" »

Many Florida truck accidents – and indeed many Florida car accidents -- are attributed to "driver error." In many cases, this general term simply means that a driver had no intention of harming anyone but has made a mistake which has resulted in an accident. Most experts agree that such accidents are highly preventable.

To prevent traffic accidents caused by driver error, it is important to first eliminate causes of error. Many factors can make a driver more prone to mistakes. For example, a driver who is taking cold or flu medication that results in drowsiness is more likely to make mistakes behind the wheel, even if the medication is not a controlled substance. If a driver is sleepy or ill, he or she is also more likely to cause a Florida car accident due to error. Similarly, a distracted driver can make mistakes simply because he or she is not alert enough to notice possible hazards. Eliminating drowsy driving, distracted driving, and driving while ill means that drivers who are well and alert are behind the wheel – and focused, healthy drivers are less likely to make mistakes.

Another way to eliminate driver mistakes is to improve and increase truck driver training. In many cases, driver error is caused simply by lack of experience on the part of the driver. Experienced drivers make fewer mistakes, typically, simply because they are more familiar with a wide range of driving experiences and know to respond appropriately. Truck driving training can mean that drivers have the skills to avoid potentially tragic mistakes. Truck training also means more truck driving experience. Drivers who take additional training are also enjoying more experience in controlled conditions – which means they are more prepared for the road.

Many driver mistakes can also be prevented by creating an environment of safety for drivers. That is, having reasonable work deadlines and sensible schedules ensures that drivers can care for themselves and can therefore be in better shape to avoid mistakes on the road. Carriers and the trucking industry can help create an environment of safety and prevent truck accidents by continuing to focus on safety and driver comfort.

Another way to prevent driver errors and the accidents they cause is to make it easy to focus and stay error-free. In many cases, drivers make mistakes because their minds and eyes are not 100% on the road. Drivers who are focused on the task at hand are less likely to make mistakes because they are not distracted. Banning texting and driving for drivers is an important first step. Carefully screening drivers to ensure that they can focus on one task for extended periods of time is another potential step to help prevent distracted driving and accidents.

Continue reading "Preventing Driving Error Can Help Prevent Truck Accidents" »

When most news programs report on truck accidents, they report on commercial trucking accidents. It is true that commercial trucking accidents are often very serious or fatal due to the large size of the vehicles. As well, commercial trucking accidents usually are legally very complex, since there are usually a few liable parties.

However, there are other types of Florida trucking accidents which receive less attention but which can still cause fatalities and serious injuries. For example, much less is written about rental truck accidents, although this is a topic that deserves serious attention. Many companies rent trucks – even large trucks – to customers without truck driving licenses. In many cases, these trucks are rented to individuals who are moving. Lately, even building supply stores have been offering short-term truck rentals to customers who want to get building supplies home.

Unfortunately, truck rentals pose quite a few problems. In most cases, drivers who have driven nothing but passenger vehicles are allowed to drive these trucks – some of which can be quite large and unwieldy – with no training, instruction, or help. While rentals no doubt save customers money, many experts do not think they are safe. Due to the fact that customers renting these large trucks do not have experience with larger vehicles, it can mean that even good drivers with no record of Florida car accidents can easily get into a collision with these trucks.

The safety record and maintenance of these trucks has also been an issue. Several investigative journalists have looked into the safety records of trucks offered for rent in this manner and have found all sorts of troubling problems. Some investigative journalists have discovered aging fleets while others have found that trucks cannot pass a mechanic's inspection. Lawsuits and claims that these companies know about mechanical problems just add to the issue.

Another common problem is the prevalence of light trucks and the role they play in accidents. More drivers and car buyers are selecting light trucks when buying a vehicle. In fact, in some cases, buyers say that the perceived safety advantages of these trucks influence their buying decisions. However, light trucks still can and do mean Florida truck accidents. These trucks can mean more blind spots when compared with passenger vehicles. Some light trucks also have high rollover rates and other known problems, all of which can contribute to Florida truck accidents.

Continue reading "Why It’s Not Enough to Focus on Commercial Trucks When Trying to Prevent Florida Truck Accidents" »

Studies conducted by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that a popular truck device used to increase safety may actually be causing hundreds of fatalities each year. According to the study, truck safety guards may actually be causing fatalities through decapitation in car accidents involving trucks.

The unusual thing is that truck safety guards are in fact designed to help prevent the very accident them seem to be making worse. The guards are designed to help prevent underride accidents, or accidents in which a car slips underneath a truck. The guards are supposed to ensure that cars cannot slide under the truck and the guards are approved to help prevent injuries by the US.

Despite this, the IIHS study found that in three of six tests, truck safety guards in fact lead to decapitations and other serious injuries in an underride accident. According to the IIHS, the study shows that the trucking industry needs to make changes to prevent these accidents. In some cases, researchers found that the guards actually made the accidents much worse and effectively ensured that in an underride accident there would be no survivors.

Part of the problem, according to researchers, is that truck safety guards are attached to a truck with hardware. In some tests, this hardware appeared to fail, so that during the force of an impact, the hardware did not hold, rendering the guard ineffective. As well, the study found that the NHTSA mandates no testing of truck safety guards, which means that trucking companies can have faulty guards with no inspections and no consequences.

The IIHS researchers made a few recommendations as a result of the study. For example, they recommended that the NHTSA institute rules ensuring that truck safety guards are strengthened and new hardware or new systems for ensuring that the guards are securely attached to trucks. Some trucking industry experts are supporting the proposed changes. Currently, the NHTSA is reviewing its rules regarding truck safety guards, but the review may not be complete until next year.

Across the country, over 400 people die annually in underride accidents – the very accidents which truck safety guards are designed to prevent. Many Florida truck accident and Florida car accident fatalities are also attributed to underride accidents. Such accidents may be preventable with better truck safety guards, as even high safety-rated cars tested by the IIHS tested poorly with the problematic guards, All cars are currently vulnerable to these types of accidents.

Continue reading "Could Safety Devices Be Causing Florida Truck Accident Fatalities?" »

According to The Hartford Insurance Company, there are several signs that a driver may no longer be safe for the road. Recognizing and acting on these signs early may help prevent Florida truck accidents and Florida car accidents:

1) Signs of confusion. Stopping in traffic for no clear reason, confusing brake and gas pedals, getting lost in places that were once familiar, delayed response times, moving into the wrong lane and difficulty maintaining a position in a lane can all indicate a problem. According to the Hartford Insurance Company, these may be the signs that an elderly driver, especially, is struggling with the basics of road safety. They may indicate problems caused by dementia, stroke, and other problems that affect neurological function. Other symptoms of these problems include confusion at exits and increased agitation when driving.

2) Traffic accidents and violations. These can be a sign of vision problems, aggressive driving, fatigue, distracted driving, or other problems. However, ticketed moving violations or warnings, multiple Florida car accidents, running red lights or stop signs, and other reckless behavior is a clear sign that a driver should not be on the road. Multiple near-misses or violations, especially, are a sign of a more serious underlying problem. Luckily, this is one sign that is likely to be taken seriously by carriers because it affects truck companies' insurance costs.

3) Not noticing important things. Parking inappropriately can mean not noticing parking signs and cues. Hitting curbs or other objects, failure to notice other cars or activities or failure to notice traffic signs can all indicate a serious problem. A lack of ability to notice important driving cues can mean vision problems. distracted driving, or fatigued driving. In any event, leaving this problem unchecked is very likely to result in a Florida truck accident.

4) Poor judgment. Difficulty in making turns, difficulty anticipating potentially dangerous situations, difficulty estimating distances, and similar signs can mean that a driver's judgment is affected. This could be due to alcohol and drug use, distracted driving, fatigued driving, and a host of other problems. However, it is a serious problem. All drivers, and especially truck drivers, rely on their experience and judgment when operating a vehicle. With this judgment affected, accidents are very likely.

5) Aggressive driving. Speeding, lack of signally, frustration and yelling, honking at other cars, and a failure to follow rules of the road are all signs of aggressive driving. Aggressive driving can be caused by poor anger management, emotional problems, or even frustration at an underlying problem. Aggressive drivers take risks which can lead to serious accidents, however, and need to be taken off the road.

6) Low confidence in driving skills. Relying on a "copilot," driving slowly, riding the brakes, and driver anxiety can all point to a lack of confidence. While not as serious as aggressive driving, excessive cautiousness and lack of confidence can also lead to traffic accidents. In some cases, younger drivers or under-qualified drivers may experience low confidence. Additional training can often help resolve this issue.

Continue reading "Signs of Possible Driver Problems Which Can Lead to a Florida Truck Accident" »

Truck drivers must adhere to many rules of service regulations which are designed to ensure that drivers do not drive fatigued. One of the basic concepts of the hours of service regulations has to do with the restart period, which refers to the start of a new on-duty cycle. After a truck driver has taken 34 consecutive hours off-duty or more, he or she can restart the on-duty cycle. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has proposed changes to the restart cycle – and the trucking industry does not agree with the changes.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, research has shown that it would be beneficial to mandate two rest periods (each between midnight and 6 am) during the 34-hour restart rest period. The research is based on a study from Washington State University.

The study was conducted in two parts and overseen by Gregory Belenky and Hans Van Dongen of the Sleep and Performance Research Center. The first part concluded that the current 34-hour restart gives does not adequately allow nighttime drivers to rest before starting on duty again. The second part of the study found that the rest break of the restart period was more effective when nighttime sleep was mandated. This study led the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to make its proposed changes to the restart period.

However, the American Trucking Association (ATA) objects to the proposal, stating that the studies may not be accurate. Among the issues at hand, according to the ATA is that the second part of the study has not yet been reviewed. As well, the study sample of the second part included just 12 people, none of them truck drivers. Even the study's authors, notes the ATA, believe that more study is warranted.

The FMCSA and the authors of the study have defended the findings, arguing that the study was done under carefully controlled conditions and the findings – as well as the proposal that comes from them – could help prevent truck accidents and car accidents.

However, could Florida truck accidents be prevented by this change in the restart period. It is true that driver fatigue has been linked to many Florida car accidents involving trucks. As well, truck drivers work long and irregular hours, which can help contribute to driver fatigue and unsafe driving. Further studies could help us understand more about the best ways to ensure drivers get a safe amount of rest.

Continue reading "Proposed Changes to Truck Driver Restart Period " »

Much has been written in the past year or two about mobile devices and Florida truck accidents and car accidents. Unlike many states, Florida does not currently have a law banning cell phone use or texting while driving – and experts believe that the omission may contribute to Florida car accidents and truck accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting and driving increases the risk of a collision by 300%. In 2008, more than 515,000 passengers and drivers were injured and another 5870 were killed nationwide in accidents caused by texting and driving. Yet, despite awareness campaigns, according to some experts half of all drivers under the age of 24 text behind the wheel.

Some have argued that any form of distraction can lead to traffic accidents. While this is true, texting and use of mobile devices is especially odious because it is so prevalent and because it provides the three levels of distraction which experts say is the most deadly:

1) Visual distraction. Visual distraction occurs when drivers take their eyes off the road in order to dial a number, find a cell phone, or read a text message. In the case of drivers operating a large commercial truck, even removing eyes from the road for a few seconds allows the truck to travel the length of a few football fields – more than enough space and time to cause a serious Florida pedestrian accident or car accident.

2) Cognitive distraction. Cognitive distraction involves taking one's mind off driving. Cognitive distraction is why many experts say that hands-free devices are simply not safe, either. When drivers become engaged in a phone conversation or in communications, they may not be thinking about driving and this can easily cause a collision.

3) Manual distraction. In order to text or dial a number, drivers must remove their hands from the wheel. For a truck driver, this can cause them to quickly lose control of the truck, which can swerve into traffic. Even hands-free devices can be a distraction in this sense if a driver drops the device and searches for it, taking their hands off the wheel.

Currently, there are laws in place to prevent drivers of commercial trucks from texting and driving. As well, many carriers prohibit their drivers from texting and driving. However, many drivers still continue to adopt this unsafe practice. Unfortunately, enforcing texting and driving bans is difficult. It is difficult for law enforcement to see whether a truck driver is holding a mobile device at the wheel. In many cases, texting and driving is only revealed in the investigation after an accident.

Continue reading "How Mobile Devices Lead to Florida Truck Accidents" »

According to National Weather Service and fire safety professionals, Florida may see an unusually severe wildfire season as lack of rain contributes to very dry conditions. Broward County currently has the driest ground conditions, although Palm Beach County, Martin County and Collier County also have very dry conditions, ripe for fire. According to the National Weather Service, drought in South Florida "severe" and can result in wildfires that pose health hazards and lead to Florida truck accidents and car accidents.

In Florida, wildfire season usually takes place between March and May, when dry and hot conditions make fires likely. Fires can be sparked by virtually any hazard, including cigarettes, bonfires, hot cars or trucks, lightning, and other factors. In parts of Miami-Dade County, Broward County and Palm Beach County, homes are nestled close to natural areas. This can easily cause wildfires to spread from forests and natural areas into residential areas, according to experts.

Wildfires are also a serious hazard for trucks and cars. Wildfires cause ash and other forms of air pollution which reduce road visibility considerably. Every year that wildfires are severe, many Florida truck accidents and car accidents are the result. In 2006, for example, Broward and Palm Beach counties saw five Florida car accidents each day as wildfires raged.

According to the Florida Division of Forestry, smoke and ash can descend on the roads, creating poor visibility, but also slick surfaces (especially when combined with chemicals used to douse the flames). As well, for truck drivers, the smoke can cause health problems. Smoke includes of water vapor, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, fine particles, hydrocarbons, and other substances. It can trigger an allergic reaction, asthma attacks, and other serious problems. When these problems strike a driver on the road, a car accident or truck accident could result.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that smoke from wildfires can cause burning eyes, runny noses and even bronchitis. It can additional exacerbate respiratory and heart disease. A truck driver driving through an area affected by wildfire may not be able to see the road clearly and may suffer health problems from the smoke which makes it even more difficult to drive safely. While car drivers can choose to remain home, truck drivers may need to drive in these conditions to meet deadlines.

Continue reading "Could Wildfire Season Mean More Florida Truck Accidents?" »

According to new statistics released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2010 saw more than 500 000 commercial trucks and large trucks involved in accidents across the country. More than 100 000 individuals suffered serious injuries as a result of these crashes, which also claimed more than 5000 loves. The statistics represent an increase over 2009, when only 3200 deaths were attributed to collisions involving commercial trucks and large trucks.

Experts predict that the number of Florida truck accidents and national truck accidents will continue to rise, in part due to increased demand for truck transport. Industry experts estimate that 20% more trucks will be on the roads by 2012 when compared with today.

Florida car accidents involving trucks cause devastating injuries to passengers and entire families. Due to the size and force of large trucks and commercial vehicles, collisions between these large vehicles and passenger vehicles usually results in fatalities for the occupants of the smaller car. Survivors of such accidents often face serious injuries. Many Florida spinal cord injury patients and brain injury patients sustain their injuries through traffic accidents.

Unfortunately, although Florida laws and insurance providers are designed to help victims recover, in many cases injury victims involved in a Florida truck accident find that recovering for lost income and medical costs is very challenging. In cases where a commercial truck is involved, especially, there may be multiple liable parties, including the carrier, truck driver, truck manufacturer, the owner of the products transported in the truck, the city where the accident occurred, and other parties. Determining liability often becomes difficult as each party tries to shield itself. A good Florida personal injury attorney is often needed to assist the injury victim navigate the legal aspects of such a case.

Due to the increase in truck accidents, many groups are calling for new laws which would require improved truck safety. Although there already exist many federal laws regarding speed, hours of service, and other issues which affect truck driver safety, more can be done to help enforce these laws and to implement new regulations which would keep unsafe drivers off the roads.

Continue reading "Statistics Suggest That Florida Truck Accident Numbers Will Not Decline " »

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 100 000 accidents each year as well as 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries are due to driver fatigue. Drowsy drivers also cause $12.5 billion in losses annually across the country. Sleepy truck drivers are especially a risk, because the truck driver's life style encouraged poor sleep and off hours, which can make sleepiness worse. As well, truck drivers are responsible for very large vehicles which can do substantial damage in a Florida truck accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched a number of educational programs that have one clear message: sleepy driving is the same as impaired driving. In fact, research proves it. Drivers who drive drunk have the same delayed reaction times and impaired motor skills and drivers who drive tired. If we want to stop Florida drunk driving accidents, we also have to get serious about fatigued driving.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, several types of drivers are at high risk:

1) Young male drivers under age 26.

2) Workers who work long hours or who work shift work. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, workers on the night shift have six times the risk of being in a collision when compared with traditional workers. The bad news is that truck drivers often do take on shift work in order to meet tight deadlines, which means that they are at greater risk.

3) Long haul drivers and commercial truck drivers. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatigue is a contributing factor to 15% of all truck accidents.

4) People who have sleep disorders which are untreated or undiagnosed. These drivers are seven times more likely to fall asleep when driving than the average driver.

5) Travelers – especially business travelers – who are experiencing jet lag or who must travel or drive for long periods of time.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are many things that drivers can do to cut down on fatigued driving accidents. Getting good sleep and having good sleep habits can go a long way towards eliminating risk. As well, traveling with a friend and taking breaks every few hours can also help prevent accidents due to fatigue. Of course, avoiding any alcohol and any medications that may make you feel drowsy is also important to preventing collisions.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents Linked to Drowsy Driving" »

According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the cast majority of Florida truck accidents in work zones are preventable. The agency has launched its Work Zone Safety campaign to raise awareness of the issue and to help prevent truck accidents and workplace accidents. The FDOT's efforts may be paying off, as workplace collisions have been decreasing. In 2008, there were 93 fatalities in Florida construction zones, compared to 137 in 2005. However, there is still room for improvement. According to FDOT, everyone can help by:

1) Walking and driving through work zones more carefully. According to FDOT, most of the fatalities in the state's work zones occur due to Florida pedestrian accidents or car accidents. Try to avoid driving or walking through a work zone. If it cannot be help, stay alert, follow signs, maintain good communication with the workers on the job, and proceed slowly.

2) Use extra caution when driving at night. According to FDOT, more than 50% of the fatal collisions which occur in Florida's work zones take place after dark. Poor visibility can make it easier to collide with work equipment and can make it easier to fall into a hole dug by work crews. If you need to pass by a work zone after dark, don't be casual, even if the work zone is empty. Use your lights and slow down so that you can see the warning signs in place.

3) Don’t mix alcohol with driving. Drunk driving is dangerous any time, but it can be especially risky in a work zone. FDOT reports that Florida drunk driving accidents account for almost one in four fatal work zone crashes.

4) Slow down. Even if you think you can drive at full speed by a work zone, you can't. It pays to be patient; work zones are often highly unpredictable environments. A truck may pull out in front of you at any minute as it does its work task or a worker may inadvertently walk in front of your car. According to FDOT, over half of all work zone accidents are related to speeding.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Truck Accidents in Work Zones" »

According to federal regulations, all truck drivers operating commercial vehicles that transport more than 16 passengers or that have a CGVWR greater than 26,000 or that are transporting hazardous materials must be tested for drugs and alcohol. Testing is overseen by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the only drivers exempt are those that operate commercial vehicles on private property. Testing can help prevent Florida car accidents involving trucks and can help reduce the instances of Florida drunk driving accidents. There are six situations in which truck drivers may be tested:

1) As part of pre-employment screening. Federal regulations require that commercial truck drivers operating on a public road must be tested and must receive a negative result. Drivers who test positive generally must re-submit to testing and have difficulty securing employment.

2) After an accident. After an accident that results in a fatality as well as after any serious accident or traffic citation that results from any injury, commercial truck drivers must be tested. In these cases, the tests must be administered within 32 hours (for drug tests) or within 8 hours (for blood alcohol tests). These tests are designed to determine whether an accident was caused by DUI and can be used to determine the driver's level of liability.

3) Random tests. Throughout the year, commercial truck drivers may be asked to take part in random drug tests. Drug tests may be administered even when a driver is off duty or at home. Drivers are subject to blood alcohol level tests during work or immediately after or before duty. Generally, once drivers are notified that they are being asked to submit to a random test, they must immediately go to the testing location for testing. Delays can be interpreted as a denial to take the test and denials to take part in random tests or any drug or alcohol testing is considered the same as testing positive under 49 CFR 40.191.

4) If there is reasonable suspicion of impairment. Drivers who appear to be abusing drugs or alcohol can be asked by DOT supervisors to submit to testing. This decision must be based on concrete evidence, such as odors, driver behavior, slurred speech, or the appearance of the truck driver.

5) If a driver has completed the "return-to-duty" process. If a driver refuses drug or alcohol testing or tests positive, he or she is required to complete a rigorous "return-to-duty" process, which includes testing or retesting.

Continue reading "Drug Testing is Designed to Prevent Florida Truck Accidents " »

While Florida car accidents are more common at this time of year, if you will be driving outside of Florida you need to worry about winter conditions, as well. Truck accidents are more common at this time of year in states with winter conditions in part because there are more trucks out on the roads.

1) Give plows plenty of room. Keep in mind that you need to provide room for the truck itself, its plow attachment (which is sometimes wider than the plow truck itself) and the snow and ice being cleared. Plows push snow and ice to the sides, which can sometimes cause piles of snow along the sides of the road. If you are passing a plow, you could get stuck in the snow being pushed aside. The safest place is behind a plow, at least one truck length behind the vehicle.

2) Be prepared for plows to start and stop suddenly. Plows may need to stop, back up, and repeatedly plow stubborn patches of ice and snow. It is important to be aware of the possibility of these stops and to prepare yourself to brake suddenly if you are following a plow.

3) Do not speed. Plows are doing a job and therefore proceed at a slower pace than other vehicles on the road. Speeding can make it more likely that you will be in a collision.

4) If you see a plow, watch for other snow-clearing vehicles. Plows often work in groups or with salt trucks in order to clear the roads. If you see one plow working, be aware that other trucks may be on the way to clear road conditions.

5) Keep in mind that plows mean visibility issues. Plows tend to be large vehicles and may block part of your view of the road ahead. For this reason, passing a plow can be dangerous – you may not be able to see traffic in front of the plow. As well, plows have many blind spots. Stay well clear of plows and keep in mind that if you cannot see a plow's mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you.

Continue reading "Plow Truck Accidents Are Common at This Time of Year " »

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA), commercial truck drivers are using safety belts more than ever before – an important precaution that can help prevent Florida workers compensation suits as well as fatal Florida truck accidents. According to the FMCSA 2009 Safety Belt Usage by Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers Survey, 74% of surveyed commercial truck drivers used seat belts on 2009. This represents a 9% increase over the 2007-2009 period.

According to the survey, passengers and other occupants of commercial trucks have a 61% usage rate when it comes to seat belts. The FMCSA 2009 Safety Belt Usage by Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers Survey surveyed 20,818 commercial drivers and 1,628 occupants of commercial vehicles across 827 sites across the US. According to the findings, safety belt use is higher in states that enforce primary belt use laws. States with secondary belt use laws have a seat belt usage of 67% among CMV drivers while states with primary belt use laws have a usage rate of 78%. Further, the FMCSA 2009 Safety Belt Usage by Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers Survey found that seat belt use among drivers and occupants with national or regional fleets is higher than the rates among independent owner-operators.

According to the FMCSA 2009 Safety Belt Usage by Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers Survey, there are also regional differences in the way seat belts are used. The survey found that commercial drivers and passengers were most likely to wear seat belts in the West, where usage rates were 79%, compared with just 64% in the Northeast. Southern states had a 75% usage rate while the Midwest had a 68% rate.

Safety belt use is a major concern for the FMCSA. The organization hosts contests and encourages awareness programs to ensure that drivers buckle up. In many cases, seat belt use can help prevent a fatal Florida truck accident. Without a seat belt, a driver in an accident can be thrown from the vehicle or may be tossed about inside the truck. Without a seat belt, these injuries are likely to result in serious Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and potentially fatalities. Seat belts restrain the driver in the event of an accident and help to protect the driver from impact.

The FMCSA has faced a number of challenges over the years in trying to enforce seat belt use. There are many myths about seat belts among commercial drivers. For example, some drivers erroneously believe that in the event of a Florida truck rollover, a safety belt can prevent them from escaping the truck and can actually contribute to fatalities. Statistics have proven that it is not the case. The safest place for a truck driver in most accidents is in the cabin, securely fastened by a safety belt.

Continue reading "Seat Belt Use Helps Prevent Fatal Florida Truck Accidents " »

Florida car accidents involving trucks can be caused by number of factors. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a number of risk factors could influence the risks of commercial Florida truck accidents:

1) Age. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truck drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 have rates of violations almost twice the rates of drivers between the ages of 30 and 49. Young drivers are especially likely to drive at unsafe speeds. In truck accidents, young drivers were 50% more likely than drivers between 30 and 49 to be charged with a violation. These studies, cited by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, do not suggest that older truck drivers have a higher rate of traffic violations when compared with young and middle aged commercial truck drivers.

2) Experience. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, studies have proven that driver experience can play a major role in the risk of an accident. Quite simply, less experienced truck drivers are more likely to be an accident, possibly because they do not have the collision avoidance experience and the other skills which experience brings.

3) Sleep disorders. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truck drivers with a sleep disorder – sleep apneas the most common disorder – are between 3 and 14 times more likely to be in a truck accident.

4) Impulsiveness. Someone who has an inability to control impulses or shows signs of behavioral instability may be at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. According to studies, drivers who are impulsive may also be more likely to take risks or drive aggressively.

5) Aggressive, angry, and unsociable personalities. Studies of commercial truck drivers who have been involved in multiple accidents have suggested that many of these drivers have negative social traits.

While all these risk factors do not necessarily mean that a truck driver will be in a Florida truck accident, these can be seen as red flag signs of possible high risk. In many cases, carriers are already taking steps to help monitor or reduce the number of truck drivers in their fleets with these risk factors. For example, some carriers provide additional training for younger drivers or send drivers to doctors in order to ensure that sleep disorders are not an issue.

Continue reading "Risk Factors of Commercial Drivers Involved in Florida Truck Accidents " »

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, carriers and truck companies have a hard time retaining and hiring qualified drivers. In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there’s a shortage of qualified drivers for commercial carriers. The FMCSA has a few recommendations that can help carriers hire qualified drivers and thereby help prevent Florida car accidents involving trucks:

1) Driver Training. Proper driver training ensures that drivers have the skills and expertise needed to help avoid Florida truck accidents. Many truck drivers are hired after already receiving extensive education and training. However, truck carriers can institute their own training to ensure that drivers are prepared to meet the rigors and demands of a specific schedule. As well, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, carriers can help retain qualified drivers by providing driver training which allows for career advancement. If drivers are given training which allows them to achieve higher levels of career attainment or higher salaries, they may be less likely to leave the company.

2) Dispatch Operations. Fleet managers or dispatchers are the ones who communicate with drivers about their loads, schedules, and other logistics. However, at most companies, there is a high rate of turnover for dispatch and fleet managers. This means that in many cases fleet managers do not get to know truck drivers personally, something which the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration believes affects truck driver turnover rates as well. Having a lower truck driver to fleet manager ratio, training fleet managers correctly, and working to retain fleet managers as well as drivers can help companies retain qualified drivers, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

3) Working Conditions. Long-haul commercial truck drivers face a difficult lifestyle. Many hours on the roads, irregular work hours, and an irregular schedule can contribute to stress. That stress is even more pronounced when truck drivers face poor working conditions. Providing more flexible hours, modern trucks with larger sleeping berths, and better working conditions overall can help carriers retain qualified drivers. As well, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, carriers can help enforce rest and off hour regulations enacted by the federal government to ensure that truck drivers get adequate rest.

4) Incentives and Rewards. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, carriers enacting incentive and reward programs for safety have been able to reduce instances of Florida truck accidents as well as the costs of insurance premiums. Incentives and rewards may take a variety of forms. Some carriers offer rewards – such as cash bonuses or gifts – to truck drivers who go accident free for a specific number of miles. Others offer an additional holiday bonus for truck drivers who have been able to remain accident free or violation free for an entire year. Other carriers have a points system, allowing them to reward commercial truck drivers for a variety of safety actions.

Continue reading "Retaining Good Drivers Can Help Carriers Prevent Florida Truck Accidents" »

Some Florida truck drivers find themselves part of a staged accident – a car rams into them and the driver (or their attorney) assert that the truck driver caused the truck accident. Passenger vehicle drivers also sometimes find themselves part of this type of insurance fraud. Unfortunately, insurance industry experts note that Florida has the dubious distinction of leading the nation in car accident fraud. Several factors cause this type of fraud:

1) Fraud companies. According to the insurance industry, Florida car accident insurance fraud is highly organized, with doctors, clinics, patients, and some attorneys working together to defraud the insurers. In some cases, these companies even advertise to convince people to report false Florida truck accident and car accident claims.

2) Insurance rules. Insurance companies must pay Personal Injury Protection (PIP) claims within 30 days of an accident. Often, this does not give insurers enough time to carefully investigate a Florida truck accident or car accident to determine whether it is real or fraudulent. This is especially the case in situations where many accidents occur around the same time so that claims adjusters are spread thin. In addition, some companies aiming to defraud insurers purposely stage accident before a weekend or holiday to further reduce the chances insurers have to investigate an accident.

3) Economic loss. In many cases, companies that have organized to defraud insurance companies market themselves to the unemployed and to recent immigrants, promising them money in exchange for nothing. Unfortunately, the instances of car insurance fraud in Florida have increased since the economic downturn of 2008.

4) Perceptions of the insurance industry. Many people do not feel bad bout defrauding the insurance industry. Many polls have suggested that drivers tend to see the insurance companies are overly profitable and as charging high premiums. Some drivers even see fraud as a way to get more value out of their already high premiums.

5) Rules about clinic licensing. In Florida, some specialists who are individually licensed – including massage therapists and chiropractors – do not need to license their clinics. For insurers, it is harder to get information about these clinics and insurance companies claim that these clinics produce many of the fraudulent claims they see.

Continue reading "What Leads to Florida Truck Accident and Car Accident Insurance Fraud?" »

A good night’s sleep is very important for most professionals. However, for a truck driver, a restful night of sleep can literally mean the difference between life and death. Truck drivers who drive tired have slower response times and are liable to fall asleep behind the wheel. In fact, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a key cause of commercial truck accidents.

In some cases, drowsiness is not caused just by one poor night of sleep but rather by a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. This common breathing-related disorder causes sleepers to experience short stoppages of breathing. Someone with sleep apnea may experience interruptions of breathing hundreds of times a night, several seconds at a time. Since the sleeper is unaware of what is happening, he or she may not recognize that there is a problem. It is all too easy to dismiss a feeling of fatigue.

However, sleep apnea is a problem – and a serious one at that. According to the FMCSA, up to 28% of commercial truck drivers have sleep apnea. Untreated, the disorder can easily lead to Florida car accidents and traffic accidents. Luckily, there are symptoms and signs that drivers can look for. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include sudden daytime naps, snoring, daytime drowsiness, irritability, headaches, poor concentration, memory problems, waking up in the night frequently to urinate, and depression.

Untreated sleep apnea should never be ignored. According to the FMSCA, one study has shown that commercial truck drivers with sleep apnea are more likely to cause an accident than drivers under the influence. Just as Florida drunk driving accidents are preventable, however, so are truck accidents caused by fatigue and sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is caused when the upper airway is blocked or narrowed. Once diagnosed, sleep apnea can often be treated with an airway pressure machine. In some cases, simply losing weight and avoiding alcohol can alleviate the condition. Where sleep apnea is caused by dental issues such as soft palates, jaw problems or deviated septums, surgical procedures are available. Some sufferers find that wearing oral devices or masks takes care of the problem.

Once sleep apnea is treated, the sufferer can drive as safely as anyone else and can continue their job with less risk. Some drivers, however, avoid seeking medical treatment because they fear being disqualified from being a driver. However, in many cases sleep apnea is treatable and allows drivers to resume their duties. The FMSCA urges any driver who may have sleep apnea to discuss the problem with their doctor. Doing so could save lives.

Continue reading "Truck Driver Fatigue and Florida Truck Accidents " »

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), preventing trucking accidents is not just good common sense – it’s good business sense. According to the FMSCA, following best practices and improving safety rules helps truck companies and carriers reduce the costs of accidents and helps keep insurance costs down. Poor safety, according to the FMSCA, means poor branding, difficulty finding great drivers, discord in the community, and other costs that can hurt the profit margin.

According to the FMSCA, the average cost of a fatal truck accident involving a large commercial truck is $3.6 million. Commercial truck accidents involving personal injuries average $200 000 each. All truck accidents have an average cost of $91 000 per collision. When everyone works together to prevent truck accidents, everyone wins. According to the FMSCA, there are many things carriers can do to prevent collisions:

1) Ensure that drivers do not speed. The FMSCA reports that up to 22% of commercial truck crashes involving multiple vehicles were related to speeding. In fact, many Florida car accidents and truck accidents are caused by speeding. Quite simply, when truck drivers speed, they often cannot stop in time to prevent an accident. Carriers can help by enforcing penalties for drivers that speed.

2) Enforce a zero-tolerance no-drugs and no-alcohol policy. Just like Florida drunk driving accidents are a terrible tragedy and 100% preventable, DUI truck accidents are a serious concern. According to the FMSCA, about 0.2% of commercial truck drivers used alcohol and 2% used controlled substances while on the job in 2003.

3) Enforce rules that require truck drivers to get adequate rest. According to the FMSCA, up to 5.5% of truck accidents that result in a fatality are caused by fatigued drivers. Carriers can help by ensuring that drivers can get adequate rest and still meet prescribed deadlines.

4) Find and keep good drivers. Studies have linked high driver turnover to a higher instance of truck accidents, according to the FMSCA. Companies who hire qualified drivers and work to retain those drivers have to spend less on training, recruiting, and hiring and can enjoy knowing that their workforce is stable. Good pay, good benefits, and a good working environment can all help attract and retain great drivers.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Truck Accidents Can Be Good For Companies’ Bottom Lines" »

There are many state and federal initiatives in place to help prevent Florida pedestrian accidentshttp://www.flaxmanandlopez.com/lawyer-attorney-1457742.html, truck accidents, and other traffic accidents. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a number of initiatives in place:

1) The Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) program is available to states interested in preventing car and traffic accidents. This initiative is designed to help states develop high-visibility enforcement programs for traffic laws. The program helps states to target unsafe behaviors and devise programs to target and ticket these offenses in order to encourage drivers to drive more safely. Florida is not currently a participant in this program.

2) The pre-employment screening program (PSP). The PSP helps motor carriers to easily and quickly check driver records online before hiring new truck drivers. A joint initiative between the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation, the PSP allows carriers to learn about safety violations of drivers for a nominal fee, allowing carriers to more easily hire safer drivers.

3) Informational Resources. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides a number of resources for truck companies, truck drivers, and passenger vehicle drivers through its website to raise awareness of safety issues. Safety tips and resources such as the Motor Carrier's Guide to Improving Highway Safety are available at no cost online.

4) Registration. All motor carriers and trucking service providers offering interstate services must by law register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and must in many cases secure operating authority from the organization before offering interstate services. Motor carriers and companies who have registered receive a USDOT number. The registration process ensures that motor carriers are correctly documented and have passed through basic safety guidelines.

5) Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) designation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all truck drivers with an impairment which may affect their driving to secure SPE certification in order to ensure that all drivers are safe on the roads.

6) The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Belt Program. This program aims to raise awareness of seatbelt safety and to encourage all motor vehicle drivers to wear a seat belt when getting behind the wheel.

7) The Drug and Alcohol Program. This program is designed to enforce the strict policies against DUI which are in place for commercial truck drivers.

Continue reading "Initiatives to Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents " »

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck and car accidents are very common on work zones, especially on highways, because these areas often combine road closures with work vehicles and trucks, creating a confusing situation that can easily cause an accident. Luckily, there are many things that drivers can do to help prevent a Florida car accident in a work zone. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers need to:

1) Slow down and stay alert. If possible, avoid work zones entirely. Reducing the amount of traffic congestion present in work zones helps prevent Florida workplace accidents and can help reduce traffic accidents as well. If you must pass through a work zone, stay alert for any signs. Slow down and obey any signals or traffic controllers as you slowly drive through the construction area along the route designated by the work crew.

2) Stay alert for dangers which may not be indicated. Not everything has signs. Work zones may produce debris and sharp objects on the road, which can cause a flat tire. Where possible, steer around the obstacle and alert someone at the site of the danger.

3) Look at trucks. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, trucks can be a great red flag of slow-downs and construction up ahead. Since trucks can see further due to the driver’s vantage point and since trucks need to brake well in advance, trucks will generally start to brake before anyone else. It is a good idea to keep an eye on trucks’ brake lights to stay alert of upcoming problems.

4) Give others the chance to merge. While it can be frustrating to slow down and wait in work zones, it is very dangerous to drive aggressively in these situations. Allow others to merge in front of you, especially trucks. It is much better to let a truck go ahead than to risk being crushed by a truck that cannot see you because you are in the driver’s blind spot.

Continue reading "Prevent Florida Truck Accidents in Work Zones" »

Wet Florida weather in the winter months can be a contributing factor to truck accidents. At this time of year, many Florida truck accidents and car accidents are caused by weather. The most common causes of weather-related truck accidents are:

1) Excessive speed. Driving too quickly at any time of year can be a danger. However, when the weather is bad, driving too quickly can more easily cause an accident. The roads are slippery in heavy rains, making it hard to brake in time. When the weather is very bad, it may be necessary to even drive below the posted speed limit.

2) Poor visibility. Poor weather often creates darkness early. Heavy rain can also make it hard to see and can even create a glare in headlights. For these reasons, it is important for truck drivers to slow down and to use extra caution when driving in bad weather. Cars, as well, need to slow down when visibility is poor, especially when driving near trucks. Trucks can spray weather and rain towards smaller vehicles, temporarily blinding drivers. To avoid a Florida car accident, stay well clear of trucks and avoid driving behind them in the rain.

3) Drowsiness. Dark, rainy days make most people feel extra sleepy and drowsy, which can easily lead to traffic accidents. When the days get shorter, some people are also affected by seasonal disorders, which can cause excessive fatigue as well as other symptoms. If you feel more tired that usual at this time of year, visit a physician for an assessment. Do not continue to drive while fatigued. Drivers falling asleep at the wheel causing many Florida truck accidents and traffic accidents each year.

4) Slippery roads. Rains obviously cause the roads to become slick, but the problem is often not rain itself. Rather, when rain mixes with oil and other spilled substances on the roads, it can cause slick areas. For this reason, it is important to slow down in the rain. Even if you feel that the roads are not slippery, a spot up ahead may be very slick.

5) Road damage caused by poor weather. Bad weather and winds can rip up road signs, damage the roads, and cause traffic lights to malfunction. This can easily lead to delays, traffic jams, and accidents. Slow down and remember to treat all downed traffic light intersections as four-way stops.

Continue reading "Preventing Weather-Related Florida Truck Accidents " »

Many states have now passed laws which ban texting and cell phone use while driving. Despite repeated efforts by legislators, Florida remains one of the few states that does not ban these dangerous driving behaviors, even though distracted driving has been linked to high instances of traffic accidents. However, public pressure has made texting or phoning while driving less socially acceptable. As well, a number of companies are stepping up to ban texting and driving among employees.

The Walt Disney Company, for example, banned its employees from texting and driving last November. Whenever an employee is on the clock, driving a Disney truck, or driving their own vehicle, that employee cannot text and drive. Employees caught violating the ban are subject to fines and may even be fired for non-compliance. Other Florida companies are expected to follow suit with similar bans.

In 2010, the trucking industry also placed a federal ban on texting and driving for all bus drivers and commercial truck drivers. Any truck driver or bus driver caught texting and driving anywhere in Florida or across the country may face criminal penalties and civil penalties. They are also liable to lose their jobs. Many trucking companies have also created strict rules against distracted driving for their truck drivers, above and beyond federal regulations.

According to the Strength in Numbers Fleet Benchmarking Study, trucking companies with strict distracted driving bans and severe penalties for non-compliance had lower rates of trucking accidents. Of the top eight trucking companies out of a total of 45 in the survey, six allowed a driver to be fired if caught texting and driving. The bottom 14 companies – the companies with the laxest rules and the highest accident rates – did not have such policies in place.

It is just common sense that companies are placing bans on distracted driving in Florida, even though there is no official ban in place in the state. Companies may be held liable in cases where a distracted driver causes a Florida pedestrian accident or traffic accident while driving and texting on company time. When a company institutes an internal ban, it is showing a commitment to preventing accidents. In the event of an accident, liability may rest more heavily with the truck driver if he or she violated a company ban.

Continue reading "Companies Work to Prevent Florida Truck Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving" »

All Florida truck accidents are devastating and many are fatal. However, when the truck driver refuses to remain at the scene of the accident, the results can be even more devastating. Victims may not be offered timely help. If they need to report an insurance claim to cover medical costs, this can be more difficult in a hit and run accident, as well.

Under Florida law, all drivers must remain on the scene to help and to speak to authorities (if necessary) after an accident. Despite this, many motorists do not remain to help. In fact, according the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Miami-Dade and Broward counties led the state in 2008 for hit and run accidents. There are many reasons why truck drivers choose to leave the scene of an accident: they may be driving under the influence, they may not have adequate licensing or insurance, or they may simply be afraid of the consequences.

Hit and run truck accidents are even more complex for a number of reasons. Truck drivers are regulated by federal laws and in truck accidents there are usually several liable parties: the truck driver, the truck manufacturer, the carrier or truck company, and others. As well, most truck drivers are protected under commercial insurance, which means they carry higher insurance limits.

If you have been in a Florida truck accident, your first priority should be to seek help. If you remember anything about the truck or its driver, write this down. Since hit and run accidents are a crime, the police will often open an investigation to find the truck driver who has left the scene of a crime. As you start to recover, you will want to keep careful records of your injuries and injury-related expenses so that if the driver is found you can seek compensation.

In hit and run cases, it is often best to seek the help of a qualified attorney. Florida personal injury attorneys often work with private investigators, who can run a more thorough investigation if police are not able to find the hit and run driver. As well, attorneys can help you find help and can offer advice on what you can do to help recover from your injuries. Once the driver is found, a good Florida attorney can help ensure that the driver is held accountable for his or her actions.

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According to a report published by the Florida Department of Transportation, 50% of Florida truck accident fatalities involving heavy trucks take place because a truck has rolled over. In fact, the report points to Florida rollover accidents as a leading hazard on Florida roads. The trucks were disproportionately involved in multi-vehicle accidents, but the heavy trucks were at fault only about 30% of the time, according to the Florida Department of Transportation report.

The report published by the Florida Department of Transportation concluded that heavy trucks were more likely to be at fault in Florida car accidents involving rear end collisions as well as in off the road and intersection collisions. In 28% of Florida car accidents involving heavy trucks, side and rear underrides were blamed for the fatalities.

In cases where car defects (other than Florida tire defects) were involved, more than half of the defects belonged to the heavy trucks rather than to the passenger vehicles involved in the collisions. This means that heavy trucks are disproportionately affected by defects, since heavy trucks only make up about 17% of the vehicles involved in the accidents studied by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The report by the Florida Department of Transportation also considers the ways that alcohol and drugs, road conditions, and driver age affect Florida truck accidents. The full report is more than 500 pages long and provides a unique glimpse into the Florida truck accident issue. The full report can be viewed by visiting the Transportation Research Board Web.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Rollovers are a Common and Deadly Traffic Hazard " »

During the holiday season, there are more trucks on Florida roads, which can increase the risk of Florida truck accidents. Many companies hire extra truck drivers or truck companies in order to deliver holiday products for the holiday rush. As well, more customers at this time of year are ordering special services, such as delivery and courier services, putting even more trucks on the road. A Florida car accident involving a truck is likely to be a fatal accident. To protect yourself and your loved ones, there are several things you can do:

1) Keep your vehicle in good shape. Have your car regularly serviced, and make sure that your breaks, shocks, tires, and other vehicle systems are in good shape. When your car is in good operational order, it responds better. Those few extra seconds this can buy could save your life.

2) Keep yourself driver-ready. Your car is not the only thing that can decide on a Florida car accident. If you are driving while fatigued or after drinking, your response times may be too slow to avert an accident. Get plenty of rest and never drink and drive. If you are sick, avoid driving, especially if you are taking medications which may make you drowsy.

3) Make sure that everyone in your family knows the dangers of trucks. All drivers in your family should know the basics of sharing the road with trucks. Review the basic rules – such as giving trucks plenty of room and staying out of blind spots – especially with any new drivers in your home.

4) Keep the pedestrians in your home safe. Florida pedestrian accidents involving trucks are devastating, so it is important to help your children see the dangers of trucks early on. During the holiday season, courier and delivery trucks often arrive on residential streets. Encourage children to play indoors or in fenced yard areas. Teach children not to go near trucks – even parked ones. Drivers may not see children in their blind spots and children may simply be too curious about a truck to keep in mind where a truck’s blind spots are.

5) Report any dangerous driving you see. If you see a truck driver driving erratically, note the registration number. When it is safe to do so, report the incident. Getting bad truck drivers off the roads leaves more room for safe truck drivers to share the road with other motorists.

Continue reading "The Holidays Mean More Trucks on the Road – Are You Ready?" »

No one wants to believe or consider that they may be in a Florida car accident or truck accident. Statistically, however, anyone who drives a car is likely to be in a traffic accident at some point. While a collision is terrifying, it is important to stay focused and to do the right things in order to ensure that you are fully protected under the law. If you have been in a Florida truck accidents, you need to make sure that you:

1) Get medical help. Call for help at once, even if you are not sure that you are injured. Many people face serious complications or even die because they fail to seek help in time. Some symptoms do not manifest right away. Some Florida brain injury patients, for example, report symptoms hours after an initial impact. Getting medical help for everyone involved can help save a life.

2) Do not sign anything without an attorney. You may be pressured to sign documents from an insurance company or from a truck company’s attorney. No matter what you are told, do not sign without qualified legal advice. At the very least, you deserve to know exactly what you are signing – and that means working with an attorney who has your interests in mind. Signing can mean signing your rights away.

3) Contact authorities at once. A police report can help you support your version of events and can help ensure that your accident is investigated. Most Florida truck accidents are serious, and you need to alert the authorities. Get a copy of the police report if you can or at least get the name of the police officer and other emergency personnel on the scene so that your attorney can get copies of any pertinent documentation.

4) As soon as it is safe to do so, collect evidence. Get the truck driver’s name, contact information, truck registration number, and the name of the carrier. Take video or photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. Keep your car – even if it is totaled. Keep copies of medical records and take photos of any injuries. The more evidence you have, the more evidence you have for your attorney.

5) Work with a qualified Florida truck accident attorney. Even if you think that your insurance company (or the truck company’s insurance carrier) will take care of you, get the advice of an attorney. Insurance companies are in business to make money – never forget that. In many cases, insurance companies do not consider all the associated costs of an accident or do not consider long-term costs, leaving you with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. A good attorney can help you uncover the true expenses of your accident and can help you negotiate for a fair recovery.

Continue reading "What To Do After a Florida Truck Accident" »

Many Florida truck accidents involving commercial trucks take place because of tire defects and tire blowouts. Unfortunately, Florida tire defects are all too common and in many cases, poor maintenance and too-heavy loads just contribute to tire problems and potential accidents. According to experts, there are many things that truck drivers and carriers can do to maintain tires correctly, helping to prevent Florida car accidents involving trucks:

1) Frequently check air pressure in tries. Truck drivers should be equipped with a accurate pressure gauge and should be required to check correct air pressure in tires at least every other day. The correct air pressure should be listed in the owner’s manual or the load and tire information for the truck.

2) Frequently conduct visual inspection of tires. Before getting into the truck, drivers should walk around and inspect each tire. Signs of wear, especially irregular wear, can mean a tire blowout. Drivers should also check for bumps or bubbles on the tire. These can be caused by foreign objects or air infiltration and may cause the tire to fail on the road.

3) Check to make sure that the truck is not overburdened with a too-heavy load. Exceeding load capacity places excessive pressure on the tires, and can easily cause a truck tire blowout, rollover, or another accident. Both carriers and drivers have a responsibility to ensure that trucks are correctly loaded. Too heavy loads and incorrect air pressure combined make an especially dangerous mix.

4) Avoid applying heat near the tires. This can weaken the tires and cause them to fail in operation. Often, excessive heat is a problem when tires are mounted. It is important that tires are mounted away from a heat source. If something on the truck needs to be welded, the welding should be done well clear of the tires. Heat damage can cause tires to explode, resulting in Florida truck accidents, burn injuries, and even fatalities.

5) Store tires correctly. If tires need to be stored, they should be stored in a dry, cool, dark place. Heat and sunlight can damage tires. It is also important not to store tires for too long. The rubber in tires deteriorates with time, even when the tires are not in use, so older tires can be a danger.

6) Ensure that all trucks on a tire are the same. Combining different tread depths or different types of tires on the same truck can cause instability, increasing the risk of a rollover or another accident.

Continue reading "Tire Defects and Problems Lead to Many Florida Truck Accidents " »

Twice a year, we change our clocks to adjust for daylight saving time. Daylight savings time ends in the fall and begins again in the spring. There are two important things we can do when we change our clocks to make life a little safer: change the batteries in our smoke detectors and drive more carefully. Changing the batteries in your carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms ensures that these devices are working correctly and are there to protect you from Florida burn injuries or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Some experts believe that daylight savings time changes also require us to be more careful on the roads. There is a suggestion that Florida truck accidents, car accidents, and pedestrian accidents increase in November and in the Spring, when the time changes. Time change can affect our sleep patterns. In November as well, school closures, holiday shopping, holiday events, and weather can also contribute to Florida pedestrian accidents and truck accidents.

The National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 59 000 individuals were injured in car accidents nationwide in 2009. Another 4 092 pedestrians that same year sustained fatal injuries. According to the NHTSA, most traffic accidents take place between 4 pm and 8 pm and also between 4 am and 8 am. According to the NHTSA, changes daylight, time changes, and distracted driving all contribute to these injuries and fatalities.

The NHTSA has several tips that can help us all prevent Florida truck accidents and traffic accidents during the winter months:

1) Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear reflective clothing and carry flashlights or use bicycle lights to ensure that drivers can see them correctly. Pedestrians and bicyclists should also not wear headphones, especially during the evenings. Headphones are a distraction and can prevent a pedestrian or cyclists from hearing warning horns and other audio clues.

2) Drivers should check tires, lights, windows, and mirrors before each drive. Lights, mirrors, and windows are especially vital when driving late at night in ensuring good visibility. Passenger vehicles especially need to consider good visibility when sharing the road with trucks, which have many blind spots.

3) Pedestrians should remain alert and rely not just on traffic signals when crossing streets. Where possible, walk on streets. If you are walking in a rural area and must walk along the shoulder of the road, avoid walking in the dark and make sure to walk facing traffic. Avoid crossing without traffic lights and crossing from between parked cars. Truck drivers do not expect pedestrians outside of crosswalks and may not be able to step in time to avoid an accident.

Continue reading "Could Time Changes Affect Florida Truck Accident Rates?" »

Florida car accidents involving a truck are an especially devastating type of traffic accident. Due to the size difference between the passenger vehicle and the truck, the passenger vehicle occupants have a very high risk of fatal injuries, including serious brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. While a truck driver is somewhat protected in these accidents and is often high up enough to avoid serious injuries, passenger vehicle occupants are closer to the ground, near where the main impact from the truck takes place. While there is obviously no way to avoid the fact that cars and trucks share the same roadways, there are many ways to prevent many of the devastating Florida truck accidents involving cars.

One of the most important steps to preventing these accidents is to realize the risk factors that lead to these accidents. Driver fatigue can lead to many of these accidents, for example. When drivers and truck drivers drive tired, the reduced alertness means slower reaction time, meaning that drivers are less likely to avoid collisions. Driving only when well-rested is an important first step to preventing Florida pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and all traffic accidents.

Overloaded trucks also contribute to many Florida truck accidents. When trucks carry larger loads than permitted, the trucks often become far more difficult to maneuver and stop. Read-end collisions are far more likely when a truck is overloaded. Too much weight in the truck can also put more pressure on the tires, leading to tire blowouts and exacerbating Florida tire defects which can lead to accidents and injuries.

Road problems and defects can also lead to accidents. When roads are poorly maintained, they can cause uneven surfaces which can cause a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle. Also, when roadways are poorly maintained, some of the safety features designed to make roadways safer may not be in place, increasing the risk of accidents. Road defects can include dangerous intersections, large drop-offs, big potholes, lack of effective guardrails, obstructions (such as branches or rocks) on the roadway, poor lighting, poor signage, construction and poorly constructed roads and bridges. All of these can contribute to Florida truck accidents. If you notice this type of hazard on the roads, it is important to call local police authorities and contact your local elected representatives to make sure the danger is removed before an accident takes place.

Truck brake failure is another common cause of Florida truck accidents. Large commercial trucks can overheat brakes when stopping suddenly or when driving on a downgrade. Excess heat can cause brake failure and a bad accident. Brakes can also fail when trucks are not carefully maintained, which is why regular truck maintenance is so important.

Continue reading "Causes Contributing to Florida Truck Accidents Involving Passenger Vehicles" »

When people imagine a Florida trucking accident, many imagine a high-speed collision on the highway. However, many Florida personal injuries and even fatalities involving trucks do not even involve a moving truck. The loading and unloading of a truck is hazardous and leads to many workplace accidents involving trucks. These forms of injuries can often be prevented by:

1) Loading on a level and stable area. Unevenness or movement can cause serious slip and fall injuries. It is important to block the wheels and set the brakes to prevent the truck from moving as well. The area should also be well-lit and supervised, to ensure that no one is behind the trailer during loading and unloading.

2) Checking ramps. Ramps should be stable and secure, not moving about. They should also be free of debris, grease, mud, and ice. Many workplace Florida slip and fall accidents occur on ramps that are unstable or covered with a substance or debris that poses a hazard.

3) Loading the correct amount. Loading more in weight or volume than a truck is capable of holding makes the truck more prone to rollovers and accidents, so it is important to adhere to any documentation about weight and load restrictions.

4) Securing loads correctly. Locks, wires, cables, or chains can be used to secure loads in place. When loads shift during transport, the weight distribution shifts, paving the way for a Florida truck accident when the truck loses control. It is important to ensure that all loads are secured well, so that they will not shift or move, even on hills and uneven ground.

5) Checking the condition of the truck. Loading and unloading is the perfect time to check the truck for any maintenance problems. Any signs of issues with tires, brakes, lights, and other important systems should be reported and fixed before the truck driver proceeds with delivery. When a truck is in poor condition, it may respond more slowly, potentially leaving the truck driver unable to prevent collisions.

Continue reading "Some Florida Truck Accidents Occur During Loading and Unloading " »

Each year, many Florida car accidents and truck accidents occur when heavy equipment comes flying off of trucks, causing traffic chaos. Trucks are often used to haul large loads, such as heavy equipment and tractors, but such loads can be tricky to secure correctly. Nevertheless, there are many things that truck drivers can do to help prevent Florida truck accidents:

1) Carefully counterweight any heavy equipment and properly mount and secure all attachments. Place the power-takeoff lever (if there is one) in neutral and do not operate attachments while the truck is moving.

2) Choose the right truck for the job. The truck needs to be large enough to handle the load to prevent rollovers and other accidents. The truck needs to be large enough so that the load can be hitched to the drawbar hitch points. When loads are hitched too high to compensate for a smaller truck, loads can overturn easily. It is also important to note the weight of a load when considering the size of the truck needed. Vehicles and equipment being towed or loaded should not weigh more than 4.5 times the weight of the towing unit.

3) Slow down. Some equipment and vehicles that need to be hauled have no brakes. This is especially dangerous because brakes provide an extra level of stability and security. When hauling vehicles or equipment that do not have brakes, it is important to put on flashers and drive slower than 20 mph. With heavy equipment, it is also important to slow down more gradually, as stopping distances are greater with heavier loads.

4) Use less traveled streets. This allows a driver to drive more slowly with a large load for safety while also causing less traffic congestion. Fewer vehicles on the roads also mean less cars in a truck’s blind spots and less risk if the load does slip.

5) Travel low and slow. Adjust the bucket to a low position and reduce speed, especially on rough roads and in bad weather. Drive slowly, and ease into stops and starts to avoid shifts in the weight.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Truck Accident by Proper Equipment Towing" »

During the holidays, many employers take on temporary workers to help with the holiday rush. Florida truck drivers who can act as delivery drivers are in especial demand at this time of year. However, more delivery truck drivers on the road, more inexperienced delivery drivers on the road, and more traffic can all increase the risk of Florida pedestrian accidents and truck accidents. Fortunately, there are many things that delivery drivers can do to help reduce the risk of accidents.

1) Park close to the delivery destination and use car headlights to illuminate the area. Good illumination will make the truck more visible and will also illuminate the area, making it safer for the driver. Good lighting from the truck can help prevent slip and fall accidents and other sudden surprises.

2) Avoid going into ill-lit areas or side doors with little pedestrian traffic. Delivery drivers are often the target for thieves, who often assume that drivers and delivery personnel carry cash. Where possible, have your employer place a sign on the truck or the uniform, indicating that you do not carry cash.

3) If approached in the truck, keep your window rolled up at least half-way.

4) When exiting the car, stay alert. Keep looking about you in order to help thwart thieves and others who may be intent on robbery. If you notice anything suspicious, head back to the car.

5) Sign up for driver training if your employer allows it. Driver training allows you to build your driving skills, making you less likely to get involved in a Florida truck accident. Even if you have been driving for many years, delivery truck drivers make frequent stops, head into unfamiliar areas, and deal with other driving conditions that make a brush-up course a good idea.

6) Keep your truck or car in good working condition. If you use your own car or truck for deliveries, keep in good condition. When your vehicle works correctly, you are less likely to be involved in a Florida car accident and are more likely to survive if you are in an accident. Pay close attention to your tires, windshield wipers, engine, brakes, and seatbelts.

7) Avoid becoming distracted while driving. Avoid using your mobile device or checking a map as you drive – this can be fatal, especially if you are driving in an area where you are not familiar with your surroundings. Pull over to make or take calls and check your route before you start to drive so that you can keep your full attention on the road.

Continue reading "Delivery Truck Accidents in Florida During the Holidays" »

In 2006, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a report suggesting that although safety standards in the trucking industry are improving, traffic accidents involving trucks continue to claim many lives. In fact, according to the truck, one out of every 20 truck drivers will be in a serious truck accident. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration report, each year there are 141, 000 truck accidents across the country, and in about 77, 000 cases the collision is due to some action on the part of the driver. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the most common causes of truck accidents are:

1) Use of prescription medications. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, use of prescription drugs contributes to about 26% of truck accidents. Many Florida car accidents and truck accidents could be prevented if drivers were more open in communicating with their doctors and pharmacists about the side effects of the medications they are taking.

2) Speed. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, excessive speed plays a role in 23% of truck accidents. Many Florida truck accidents and car accidents are caused by truck drivers simply traveling too fast. Since trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles, drivers who speed are simply often unable to stop in time to prevent an accident. Trucks that speed are also more likely to lose control or roll over.

3) Unfamiliarity with roads or location. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, lack of familiarity causes about 22% of truck accidents. Modern technology may be able to help, with GPS devices and street view websites which allow drivers to become familiar with an area before getting in their vehicle.

4) Over-the-counter medications. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, over-the-counter medicine and drugs contribute to about 18% of truck accidents. Many over-the-counter medications cause drowsiness and sleepiness, which is why it is important to read warning labels and speak to a pharmacist before using any medications.

5) Too little surveillance. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, inadequate surveillance contributes to 14% of truck accidents. The trucking industry has many methods of surveillance – including truck “black boxes” and driver logs – to monitor drivers, but additional surveillance may help prevent Florida pedestrian accidents and truck accidents.

6) Driver fatigue. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, fatigue is a primary cause of about 15% of truck accidents. Hectic schedules and per-mile pay may encourage drivers to drive when fatigued, causing more accidents. As well, some medical conditions can affect sleep, leading to drowsiness behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Common Causes of Florida Truck Accidents" »

With Florida car accidents and truck accidents causing fatalities and injuries each day, there has never been a better time to get serious about preventing traffic collisions. There are many ways that drivers can help prevent a serious accident:

1) Check your car. Cars have very different safety ratings and selecting a car with a good rating is a good way to ensure that you can avoid an accident. Cars with good safety ratings may have safety features which can help prevent an accident. As well, safe cars usually have features which can help you prevent injury if you are in a Florida truck accident. If you cannot afford a newer car with a better safety rating, at least ensure correct maintenance of your current vehicle. Ensuring that your brakes, tires, lights, shocks, and wipers are in good condition can ensure that your car is functioning as safely as possible.

2) Use your car correctly. Don’t exceed the maximum amount your car can carry and if you drive a pickup truck, don’t allow anyone to ride in the bed of the truck. Everyone who gets in your car should wear a safety belt – it’s the law in Florida. Children should have age-appropriate child-restraint seats.

3) Learn to drive defensively. If you need refreshers, consider going in for additional driver training. Refresher courses are usually quite affordable and some insurance companies may give you incentives for additional training – call your insurance provider to find out. When out driving, obey rules, use your mirrors, anticipate problems, and obey traffic signs and rules.

4) Take care of yourself. Just as you take care of your car to ensure that it is safe for the road, you need to take good care of yourself to ensure that you are a fit driver. Talk to your pharmacist and doctor about any health conditions you have or about any medications you take (including over-the-counter medications). Some conditions and medications can affect your driving ability. Get adequate rest every night to ensure you that you do not drive fatigued. As well, get your eyesight checked once a year or as needed to ensure that you can see well enough to drive.

Continue reading "Cars Can Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents" »

In Florida, traffic accidents – including Florida pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and car accidents – account for more injuries and fatalities than all other types of injuries and accidents combined. Most years, there are thousands of Florida truck accident and car accident fatalities and more than a quarter million personal injuries resulting from traffic collisions.

Several years ago, Florida had an educational campaign with the slogan “arrive alive,” to remind Florida drivers to drive defensively. Since then, there have been other campaigns and initiatives, warning drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, drunk driving, and about the importance of seat belt use. Florida truck accidents and car accidents continue to claim lives and wreak devastation, however. According to the experts, there are several things that drivers can do:

1) Avoid Florida drunk driving accidents by watching your alcohol intake. Even one or two drinks can put you over the legal alcohol limit and increase your risk of an accident. Avoid drinking at all when you know you will be driving and always have an alternate way home to ensure that you have safe options. If you have designated a driver, make sure the driver is sober before he or she drives you home.

2) Adjust your driving for the road. Construction, bad weather, poor lighting conditions, and heavy traffic all increase the risk of a Florida truck accident or car accident. When conditions are very bad or beyond your driving ability, stay off the roads. If conditions are worse than usual but still passable, use extreme caution and slow down.

3) Give trucks lots of extra room and drive carefully around them. Commercial trucks have lots of blind spots, affect your visibility of the road ahead, and have large loads which should be secured correctly (but which sometimes aren’t). Your best bet around tractor trailers and semis is to slow down and use additional caution.

4) Watch your speed. Go with the flow of traffic but do not speed. Speeding makes it almost impossible to stop in time if you suddenly notice an obstacle and need to avoid a collision. In the event of an accident, excessive speed is more likely to cause fatalities or serious injuries.

5) Carefully consider the type of car you drive. Pay attention to safety reviews and consumer reviews when buying a car. Look for cars with excellent safety ratings and contact manufacturers to encourage high safety standards. In general, larger vehicles with a 110" or larger wheelbase are safest, followed by medium-sized cars. SUVs and small trucks are prone to rollovers while very small cars tend to have lower safety ratings.

Continue reading "How Motorists Can Prevent Florida Truck Accidents " »

Although heavy and medium-sized trucks account for only about 2% of all registered vehicles in this country, they account for 12% of fatal accidents on our highways. The statistics for Florida are also disturbing. Florida has high fatality rates for truck accidents and truck accidents are very common in the state, accounting for many Florida brain injuries, amputations, and other serious injuries as well as for deaths. There are many things that can be done to help reduce these accident rates:

1) Driver attention. Properly maintained trucks, once a day inspections, and well-trained drivers are an important part of preventing truck accidents in Florida. As well, when truck drivers follow at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front of them and ensure their load is correctly balanced and loaded, many Florida car accidents involving trucks can be prevented. Truck drivers who follow the rules of the road are less likely to be in an accident.

2) Less drunk driving. A survey of 900 Florida truck drivers revealed that most drivers believe that one out of five driver colleagues “regularly drive” under the influence of controlled substances such as cocaine, alcohol, speed, and marijuana. Preventing drunk driving accidents involving trucks should be a top priority.

3) Fewer incentives to drive when fatigued. When drivers are paid by the mile or are given bonuses for driving more in less time, there is a financial incentive to speed and to drive when fatigued. Fair, hourly wages and bonuses for safe driving records remove these incentives and instead provide incentives to drive safely.

4) Improve passenger vehicle awareness of truck safety. When motorists driving passenger vehicles drive carefully around trucks, stay out of truck blind spots, and give trucks extra room, they make the roads safer for everyone. Education campaigns to promote safe driving and enforcement of driving rules can help ensure that all motorists drive safely.

Continue reading " Who Can Prevent Florida Trucking Accidents?" »

More people are killed in traffic accidents than in all other types of accidents combined. Driving is simply one of the most dangerous things we do. Each year, more than 250 000 people are injured and another 3000 are killed in traffic accidents. Another 4000 Americans are killed in car accidents and truck accidents in the workplace. While the tragedy and the types of injuries are the same, Florida truck accidents in the workplace and off-work vary in legal liability and insurance coverage.

Many workers who must drive trucks or cars as part of their work are covered by workers compensation and their employer’s insurance in the event of an accident. This means that in an accident, it is these insurance companies that pay. However, workers who are injured in a Florida car accident or truck accident on the job may want to consult with a qualified Florida personal injury attorney at once, since liability issues can be quite complex with workplace accidents.

For example, several factors may contribute to workplace Florida truck accidents or traffic accidents. If the accident took place on company property, poor maintenance of the property, poor safety features, or poor lighting may have contributed to the accident. In these instances, the employer or the property owner may be partly liable for the accident.

As well, in workplace accidents, there tends to be a desire to settle a claim quickly, sometimes before the full extent of an injury and its causes are known. Patients may be unwilling to try to negotiate out of a fear of alienating an employer. In some cases, employers who are hurt and claim workers compensation benefits find that the benefits and coverage only cover a small portion of the lost income and the medical bills created by the Florida truck accident. Once a patient has signed the paperwork, however, there may be little recourse to recover a fairer settlement. If the patient is unable to work for an extended period of time, he or she may face serious hardships due to the accident.

A qualified Florida personal injury attorney can help offer advice and guidance and can help investigate the accident and the resulting injuries. A good attorney can determine the true costs associated with the accident and can negotiate with insurance providers for this amount. As well, a good Florida attorney can help find all liable parties, which can help ensure that a patient has as many medical bills and as much lost income covered as possible.

Continue reading "Work-Related Florida Trucking Accidents" »

When a Florida truck accident involves a passenger car and a truck, the consequences are often catastrophic, especially for the occupants of the passenger car. Due to the size and force of a truck, passenger car occupants are often killed or suffer serious injuries in this type of collision. Unfortunately, during the holidays, the roads can be even riskier. There are more cars and trucks sharing the roads at this time of year, as consumers head out to complete holiday shopping lists and as retailers order more and more deliveries by truck to fill needs. Plus, many companies hire temporary and less experienced truck drivers at this time of year. More vehicles on the road, hectic schedules, and general holiday pressures can combine to create greater risks of Florida pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and car accidents. Here’s how you can avoid a tragedy this year:

1) Avoid driving near trucks. It’s not always possible, but where you can, stay away from trucks on the roads. Many large, commercial trucks have multiple blind spots. If you are behind, to the side, or directly in front of a truck, the driver might not see you. Get out of a truck’s blind spots, passing on the left, where many trucks have fewer blind spots.

2) Be especially careful at night. Turn on your lights and give trucks even more room.

3) Be on the lookout for dangerous truck drivers. If you see a truck driver who is driving erratically, dangerously, or aggressively, try to note the registration number. Pull over to the side of the road to report the truck location, date, time, and road. If you can safely do this, you may be able to help prevent a serious Florida car accident involving a truck.

4) Be extra vigilant on ramps. Entrance ramps are tricky because commercial trucks take extra time to stop and slow down. If you need to enter a highway in front of a truck, make sure you have lots of room to do so.

5) Keep your car in good condition. Good brakes and tires, especially, can help you swerve or stop suddenly if you need to avoid a collision. Good maintenance is especially important at this time of year, when wet conditions can be a contributing factor to accidents.

6) Remain a good, vigilant driver. If it has been many years since your driver training course, consider a refresher defensive driving course. You may be amazed at how much more confident you feel behind the wheel. A refresher course can help ensure that you have the skills to potentially avoid a Florida trucking accident. As well, make sure you avoid alcohol and any distractions while driving. Unfortunately, Florida drunk driving accidents and distracted driving accidents are a problem during the holidays and throughout the year. Do not contribute to this problem.

Continue reading "Avoiding a Florida Truck Accident This Holiday Season" »

Certain lifestyle factors and life choices can increase your risk of a Florida car accident or truck accident. These lifestyle factors can also be very risky when they are shared by Florida truck drivers who are entrusted with large commercial vehicles:

1) Obesity. Obesity can lead to many health problems, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and other serious conditions. Unfortunately, these conditions can also be sneaky. A truck driver may not realize that he has these conditions until symptoms begin to manifest themselves. If these symptoms show up suddenly on the road, the result could be a Florida pedestrian accident or truck accident.

2) Shift work. Unfortunately, many Florida truck drivers take shift work, working at unusual hours, in order to help companies meet deadlines. Shift work has been linked to sleep disorders, which can lead to fatigued driving and therefore to accidents.

3) Drinking and drug use. Florida drunk driving accidents are still far too common and drunk driving involving trucks is more likely to result is serious injuries and death. Although Florida drunk driving campaigns have been warning drivers of the dangers of drunk driving, however, drugs – even over the counter and prescription medications – can lead to drowsiness or other symptoms which can cause an accident.

4) Obsession with gadgets. It’s not a lifestyle choice, admittedly, but many of us are very much attached to our wireless devices or music. While there’s nothing wrong with that in general, wanting to stay plugged in behind the wheel of a car is dangerous. Many people have lost their lives in Florida trucking accidents caused by distracted drivers.

Continue reading "Lifestyle Factors That Can Affect Florida Truck Accident Risks" »

According to a study completed by the University of Florida, deaths from car accidents, truck accidents, and other traffic accidents decrease an average of 11% in areas where alcohol taxes are introduced. The overall death rate decreases by 35%, while violence decreased by 2% and crime reduces by 1.4% after the introduction of such taxes. The results of the study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, have stirred debate about the role of alcohol in traffic deaths.

According to Alexander Wagenaar and his colleagues at the University of Florida, who authored the study, there is a direct correlation between the cost of alcohol and the rate of drinking. When alcohol prices increased by 10%, drinking rates decrease approximately 5%. According to the Florida study, the higher the taxes on alcohol, the lower the rates of injury, death, drug use, risky sexual behavior, drunk driving, traffic accidents, violence, and crime. In fact, only suicide rates seemed unaffected when it came to fatalities potentially affected by alcohol.

According to the study’s authors, about 85,000 fatalities in the US each year are alcohol-related. While Florida drunk driving accidents are an obvious problem, the new study seems to suggest that simply increasing the price of alcohol can have a significant impact on traffic accident rates. Taxation can also be a more cost-effective solution than awareness campaigns. Taxes on alcohol can help communities raise money, while ad campaigns often require money. As well, alcohol taxes do seem to have a significant and measurable impact on reduced traffic fatalities.

Although the study focused on preventing traffic deaths, it stands to reason that an increase in Florida alcohol taxes can also help reduce Florida personal injury rates stemming from Florida pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and other traffic accidents. While many truck accidents result in fatalities, many also result in long-term or permanent injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, burn injuries, amputations, and other injuries. These injuries are devastating and can result in a devastated life. Reducing the number of Florida drunk driving accidents can help reduce these injuries as well.

Of course, companies selling alcohol products note that alcohol taxes hurt business. As well, many consumers oppose the idea of alcohol taxes, arguing that people who drink responsibly are forced to pay more because of a few people who do drink and drive. It’s a difficult debate. On the one hand, increasing prices can help prevent accidents. On the other hand, it can also hurt business and cost customers who do drink responsibly.

Continue reading "Could Tax Laws Change the Number of Florida Truck Accidents?" »

Florida trucking accidents and car accidents cause deaths and considerable suffering every year, but they also have a severe impact on victims’ finances. Some experts believe that truck accidents cost more than twenty-four billion dollars annually in damages. Car and truck accidents involving a large commercial truck with two or three trailers average about $117,309 in damages per collision. These costs can include property loss and damage, pain and suffering, medical costs, and lost income as well as related expenses. While insurance is meant to help Florida traffic accident victims deal with the catastrophic costs of truck accidents, in many cases victims are unable to recover all the damages associated with their injuries. Some Florida car accident and truck accident victims face bankruptcy, reduced quality of life and even eviction or foreclosure of their homes due to the financial devastation of a truck accident.

There are many reasons why Florida truck accidents cause this type of financial devastation to insured victims. One reason is that insurance companies sometimes estimate the total costs associated with an injury. In some cases, insurance companies offer a low claims amount, based on immediate medical costs. However, Florida brain injury victims, spinal cord injury victims, and other injury victims may face a long lifetime of reduced earnings capacity as well as considerable medical bills.

As well, insurance companies sometimes underestimate the total costs involved with an injury. For example, they may pay for car damage, immediate medical costs and immediate lost wages without paying for medical devices, long term treatment or specialty treatment. A Florida burn injury victim, for example, may need counseling, a series of expensive skin grafts, and other rehabilitative treatments. However, an insurance carrier may only agree to pay for basic doctor’s visits.

Due to this problem, it is very important for Florida truck accident victims to speak with a good Florida personal injury attorney soon after the accident. Once statements and insurance papers are signed and once a claim amount has been given, it may be too late to pursue a fairer settlement that covers all medical expenses, which is why it is important to contact an attorney first. An initial consultation with a good attorney can at least give a patient a sense of their rights and options.

Another common problem that affects Florida truck accident victims is the amount of time it can take in order to recover damages for an accident. After a Florida truck accident, a patient may immediately face lost income as well as substantial expenses. However, the claims process can take a long time. While waiting for the insurance money, a patient may be facing severe financial stresses. In some cases, insurance companies promise quick payment in exchange for the patient agreeing to a low claims amount. This places the patient in a difficult position: They can have some much-needed money immediately but may still face many tens of thousands of dollars in costs out of pocket.

A good Florida personal injury attorney can help with this, as well. A good attorney can pursue a case aggressively, to make sure that the injured plaintiff gets as much damages covered as possible. A good attorney can also advise a plaintiff who is in financial distress and offer advice about ways to survive financially while a legal claim works its way through the courts.

Continue reading "Florida Trucking Accidents and Your Finances " »

If you have been in a Florida car accident involving a truck, legal issues may initially be the furthest thing from your mind. Initially after a traffic accident, your main priority is generally to get medical attention and to contact your loved ones and your insurance provider. However, Florida laws very much affect how your accident case and claim will proceed. There are many pieces of legislation that can affect every aspect of your case:

1) Federal regulations regarding evidence. Under federal rules, commercial trucking companies and carriers must keep evidence related to drivers and their performance – evidence such as driver logs, for example. However, carriers only need to keep this evidence for a specific period of time, after which time they can destroy it. This is one reason why it is so important to work with a Florida personal injury attorney if you have been in a Florida trucking accident. An attorney can secure a court order or take other steps to ensure that evidence is preserved.

2) Regulations regarding insurance. Every Florida driver needs to have, at minimum, liability insurance to drive a car. Commercial trucks are required to have even more insurance in order to protect any victims in a Florida truck accident. The exact amount of insurance a truck company must carry depends on the materials being transported. Trucking companies responsible for carrying hazardous materials, for example, must generally carry far more insurance than companies hauling safer items.

3) Laws regarding liability. In order to recover money for lost wages, wrongful death, pain and suffering, property damages, medical expenses, and other costs, Florida car accident and truck accident victims generally need to show that a driver or truck company acted negligently in some manner and this negligence led to the accident. Obviously, proving negligence can be challenging without the assistance of a good Florida personal injury attorney. Florida personal injury attorneys have access to private investigators and other experts who can carefully research and investigate all the causes of an accident, with an eye to establishing liability.

4) Florida rules regarding damages. In order to recover damages, a Florida personal injury plaintiff must show that he or she has suffered damages. In some cases, it is very easy to establish this. For example, if the victim is a Florida spinal cord injury patient or has sustained serious burn injuries or other types of injuries, proving damages can be simple. However, some types of damages – such as psychological trauma, for example, or whiplash, are not so easy to establish because no conclusive tests exist for these conditions. As well, establishing the total costs for an injury can be difficult and a matter of negotiations, especially if an insurance carrier insists that the claim amount should be modest. A good Florida personal injury attorney can help protect a Florida traffic accident victim in these circumstances.

Continue reading "The Law and Florida Truck Accidents " »

If you have been in a Florida truck accident that has resulted only in a fender bender, you can often handle the claim through your insurance provider. However, most Florida car accidents involving a truck do not end so happily. Many serious Florida brain injuries, amputations, fatalities, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries occur each year as a result of truck accidents. There are many reasons besides these why you may wish to see a Florida personal injury attorney immediately:

1) Someone has been injured in the accident. If you or a passenger have sustained a serious or permanent injury, you need to speak to a qualified Florida personal injury attorney at once. Florida spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, brain injuries, and other serious injuries caused by truck accidents can be very costly to treat and most insurance policies only cover a fraction of the total costs over time. It is important to speak to a good attorney to protect your financial future.

2) You have lost significant time away from work or other duties due to the accident. With lost income, you may need to go into debt or face financial hardship due to the accident. Some people even find themselves facing bankruptcy or foreclosure after a serious Florida pedestrian accident, car accident, or truck accident. A good attorney can ensure that you are compensated for the income you have lost.

3) Fault and liability are an issue. If you are being accused of causing the accident or if it looks as though your claim amount may be reduced due to liability issues, it is important to consult with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney. If a police report suggests that you are at fault or contains errors or inaccuracies, it is also vital to speak to a Florida lawyer. A good attorney can ensure that your rights are protected.

4) The accident was complex. If pedestrians or multiple cars are involved in a Florida car accident, liability issues and damages become more complicated. In this case, it is often best to work with a Florida truck accident attorney who has extensive experience in examining the details of complicated accidents.

5) If the accident involves a government vehicle or takes place in a construction site. These situations are legally more complex. Government employees are protected and it may be harder for you to recover all the damages needed for your medical bills, for example, if you are involved in an accident with a government truck. Construction site accidents are also more complex because determining liability in these cases is often challenging.

6) You start to have insurance problems. You rely on your insurance to protect you in the event of an accident. However, if after your accident you find that your liability coverage is too low or if your insurance companies claims you are not covered, it is time to speak with a qualified attorney. Similarly, if your insurance provider stops taking your calls or starts to act unusual or has you speak with the insurer’s attorney, it is imperative to involve a very good Florida personal injury attorney on your behalf. Insurance problems can be very costly and often a good attorney can better resolve these issues.

Continue reading "When You Need to Run for an Attorney After a Florida Truck Accident " »

If you have been in a Florida truck accident or other type of traffic accident and have worked with a Florida personal injury attorney to settle your claim, your claim amount may be significant. In fact, many Florida car accidents involving trucks involve serious Florida brain injuries, burn injuries, and even wrongful death claims. As a result, the settlements in these cases can be quite large. If you are expecting a larger settlement in your Florida truck accident case, you may wish to establish a structured settlement plan. A structured settlement means that you will receive your settlement amount in regular installments rather than in one lump sum. This can have several advantages in a Florida truck accident case:

1) Tax benefits. You may be able to set up a structured settlement in your case so that you pay less taxes or even no taxes. Even if your settlement amount is significant, you will of course want to use all of it to recover from your injury, so the less you need to pay in taxes, the more effectively you can use the funds.

2) Money protection. By receiving money gradually, you can be sure that you will have the financial resources in place when you need them. If you are not used to receiving and managing larger amounts of money, a structured settlement can be financially safer.

3) A good asset. You can use a structured settlement just like any asset. It is possible to sell your structured settlement, for example, in order to earn more money for larger purchases. You will need to contact a Florida attorney first, however, to learn about current laws affecting the sale of your structured settlement.

Of course, there are some disadvantages to structured settlements. You may need more money initially to pay for costs and a structured settlement leaves less flexibility in how you will invest your money. You also do not have the option of investing a lump sum settlement in order to make more money.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents and Structured Settlement Laws " »

If you have been in a Florida car accident or pedestrian accident involving a truck, you likely will need to make a claim on your insurance policy. Most Florida truck accidents result in serious damage as well as costly medical expenses. For example, Florida spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other serious injuries are a common result of truck accidents. Once you have received basic medical attention, you will need to file a claim with your insurance provider at the earlier possible opportunity. You will also want to look at your insurance policy to understand what you are covered for. Your insurance policy may include coverage such as:

1) Liability coverage. In Florida, liability insurance is required to drive a car. This type of insurance covers the personal injury costs and property damage that occurs to others if you have been in a car accident. This insurance may also cover your legal costs. If your liability insurance does not cover the injuries and damages that others have sustained in a car accident, you may face legal action, especially if it can be proven that you are at fault.

2) Collision coverage. This insurance covers the damage which occurs to your vehicle in the event of an accident. This coverage will be paid out, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. If you have a deductible, you will need to pay that and the insurance provider will pay for the rest of the repair costs to your car. Many Florida trucking accidents, however, result in total destruction of a car. If your car is a complete loss, you will receive the cash value of the car.

3) Comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance usually covers damage which can occur due to vandalism, theft, weather, and fire. You will pay the deductible and the insurance company will pay the cash value of your car or the costs to repair your car. If you have been in a Florida truck accident, you will often not need to worry about comprehensive coverage.

4) Medical payments coverage. This coverage pays (regardless of fault) the medical bills of your passengers and yourself. If you receive payment from the other driver in the car, you will need to repay these benefits.

5) Personal injury protection (PIP) and No-Fault coverage. These optional and additional features of your insurance policy may cover additional medical costs as well as lost income and related expenses of your car accident.

6) Uninsured and underinsured driver coverage. This insurance protects you in the event that you are in an accident with a driver who does not have the legally required liability insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your injuries. If you have this insurance coverage, your own insurance company will pay for your injuries and damages.

Continue reading "If You’ve Been in a Florida Truck Accident, Are You Covered for Your Injuries?" »

If you have been in a Florida car accident involving a truck, you will likely need a good Florida personal injury attorney. Most Florida truck accidents result in serious injuries, property damage, and complex legal and liability issues. A good attorney can safeguard your rights and can ensure that as much of your injuries and damages are covered as possible. However, how can you find the right attorney for you?

The first step is to find a Florida personal injury attorney who handles Florida truck accidents. Then, you will want to contact the attorney for an initial meeting. Many good attorneys offer an initial no-cost and no-obligation consultation. This initial meeting is your chance to ask questions and to decide whether a specific attorney is right for you. Among the things you will want to find out are:

1) Experience. Look for an attorney who has years of experience in Florida truck accident cases as well as trial experience. An attorney with extensive experience with insurance companies can also be very useful in helping you to negotiate with insurance providers. Look for someone who has handled many cases and has also won many cases.

2) Specialty. Ask a potential attorney about the types of cases they have worked on and the similarities between those cases and yours. Be aware that your case may overlap several practice areas. For example, if you have sustained a Florida spinal cord injury and head injury in a truck accident, look for an attorney who has handled spinal cord injury cases, brain injury cases and truck accident cases.

3) Professional standing. Look for a Florida personal injury attorney who has good standing with the bar association, a good education from a recognized law school, and a good reputation. Also, ask for – and check – references. A good attorney will be able to let you speak to references who can attest to the attorney’s professionalism and helpfulness. Be wary of attorneys who promise results as well – good attorneys know that there is no such thing as a guaranteed win or claim.

4) Price. Many Florida personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning that they will not be paid until and unless you recover for your claim. However, you will want to ask whether your attorney works on a contingency basis and you will want to ask about fees to ensure that the fees seem reasonable to you.

Continue reading "Finding the Right Attorney After Your Florida Truck Accident " »

If you have been in a Florida car accident involving a truck, you may have lost income and you may face medical bills. An insurance provider may offer you a claim, but how can you be sure whether that amount will cover all the costs of your injury? In most cases, it is difficult to be sure – unless you speak with a qualified Florida personal injury attorney. A good attorney will take several things into consideration when evaluating your claim:

1) Medical costs. In most Florida truck accidents, medical bills will be a major expense that you will need to recover. You will need to consider the costs of hospital treatment, doctor’s visits, emergency room bills, chiropractic treatment costs, physical therapy expenses, medication costs resulting from your injury, and the cost of any medical devices (such as crutches or accessibility ramps) that you need as a result of your injury. If you have sustained a Florida burn injury in the accident, for example, you may also need reconstructive surgery as well as other treatments. All of these must be considered to get an accurate assessment of your total medical costs.

2) Future and ongoing medical expenses. If you will likely need future medical expenses and treatments due to your injury, you will need to consider these in your claim. Usually, a medical specialist or doctor can advise you of future costs. For example, Florida spinal cord injury patients may need nursing care, wheelchairs, and replacement medical devices for the rest of their lives. Insurance companies are often unwilling to consider these expenses in an initial claim and this is something that a good Florida personal injury attorney will pursue and negotiate.

3) Lost wages. If you have been in a Florida truck accident, you will likely have to lose at least some work and therefore some wages. You may lose work while you are in the hospital and while you recover. You may also lose work due to return doctor’s visits and ongoing care. If you have sustained a long-term or permanent injury, you can also recover money for the loss of earning capacity.

4) Pain and suffering. In a personal injury claim, juries will consider long-term and severe pain and may award damages based on the amount of pain a plaintiff suffers. If a plaintiff has suffered depression or mental anguish as a result of the injury, he or she may also be awarded an amount based on mental anguish.

5) Property damage. A Florida truck accident usually results in plenty of property damage as well as physical damage. If your car or other personal property was destroyed in the accident, an attorney will usually make a claim to recover these costs as well. If there were valuables in the car – such as laptops or digital cameras – you may be able to recover these values as well.

Continue reading "What Can You Recover After a Florida Truck Accident?" »

If you have been in a Florida car accident involving a truck, you may wish to consider working with a Florida personal injury attorney, especially if your loss of income or injury costs will be larger than your insurance deducible. Your Florida personal injury attorney can help you in many ways after your accident:

1) An attorney can help you examine your situation. A qualified attorney can assess the extent of your damages and injuries as well as the costs involved. Even a non-permanent injury can cost you thousands of out-of-pocket expenses over a period of months, as you visit the doctor for follow-up visits. A good attorney can help you understand the true costs of the accident and can help you examine the legal issues surrounding your case. A good attorney often knows what the insurance company won’t tell you and can advise you.

2) An attorney can secure additional evidence after your Florida trucking accident. A good attorney works with private investigators and also knows what to look for in medical records or police reports in order to bolster your case. He or she can help you understand what has happened in your accident and can help find whether anyone is liable in your accident.

3) A good attorney can negotiate on your behalf. Insurance providers often hire highly trained attorneys and negotiators to offer you low claim amounts. An attorney works on your behalf and ensures that your interests are protected.

4) A good attorney can offer legal coaching in your case. Even if you decide to negotiate or represent yourself in your case, an attorney can still offer you coaching by proving you with information about your legal case and can help you with every aspect of your case.

5) A qualified attorney can represent you in court if you decide to file a lawsuit. A good attorney with trial experience knows how to address a jury or judge in order to present your case in the strongest manner possible.

Continue reading "What A Florida Personal Injury Attorney Does for You After a Florida Trucking Accident" »

This week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, organized in part by the American Trucking Association (ATA). This is a good week to appreciate the safe truckers on our roads – the truck drivers who work to help prevent Florida car accidents and truck accidents by driving safely and responsibly. Events have been held by trucking associations in every state to mark the week.

In celebration of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, the ATA has released some fascinating facts and statistics about our nation’s truckers:

1) In America, there are over 3.4 million professional truckers at work, driving more than 431 billion miles on our streets.

2) In 2008, truck drivers delivered 68.8% of the total US freight, which is about 10.2 billion tons of freight.

3) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that trucking accidents have decreased by 20% between 2008 and 2009 and fatal truck accidents are at an all-time low after declining four years in a row. While Florida trucking accident rates do tend to be higher than the national average in some years, the overall downward trend is certainly good news.

4) Fatality rates for truck occupants decreased 26% in 2009. New laws may be helping, according to some industry experts. Since 2004, when Hours of Service regulations were introduced, the overall fatalities in truck-related accidents has decreased 33%.

5) Truck drivers drive long distances. Regional truck drivers drive 48, 000 miles per year and long haul drivers drive an average of 100, 000 to 110, 000 miles per year.

Continue reading "Thank Safe Truckers This Week for Working to Prevent Florida Trucking Accidents" »

Public consumer groups dedicated to making our streets safer often speak out against Florida car accidents involving trucks. Advocacy groups, often organized by families of people who have lost their lives to Florida truck accidents, point out that large trucks are harder to control, more dangerous when they share the road with much smaller passenger vehicles, and are more difficult to stop suddenly in traffic. According to Road Safe America, an 80,000 pound tractor trailer traveling at 70 miles per hour has a similar impact in a collision as a passenger vehicle traveling at 360 miles an hour.

Across America, over 400, 000 commercial trucks and large trucks are involved in trucking accidents annually. These truck accidents resulted in more than 90, 000 injuries and 4, 200 deaths in 2008 alone. Florida trucking accidents also have a high fatality rate and often result in severe, permanent injuries, such as Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and serious burn injuries.

Many people feel very safe beside big trucks on the road because they do not realize the devastation that trucks can cause. Many of the statistics released about truck accidents in Florida and in the US also seem innocuous. For example, only 12% of traffic fatalities are attributed to truck accidents, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As well, the media has reported in recent years that the number of fatal; truck accidents has dropped somewhat. While this is a positive step forward, other statistics suggest that there is no room for complacency:

1) While it is true that large truck accidents only cause 12% of all road fatalities, it is also true that large, heavy trucks are only 4% of the vehicles on the roads. As well, truck accidents are four times more likely to cause fatalities for car and truck drivers than car crashes involving only passenger cars.

2) Large trucks, such as commercial trucks, are twice as likely as passenger cars to be involved in multiple-vehicle collisions. In fact, one quarter of passenger car fatalities in multiple-car crashes include a large truck.

3) Trucks are far more likely to hurt passenger vehicle occupants. In truck accidents, 75% of injuries are sustained by the passengers in another vehicle (often a passenger vehicle). 2% of injuries are incurred by people who are not passengers at all. These non-passengers are often pedestrians. 23% of injuries are sustained by passengers or vehicles in the truck. Similarly, 75% of all fatalities in large truck accidents involved the deaths of passengers in cars or other vehicles while 17% of fatalities involved the truck driver or truck passengers. About 8% of truck accident fatalities involved non-occupants, often pedestrians. Quite simply, the size of the truck often protects the driver and the truck’s passengers somewhat, while the force of the truck does considerable damage to surrounding vehicles in a collision.

4) According to advocacy groups, just one 80,000 tractor trailer truck can do similar damage to bridges and roadways as 9,600 cars together can cause. Large truck accidents cost over $41 billion damages a year, and this figure does not include the general wear and tear which trucks place on the roads – wear and tear that some experts claim costs the economy many billions of dollars in new infrastructure, repairs, and construction.

While many people associate Florida truck accidents with high-speed highway accidents, some tragic Florida pedestrian accidents involve trucks in urban areas – and these accidents often include small children. Pickup trucks, delivery trucks, and other types of trucks which are common in urban areas and residential areas pose a high risk of fatalities and injury to children and minors. These trucks make unexpected stops and often fascinate youngsters.

Waste management trucks, for example, are a common risk to children, because they are prevalent in residential areas and often back up or stop unexpectedly. There are more than 700 such trucks servicing the South Florida area alone and now that the children are in school, these trucks are often in residential areas during the morning rush, when children are preparing for and heading out to school. Waste management truck drivers get training to ensure that they are safe drivers. However, there are many things that parents can do to help prevent this tragic type of Florida trucking accident:

1) Set some rules. Talk to your children about trucks and other vehicles. Especially, make sure that your children know how dangerous it is to approach a waste management truck or climb on it. Emphasize that the truck is dangerous, even when it is parked or stopped. Teach your children to recognize the back-up alarm and lights, which indicate that a truck is backing up.

2) Do not allow children to follow a waste management truck on skateboards, bicycles, or skates. If the truck stops suddenly, your children may not be able to brake in time. As well, children following closely behind a truck may not be visible to the driver.

3) Do not allow children to stand or play near the waste bins when waiting for the bus. The waste truck may come along before the bus does, and it is safer to have children clear of the area.

4) Do not let your children walk to school while texting or listening to an iPod. They may be too distracted to see or hear trucks and other vehicles coming. Many Florida pedestrian accidents each year occur simply because pedestrians are distracted and not noticing the dangers around them.

5) If you are driving your child to school, avoid driving behind or beside a waste management truck or other large truck. This is where the driver’s blind spots are. As well, give a truck more space when passing – a waste management truck and most commercial trucks take twice as long to come to a stop when compared with passenger vehicles.

According to a research study published in Accident Analysis & Prevention journal, our love affair with light trucks may be causing more Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents – and more traffic accidents nationwide. The research was completed by researchers at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rowan University.

Researchers at Rowan University used the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the Pedestrian Crash Data Study (PCDS), and the General Estimates System (GES) to gather information about crash statistics. Researchers compared injuries and accidents involving SUVs (sport utility vehicles), light trucks, pickup trucks, vans, and passenger vehicles.

The researchers concluded that passenger vehicles are shifting. More customers are purchasing vans and lights trucks, rather than the smaller cars which have traditionally made up the bulk of passenger cars. However, vans and light trucks are designed differently. They are more blunt, stiffer, and heavier. Their load is distributed differently. Researchers concluded that these differences make these vehicles more likely to cause serious Florida pedestrian accidents and Florida vehicle rollovers – as well as pedestrian accidents and rollovers across the country.

Researchers also found that passengers hit by a van or a light truck are two to three times as likely to sustain fatal injuries as pedestrians hit by a passenger vehicle. As well, pedestrians involved in an accident with a truck or van are significantly more likely to sustain a serous brain injury or thoracic injury when compared with pedestrians struck by a car. This substantiates common emergency room findings, where doctors report that more victims of Florida truck accidents sustain serious injuries to the head region. The fact that the front of trucks are higher and blunter can help account for this.

Florida currently has one of the highest fatality rates among pedestrians, and a love of the truck may be one reason, according to the Rowan university study and others like it. Of course, we cannot give up trucks. After all, they do help the economy and people often use trucks and light vans for work or for recreation. Ironically, many people may be purchasing trucks because they believe that trucks and larger vehicles are safer. Indeed, truck manufacturers often tout the safety ratings of light trucks and cars over smaller economy cars.

Many small businesses rely on light company trucks or even large trucking companies for business. If you own a small business, you may rely on trucks in order to get your product to customers or in order to have materials delivered to your offices. While trucks can make things convenient for your business, they can also create liability issues. If a truck your company owns causes a Florida pedestrian accident or a Florida trucking accident, the legal ramifications could affect your business. Such an accident can even push your business towards bankruptcy. Even if you work with a trucking company, if a company truck is in an accident while delivering your goods, you could face legal problems as well. That is why it is important to:

1) Carefully consider before getting trucks for your own business. If you want to have a truck for your business, consider who will drive the truck. How will you screen drivers? Can the drivers be trusted to remain safe?

2) If you do decide to get trucks for your business, use a little extra caution. Draw up a list of regulations for your truck drivers and delivery personnel. Insist on a driver’s log and check to make sure that your driver is qualified.

3) If you hire a truck company or delivery service, use due diligence. Research to make sure the company has a good safety record and good drivers. Consult the better business bureau and check online to see whether the company has been involved in messy legal battles.

4) Make sure the trucks carrying your products are maintained. If you have your own trucks, find a qualified mechanic and ensure that the trucks are checked and fixed regularly. Encourage your drivers to report and problems and have these fixed promptly. If you use a trucking company, ask how and where trucks are maintained – and how often. Avoid doing business with any company that does not take care of its trucks. If a truck carrying your products is in a Florida car accident, you could be named as a defendant in any Florida personal injury or wrongful death suit that arose from the accident.

5) Get the best insurance you can buy. If your company owns its own trucks, get the best liability protection you can to protect your business in the event of an accident. If you use a trucking company, get general liability protection and ask your insurance agent whether you are covered in case a truck carrying your goods is in an accident.

A fatal Florida trucking accident is one of the most devastating traffic accidents possible. The injuries and damages in such an accident are often catastrophic and the outcome can affect the rest of your life. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Florida car accident involving a truck, there are several things you will want to do in order to deal with your loss:

1) Get the best medical care possible. If you are a survivor of the accident or if another family member has survived the accident, you will want to secure the best medical care possible. This may mean negotiating with your insurance carrier to ensure that all medical costs and long-term care costs are covered.

2) Get answers. Often, after a fatal Florida trucking accident, you will have many answers about how exactly the accident occurred. A good Florida personal injury attorney can help you investigate the accident so that you understand what happened. This can help bring some peace of mind and some closure to the accident.

3) Seek counseling or help. After a Florida trucking accident, you may feel depressed, angry, upset and many other troubling emotions. If these emotions do not fade in a few weeks, you may want to speak with a compassionate therapist or counselor about your feelings. The emotional impact of a Florida trucking accident can be devastating and can leave you unable to work or unable to return to everyday activities. Counseling can help you recover.

4) Consult with a qualified Florida personal injury attorney. While making arrangements, you may not be considering the financial impact of your loss, but losing a loved one in an accident can affect your income, your children’s financial future, and your household income. If someone’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident, you could pursue a Florida wrongful death suit in order to safeguard your future and the future of your family. Even if you do not decide to file such a suit, a consultation with a good Florida personal injury attorney can apprise you of your legal rights and can help ensure that you get your full claim amount from insurance agencies.

A new program partly funded by an EPA State Grant Program will give Florida truck stops a new look – and will possibly help to prevent Florida car accidents and truck accidents. The program is being administered by the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and will provide different services at some of the truck stops on the Florida Turnpike.

Specifically, the program will allow truckers to enjoy in-cab electricity in order to fuel air conditioning, heating, and gadgets in the cab when truckers stop for a rest. Currently, many truck stops require truckers to idle their engines in order to run electricity to fuel many amenities in their sleeper cabs. The current system wastes fuel and produces more exhaust. Advocates of the new program say that the program will help in many ways:

1) It will reduce fuel use of big trucks. Not only is this environmentally friendly, but it will save the trucking industry money, which could mean less pressure on truck companies to push drivers to drive longer than is safe.

2) It will reduce exhaust and pollution. This will mean that truck drivers and workers at truck stops will be healthier. Exhaust from engines can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and other symptoms which are definitely dangerous symptoms for someone driving an 80,000 pound truck.

3) It will reduce wear and tear on commercial truck engines and other crucial systems. Advocates believe the program will help reduce Florida truck accidents and traffic accidents by keeping trucks in better shape for longer. Since the trucks will not need to idle as long, trucks will suffer less damage, which will make them safer on Florida’s roads.

4) It will mean better quality rest for truckers. Keeping a large commercial truck idling produces a lot of noise as well as exhaust. If a driver has to keep his or her truck idling while they sleep in order to heat or cool the cab, the noise and pollution can affect the quality of sleep. In turn, fatigued drivers are at a higher risk of Florida truck accidents than well-rested drivers.

According to the website The Daily Beast, Florida is home to the three most dangerous and deadly highways in the nation. In fact, the website ranks the I-95 as the most deadly road in the US, due to the high number of fatal Florida trucking accidents and other traffic accidents on this particular road. The Orlando Business Journal reports that Florida’s I-4 is also among the deadliest in the nation, with more fatal Florida car accidents and serious accidents than most other roads in the country.

The Daily Beast and The Orlando Business Journal compiled their data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to The Daily Beast, between 2004 and 2008, the 100 days where most car accidents and truck accidents take place are in June, July, and August, making this season the most dangerous for drivers. During these three months between 2004 and 2008, 50,765 fatal traffic accidents took place. While highway fatal accidents have been decreasing nationally over the past five years, the summer months still usually bring a sharp spike in Florida truck accidents and car accidents.

The I-95 in Florida was dubbed by researchers as the deadliest highway in the nation because between 2004 and 2008, 662 fatal Florida car accidents and truck accidents took place over the 382.15 m stretch that the I-95 covers. The 132.39 mile I-4 in Florida saw 209 fatal Florida truck accidents and car accidents in the same period. The 470.88 miles of the I-75 saw 536 fatal Florida traffic accidents between 2004 and 2008.

In many cases, Florida car accidents on these roads are in fact car-truck collisions. Large interstates are where trucks and cars tend to share the road most, and unless both car and truck drivers are very careful, accidents can easily occur. Trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles and have many blind spots. These differences need to be respected by all drivers to help prevent accidents on Florida’s roads. Car-truck collisions on the I-4, I-95, I-75 and other large highways are likely to be fatal. The high speed at which vehicles travel on these roadways, coupled with the disparity in size and force between trucks and cars create dangerous collisions.

However, even if you do not drive on the I-4, I-95, or I-75, you cannot be complacent. Florida truck accidents can and do occur on just about every street. In fact, statistically, the streets you drive most often are also the riskiest for you. You are more likely to be in a Florida truck accident or car accident on the highways and streets you drive each day. Even in familiar surroundings, it is important to keep alert and stay aware of other trucks and drivers on the road.

A Florida trucking accident can cause many serous injuries, but it can also wreak havoc with a victim’s finances. Victims who have suffered in a truck accident may end up in considerable debt or may even face bankruptcy. There are many considerable financial losses and challenges after a Florida car accident involving a truck:

1) Medical bills. Most patients have medical bills in the tens of thousands of dollars or more. While medical insurance and car insurance can cover some of these bills, in many cases insurance providers balk at paying the entire amount, leaving the patient still paying for some necessary treatment themselves. Underinsured or uninsured patients face an even more frightening amount of medical bills. Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other serious injuries can be expensive enough to send even prosperous people into bankruptcy.

2) Lost income. Most patients who have been in a Florida truck accident lose weeks or even months of work time, causing a loss of income. Some patients sustain permanent injuries and can never return to work again. Yet, bills and debts must still be paid.

3) On-going treatment. After the initial round of medical bills, most patients face even more care bills for on-going treatment. Florida spinal cord injury patients, for example, may need months of rehabilitation or physiotherapy. Such costs can add up to the thousands of dollars.

4) Additional treatment, such as psychological counseling or cosmetic surgery. Some treatments are needed to fully recover from an accident, but may not be covered under medical coverage. For example, Florida burn injury patients may require cosmetic surgery in order to regain the confidence and the life they lead before their accident. Such “additional” treatments may need to be paid entirely by patients, unless patients work closely with a good Florida personal injury attorney to have such important costs covered.

5) Property damage. A truck accident may damage a great deal of property. You may need to replace a car, a work laptop and any items you may have had in your car. While car insurance will usually cover replacement of your vehicle, you may need to pay for some or all of the costs of replacing your personal effects.

6) Home alterations. After a truck accident, many patients have changed mobility and may need to make expensive home repairs in order to live in their homes. For example, spinal cord injury patients may need to install ramps, elevators, grab bars, and other equipment. Such renovations can easily costs tens of thousands of dollars.

A Florida car accident, truck accident, or any motor vehicle accident is a traumatic event. When trucks are involved in a motor vehicle accident, the results can be especially devastating, simply due to the destructive force possible with a large commercial truck. However, for many victims, the problems just begin when an accident takes place. In the days, months, and years after an accident, victims may also have to deal with:

1) Questions of blame. In some cases, insurance companies or trucking companies may claim that a victim is partly to blame for a truck accident – even if this is not necessarily the case. If a motorist is unfairly blamed for an accident, they may feel extreme guilt and may face insurance rate increases.

2) Access to care problems. Many serious Florida spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, brain injuries, and other long-term conditions are caused by truck accidents. However, some victims have a hard time finding the resources and medical care they need. Patients may not have the financial resources to cover large medical costs or may not know all their care options. A good Florida personal injury attorney can often help patients find the care their need.

3) Misinformation. Some patients are told that they will not qualify for compensation or a claim unless they sign certain documents right away. Sometimes, this causes a patient to sign away all their rights before they consult with a qualified Florida personal injury lawyer.

4) Emotional upset. Many patients are on a rollercoaster of emotions after a truck accident. They may feel guilty, anxious, angry, depressed, and a host of other strong emotions. Some patients have a hard time returning to normal activities while others experience relationship troubles as a result of the upheaval.

5) Work-related challenges. Some patients cannot return to work after an accident, due to serious injury. For some Florida spinal cord injury and brain injury patients who have suffered in a truck accident, a return to work is impossible because of permanent injuries. Not being able to work often increases anxiety about money and also makes patients feel more upset about their situation.

6) Money worries. Most Florida truck accident victims face income loss and substantial medical bills. Some patients need to refit their homes or pay for expensive on-going treatment to deal with permanent or long-term injuries. Finding the money to pay for all these expenses is often very difficult without a good Florida personal injury attorney. An attorney can help protect you from lowball offers and can help ensure you get a fair settlement that allows you to recover as fully as possible.

Most truck accident experts agree that inattention and driver fatigue are the leading cause of Florida truck accidents, Florida car accidents, and indeed, motor vehicle accidents across the country in general. In 2005, the U.S. Department of Transportation got tough on distracted and fatigued driving by increasing required hours between shifts and by reducing the total driving time of commercial truck drivers. Overall, truck accident deaths have dropped somewhat since 2005.

However, experts from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance note that yearly truck accident fatalities across the country are the same as if a jetliner crashed once a week. Members of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance note that if a jetliner crashed weekly there would be national attention about the problem and air traffic industries would face loss of business as well as serious investigations.

However, despite the well-established documentation about the dangers of distracted and fatigued driving, distracted Florida drivers and fatigued drivers are still causing many Florida truck accidents and national traffic accidents.

Obviously, current laws are still allowing tired drivers behind the wheel. There are, however, many things that drivers can do to help protect themselves and their loved ones:

1) Report drunk or fatigued Florida truck drivers. If you are driving behind a truck that is weaving, speeding, or otherwise driving dangerously, get back from the car and call police to alert them. Be prepared to inform them of your location and the truck’s license plate.

2) Support advocacy groups such as the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and other local groups. These groups help raise awareness and lobby to change laws. There are many levels at which you can get involved – by donating time, money, or just by encouraging the groups and their mandates. Even learning more and passing along what you learn can make a difference in keeping Florida streets safer.

3) When you read about a Florida drunk driving accident or Florida truck accident involving a fatigued or distracted driver, write to your political representative, stating your views about laws which need to be changed. When enough persons speak up, those in public office need to take note.

Commercial trucks use air brakes. While air brakes do not allow truck drivers to stop as quickly as passenger vehicles, they are designed specifically to function with the heavy loads and large size of a commercial truck. However, air brake failures and defects in trucks do constitute one of the major reasons for Florida truck accidents. When the brakes on a truck fail, there is sometimes simply no way for a driver to avoid a collision.

A well-functioning commercial truck with good air brakes takes twice as far to brake as a passenger car. When air brakes fail, a truck may not be able to stop at all. Defective air brakes may be the result of poor maintenance or poor adjustment. They may also have inherent design flaws, which are a problem of the manufacturer.

Other factors may affect air brake performance as well. If a truck is incorrectly loaded or overly loaded, this can affect the air brakes. The extra weight and pressure can cause many things to fail, including the brakes. An inexperienced driver can also speed and handle the truck incorrectly, causing excessive wear and tear on the brakes.

Many experts believe that truck drivers should be trained and certified to adjust air brakes using manual slack adjusters. Many experts also believe that all truck drivers should check for brake defects before each drive. Unfortunately, many trucking companies do not train their drivers to do this or do not emphasize the importance of checking brakes.

There are many programs – such as the North American Standard Inspection Program – designed to remove dangerous trucks from the roads. However, it is impossible for inspectors and authorities to remove all trucks with poor maintenance and defects off the roads. If drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and inspectors were to work together to remove dangerous trucks from the roads, the results of inspection campaigns might be more successful.

There is no question that incorrectly maintained or defective air brakes have a direct impact on the number of Florida car accidents involving trucks which take place each year. When brakes on a commercial truck fail, the truck driver can quickly lose control of the vehicle, causing a serious multi-car accident. Many Florida burn injuries, brain injuries, and fatalities are caused by truck accidents which are at least partly the result of brake problems.

A group of researchers at the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois, Chicago have found that since a federal speed limit of 55MPH was repealed in 1995, US interstates have seen an increase in car accidents and injuries as well as fatalities. Researchers concluded that about 12,545 deaths and 36,582 in truck accidents and car accidents across the nation were attributed to higher speed limits between 1995 and 2005. Researchers suggested that a camera network and lower speed limits would decrease fatalities again. Results of the study were published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Speeding is a serious problem in many traffic accidents; many Florida bicycle accidents, car accidents, and pedestrian accidents are caused at least partly by speeding. However, speeding is an especial concern in Florida trucking accidents. Due to the size of trucks, when trucks drive at an excessive speed and collide, they can produce a lot of force and cause a great deal of damage.

Speeding while driving a truck is dangerous for many reasons:

1) It leaves the truck driver with less time to stop. Trucks require more time than passenger vehicles to slow down and stop, and when drivers speed, there is often no time or space to stop safely. Speeding ensures that drivers cannot respond in a timely fashion.

2) It can make minor obstacles fatal. Any minor obstacles – such as a sudden slippery spot or a pedestrian suddenly in the road – can be dangerous for a truck driver going a safe speed. A speeding truck driver simply cannot adjust his or her driving in time to account for these sudden obstacles.

3) A speeding truck may lose control more easily. A fully loaded truck that is speeding is far more likely to roll over than a truck going at a safe speed. Speeding puts more stress on the entire truck, and may cause mechanical failures that lead to a disastrous accident.

4) A speeding truck can create a wind force that is dangerous on the roads. If a truck is speeding and passes a bicyclists, pedestrian, or motorcycle too closely, the force of the wind and speed can push a bicyclist or pedestrian back and cause injuries.

Since Florida has many ports, it also has many commercial trucks. Trucks move cargo from the port areas through the rest of the nation. Unfortunately, a large number of trucks on the roads also means a higher risk of Florida car accidents involving trucks. According to the statistics released by The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT):

1) More than 500, 000 truck accidents occur annually across the country. In 2008, there were 11,500 Florida trucking accidents. These accidents lead to 290 fatalities and more than 6,400 injuries. Medium trucks with four rear tires accounted for 72 fatal accidents and 2,596 injuries that year. Heavy trucks contributed 77 fatalities and 1,939 injuries. Tractor-trailers accounted for 145 fatalities and 1,867 injuries.

2) Each year, commercial truck accidents result in about 5,000 fatalities across the nation. In 2008, 4,229 people in the US died in trucking accidents.

3) Of the 2008 fatalities related to truck accidents, 3,139 of the people who lost their lives in trucking accidents were passengers in vehicles other than a truck. Another 413 people were bicyclists or pedestrians. In 2008, 430 truck drivers and truck passengers were killed in truck accidents.

4) Multi-vehicle truck accidents claimed the lives of 247 truck occupants in 2008.

5) Truck accidents are most common in the daytime and in rural areas. In 2008, 68% of US fatal truck accidents took place outside of city areas. 66% of these fatal accidents took place in the daytime.

6) The trucking industry made $610 billion in revenues in 2008 and the number is expected to more than double by 2015. Between 1997 and 1999, the average cost of a trucking accident was $62,613.

7) In 2008, 9 people were killed and 171 were injured in Florida by riding in the bed of a truck. Most of the injuries and deaths involved persons between the ages of 15 and 44.

If you are in a Florida car accident involving a truck and you suspect that the driver of the truck is under the influence, there are a few things you must do in order to safeguard your rights:

1) Help anyone at the scene. In most Florida trucking accidents, serious injuries are caused by the sheer size or force of the truck. In most cases, you will need to call 911. Even if you seem to have only minor injuries, you should still get medical help immediately. Not all medical emergencies are obvious immediately. Each year, a few Florida brain injuries prove fatal because a patient felt fine and did not seek medical treatment in time. Err on the side of caution.

2) Start documentation. Police will likely arrive at the scene of the accident and should administer a field sobriety test to the driver. If possible, it is also important for you to start documentation right away. Get the name and contact details of the driver and any witnesses. If you can, take photos of the scene. Note the time, exact location, and other details of the accident.

3) Contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney at once. If the truck driver involved in the accident was driving under the influence, you will need to act quickly to ensure that your attorney can secure evidence of this fact. Contacting a Florida personal injury lawyer soon after your accident ensures that your attorney can move to quickly subpoena evidence before it is lost or destroyed. An attorney can even visit you in hospital, in many cases, so there is no need to delay this important call until you feel better.

4) Focus on getting better and continue documenting. Once you have hired a Florida attorney, your attorney will take care of the legal concerns of your accident so that you can focus on recovery. In addition to getting better, you will want to continue documenting your injuries so that your attorney has all the documentation he or she needs. Keeping copies of medical information, receipts of costs related to your accident, and a journal of how your injuries affect your life can be helpful for your attorney.

Keep in mind that drink is not the only problem with DUI truck accidents. According to a study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board in 1990, about 12.5% of fatal truck accidents are caused by driver marijuana use. In addition, some drivers use additional over-the-counter or prescription medication which can affect their driving and can lead to an accident. If you are not sure whether an accident you have been injured in was caused by a DUI, trust your instincts and consult with a good Florida or Miami personal injury attorney. He or she can help you find the answers you need.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Association, in 2008, 6.6% of all fatal commercial truck accidents in the country took place in Florida. Part of the problem, according to experts, is that Florida is a shipping area, and trucks move cargo from ports such as Miami through interstate highways to landlocked areas of the country. Also, the large size of these vehicles ensures that when Florida truck accidents do occur, they are likely to be fatal accidents.

According to experts, the National Highway Transportation Safety Association, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Florida Highway Patrol have all taken steps to reduce the number of car accidents and truck accidents on state roads and highways. However, experts remain pessimistic about the possibility of significantly reducing the number of Florida traffic accidents involving trucks. This is because a number of truck accident risk factors are hard to address:

1) Driver fatigue. Many studies have confirmed that tired Florida drivers are as dangerous as drunk drivers. When sleepy, truck drivers are simply more likely to make mistakes or to experience lapses in judgment which can lead to accidents. There are many rules in place to prevent this. Florida commercial truck drivers, for example, are required by law to take 10 hours before shifts and must drive no more than 11 hours per day. Unfortunately, most truck drivers are paid more to drive more and it is very hard to regulate rest time and break time.

2) Speed. Trucks require more time to come to a complete stop, but some drivers choose to speed in order to meet deadlines or in order to make more money. Unless radar cameras are used to monitor a roadway all the time, it can be hard to catch drivers speeding.

3) DUI. Unfortunately, Florida drunk driving accidents are still a leading cause of traffic fatalities and injuries. In 2008, 29% of all total motor vehicle fatalities in Florida were alcohol-related. Truck drivers who drink alcohol before driving run the risk of causing serious injuries and fatalities. In addition to alcohol, some drivers choose to take illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or medications to allow them to drive longer. This results not only in impaired driving but also fatigued driving as well. Like driver fatigue, DUI is difficult to regulate as it may not be obvious a driver is driving under the influence until after an accident occurs.

4) Inadequate maintenance. Some trucking companies do not maintain their fleet of trucks as carefully as they should. This can cause brake failure, steering problems, and other mechanical failures which can lead to an accident. Unfortunately, truck companies stand to save a lot of money by not doing correct maintenance on their trucks and it is hard to determine which truck companies do a poor job of this, since it is impossible to audit and check all Florida companies at all times.

5) Incorrectly loaded cargo. On a tractor-trailer, an incorrectly loaded cargo can shift, cause a rollover or even come loose and spill out onto the road. While there are strict rules in place about cargo, it is impossible for an independent body to check to make sure that each truck on Florida’s highways is correctly loaded.

Florida trucks and truck drivers rely on good truck tires. Good tires support the entire weight of the truck – which can weigh more than 80 000 pounds when fully loaded -- and provide stability. Unfortunately, when tire defects and blowouts happen, the result is often tragic accidents on Florida’s roads. There are many reasons why tire defects take place:

1) Used tires. Some trucking companies buy used tires to place on their trucks in order to save money. However, if tires have been part of a serious car accident or truck accident, their stability and durability may be compromised. As well, allowing trucks with well-worn and well-used tires is often a recipe for disaster, as these tires may not have the treads and stability to carry a large load. Even unused tires that have been in storage for a long period of time may no longer be road-worthy, as rubber can wear down with time.

2) Incorrect demounting, mounting, and maintenance of tires. Trucking companies need to have their truck tires installed and maintained by qualified professionals who can abide by current Federal OSHA regulations. Tires should be maintained regularly and checked for leaks, wear, and any possible hazards.

3) Incorrect matching of rims and tires. Rims and tires on Florida trucks need to match. If an incorrectly fitted tire is forced on a smaller rim or a larger rim, the tire will usually be over-inflate to “make it fit” and this over-inflation can cause the tire to explode under pressure.

4) Incorrect tires for the job. Large commercial Florida trucks can weigh 80 000 or more. They need tires that have been approved for these weight amounts.

5) Tire defects. Some manufacturers inadvertently create tires which have defects. Unfortunately, these tires are more likely to fail on Florida’s roads, because warm weather can actually cause all sorts of tire problems. When tire defects lead to accidents, the result can be tire blowouts. Evidence of these blowouts is seen all over Florida in the form of steel belting and shards of rubber on the roadways. Tire blowouts on Florida’s busy roads can cause serious secondary car accidents.

Truck rollover accidents in Florida are dramatic and generally make the evening news. When a truck rolls over on a Florida road or highway, the results are often catastrophic. A rollover can lead to secondary car accidents as cars and other vehicles try to swerve out of the way of an out-of-control truck. As the truck rolls, it can also crush other vehicles and even bystanders in the way. Even the truck driver is at risk, since the cab is not always stable enough to prevent serious injuries to the driver.

Since a fully loaded commercial truck in Florida can weigh 80 000 pounds or more, when a truck of this size rolls over, it can cause serious damage. The truck can rip up the roads, potentially causing other car accidents due to bad road conditions on the same stretch of Florida roadway. The truck’s load can also ignite or spill, potentially causing burn injuries.

In 2008 alone, 263 people were killed in truck accidents in Florida alone. That same year, the National Highway Transportation Safety Association's National Center for Statistics and Analysis reported that 6.6% of all fatal large truck accidents across the country occurred in Florida. Florida rollovers accounted for some of these accidents. There are many ways that truck rollovers can occur:

1) Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks. Incorrectly loaded trucks can make trucks top-heavy, which can make the trucks easier to tip over. Overloaded trucks may also have a high center of gravity, which can make them more prone to rollovers.

2) Speeding. When truck drivers speed, especially on turns, trucks are more prone to rollovers. This is because when a turn is made at high speeds, the truck will tilt slightly. If the truck is also overloaded, the truck can easily rollover.

3) Drunk driving or fatigued driving. When a driver is distracted, tired, or inebriated, he or she may drift off the road. When this happens, the driver may drive onto a soft shoulder or into a ditch, which cannot support the truck and which then causes the truck to rollover.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regularly publishes and updates a “most wanted list,” or a list of the most needed actions to keep our roads safer. Many of these “most wanted” actions deal with not only passenger vehicles and drivers, but also with truck drivers. The NTSB regularly updates not only the list, but ranks the progress being made for each item. Currently, items on the NTSB most wanted list include:

1) Prohibiting commercial drivers from using a cellular telephone while behind the wheel. According to the NTSB, progress on this front is “slow.”

2) Requiring electronic onboard data recorders on commercial trucks and vehicles. These recorders are designed to help provide accurate information about driver hours of service as well as carrier records. Many experts believe that these devices would help significantly reduce the instances of driver log book fraud which currently lead to fatigued drivers and truck and car accidents in Florida and across the country. According to the NTSB, progress on this front is “unacceptable.” Although the technology has been in place for some time, most carriers still prefer driver log books over the more accurate system.

3) Improving the safety of motor carriers by targeting unsafe carriers. The NTSB has been recommending stricter measures against trucking companies and motor carriers who put unsafe vehicles or untrained drivers on the roads. However, the NTSB has concluded that progress in this area has been “unacceptable.” Both the NTSB and experts agree that too many trucking companies with unsafe safety records are allowed to continue operations.

4) Preventing medically unsafe commercial drivers from getting behind the wheel. The NTSB has several recommendations in this area. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, safety could be enhanced if there was a comprehensive medical oversight program in place for interstate commercial drivers. The NTSB also recommends medical certificate applications for all commercial drivers and improved tracking for these applications. Further, the NTSB recommends better training for examiners and a better system of medical problem reporting. Finally, the NTSB recommends a better system for tracking down and cracking down on invalid medical certificates for commercial drivers. The NTSB reports that currently progress on these goals has been “slow.”

5) Using enhanced vehicle safety technology. The NTSB advocates the use of collision warning systems, adaptive cruise control, and other enhanced vehicle safety technologies, especially for commercial drivers. However, the NTSB reports that use of such systems is proceeding at a “slow” pace.