Florida
Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

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" »

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 " »

Commercial truck drivers are not allowed to text and drive or use cellphones while driving. However, the National Transportation Board is calling for a far more wide-spread ban – one that would ban all drivers in all states from using portable electronic devices in all but emergencies. The ban would include hands-free devices as well. While many people believe that such a ban would help prevent Miami car accident, there are also at least a few reasons why it would help prevent truck accidents as well:

1) Truck drivers are not the only ones who cause Miami truck accidents. In many cases, distracted drivers of passenger cars cause accidents because they are not paying attention to the road. By banning electronic devices for all motorists, there is a chance that there will be fewer distracted drivers overall, potentially decreasing Miami traffic accidents – including truck accidents.

2) Light truck drivers and non-commercial truck drivers are still allowed to text and drive in Florida – even though these drivers can still cause deadly accidents. In 2010, a driver in Missouri sent 11 texts in 11 minutes, causing a highway pileup that injured 38 people and killed two.

3) The problem is not going away. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has said that the situation with distracted driving is getting worse, with about 50% of drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 admitting to texting or emailing which driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one in about 1000 motorists at any given moment in 2010 was using a mobile device to surf the Internet, email, text, or engage in some other distracting activity. This represents a 50% increase in these activities compared to the last year.

4) Banning only some drivers from texting and driving is sending the wrong message. To send the message that texting and distracted driving is deadly, all motorists need to be banned from using mobile devices. Just banning commercial drivers makes it seem as though distracted driving is not allowed for commercial truck drivers, but is fine for everyone else.

5) The evidence of the danger is compelling. There is no longer any doubt that distracted driving kills. Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other experts and organizations attest to the dangers. Just as DUI was once legislated to prevent Miami drunk driving accidents and drunk driving accidents across the US, more needs to be done to prevent distracted driving accidents.

Of course, more needs to be done than just enacting laws. The NTSB has stressed that laws need to be enforced. Missouri already has a law which prevents drivers under the age of 21 from texting and driving, but in the 2010 Missouri accident, the 19-year-old driver continued to send texts and was not apprehended by anyone. Many authorities now automatically ask for texting and cellphone records to be preserved when they investigate an accident, so that they can determine whether distracted driving was a factor in an accident. However, more can be done to prevent distracted driving accidents in the first place.

Continue reading "Would a Universal Ban on Cellphone Use Prevent More Miami Truck Accidents?" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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" »

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?" »

Today, millions of Americans use social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and other sites. Usually, these sites are a harmless way to stay in touch with friends and a fun way to share photos and ideas. However, if you have been in a Miami truck accident and have sustained injuries, your social networking activities can be harmful in a number of ways:

1) You never know who is reading. Insurance carriers and attorneys frequently use private investigators to look into the legitimacy of insurance claims. Private detectives increasingly use social networking sites to check up claimants. If you claim to be very injured but your blog or Twitter account shows you traveling, this could harm your claim. In some cases, private investigators will even befriend you on social networking sites to get more information. It is important to keep in mind that anything you post on a social media site is very public.

2) Innocuous comments and pictures may be skewed. You don’t have to write or post anything very suspicious on your social networking site for the site to impact your claim. In many cases, quite innocent photos and comments may be skewed to make your claim seem suspect. For example, if a friend shows up at your home after you are injured by a Miami car accident to cheer you up, those photos on a social networking site can make it appear as though you are throwing a party while claiming to be injured.

3) Social networking sites go back a long time. Many Internet users do not realize that virtually anything posted online is archived – for a long time. Posts that you made years ago about other injuries or other claims may be a boon to an insurance company now. This is another reason to be very honest with your insurance

4) You cannot control what others post on your site. While you may be cautious about what you post on your social networking sites, your friends and family may be posting comments and photos which could harm your case or which can be skewed to harm your case.

If you have sustained injuries in a Miami traffic accident, it is important to be aware of your online profile and your online participation in social media sites, even if you use a pseudonym or anonymous user name online. If you have a social networking presence, you may want to discuss this with your Miami truck accident attorney. Your attorney may ask you to refrain from posting anything on your social media sites while your case is pending or may give you some advice about what you should and should not be posting. Make sure that you follow these guidelines to the letter.

Whether you are online or not, if you have sustained injuries in a Miami truck accident, you will need a qualified Miami personal injury attorney with experience in these types of cases. A qualified attorney can negotiate with insurance carriers in your behalf, can investigate the causes of the accident and can pursue all liable parties so that you get the fairest compensation possible for lost income, medical bills, and other costs related to your injury.

Continue reading "Can Your Twitter and Facebook Page Harm Your Miami Truck Accident Case?" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miami tire failures and tire problems leads to many Miami truck accidents, as well as accidents involving light trucks, SUVs, and cars. Keeping your tires in great condition can be an easy way to help prevent truck accidents on Miami roads. Correctly maintained tires help you control your car or truck more efficiently, making it less likely that you will be in an accident. Correctly maintained tires are also less likely to have you slipping or rolling over. There are many ways that you can help ensure that tire pressure and tire treads are correct for your driving conditions:

1) Walk around the truck before you hop in. A visual inspection is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to ensure that you don't have a flat tire or an underinflated tire. Simply walking around your truck before hopping in each time can help you to notice and correct any problems before they have a chance to cause a Miami traffic accident.

2) Keep a tire pressure gauge in the truck and check tire pressure often. Accurate tire pressure gauges are inexpensive and highly portable. They can fit in your glove compartment or even on your key ring. There's no excuse for not having a tire pressure gauge. It is important to use your tire pressure gauge frequently, at least once a week. Unfortunately, visual inspections alone are often not enough to tell you whether a tire is underinflated or overinflated. Underinflated tires can make it harder for you to control your truck and can make it easier for your truck to go into a slide and then roll over. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, are more likely to fail or burst. A tire pressure gauge is an inexpensive and not very time-consuming way to ensure that your tires are properly inflated and less likely to cause an accident.

3) Check the age of your tires. Tires that are several years old are more likely to suffer tire failure. The rubber material tires are made from simply disintegrates with time. Therefore, even if your truck has newer tires, you face the risk of tire failure if those tires have been sitting in a warehouse for a number of years. The serial numbers on your tires and a quick call to the tire manufacturer can easily tell you when the tires were manufactured.

4) At least once a month, review the overall condition of your tires. Once a week is even better. Look for signs of wear and any uneven wear. You may need to replace your tires more often than you realize if they are no longer safe for the road.

5) Check tire pressure limits and load limits for your truck. Be scrupulous about following these limits. Exceeding the load limits for your truck can increase the chances of Miami truck tire failure. Not following tire pressure limits also places excess pressure on your tires and can make it more likely that you will be in a serious accident.

Continue reading "Checking Tire Pressure Can Help Save Lives and Stop 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 " »

Many motorists in Homestead, Florida decide to purchase pickup trucks for convenience, business, or just because trucks can be fun. Pickup trucks are not subject to the same restrictions as commercial big rigs and tractor-trailers. However, they can still be quite dangerous for number of reasons:

1) Passengers. Many pickup trucks do not have extensive room for passengers, so that people are often tempted to ride in the bed of the pickup truck. Under Florida law, minors are not allowed to ride in the back of the pickup truck without age appropriate safety restraints. Those over 18 are allowed to ride in the bed of a pickup truck, but should be aware that there are additional risks to driving this way. If the truck driver has to brake suddenly, anyone who is in the pickup truck bed without proper safety belt belts will likely be thrown forward violently. This can easily lead to serious back injuries, head injuries, and even broken bones.

2) Load problems. Many people choose to get pickup trucks in order to carry materials, furniture, and other large items. While this is certainly an advantage of pickup trucks, it can also be a hazard. If you're going to be transporting anything in your pickup truck, it is your responsibility to ensure that the load is correctly secured and is not placing too much of a strain on your tires. If you overload your pickup truck, you could experience a tire blowout, brake malfunction, or other serious problem that can lead to a Homestead truck accident. You also need to ensure that your load is correctly secured so that it does not fly out into lanes of traffic, causing a danger for other drivers.

3) Blind spots. Trucks do have more blind spots than the average passenger vehicle. Truck drivers who drive this type of vehicle need to be aware of the blind spots and need to check them carefully before backing up, turning, or changing lanes. Unfortunately, many Homestead car accidents occur simply because drivers do not take the time to check their blind spots.

4) Driving issues. Pickup trucks handle differently than passenger cars and may take longer to break as well. New drivers, especially, need to give themselves time to get used to the larger vehicle.

Being in a Homestead traffic accident is devastating, and in many cases you can avoid an accident with some precautions. Being aware of the dangers of pickup trucks at taking steps to minimize the risks can ensure that you can enjoy your truck while staying safe.

Continue reading "Pick-up Truck Accidents in Homestead" »

Miami drivers share the roads with bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and all sorts of vehicles – including large commercial trucks. Commercial trucks can weigh 80 000 pounds when fully loads and most passenger vehicles do not stand a chance against a vehicle of that size. Each year, Miami car accidents involving trucks cause fatalities as well as serious injuries. Do not become part of that statistic. Learn how to drive safe around trucks:

1) Avoid a truck’s blind spots. Truck drivers can only see so much around the vehicle, so if you are following immediately behind a truck or are driving along the side of a truck, the truck driver cannot see you. In fact, any time that you cannot see the truck driver in the driver’s mirrors, he or she cannot see you. This means that he can swipe your vehicle or back up into you if you are driving too close.

2) Give a truck extra space when traveling behind a truck. Again, a truck driver cannot see you if you are directly behind the truck. Leaving an extra space ensures that the truck can see you. As well, if the truck has to stop suddenly – and many delivery trucks and other commercial trucks make frequent stops – you will have enough time to stop. If the truck needs to back up suddenly, that extra space can ensure that your vehicle is not hit.

3) If a truck is following too close behind you, get out of the way. When you can move over so that they can pass. Trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles, so a truck tailgating you is a significant problem. If the truck driver needs to stop suddenly, he or she will rear end you if there is not enough room between vehicles.

4) Make lane changes carefully when sharing the road with trucks. Changing lanes rapidly is a risk, because trucks do not respond as quickly as passenger vehicles. When sharing the road with trucks, leave lots of space, use your signal lights well ahead of time, and avoid making sudden moves.

5) Do not engage an aggressive truck driver. While most truck drivers have extensive training and do their best to drive safely, any aggressive truck drivers can be an especial menace. You do not have a chance against an 80 000 pound commercial truck. If you see a truck driver behaving or driving erratically or dangerously, get out of the way and to safety. Then call authorities.

Unfortunately, even if you share the road safely, negligence or recklessness on the part of other drivers or on the part of truck drivers can make the road unsafe for you. If you are injured in a Miami truck accident, get immediate medical help and then call a qualified Miami personal injury attorney. The medical and financial outcomes of a truck accident can be devastating, and you deserve legal advice as well as support as you pursue a fair outcome.

Continue reading "How Miami Drivers Can Stay Safe When Sharing the Road with Large Trucks " »

A new initiative from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles could help prevent Homestead truck accidents – as well as traffic accidents throughout Florida. If you live in Homestead or anywhere in South Florida and own a truck, consider these safety tips to drive safely:

1) Keep an eye on your vehicle and yourself. While all drivers on the road have a responsibility to keep other motorists safe, truckers have an especial responsibility as their vehicles can cause even more damage in a Homestead car accident. Ensure that your truck is maintained regularly and responds as needed to help you avoid collisions. As well, ensure that you are in good physical shape to drive. Being well-rested, calm, and fit ensures that you can put your whole focus on the road.

2) Stay distraction-free. Distracted driving is a danger for all motorists, but light trucks have more blind spots, so drivers of these vehicles need to concentrate even harder on the roadway to stay safe.

3) Watch your no-zones. Be aware that your larger truck has more blind spots, and check your blind spots more often. Do not count on other motorists to stay out of your blind spots – many drivers are not aware of how many blind spots trucks have.

4) Drive sober. Homestead drunk driving accidents claim far too many lives. Never drive under the influence, and be sure to check over the counter and prescription medications for side effects; anything that may cause drowsiness is unsafe to use.

5) Leave lots of room. Trucks have more height and are therefore at an advantage when braking. Nevertheless, leave plenty of room for the car in front of you. If the motorist in front of you needs to brake suddenly, the extra room can help you avoid a rear-end collision.

6) Use caution in construction and work zones. Follow signs and slow down. Leave yourself extra room; with the blind spots on a light truck, you may need the extra cushion space.

7) Stay aware of road conditions. Check conditions before you leave, so that you can anticipate problems and hazards. If you see any problems on the roads, report the problem when you can. It is free to do so from your mobile device if you dial *FHP (that is,*347).

8) Give smaller vehicles plenty of room. Homestead bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents are often fatal, especially when trucks are involved. Give pedestrians and bikers extra room, and be aware that riders and walkers can move and maneuver more easily than a truck. An extra cushion of room protects you and gives you a chance to maneuver if a rider or pedestrian makes a move that is unexpected.

Continue reading "Truck Tips from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles" »

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?" »

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" »

Florida truck accidents can be one of the most expensive accidents on the roads. In many cases, insurance carriers cover only the immediate costs of the accident, but victims often face numerous costs and expenses, including:

1) The cost of car repair or replacement. After a Florida car accident or truck accident, you will need to replace or repair your vehicle. Due to the size of a truck, the most likely scenario is that your car will be beyond repair. If you have a car loan or are making car payments, you will also need to cover these costs, even if the vehicle is no longer functional.

2) Lost income. Recovering from a Florida truck accident can take months or years. If you cannot work during this time, you will need to replace lost income. If you have a permanent injury, you may need to replace a lifetime of income or you may need to take on a lower-paying job and make up for the difference in income.

3) Medical costs. The medical costs after a truck accident can be staggering. Since injuries in a truck accident are more likely to be serious, patients can expect long hospital stays and long treatments, which can add up quickly. Someone who has sustained serious injuries in a truck accident can end up paying hundreds of thousands of dollars a year for treatment. Medical costs can include hospital stays, surgery, home care, medication, rehabilitation, doctor visits, and more.

4) Secondary medical costs. In addition to the immediate medical costs, there are often secondary medical costs as well. For example, you may need to pay for a taxi to get to a doctor's appointment or you may need to buy medical devices and equipment, such as crutches or supports. Over months and years, these costs can really add up.

5) Transportation costs. If you are severely injured, you may not be able to drive for some time after your accident. This will mean that you will need to pay for taxis or other forms of transportation as you heal.

6) Alternative care. Many truck accident victims are in severe pain after their accident, and, unfortunately, medical science cannot always help chronic pain patients. Many patients turn to alternative or holistic treatments to supplement medical care and increase the chances of healing. Unfortunately, these costs are usually not covered by insurance, even if the treatments are truly necessary for a patient to help manage severe pain.

7) Accessibility costs. After an accident, a Florida spinal cord injury patient or brain injury patient may have decreased mobility. He or she may need a wheel chair, a wheel chair ramp at home, an accessible vehicle, and other accessibly features for their home. These can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

8) Property damage considerations. Anything in your car at the time of the accident, including digital cameras, jewelry, cell phones, work laptop, mobile devices, and other items, is likely to be damaged in the accident. You will likely need to replace these items, which can also be a substantial investment.

Continue reading "A Florida Truck Accident May Cost More Than You Think" »

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Florida Side Impact Truck Accidents" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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" »

Each year in the US, 1500 people are killed in hit and run accidents. According to the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety, 18% of victims are pedestrians. In some situations, the hit-and-run offenders are especially blatant, sometimes stepping out of the vehicle in order to move aside and injured pedestrian or victim before speeding off away from the scene of the crime.

There are strict laws in place that require anyone who has been in a car accident to assist any injured party and to exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved in the collision. Failure to do this can result in serious charges. In cases where a Florida hit-and-run accident has taken place, police usually earmark considerable resources to find the offender, and in many cases the offender is eventually caught with public assistance. Once caught, the hit-and-run driver faces numerous additional charges in addition to causing the crash.

Hit and run accidents are especially cruel because they often deny the victim of needed assistance. For example, in a Florida pedestrian accident caused by a Florida hit-and-run driver, the victim may not get help in time if the driver simply speeds off instead of staying to offer assistance or staying in order to call emergency personnel. The delay can be fatal if the victim has sustained a serious brain injury or other life-threatening injury. A hit-and-run driver who simply drives away from the scene of a crime also often makes it harder for the victim to get adequate compensation and insurance money in order to pay for medical costs and other expenses related to the accident.

Much has been written about the psychology of hit and run drivers. Some studies have shown that some drivers speed off away from the scene of a crime because they panic or because they're afraid of facing the consequences of their actions. In other cases, hit and run drivers drive away because they have criminal records, no insurance, or otherwise do not wish to interact with police for some reason. In any event driving away from the scene of an accident is a crime.

If you have been in a hit and run accident, you can pursue criminal charges as well as civil charges. Florida law is very strict about hit and run accidents. If you have been injured by a driver who speeds away, you can seek compensation for your damages. However, you will first need to locate the hit-and-run driver and gather strong evidence against him or her. This is where a Florida truck accident attorney can help. A good Florida accident attorney can investigate your accident, can gather evidence, and can present a case in court so that you get the compensation you may be fully entitled to under the law.

Continue reading "Hit and Run Florida Truck and Car Accidents " »

Florida truck accidents are one cause of brain injuries – and brain injuries are a serious problem across the country. According to statistics, one million people seek medical attention in the US every year due to a head injury. Up to 100 000 of these patients have severe and prolonged problems that will affect their lives for a long time. In Florida car accidents and truck accidents, there are a number of ways that the brain can be injured:

1) Bleeding. Even with a low-speed and low impact accident, a collision causes a person's brain to impact against the hard skull. This can occur even if the person does not hit their head on a hard surface. The soft tissue of the brain is pushed violently against the skull, possibly tearing blood vessels and releasing blood into the brain. Since there is no room for the blood, the blood can press against brain tissue, causing areas of the brain to cease working correctly. Critical areas of the brain can be affected, affecting the heart or breathing. One of the most insidious things about this type of injury is that it does not present symptoms right away. A Florida brain injury patient may feel fine after their accident or may assume that they are uninjured because their head did not hit any hard object. However, within hours or minutes, symptoms can manifest rapidly. If the patient does not get help in time, death often occurs.

2) Bruising. Just as with bleeding, this type of injury can occur in a Florida truck accident, even if there is no impact. When the head is whipped back and forth during a truck collision, the brain tissue impacts against the skull, and this can cause bruising to take place. In fact, if the head is thrown back and forth, the Florida brain injury patient may have two bruises – one where the brain impacts the front of the skull and one bruise where the brain tissue impacts against the back of the skull. This is known as a "contra coup" brain injury. As with bleeding, bruising can injure critical areas of the brain.

3) Tearing. The impact of a Florida truck accident can cause tears in the tissues of the brain, especially if the head impacts with a hard object. This can disrupt signals in the brain, leading to serious and permanent injuries or fatalities. Tearing can also be difficult to diagnose, as this type of injury often takes place on a microscopic level. Even CT Scans and MRIs may not necessarily be able to detect small tears in the brain, even though these tears can have a significant impact on a Florida brain injury patient's life for a lifetime.

4) Swelling. If the brain is bruised or injured, it can swell, just like any injured part of the body. Unfortunately, since the brain is encased in the skull, there is no room for swelling. Swelling of brain tissue can create a life-threatening emergency, since the brain tissue will eventually push up against the skull, building pressure and destroying vital areas of the brain. Doctors can install an IC or intra-cranial pressure monitor to relieve pressure caused by swelling.

5) Open injuries. Swelling, bruising, and bleeding are closed-head injuries. They occur even if the skull itself is protected. In some Florida truck accidents, however, the impact is great enough to fracture the skull. With the skull fractured, objects can become imbedded in brain tissue and the tissue can become damaged because the skull is no longer protecting the area.

Continue reading "How The Brain Can be Hurt in a Florida Truck Accident " »

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?" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New research and statistics from the Department for Transport in the UK suggests that red-light cameras have not improved accident rates in that region of the world, but have helped cities secure speeding fines. A camera installed in Oxfordshire saw ten fatalities and five car accidents between 1997 and 2002. Before 1997, when the camera was installed, the same intersection had not seen any fatalities or car accidents for five years. In 2009, that camera caught over 3600 drivers exceeding the speed limit. In 1997, another red-light camera was installed at an intersection in Cambridgeshire after the intersection saw five minor collisions. In 2010, that same intersection saw two serious injuries and five smaller injuries as well as 1027 drivers exceeding the speed limit. Of 89 red-light cameras installed in Humberside, 19 of those cameras saw an increase fatal pedestrian accidents after the cameras were installed.

The statistics – and others like them, published in the US, shed concerns about red-light cameras and their use in the US. Red-light camera companies and advocates of the cameras claim that the cameras can help reduce Florida truck accidents and car accidents by forcing drivers to slow down. The cameras are installed on intersections and can automatically capture anyone exceeding the speed limit. Some cameras also capture other traffic violations, such as running red lights or making illegal turns. When the cameras capture a violation, they can determine the driver responsible from the license plate number. The driver is then sent a ticket, with the time, date, and location of the alleged violation.

Red-light cameras have hit other speed bumps in the US, however. Some states have questioned the very legality of the system because the tickets are sent automatically whereas in many states traffic tickets must be written up by police officers or must be served by process servers. In some cases, drivers have successfully been able to argue their case in court in order to have their tickets dismissed. Others have simply ignored their tickets and have left it up to red-light camera companies to pursue payment.

The real concern, however, is whether red-light cameras can really help prevent Florida car accidents and traffic crashes. Advocates of the cameras claim that the cameras are ever-present and so discourage drivers from violating rules because drivers know that they will get caught automatically. As well, advocates of the cameras claim that red light cameras have been proven to reduce car accidents. Indeed, some US-based studies have suggested that red light cameras can reduce traffic violations at an intersection. As well, red light cameras can theoretically help free up law enforcement professionals and resources for more serious concerns. Opponents suggest that the cameras are a cash-grab for cities who want to increase revenues with traffic tickets.

Continue reading "Could Red-Light Cameras Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents?" »

If you drive a passenger vehicle, your car stands no chance against a large tractor trailer in a collision. Each year, many lives are lost due to Florida truck accidents, but there are things you can do to help protect yourself and your loved ones, according to law enforcement and other experts:

1) Stay alert to existing Florida car accidents and truck accidents. Listen to the radio or check the traffic reports before leaving home, so that you can avoid congested areas and accident sites – which have higher risks of accidents. The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) has even launched a new Florida 511 iPhone application as a free download on iTunes. The app provides free real-time traffic information for Florida's major roadways and can be used with GPS to help drivers keep track of accidents near their current location.

2) Keep your car in good condition. When your car is well-maintained, it handles more reliably, allowing you to get out of dangerous situations. Check your car's owner manual to determine what basic maintenance your vehicle needs and then schedule the needed maintenance.

3) Avoid distracted driving. You cannot drive near trucks safely if you are texting or talking on the phone while driving. Trucks take longer to stop and may make unexpected stops. You need to be alert, and that means putting your mobile devices away while you are on the road. Avoid other distractions, too. Changing CDs in your car, having animated conversations with passengers, or eating while driving can all be fatal mistakes.

4) Drive sober – and well rested. Both fatigued driving and drunk driving affect your motor skills and your response times. To prevent a truck accident, you may need to act fast, and you cannot do that if you are not at your best. Florida drunk driving accidents and accidents caused by fatigued drivers are very preventable, so work to prevent these accidents from happening to you.

5) Get some good coaching. If you have had more than one or two near-accidents or Florida car accidents in the past year, it is a good idea to get some additional driver training. Most drivers believe that their driver education ends when they get their license, but in fact the world's best drivers – including race car drivers and stunt car drivers – get continuing education to improve their skills. If you need to, consider a refresher course, a racing school course, or defensive driving course. In some cases, you may even be able to enjoy a car insurance discount as you enjoy safer driving.

6) Make provisions for commercial trucks. Driving near other passenger vehicles is not the same as driving near large commercial trucks. Large trucks require more room, and it is important to ensure that truck drivers can see you. Learn to respect the larger vehicles on the road and you will keep yourself and your loved ones safer.

Continue reading "Expert Tips for Preventing Florida Truck Accidents" »

Florida truck accidents and car accidents are two of the most common causes for personal injuries. Unfortunately, due to the size and force of trucks, truck accidents in the state tend to lead to especially severe injuries. If you have been in a Florida traffic accident, your first aim should be to get medical attention. Some patients – including Florida brain injury patients – need immediate medical attention to prevent complications and to increase the chances of survival. However, if you do not need medical attention, you should gather some information at the scene of the accident. Among the items of information to gather are:

Information about the other truck or car and driver. Gather, if you can, the name, driver's license number, address, and phone number of the driver. As well, write down the make and type of truck or car, as well as the car year and license number. In the event of a commercial truck, write down the location where the truck came from and the truck carrier or the owner of the truck as well. If the other driver makes a statement or seems impaired, note this. As well, write down any details of the passengers in the other car or truck. This should include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all passengers in the other car or truck. Finally, write down the insurance information for the other driver. You will need to reciprocate and share the same information with the other driver involved in the accident.

Information about any witnesses on the scene. Take down names, phone numbers, and addresses of anyone who saw the accident. Their testimony may be very important if you need to take legal action.

Information about any wrecker services used. Write down the tow services or wrecker services used for your car or any car or truck involved in the accident. Write down the name of two truck operator and the name of the service, if possible.

Any details about the conditions of the accident. Write down the location, time, and date of the accident, as well as any pertinent conditions regarding weather, lighting, road conditions, traffic conditions, visual obstructions, and anything else which may have contributed to the accident. If there are specific weather conditions or other conditions which may have contributed to the accident, you may want to take photos at the scene, if you have a camera handy.

Other details about the conditions and aftermath of the accident. Note the speed at which you were going, and any traffic controls in the area. If someone is cited to be at fault, note the details, including the reason given. Note who was wearing seatbelts and who was not, as well as the direction each car was traveling. Note the location of the impact and the damage done to the car as well as any damage done to the street or landmarks in the area.

It is always better to take down more details than fewer. If you are in doubt, write in down, as you will start to forget details soon after your accident. If you have been taken to hospital, you can jot down a few details while waiting for tests. However, focus on your health first. If you cannot get details of the accident because you are rushed to the hospital, don’t worry: law enforcement will get the details of the accident. If you decide to pursue legal action, a Florida personal injury attorney can work with private investigators and accident reconstruction professionals to determine the details of the crash. However, since evidence only lasts for so long, it is important to contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible after your accident.

Continue reading "What to Take Down After a Florida Truck Accident " »

Many states – including Nevada, recently – have bans prohibiting hand held cell phone use or texting while driving. No state has a blanket ban on mobile devices, so even the stricter states allow the use of hands-free mobile devices. In many cases, these devices have features which allow users to dial numbers and even send and receive text messages without taking their eyes off the road. The idea behind these devices is that they are safer because they do not require drivers to look down to check messages or dial a number, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road. Currently, Florida has no bans on cell phone use or texting while driving, even though a number of attempts have been made to pass this type of legislation.

While a number of experts and residents believe that Florida should follow the lead of other states and pass cell phone bans and texting bans for drivers, new studies by the Governors Highway Safety Association cast doubt on the idea that such bans could help reduce Florida car accidents and truck accidents. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, cell phone bans do not necessarily reduce the number of traffic collisions. While numerous studies – including the Governors Highway Safety Association research – show that distracted drivers are more at risk of accidents than non-distracted drivers, the new study does not show a clear correlation between the use of hands-free devices and lower car accident and truck accident rates.

The Governors Highway Safety Association research examines nine states that have instituted a cell phone ban. Researchers found that drivers are distracted by many things – up to half of their driving time. However, researchers in the study also found that drivers adapt to the use of the phone and pay more attention to the road. Another study, by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also found that states with hands-free and no texting legislation actually experienced an increase in the number of traffic crashes after their new legislation. According to experts, part of the problem is that after texting and cell phone bans, many drivers continue to take part in the risky behavior – but place their mobile devices in their lap so that they will not be caught and ticketed. With mobile devices in their laps, drivers spend more time with their eyes off the road – and are therefore more likely to cause a truck or car accident.

Currently, commercial truckers in Florida and across the US are prohibited from texting while driving. As well, truck drivers must adhere to a number of rules about hours of service and rest stops. Nevertheless, truck drivers are still sometimes involved in fatal Florida truck accidents because of texting and driving or cell phone use while driving. As well, while commercial trucks are banned from texting and driving, in Florida passenger vehicles are not subject to these same restrictions and drivers of these cars can and do cause serious traffic collisions.

Continue reading "Do Texting and Handheld Phone Bans Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents?" »

When trucks collide with passenger vehicles, everyone in the passenger vehicle is immediately at high risk of serious injury. In cases where children are in the passenger vehicle, the outcome can be even worse for them. Since trucks are so much larger than cars, the force of the impact is likely to leave passenger car victims with severe injuries. Since children are smaller, their injuries can easily become life-threatening.

As well, while car manufacturers create a number of safety systems for adult drivers and passengers – including safety belts and air bags – these same systems often cannot protect young children. Indeed, for very young children, air bags can pose a danger of head injuries while seat belts can lead to lacerations. Parents are expected to provide safety seats and age-appropriate child safety restraints for their children.

However, laws in Florida re quite lax when it comes to booster seats for children. In fact, only Arizona, Florida, and South Dakota do not have any booster seat requirements for young passengers, even though booster seats and other age-appropriate child safety restraints have been shown to decrease the risk of fatalities and injuries in young passengers in the event of a truck accident or car accident. While parents can – and often do – choose to get age-appropriate child safety restraints for their children, they are not required by law, in many cases, to do so.

Adults in Florida truck accidents often suffer from spinal cord injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, and other serious injuries. Each year, many adults die in truck accidents and traffic accidents. However, there are many things that can be done to help prevent child fatalities in such accidents. One of the most important things drivers can do is to ensure that all child passengers always use an age-appropriate child safety restraint.

Continue reading "Child Victims of 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" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Miami has proposed an ordinance which would require food trucks, which appear regularly at such events as the Biscayne Triangle Truck Round-Up, to get licenses and permits. The proposal, if successful, would charge food trucks $167 yearly and $50 one-time fee to pay for a background check. Currently, food trucks in the area do not need permits or checks to operate in the area. Although there are no statistics suggesting that food trucks contribute to Florida truck accidents, some have raised concerns:

1) The industry is less regulated than the commercial trucking industry. Commercial trucks are subject to many rules. Drivers are usually trained and must obey rules about hours of service and other laws. Food trucks, however, are less regulated, and the North Miami ordinance would at least require background checks on those operating the trucks.

2) The trucks congregate in parking lots. This has the potential to cause accidents as trucks back up or pull into the lot. There are no reports of such accidents, but some feel that the sheer numbers of food trucks could create such accidents.

3) The trucks usually require some form of fuel for food preparation. While most operators take precautions to ensure a safe work environment, some people point out that parking lots are a bad place to set up food trucks that include additional sources of fuel. Any fire in such a truck has the potential to cause a serious conflagration.

4) The trucks attract pedestrians. Some worry that the trucks could contribute to Florida pedestrian accidents because they attract large numbers of pedestrians. As well, since these trucks often set up shop near parking lots or in parking lots, the trucks can produce more pedestrian traffic in areas with many cars, creating a large risk for Florida car accidents.

Continue reading "North Miami Hopes to Reduce Florida Truck Accidents with Ordinance" »

Most Florida car accidents and truck accidents involve other vehicles, pedestrians, and inanimate objects such as telephone poles. However, in some cases, trucks and cars in Florida plow into homes. In many cases, these are Florida drunk driving accidents or accidents involving loss of control of the vehicle or a pedal error (such as when the driver mistakes the accelerator for the brake. Such an accident occurred in Cocoa, Florida in January and another took place in Palm Bay in May. Brevard County has in fact seen a few such accidents in 2011.

The results of these accidents can be devastating, especially when the vehicle involved is a truck. Due to the size and force of a truck, the truck can plow right into the house and tear down walls. Both the driver and the occupants of the home are likely to sustain serious injuries. There are many types of damages which typically occur in this type of Florida accident, including severe property damage and serious injuries. There are many reasons why such accidents result in such severe damages:

1) Many accidents involve high rates of speed. While there are no statistics concerning such crashes specifically, authorities have stated that such accidents occur fairly often and often do involve high speeds, since often the drivers are intoxicated or have hit the accelerator by mistake. The high speed causes the impact of the crash to be greater.

2) Walls are often torn down. In this type of accident, the sheer size and force of the vehicle is often enough to push down walls and barriers, crushing anyone behind the walls.

3) In many cases, there is structural damage to the home. This sort of collision can compromise the foundation or walls which are structurally important to the home. In some cases, the home cannot be salvaged or requires very extensive (and expensive) repairs.

4) The vehicle sustains serious damages. In many cases, the vehicle doing the damage is also seriously injured and the driver usually is killed or sustains serious injury.

5) The occupants of the home are typically not prepared. In a Florida car accident, victims may have only seconds to respond but may have at least a few seconds to try defensive driving. In a situation where a vehicle crashes into a home, there is typically no warning and occupants often have no time at all to get to safety.

6) There is a risk of fire. This type of collision can easily lead to a fire since the crash of the truck through walls can harm electrical wiring and gar lines and can also create sparks.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents Involving Homes" »

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accidents Involving Delivery Trucks" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Researcher Questions Truck Accident Data " »

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

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

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

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

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

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

Truck accidents claim thousands of lives in Florida each year. If you have lost a loved one in a Florida truck accident, the devastation can be very traumatic. The loneliness, hurt, and upset can take many years to heal. When a loss has been caused by a driver's negligence or recklessness, the loss can sometimes be even harder to accept.

If you have lost a loved one in a traffic accident, your immediate concern will likely be with arranging for memorial or funeral services. You will also need time to grieve and there will likely be estate issues to deal with as well. However, if the accident was caused by negligence or recklessness, you will also want to consult with an experienced Florida wrongful death attorney.

Waiting after an accident to file a claim reduces the chances of success, because important evidence will be lost and because there are statutes of limitations in these cases. Although it can be difficult to think of legal action at a time of grieving, it is important to at least consider all your options. A consultation with the Flaxman Law Group can help you understand your choices and can help you move forward.

Florida law allows you to recover for end-of-life costs, medical costs, and other related costs in cases of a fatal car or truck accident that was caused by negligence or recklessness. Pursuing the claim you may be entitled to under the law can help protect your family and can leave you with some financial security as you work to heal. The Flaxman Law Group is compassionate and has worked with many grieving families in Coral Gables, Miami, and throughout South Florida. We take care of all the details, so that you can focus on healing.

It can be a difficult decision to contact an attorney after a devastating loss, but it can be an important part of the healing process. A Florida personal injury attorney can investigate the accident to provide you with some answers and some peace of mind. A good attorney can also pursue your case and in some cases can even help save other families from such a loss. If the accident which caused your loved one was a Florida drunk driving accident or was caused by dangerous driving, legal action can ensure that those involved are held responsible. In some cases, legal action can bring about changes that can help prevent further tragedies.

Continue reading "Losing Someone in a Florida Truck Accident" »

Florida truck accidents have an immediate and physical result. Drivers see the incredible physical devastation these accidents cause every day on the roadways, and emergency rooms and hospitals in Florida are filled with patients experiencing the immediate physical effects of burn injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries caused by truck accidents. However, there are also emotional and financial outcomes of truck accidents, which, although less immediately obvious, are no less devastating to victims.

Victims of Florida car accidents and truck accidents often find that once they are discharged from the hospital, the financial realities of their situation become very evident. Most victims of truck accidents in Florida are not able to return to work immediately; some have permanent injuries which ensure that they are never able to return to work. Therefore, these patients find that their source of income disappears at about the same time as substantial medical bills start arriving from the hospital and from doctors.

Treatment for Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other common injuries caused by truck accidents, can easily total tens of thousands of dollars a year. Many patients find that their insurance providers are reluctant to pay the substantial bills outright. At the same time, the usual bills, such as the mortgage and the credit card bills, continue to arrive, adding to the financial stress and the upset of the patient who is still trying to recover from the physical trauma of the accident.

The terror caused by the accident and the injuries, coupled with the financial strain of the accident, often causes emotional repercussions. Many individuals who have been in a Florida truck accident report disrupted sleep, mood swings, an altered appetite, depression, anger, and other signs of stress and trauma. However, in some cases insurance companies are reluctant to pay for therapy or counseling.

Luckily, there are provisions in Florida law which can help victims of truck accidents. If you have been in a truck accident in Florida, contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney. A good attorney can investigate the case for you, negotiate with insurance providers and even pursue the case through the court system to ensure that you get the support you need to focus on healing.

Continue reading "The Emotional and Financial Realities of Florida Truck Accidents" »

Many Florida brain injury patients sustain their injury in truck accidents and traffic accidents on Florida roads. Unfortunately, Florida truck accidents are more likely than other types of traffic accidents to lead to fatal and permanent brain injuries. The force of a large truck can effectively crush a passenger vehicle and the occupants inside, leading to devastating losses. Common brain injuries in Florida truck accidents include:

1) Whiplash. Whiplash can occur when the head and neck area is injured due to sudden, rapid movement. In a truck accident, this can often occur when a car collides with a truck and comes to an abrupt stop. Whiplash is hard to detect in MRIs and other scans, making it difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, this condition can also leave a patient unable to work and unable to resume everyday activities for months.

2) Traumatic brain injury. Brain injury can also occur when the brain pushes or slams up against the inside of the skull, usually in response to a head injury where the victim's head collides with a hard surface (such as a dashboard). When this happens, the brain may swell, bruise, or even bleed, potentially leading to brain damage. This type of injury may be permanent or may take years to heal. Some patients are unable to resume their jobs or everyday tasks. In some cases, such injuries are fatal.

3) Puncture injuries. In a truck accident, objects in a car can easily become airborne and can easily become lodged in the skull due to the impact of the crash. When an object punctures the skull, it typically causes widespread trauma which is often fatal. In cases where a patient survives this type of injury, the brain damage caused may be permanent.

If you have sustained a brain injury in a Florida truck accident, it is important to contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney. Brain injuries are hard to diagnose and difficult to treat. Florida brain injury patients often spend years and in some cases a lifetime trying to recover from their injuries. Good recovery requires considerable resources, as the treatment options for these types of injuries are expensive. A good attorney can help you pursue a settlement or compensation, so that you are able to afford the treatment options you deserve.

Continue reading "Brain Injuries and Truck Accidents" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "Driver Fatigue and Florida Truck Accidents " »

If you are sharing the road with trucks as a motorist, there are times when you may see unsafe drivers on the road operating large commercial trucks. Unsafe drivers can cause serious Florida truck accidents, but if you notice a driver who does not appear to be safe, there are several things you can do:

1) Learn to recognize the signs of an unsafe driver. Unsafe truck drivers speed, drive erratically, weave, or gesture and yell aggressively. They may drive past red lights or otherwise ignore traffic signals and signs or may make obvious mistakes on the road.

2) Get out of the way. Your first priority is to stay safe. That means remaining calm and getting plenty of distance from the truck. Avoid engaging the driver in any yelling or shouting or exchange of gestures; that can make an aggressive driver even more aggressive.

3) Get the details. If you have a passenger in the car with you, ask them to take down the details of the truck, such as the license plate number, any identifying details, the time and location, and a description of the truck driver. Do not get too close to the truck to get these details – they are not worth an accident. If there is no one in the car with you, pull over to write down the details.

4) Call police. If the driver is in imminent danger of causing an accident or if you believe that the driver is drunk, call police immediately; you may be helping to stop a Florida drunk driving accident. Reporting a dangerous driver can help ensure that others are not harmed by his or her recklessness.

5) Report the driver to the FMCSA. There are rules in place to keep unsafe drivers off the roads. You can call the Safety Violation Hotline, created by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), to report unsafe bus and truck drivers. The number is 1-888-368-7238. Many trucks also have the phone numbers of their carriers listed right on the truck. You can call the carrier to report an unsafe driver as well.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Truck Accidents: What to Do When You See an Unsafe Florida Truck Driver " »

In 2009, there were 3,163 people killed in truck accidents across the country. Overwhelmingly, the victims were either pedestrians or other motorists. Passengers of passenger vehicles accounted for 70% of these deaths and bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians accounted for 14% of these fatalities. Load problems – including loads that shift inside the truck or fall out of the truck – are a leading cause of truck accidents in Florida and across the country.

When loads are not secured or are too large or heavy for a truck, the truck is at a greater risk of rollovers. Too-large loads also put undue stress on the vehicle's brakes and tires, making tire blowouts and even brake failure more likely. A truck that has a too-heavy load or a load that is not correctly secured is more difficult for the driver to control and is therefore more likely to be in an accident. A regular commercial truck, for example, takes 40% more time to stop than a passenger car. When a truck is overburdened, it can take even longer to stop, making accidents harder to avoid.

There are several laws designed to help prevent Florida truck accidents caused by load issues. In 2002, for example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created new rules about securing loads. New rules require trucks to secure cargo in such a way that it does not shift so that it impedes the normal operation of the vehicle. When traveling on public roads, commercial trucks are also required to secure their cargo and loads so that the cargo does not fall, spill, or blow from the truck.

In addition, there are rules in place about the minimum number of tie-downs required to secure a cargo. These rules require that cargos which are no more than 1100 lb and 5 feet or less in length have at least one tie-down. Items up to ten feet require a minimum of two.

Commercial trucks are subject to strict weight limits and weigh stations across the US and Canada require all large trucks to stop and get weighed. Trucks above safe weight limits are subject to fines. As well, trucks carrying unsafe or dangerous cargo are subject to special requirements and limitations. In addition, in cases where a truck carrying a load or cargo that has been unsafely secured causes an accident, victims have the right to pursue legal action against the carrier, and even the driver of the vehicle.

Continue reading "Load Problems Can Lead to 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents in Florida " »

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.

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

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.

Continue reading "Florida Truck Accident Investigations " »

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.

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Florida truck accidents can cause many types of injuries, including brain injuries. Florida brain injuries caused by traffic accidents are especially tragic because they can literally change an entire life in just an instant. A serious brain injury can leave a patient with difficulty remembering, speaking, moving, and performing everyday tasks. Florida brain injuries are also a leading cause of death in traffic accidents.

Brain injuries in traffic accidents can be caused by a number of situations. When a car impacts with a truck, the passengers in the passenger car are generally thrown about. If the head comes into contact with any hard surface, the soft mass of the brain is thrown against the inside of the skull, causing damage as well as bruising. In some cases, the impact of the head is so hard that the surface of the skull actually cracks, causing injury to the brain. In other accidents, the skull is punctured by a sharp object during the accident, causing immense trauma to the brain inside.

Injuries to the brain can cause the brain to bleed, bruise, or swell, all of which can be life-threatening. When a Florida brain injury patient is rushed to the hospital after a truck accident, the first aim of emergency personnel is often to stabilize the patient as much as possible and to find out the extent of the brain injury. Scans are often used to determine where and how the brain has been injured. In cases where swelling is occurring, steps need to be taken to bring down the swelling in order to relieve pressure on the brain.

Long-term, a Florida brain injury patient may need rehabilitation in order to regain use of mobility, speech, and other necessary functions. In many cases, patients with severe brain injuries have suffered permanent injuries and may not return to work. They may always need help for everyday tasks such as getting dressed or getting prepared for their day. In such cases, counseling or some form of therapy is often required in order to help patients deal with the frustration of their new level of ability. In such cases, recovering from a brain injury is a lifelong process.

In less severe cases, Florida brain injury patients may eventually return to their everyday lives. They may, however, still need therapy and long-term care in order to deal with any aftereffects of their injury. In all cases, once a Florida brain injury patient has sustained an injury, any further concussions or injuries to the brain area may be more severe. Therefore, careful monitoring of any other head injury becomes very important.

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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.

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Every type of traffic accident is tragic, but perhaps few are as mismatched and as tragic as Florida pedestrian accidents involving trucks. When a truck hits a pedestrian, the pedestrian literally has no defenses available. There is often nothing between the truck and the pedestrian, meaning that fatality rates in these types of accidents are extremely high. In a passenger car, at least, the safety systems of the car as well as the metal and glass of the vehicle provide a layer of protection to the occupants inside.

What is even more tragic is that these pedestrian accidents often involve young children who simply cannot be seen by the truck driver. In many cases, young children are drawn to trucks and may play behind trucks or around trucks, where they are not visible. When the truck driver climbs into the cab, he or she may simply not see the child and either backup over them or drive over them. Children often do not notice -- the way an adult would -- the truck is about to move and may simply not be able to get away in time. It is one reason why it is imperative that parents teach their children to never play around trucks -- even trucks that are standing still.

Even for adult pedestrians, however, the outcome for Florida truck accidents is very tragic. Since trucks are on such high wheels, adults who are standing up at the time of impact are often hit along the upper body, where the chest and head can be crushed. Florida head injuries are especially common in this type of accidents, and are often fatal.

One frightening thing about such accidents is that they are hard to stop once they begin. The pedestrian pounding on a truck or yelling cannot be heard by a truck driver. Often, there is no time to simply leap out of the way. It is very difficult for the pedestrian to get the attention of a truck driver to prevent an imminent accident, simply because trucks have so many blind spots.

The good news is that such accidents are in fact preventable. Good warning systems on trucks can let pedestrians nearby know when a truck is backing up. This helps prevent rollovers. Newer truck may make use of computer technology and small cameras which allows them to see what is happening behind the truck. This can also help reduce some of the blind spots in the truck.

Continue reading "Florida Pedestrian Accidents Involving Trucks Are Tragic " »

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.

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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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US Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee) and Mark Pryor (D-Arkansas) are supporting proposed federal laws which would make it mandatory for most commercial tractor trailers to have electronic on-board data recorders installed on board. According to industry experts, this law, if passed, might help prevent truck accidents caused by fatigued drivers. The bill, known as the Commercial Driver Compliance Improvement Act, might go into effect in 36 months if passed.

Experts say that electronic data recorders might help prevent fatigued driving and the accidents caused by sleepy drivers because the devices would identify the driver, record the location of the truck in real time, and keep track of driving time as well as stop times. If a truck were pulled over, the devices would allow police to access the information.

Experts note that these features would help prevent accidents in a number of ways. The tamper-proof recorders could keep note of how long drivers were driving and would allow drivers to keep tabs on compliance with hours of service laws. By allowing police to access the data, recorders would also make enforcement of such laws simpler. Plus, in the event of a Florida truck accident or an accident anywhere, the information recorded would help establish liability, potentially.

According to at least one study, fatigued drivers may contribute to as many as one out of every seven fatal trucking accidents. There are currently about 500 000 trucking companies in the industry, and while implementing the recorders would be expensive for the industry, experts note that such recorders are the only reliable way to ensure that hours of service rules are being followed.

Currently, drivers are required to keep a log book of hours driven and hours rested, but these books rely on self-reporting, which has been proven to be fallible and easy to falsify. The recorders can also be useful in identifying which driver was in which truck at which time, something which can be useful for law enforcement and investigators after any Florida car accident involving a truck.

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If you have been in a Florida truck accident and do not appear to be seriously injured, you may think yourself lucky to walk away from an accident. It's true -- given the size difference between passenger vehicles and trucks, surviving any Florida car accident involving a truck is often a cause for celebration. However, many people who are fortunate enough to walk way from Florida truck accidents do not bother getting medical help. This can be an expensive and dangerous mistake.

The truth is, if you have been in a Florida truck accident you need to seek emergency medical help immediately. Even if you think that you are not injured, you may have sustained in internal injuries and other injuries which may not show up immediately. For example, injuries such as whiplash and some brain injuries may not present immediate symptoms. Nevertheless, brain injuries can the fatal if not treated, even if you seem fine at first. Seeking immediate medical help ensures that there is no problem that can endanger your life and your health.

Another excellent reason to visit a medical professional or emergency room after a Florida truck accident is to start the documentation process. If you do need to file a claim with your insurer or if you do find that you have been injured and didn't realize it, getting immediate help ensures that there is an emergency room file about your condition. This can help you file a claim later on if you decide to do so.

Unfortunately, many Florida truck accident victims find that they are left with the entire bill or much of the bill of their medical costs after an accident. Insurance companies do not usually rush to pay out the full claim in any accident. If they did so, they would lose money. As well, it can be difficult to prove an injury has occurred from a specific accident. Getting help immediately can save your life, and it can also help prove that any injure you have sustained was in fact caused by the accident.

Going to the emergency room may be frightening, it may cost money, and it could take some time. However, it can also help save your life and could help provide you with the documentation you need to pursue any claim. It is always better to be safe than sorry. When visiting the emergency room, it is also a good idea to get a copy of your medical file before you leave. Again, if you need this information to prove a claim, it will be handy to have this information at your fingertips.

Continue reading "If You Have Been in a Florida Truck Accident, You Need to Get Medical Help At Once – Here's Why " »

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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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.

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Florida truck accidents can cause spinal cord injuries. Often, this is caused when a car collides with a truck and the passengers of the passenger vehicle are thrown violently in the interior of the car. This can cause extreme trauma to the spinal cord. If an injury results, it can lead to paralysis, reduced motor skills, and related problems

Florida spinal cord injury patients who have sustained their injury in a traffic accident face a host of problems:

1) Physical issues. Recovery from a spinal cord injury is physically daunting. This type of injury can mean extreme pain as well as permanent injuries which affect a person's ability to live and work the way they did before their accident.

2) Emotional problems. Serious spinal cord injuries can cause frustration, anger, stress, grief, and a host of other problems. If the injuries are permanent, especially, it can be difficult to avoid depression. Patients with serious spinal cord injuries have higher rates of substance abuse and relationship problems than the general population, according to some studies.

3) Financial challenges. A permanent spinal cord injury can require millions of dollars to treat or manage, since patients often need rehabilitation, an income, renovations to make their homes accessible, and a lifetime of full-time care in many cases. In many cases, however, insurance only covers a small fraction of costs, leaving the patient with no income and high bills.

A good Florida personal injury attorney is often needed to get the best possible recovery for a patient. A good attorney can negotiate for a good settlement from all liable parties. This can help cover the best possible care as well as counseling and therapy, allowing a patient to live the fullest possible life after their accident.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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" »

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 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" »

While many elderly drivers can and do drive safely, elderly drivers do face some additional challenges when sharing the road with trucks. For example, many elderly drivers have medical conditions which can affect their driving. According to AARP, there are several things that elderly drivers can do to help prevent Florida truck accidents:

1) Maintain good communication with healthcare providers. Talk to your pharmacists about how your medication and over-the-counter medication can affect your driving. Visit your doctor and eye doctor regularly to maintain good health. If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, be sure to discuss with your physician how the diagnosis may impact everyday activities, such as driving.

2) Keep in mind that disabled parking spaces and truck zones are often in the same area. Many Florida car accidents occur because of this. In many cases, trucks must pull up very close to stores and businesses. At the same time, many businesses provide disabled parking spaces near their businesses. When reversing or parking, stay extra alert for trucks.

3) Take extra training. Refresher courses and courses intended for elderly drivers help you shape up your skills and can even mean discounts on your insurance costs. As well, refresher training helps you to adjust to changing traffic patterns, new legislation changes and road rules, and the changing driving environment.

4) Make sure that you and your car are ready for the road. Keep yourself in good physical condition and avoid driving if you feel unwell or if you doctor has told you to avoid driving. Keep you car in good shape so that it is ready to respond quickly if you need to avoid a collision. If you need special items or gadgets for your car to help you drive safely, get these as quickly as you can.

5) Get evaluated often. If you have had a serious health issue or if it has been some time since you have been evaluated for driving skills, talk to a driving instructor. Many instructors offer special evaluations for elderly drivers and those who have faced challenges. These evaluations can help you determine whether you can safely drive and can help you address any bad habits which can put you at risk of a Florida car accident.

Continue reading "How Elderly Drivers Can Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents" »

Florida pedestrian accidents involving trucks are usually tragic. Pedestrians have almost no protection against the sheer size and force of a large commercial truck and can often not get away quickly enough to prevent serious injury and fatality in a collision. Florida truck accidents involving pedestrians are especially prevalent near intersections, on worksites, and in parking lots. According to the FMCSA (The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), pedestrians can do their part to prevent these accidents by:

1) Making eye contact first. Pedestrians can be all but invisible to truck drivers and trucks have many blind spots. Never walk behind a truck, along the side of a truck, or cross in front of a truck until you make eye contact with the driver and get acknowledgment from the driver.

2) Staying in pedestrian-safe zones. Walking in crosswalks and on sidewalks is much safer than trying to walk on the road or trying to cross without a crosswalk. If you try to cross the street without a crosswalk, a car may be able to stop in time, but trucks take much longer to brake and may not be able to stop in time to prevent a serious accident.

3) Staying alert for trucks. Keep in mind that trucks may sometimes swing up onto sidewalks when making wide turns. Some truck drivers park up on curbs in high-traffic areas to get out of the way of traffic. Keep alert and look about you so that you will notice trucks backing up, turning, or coming near you. Avoid listening to music, using mobile devices, or distracting yourself when out walking in areas with truck and car traffic. For a more leisurely walk, stick to walking trails.

4) Staying visible. In bad weather and at night, pedestrians may not be very visible. Wearing light and reflective clothing can help, but carrying a flashlight is the best way to stay visible, according to the FMCSA. Keep in mind that commercial truck drivers often travel at night, so you are more likely to encounter truck traffic, even once car traffic lessens for the evening.

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

While many Florida truck accidents take place when cars and trucks collide, each year Florida motorcyclists are seriously injured or killed in collisions with trucks. For motorcyclists, truck accidents are especially dangerous because motorcyclists simply have fewer barriers and protections between themselves and the truck in a collision. In most cases, Florida truck accidents involving motorcyclists are fatal accidents. However, according to the FMCSA (The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), there are several things that motorcyclists to reduce their risk of a serious collision with a truck:

1) Wear a helmet. According to the FMSCA and most experts, wearing a helmet is the single most important thing that motorcyclists can do to prevent the risk of sustaining serious brain injuries in an accident. Most fatal motorcycle accidents are fatal because the motorcyclist sustains a serious brain injury. However, many Florida brain injuries can be prevented by the use of safety measures – such as always wearing a helmet when riding on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists need to ensure that the helmets they wear fit properly and meet US Department of Transportation (DOT) standards.

2) Never ride in a truck's blind spots. Trucks have large blind spots on the sides, in the back, and in the front. It is especially dangerous for motorcyclists to ride in these areas because while motorcyclists can move quickly and flexibly, trucks cannot. For example, if a motorcyclist is in front of a truck and brakes suddenly, the truck will take much longer to brake, resulting in a serious crash.

3) Use defensive driving. Keep in mind that motorcyclists are less visible to other drivers – including truck drivers. Stay extra alert of other vehicles and their lights. Avoid aggressive driving or riding in the lanes of other vehicles.

4) Avoid sudden bursts of speed. Many motorcyclists love their bikes because motorcycles respond quickly – they accelerate much faster than other vehicles. However, this can be fatal. Keep in mind that trucks take much longer to accelerate and brake. Avoid accelerating in front of a truck – you can easily collide with the vehicle.

5) Make sure you and your bike are ready before each ride. Inspect your bike and make sure you are calm, well-rested and prepared to focus on driving. Never distract yourself by using a mobile device while riding a bike. As well, make sure that you wear protective gear, including boots, jacket, and gloves.

Continue reading "What Motorcyclists Can Do 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?" »

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" »

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are many bad habits car drivers can adopt that can easily lead to Florida car accidents and truck accidents. Although truck drivers can also cause Florida truck accidents, in many cases mistakes by drivers of passenger vehicles cause serious accidents on the highways and roads. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are many things drivers of passenger vehicles can do to avoid an accident:

1) Wear a seatbelt. While a seatbelt will not prevent an accident, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration points out that if you are in an accident, a seatbelt is the best protect you have. A seatbelt will protect you by preventing you from being ejected from the car or hitting the steering wheel or windshield. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in about 78% of truck accidents involving a car, there is a fatality involving a passenger or driver of the passenger vehicle involved. Wearing a seatbelt can reduce your risk.

2) Do not cut in front of trucks. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, this is the most common – and the most deadly – mistake passenger vehicle drivers make when sharing the road with trucks. The problem with cutting trucks off is that large vehicles such as trucks take much longer to stop than other vehicles. This means that if the truck driver must slam on the brakes, it is likely that a truck accident will happen. Always make sure that you can see the truck in the mirror before you attempt to enter the lane in front of a truck. Use your signal to ensure that the truck driver can see you are about to move into his or her lane.

3) Don’t coast in the blind spots. Truck drivers cannot clearly see vehicles driving directly in front, behind, or beside the truck. Unless you can see the truck’s mirrors, the driver likely cannot see you. Avoid staying in the blind spots – a truck could turn into you or back up into you.

4) Drive calmly and attentively. Aggressive and distracted drivers are dangerous to everyone on the road. Since truck drivers take longer to stop their vehicles, someone who is running red lights, making aggressive lane changes, or not paying attention can easily cause a Florida truck accident.

5) Do not get caught in a “squeeze.” A squeeze refers to a situation in which a passenger car gets stuck between the curb and a truck when a truck makes a wide right turn. In many cases, trucks need to swing wide to the left, especially on city streets, and may not see cars beside them or behind them. If you get stuck in a squeeze, you could be forced to drive up on the curb, causing a Florida pedestrian accident. In a worst-case scenario, you could be left with nowhere to go and could be crushed by the truck. Always give trucks extra room to turn.

Continue reading "The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Weighs in on Ways to Prevent Truck Accidents" »

RV enthusiasts may have more in common with truck drivers than they realize. Although many people consider RVs (recreational vehicles) to be simply large vehicles, they in fact handle in many ways like a truck. Like a truck, RVs take longer to brake, are heavier, and have more blind spots than traditional vehicles. Sharing the road with trucks in an RV is even riskier and can lead to Florida truck accidents.

If you are considering renting or buying an RV this summer, consider these tips from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to stay safe on the roads:

1) Be ready to stop at all times. Like trucks, RVs take longer to stop due to their size and weight. Leave yourself lots of extra room in front of you when driving in an RV to prevent Florida truck accidents. If you are driving behind a truck, keep in mind that the truck also takes longer to stop, so leave plenty of space. If you are in a passenger car behind an RV, treat the vehicle as you would any large truck and give yourself extra room.

2) Be aware of the blind spots. Keep in mind that RVs have lots of blind spots. Familiarize yourself with them and use signals as well as mirrors to compensate. When driving on the road with trucks, keep in mind that they will not see your RV – even if it is a larger vehicle – if you are in the truck’s blind spot. Make sure you can see a truck’s mirrors – if you can’t, the driver probably cannot see you.

3) Consider the weight of your RV. You will of course want to fill your RV with all the essentials for your family’s vacation. However, keep in mind that too much weight or poorly distributed weight can cause rollovers and braking troubles. Do not exceed the maximum weight capacity for the RV and if you have heavier items, secure them low to the ground and distribute them evenly on both sides of the vehicle.

4) Use seatbelts. Although an RV may feel like home, it is not. Every time the RV is moving, ensure that all passengers are correctly using seat belts of age-appropriate safety systems.

5) Check your tires before each trip. Just like commercial trucks, RVs tend to put extra pressure on their tires do to weight. Buy the best tires you can afford and check them before each trip for correct tire pressure. Avoid speeding and overloading your RV, too – this can put dangerous pressure on tires and cause a blowout.

Continue reading "Preventing RV Accidents and Florida Truck Accidents" »

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.

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While Florida has not banned texting and driving yet, the awareness about distracted driving is growing. Both anecdotal evidence and numerous research studies have shown it: texting or talking on the phone while driving can easily lead to Florida pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, and other traffic accidents. Using a mobile device while driving removes the driver’s eyes from the roads for dangerous periods of time, paving the way for an accident. While legislators continue to try to pass Florida laws that would ban texting while driving, some companies are coming up with innovative ways to halt distracted driving.

Florida company PhoneGuard has created new software which may help prevent Florida car accidents and truck accidents caused by distracted driving. The software, Drive Safe, makes it impossible for drivers to use PDAs, cell phones, and smartphones to text while driving. The software disables texting, keyboard functions, and emailing on mobile devices in any vehicles traveling over 16 kilometers per hour.

According to PhoneGuard, the software is especially useful for employers and parents who want to ban texting while driving for a specific person. For example, trucking companies can use the software to ensure that no drivers text and drive while on the job. As PhoneGuard notes, the software takes away the job of enforcing texting bans. Indeed, enforcement has been a key problem with text bans. While many workplaces and states already ban texting and driving, most admit that it is difficult to stop or notice such behaviors unless they lead to an accident.

The Drive Safe Software uses GPS to track the coordinates and the speed of a vehicle. When a driver starts traveling over 16KPH, the software automatically turns off texting options on phones. If the driver speeds, the software can even alert employees via text message. This feature may be especially handy for the trucking industry, which has had a problem with excessive driver speeds causing Florida trucking accidents. Another feature of the software is a “time out” feature which would allow employers to prevent employees from texting during specific times – such as work hours, for example. The software is tamper-proof, according to the company.

According to the US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 5000 car accidents in 2009 were linked to distracted driving caused by mobile device use. For this reason, texting as a distraction while driving has caused a great deal of concern. Even experienced truck drivers are far more likely to cause a Florida truck accident while texting and driving, simply because their eyes are not on the road.

Continue reading "Could New Software Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents Caused by Distracted Driving?" »

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.

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According to advocacy groups such as DangerousTrailers.org, a major cause of truck accidents is trailer defects. These organizations claim that trailers pose problems for many reasons:

1) There is too little education in teaching drivers how to hook up and load trailers properly. When trailers are incorrectly loaded and attached, they are more likely to cause Florida car accidents and truck accidents, because the trailer can easily become detached, move into other lanes of traffic, or even slide forward and back, causing the driver to lose control.

2) The manufacturers of trailers have voluntary standards rather than set standards. Groups such as DangerousTrailers.org want to see firm legislation that would set federal or at least state standards for trailer design and manufacture, ensuring that all trailers on the roads are safe. They feel that such laws could prevent Florida truck accidents and traffic accidents across the country.

3) Large organizations put unsafe trailers out on the road and don’t want to change. According to groups like DangerousTrailers.org, companies that rent trailers sometimes have poor safety records but don’t want to put in the money required to fix their fleets. They therefore resist any further legislation that would make them accountable for the truck accidents their fleets cause.

4) Trailers can be homemade. In many states, it is legal to make your own trailer (according to voluntary standards) and then register it at the DMV. In fact, according to DangerousTrailers.org and other advocacy groups, these laws have created a brisk trade in stolen trailers. Thieves steal trailers, remove the VIN numbers and sell or register the trailers as “homemade.” Obviously, with any homemade vehicle, issues of safety and safety standards are a concern.

Continue reading "Could Trailers on Tractors Be Causing Many Florida Truck Accidents?" »

After a Florida car accident involving a truck, many injured passengers and drivers are understandably confused and stressed. In many cases, Florida truck accidents lead to fatalities and serious injuries. After a truck accident, you may also find yourself in many situations which are unfamiliar:

The Situation: Someone pressures you to sign a document, implying that you will lose your right to recover money if you don’t sign right away.
The Solution: It is vital to never sign a document without reading it very carefully and discussing it with a qualified attorney. While someone may claim that you will lose your rights by not signing, all too often the opposite is true: Florida personal injury patients sometimes find that the documents they have been pressured into signing have in fact signed away many of their rights.

The Situation: You are in an accident with a truck driver, but the driver does not want to exchange information, saying “it’s just a scratch.”
The Solution: This is another dangerous situation in which you may end up losing your rights. It is vital to exchange contact information with a driver, even in the rare event that it appears that your Florida truck accident was in fact really minor. Without exchanging contact information, you have no way of filing a claim if you find out later that the accident was more serious than it initially appeared. As well, if you don’t exchange information, you have no way of claiming that you didn’t simply leave the scene of the accident.

The Situation: You are in a hit and run accident with a truck.
The Solution: This can be a very frightening situation. Contact 911 at once to get medical assistance and to report the crime. If you notice anything distinctive about the truck, such as a registration number, write it down as soon as you can. This information can help police and investigators find the driver.

The Situation: You see a commercial truck weaving on the road.
The Solution: Contact authorities at once. A truck driving by a potentially ill, intoxicated, or fatigued driver is an immediate threat to anyone on the road. By reporting the registration number and location of the truck, you may be able to help prevent a Florida drunk driving accident.

Continue reading "Dealing With Common Florida Truck Accident Situations" »

Many Florida car accidents involving trucks occur simply because a motorist failed to provide enough room for a truck. Trucks need more room to maneuver because they turn wide and because they take longer to stop. While many drivers know that they need to give trucks more room, however, they do not always realize exactly how to provide a safe amount of room.

For example, many people assume that being behind a tractor-trailer is risky and therefore try to pass the truck. In fact, this is not always the case. As long as a driver leaves plenty of room behind the truck, experts say, being behind the truck may actually be safer. If a car is traveling in front of a truck and needs to stop suddenly, the truck behind the car may simply not have enough time to stop, causing a read-end collision.

The very process of passing a truck to get in front of it can be more dangerous than simply dropping back and following behind a tractor-trailer. In fact, many Florida truck accidents occur when a car attempts to pass a truck. In order to pass a truck, you must often speed up considerably in order to pass, and this alone may be dangerous. As well, you must pass the truck’s blind spots in order to pass, which means that for some time while you are passing, the truck driver will not be able to see you.

Finally, many experts believe that in Florida truck accidents caused by passing, a driver often passes a truck incorrectly. The most common mistake, according to experts, is pulling out too quickly in front of a truck after passing. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that a tractor-trailer traveling at 55 miles per hour has an average stopping distance of 196 feet, compared to 133 feet for a standard car. When a car pulls out in front of a truck too quickly, the truck may not be able to stop in time to prevent an accident.

Of course, there are times when you will need to pass a truck. If a truck is traveling slower than you are or if a truck is driving in bad weather and flinging precipitation onto your windshield, you will want to pass. To prevent a Florida truck accident, pass when it is safe to do so and when the truck is traveling at a slow enough pace so that you can pass without speeding considerably. Pass quickly, without staying in the truck’s blind spots. When you pass the truck, wait for some distance before pulling in front of the truck. Give yourself considerably more space than you would with a car.

Continue reading "Prevent Florida Truck Accidents by Giving Tractor-Trailers Plenty of Room" »

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?" »

While commercial Florida truck accidents grab a lot of headlines, there is a disturbing trend when it comes to traffic accidents in the states. More and more people are taking their personal trucks off the road for recreational purposes. This type of driving has a whole new set of risk factors and dangers which can lead to accidents. Trucks such as Hummers, trail-ready 4x4 trucks, and other trucks marketed for off-road recreation provide a new sense of freedom, but experts note that these trucks also mean plenty of new dangers. Drivers interested in off-road truck driving need to:

1) Drive within their ability. Driving on hard-packed sand, soft sand, mud, and hilly areas requires very different skill sets than driving on city streets. Drivers should begin on simple trails and proceed with their ability. Driving slow is also important, as it allows drivers to adjust to new conditions.

2) Keep an eye out ahead. Unlike city driving, off-roading comes with many more surprises. Sudden obstacles, changes in terrain and other hazards can easily lead to a collision or a rollover. If possible, drivers should walk through a terrain before driving it or should at least scan the road well ahead and proceed carefully and slowly.

3) Drive straight down steep areas. Any diagonal driving is likely to result in a rollover. If you are driving off-camber, slow down and keep your tires in the tracks. If you start to slide to the side, stop if you are going off the track. If you cannot prevent a rollover, turn the vehicle into the slide. Grip your seat bottom if you can.

4) Adjust tire pressure. If you are driving on sand and gravel, reduce pressure to between 18 and 20 psi. Check your manufacturer’s label and owner’s manual for the specific tire pressure for the conditions you will be facing.

5) Learn to approach obstacles. If you need to drive over a log, large rock, or ditch, drive slowly and ensure that you drive over the obstacle one wheel at a time. Usually, this will mean that you need to approach the obstacle at an angle. This can help ensure that you do not get stuck with two tires over the obstacle and the other two caught.

6) Pay close attention to your tires. Tires designed specifically for off-roading are important, but maintaining your tires correctly is equally so. Pay attention to tire recalls and known tire defects. Replace your tires if they get worn or damaged in any way. Good tires are what help you control your truck when you go off-road.

Continue reading "Off-Road Florida Truck Accidents" »

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" »

According to at least two studies conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board, in 30 to 40% of severe truck accidents, driver fatigue plays a major role. Each year, motorists, pedestrians, and innocent bystanders lose their lives or suffer severe injuries when truck drivers fail to get adequate rest. Fatigue causes many Florida truck accidents and ruins many lives, and it is a very preventable problem.

Fatigued driving in the truck industry is common. Truck drivers often need to drive for long distances in order to meet delivery deadlines. In some cases, truck drivers get paid extra for delivering more in a shorter period of time, providing a financial incentive to drive tired. Truck drivers often need to sleep in their cabs or on the road, which does not always result in a comfortable sleep. In some cases, stress, poor sleep quality, or even medical conditions cause poor sleep which can lead to fatigue.

Fatigued driving is a major hazard that causes many Florida pedestrian accidents and truck accidents each year. No matter how many coffees a truck driver has or how much training and experience a driver has, fatigued driving will always lead to accidents. In fact, studies have shown that fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving – and for much of the same reasons. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and worse judgment. Worse, fatigued drivers can doze off at the wheel, causing a collision.

Even before drivers fall asleep at the wheel, they actually drive asleep for short bursts of time as the body has a defensive mechanism when it is very tired. When the body is deprived of sleep, it actually compels itself to shut down for very brief periods – sometimes a fraction of a second or a few seconds – in order to rest. The body requires sleep to rebuild cells and in order to repair stresses to the body. When the body cannot do this through a good night’s sleep, it does so by forcing mini-sleeps. Unfortunately, even a few seconds of micro-sleep can easily lead to a Florida car accident. A truck driver who falls asleep for even a fraction of a second can travel several feet – more than enough space for a serious accident.

For attorneys, proving fatigued driving caused an accident is often very difficult. While there are blood tests to prove when a Florida drunk driving accident has taken place, there are few reliable tests for fatigue. Truck drivers are required by federal law to keep a log book which shows that they get the proper amount of rest which is required by law. Attorneys in a truck accident case can subpoena the logbook, fuel receipts, bills of lading, Global Positioning System data, and other material from the truck driver and the truck company. These can help prove when a driver has failed to follow rules about adequate rest. New electronic technology has been developed which could help truck drivers and attorneys keep better and more accurate records of rest stops and rest periods. However, this technology is very controversial.

Continue reading "Driver Fatigue and Florida Truck Accidents" »

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" »

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" »

This past month in Panama City, Florida, a young jogger was struck by a tire which flew of a truck trailer. The driver of the truck was not aware of the accident and continued on his way while the jogger was rushed to hospital. The driver of the truck was eventually found and questioned about the Florida pedestrian accident. His trailer was inspected by police and no charges are expected to be laid in this case. The jogger is expected to recover fully.

This is not the first such Florida truck accident involving a trailer in the same area. In 2003, a driver crossing Hathaway Bridge lost control when the trailer the driver was pulling came loose. In that incident, the boat trailer caused a Florida motorcycle accident when a motorcycle and van collided to avoid the trailer. Florida police note that such incidents involving truck trailers are in fact common throughout Florida.

Some critics claim that more regulations and legislations are needed to ensure that truck drivers secure trailers correctly. Currently, the only law governing trailers in Florida is a law which requires working brake lights for all trailers. Some critics believe that additional laws could help prevent some accidents.

Among the laws that might help prevent truck trailer accidents:

1) A requirement which would require all trailers to be inspected and registered just like a car.

2) A law requiring additional safety equipment for all trailers.

3) A law requiring all drivers who have trailers to get additional training about loading and securing their trailers.

Currently, no such laws are before the courts. Police still say that there are many things that truck drivers can do to help prevent truck accidents involving trailers. Police recommend that drivers inspect trailers for lights, hitch, and wheels each time they drive to ensure that everything is in good working order.

Continue reading "Would Florida Trailer Laws Help Prevent Some Florida Truck Accidents?" »

A number of surveys have pegged Miami drivers as the most aggressive in the US. Drivers who share the road with Miami drivers report horn blasts, speeding, tailgating, frequent lane changes, verbal abuse, and other aggressive driving behaviors. Aggressive driving can easily lead to Florida pedestrian accidents and other traffic accidents, since aggressive drivers are often too angry to carefully watch the road and maneuver safely.

Aggressive driving can show itself in seemingly innocuous behaviors which can result in Florida truck accidents and car accidents. For example, drivers who throw trash out their windows can easily cause accidents. If a truck driver tosses a newspaper or other object out of their truck, the trash can easily adhere to another driver’s windshield, causing reduced visibility. Drivers may swerve to avoid trash being tossed from other trucks and cars, and swerving in traffic can easily lead to a nasty accident. Trash thrown from cars and trucks can also easily ricochet off cars and trucks, causing damage to other vehicles. It is not just a rude, aggressive act: it is also an act which can lead to Florida traffic accidents.

Truck drivers who do not carefully secure their loads can also cause an accident. Drivers who drive in uncovered pickup trucks, for example, need to ensure that their loads are correctly secured so that nothing flies out of the bed of the truck, hitting other trucks or creating obstructions on the roads. Commercial trucks often haul hazardous materials or sharp, industrial materials. When these spill on the roadways, they can easily cause a Florida truck accident or car accident.

Even parking in the wrong spot can lead to an accident. Handicapped parking spots, loading zones, and fire lanes are in place for a reason. It is considered polite to leave these vehicles for authorized vehicles, but it is also a safety issue. Parking in a handicapped parking spot can cause someone with limited mobility to walk further, posing a risk of them being in a Florida pedestrian accident. Parking in a loading zone can cause a Florida trucking accident if a delivery truck needs to park somewhere else to make a delivery. Parking in emergency lanes can cost someone their life if emergency crews cannot get to an accident scene quickly enough.

Being polite and having a non-aggressive attitude are important to help prevent Florida truck accidents and car accidents. Many of us see aggressive driving and rude behavior by other drivers as simply an annoyance. However, these seemingly small acts can and do add up to serious accidents each year. Be a courteous driver; you may just save a life.

Continue reading "Could Politeness and Attitudes Contribute to Florida Truck Accidents?" »

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" »

A number of Florida truck accidents result in serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord damage can affect mobility as well as functioning of just about every area of the body. The impact of a Florida car accident involving a truck often cases passengers in the car to be thrown about, and this can result in trauma to the spinal cord. As well, when patients are removed from the accident scene, further trauma can sometimes happen to the spinal cord.

The extent of damage in a Florida spinal cord injury after a truck accident can vary widely, depending on the extent of the trauma, the severity of the injury, and the amount of spinal cord affected. When there is a suspected spinal cord injury during a truck accident, emergency personnel usually transport the patient very carefully to avoid too much movement. They may use a backboard and a rigid collar to help protect the possibly injury spine. Once at the hospital, doctors can use imaging to determine the extent of spinal cord injuries.

In severe Florida spinal cord injuries after a truck accident, patients may sometimes have trouble breathing. This is usually an indication of a very severe injury. Patients who are having trouble breathing may need intubation or other assisted breathing solutions to help them breathe. In addition to helping a patient breathe and evaluating the extent of the injuries, doctors will often give patients medication for pain. Sometimes, a steroid drug known as Methylprednisolone is used with Florida spinal cord injury patients because this drug may help reduce inflammation and nerve cell damage in patients.

Other treatment options for Florida spinal cord injury patients usually include axial traction or rigid braces. The idea with these options is to prevent movement which can cause further damage to the spine. Keeping the back still with braces or traction can also help doctors realign the spine.

A few days after the truck accident and spinal cord injury, doctors will usually continue to diagnose the injury with MRIs, exams, X-rays, and other tools. Many doctors use something known as the ASIA (American Spinal Injury Association) Impairment Scale to evaluate patients and to diagnose spinal cord injuries. After running a battery of tests, doctors are able to see the extent of the damage and evaluate the prognosis for the patient. Usually, at this stage the patient can start to learn how the truck accident and injury will impact their lives and for how long they can expect to deal with the consequences of the injury.

Continue reading "Florida Spinal Cord Injury After a Truck Accident" »

If you have been in a Florida car accident involving a truck, it is advisable to consult with a qualified Florida personal injury attorney immediately. Many truck accidents in Florida result in serious injuries, such as Florida brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other injuries. These injuries often mean high medical costs and lost income. Without legal help, many patients are unable to recover the total costs of their accident from insurance companies. Many good Florida personal injury attorneys provide free initial consultations to clients. This is a great opportunities to discuss your case, get legal advice, and to learn more about your options. If you make an appointment with a Florida personal injury attorney, there are a few things you can do to help make your initial consultation effective and useful to you:

1) Bring all your documentation. If you have medical records, a police report, or any information about the accident or injuries, it is useful to bring this along so that an attorney can evaluate your case. If you have lots of documentation, it may be useful to summarize the details of your case on one page for quick review. If you don’t have any documentation, you should still contact a good Florida personal injury attorney after your accident. He or she can listen to your account of the accident and offer advice based on this.

2) Choose wisely. This is not a mortgage quote, where you will want to get quotes from everyone. Select a Florida truck accident attorney with extensive experience and expertise. An attorney who understands the insurance industry is also useful, since the attorney can help you negotiate with your insurance provider. To find the right attorney, you can ask friends for recommendations, view attorney web sites and online information, or call firms to get details about experience and qualifications.

3) Write down a list of questions you have. You probably have many questions and speaking with an attorney, you will likely think of many more. Carefully write out all the questions you have about your situation and then focus on the five questions which are most important to you. This will help you focus on exactly what you need to ask the attorney.

4) Understand what you want from your consultation. Write down three goals you want to accomplish. For example, you might want to know your options or whether you have a case. Knowing your goals before a consultation with a Florida personal injury attorney increases the chances that you will actually meet those goals.

Continue reading "Getting The Most from Your Initial Consultation After a Florida Truck Accident " »

After a Florida truck accident or car accident, you will likely be frightened and worried. You may worry about the medical costs or the lost income you are facing and you may feel overwhelmed by the insurance claims process or forms you need to sign. Unfortunately, there are some people who will take advantage of your situation and may try to create further problems for you by luring you into scams.

Recently, for example, police have been investigating a fraudulent accident help line known as Latina de Accidentes. Authorities allege that while the accident line claimed to send interpreters to accident victims, the people who operated the business pressured callers to commit medical fraud by claiming injuries they did not have.

If you have been in a Florida car accident or truck accident, there are many red flag signs you will need to watch out for:

1) Attorneys who guarantee a result or a recovery amount. No experienced attorney can guarantee an outcome for your case. By hiring a qualified, experienced attorney, you can increase the odds of a fair recovery. However, attorneys know that there are simply no guarantees in a Florida car accident or truck accident case and honest attorneys will make this clear.

2) Insurance professionals who claim you will not receive any money unless you sign a document immediately – without reading it carefully. You should never sign a document after your accident without first consulting a good Florida personal injury attorney. If someone pressures you into something you don’t understand, be wary. You could end up signing away your rights for a lowball offer.

3) Drivers who try to get you to accept blame or try to get you to drive away from any accident. If you have been in a Florida truck accident or car accident, you should not accept any blame. There is simply no way to tell who is liable without a good investigation. Similarly, you should always exchange contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers with the other driver. If you do not, the other driver may accuse you of a hit and run accident.

4) “Too good to be true” offers. If someone offers you something that simple seems too good to be true – like a guarantee of a million dollar settlement for very minor injuries – proceed with caution. Often, scammers make elaborate offers to hook you in. Always consult with a legitimate and experienced Florida personal injury attorney before agreeing to anything after your accident.

Continue reading "Don’t Get Taken in By a Scam After Your Florida Truck Accident" »

Florida legislators have tried to pass legislation that would ban cell phone use and texting while driving for years but have been unsuccessful. While supporters of such legislation claim that texting and cell phone bans for drivers would help prevent Florida truck accidents and car accidents, others claim that texting and cell phone bans might actually increase traffic accidents.

While it seems counter-intuitive, given the media coverage about the dangers of texting, some experts note that many commercial truck drivers rely on cell phones to communicate while on the job. If a cell phone ban was in place, drivers would have to pull over frequently in order to contact their dispatcher or company, and these sudden stops could actually increase the number of Florida truck accidents. As well, if hand-held devices were banned, truckers and motorists would still likely be able to use hands-free phones, and there is no confirmation that such devices are not just as dangerous as regular mobile devices.

As well, opponents of texting bans point out that texting and cell phones are not the only distractions causing Florida truck accidents. In fact, many Florida car accidents and truck accidents caused by distracted driving are caused by a myriad of distractions. Drivers put on make up, change music, adjust GPS devices, chat with passengers, shave, change clothes, drink, sip coffee, and do many other things while driving. All of these behaviors are a distraction and are potentially risky. However, it is impossible to create individual legislation banning each of these possible distracting behaviors in cars or trucks. It’s just not feasible. Therefore, a texting ban alone might not help prevent Florida truck accidents and traffic accidents caused by distracted drivers, simply because many other types of distracted driving would remain.

Many opponents of the texting ban also note that enforcing the ban would be almost impossible and would stretch law enforcement resources even further. If a ban were in place, some experts predict, some drivers would simply keep their mobile devices in their lap while texting, making it hard for law enforcement to see who was breaking the law. In addition, keeping mobile devices on laps while texting might result in even more Florida truck accidents and car accidents, according to experts, as it would cause drivers to see the road even less.

Advocates of texting bans note that many Florida bus accidents, train accidents, car accidents, and truck accidents have been linked to cell phone use and texting specifically and that even if the legislation saved only some lives or prevented some injuries the law would be worth passing. Opponents note that every new technology – even the introduction of the radio in cars – has been greeted with similar concerns about safety until drivers simply got used to the new technology.

Continue reading "Could Texting and Cell Phone Bans Reduce or Increase Florida Truck Accidents?" »

While some states have passed laws which ban texting while driving, Florida has no such laws. It is not for lack of trying – in the past few years, Florida’s lawmakers have tried to pass such legislation eight time and have simply not been successful. So far, nineteen other states have laws which restrict or ban cell phone use or texting behind the wheel. There are good reasons for these laws. Numerous research studies have shown that using mobile devices while driving is a major source of distracted driving and accidents. Florida legislators have noted that texting bans might help prevent Florida truck accidents and car accidents caused by distracted driving.

Although Florida so far does not have any texting while driving bans in place, Florida law enforcement authorities can issue tickets and citations to texting drivers if the drivers engage in risky behaviors as a result of texting. For example, if a driver is driving recklessly because he or she is texting, the driver can be cited for reckless driving. Distracted Florida drivers often run stop signs or lights or make other mistakes because they are texting rather than focusing on the road. Obviously, such infractions will result in tickets, so texting while driving can still result in tickets in Florida.

According to the Highway Patrol, Florida drivers engage in other distracting behaviors while driving – which can just as easily lead to a Florida car accident or truck accident. Eating, adjusting the radio, shaving, applying makeup, drinking, adjusting the GPS, and chatting with passengers are all distracting behaviors which can lead to Florida truck accidents and traffic accidents.

Police authorities and law enforcement in Florida are warning drivers not to text and drive, even though there is currently no legislation specifically prohibiting the behavior. Many law enforcement agencies point out that driving is dangerous, even though it may feel familiar and safe. All motorists need to use common sense and put their full attention on the road to prevent Florida truck accidents and car accidents, warn law enforcement agencies.

Authorities note that legislators cannot pass laws prohibiting every specific sort of distracting behavior which can be dangerous on the road, so it is up to drivers to exercise common sense in order to help prevent Florida truck accidents and car accidents. If motorists need to talk on cell phones while driving, law enforcement authorities note, it is best to use a hands-free cell phone model which allows motorists to keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.

Continue reading "Authorities Ask for Common Sense to Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents and Car Accidents " »

Much has been written about truck drivers and motorists who cause Florida car accidents and truck accidents due to the choices they make. For example, Florida drunk driving accidents are so difficult to cope with because they are so preventable – one person’s decision to drive under the influence leads to this type of accident, which can affect many lives. However, in some cases, Florida truck accidents and car accidents are caused by medical conditions. A motorists or truck driver may unknowingly have a condition which causes severe symptoms which can affect driving ability. Common conditions which can lead to Florida car accidents and truck accidents include:

1) Strokes. Strokes can occur at any time, but when they occur behind the wheel of a car or truck, they can result in a serious in a serious truck accident. A patient who has had a stroke usually suffers from problems with mobility and memory, which can also severely impair driving ability. Visiting a doctor often and looking for risk factors – such as high blood pressure – can help prevent strokes.

2) Cardiac illness. Cardiac illness can include everything from irregular heart beats to genetic defects to heart attacks and heart failure. When a cardiac event occurs on the road, an accident is almost guaranteed as the victim quickly loses consciousness. Patients with heart problems need to be evaluated by a physician to determine their fitness to drive.

3) Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can strike at any time, especially in patients who are obese. Diabetes and problems with blood sugar can cause many serious and dangerous symptoms, including dizziness, weakness, and loss of consciousness. Drivers who have diabetes must carefully manage their conditions to avoid accidents and patients who are at risk of diabetes need to be tested frequently to ensure that they do not develop the disease without realizing it.

4) Sleep disorders. Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea are responsible for many Florida truck accidents and car accidents. When drivers have sleep disorders they are often unaware of the problem. They may feel more tired than usual, but they often do not see this as a symptom. Unfortunately, sleep disorders ensure inadequate sleep, which means that drivers with these conditions are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel and cause a Florida truck accident or car accident. Any sudden fatigue should be investigated promptly by a physician to rule out an illness.

Continue reading "Health Conditions Can Mean 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 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" »

After a Florida trucking accident, you will need as many resources as possible as you work to recover. Being in a Florida car accident involving a truck is devastating and often leads to serious injuries as well as losses. This is not a time to try to be stoic and do it alone. There are many people who can help you as you recover:

1) A Florida personal injury attorney. An experienced Florida personal injury attorney can be invaluable when you have been in a serious Florida pedestrian accident, traffic accident, or any incident causing injury. A good attorney can ensure you don’t sign away your rights and can help ensure that your accident is carefully investigated in order to find all liable parties. A good Florida personal injury attorney can help ensure that you get all the support you are entitled to under the law as you recover. Working with a good attorney can help ensure quality care and can ensure that you pay fewer costs out of pocket.

2) Friends and family. After an accident, you will need your friends and family as your emotions run the gamut. Friends and family can support you emotionally and encourage you as you heal.

3) Insurance providers. If you are covered by insurance, insurance providers can play a large role in ensuring that most of your accident-related costs are covered so that you are not responsible for these costs. Unfortunately, not all insurance providers are eager to pay you fully for the costs of your accident. For this reason, it is often good to work with a Florida personal injury attorney to ensure that your costs are covered.

4) Counselors. If you are still having trouble recovering from your accident after a few weeks, you may wish to seek help from a counselor or therapist. This can help you get help in recovering from the emotional trauma, especially, of your accident.

5) Health care professionals. After your Florida truck accident, you will likely need to rely on health care professionals and doctors for at least part of your recovery. In many cases, you may need to rely on specialists as well. Florida burn injury patients, for example, may need to work with cosmetic surgeons to recover while Florida spinal cord injury patients may work with surgeons and rehabilitation professionals in order to regain mobility.

Continue reading "Resources That Can Help After Florida Trucking Accidents " »

Florida trucking accidents can be devastating for the losses they cause. If you have been in a Florida car accident involving a truck or have been in a trucking accident, you may face many losses:

1) Loss of your health. One of the most tragic losses associated with Florida trucking accidents is the amount of devastating injuries which can occur from such accidents. Due to the size and force of large commercial trucks, Florida trucking accidents may result in amputations, brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, and other serious injuries. In some cases, these injuries may be permanent and can affect every aspect of a patient’s life.

2) Loss of income. Florida trucking accidents often leave patients unable to return to work for weeks. In some cases, permanent injuries mean that patients can never return to work. Worse, while trucking accidents deprive a victim of income, they also almost always mean substantial medical bills and other costs.

3) Loss of family members. Florida truck accidents often lead to fatalities, depriving families of parents, siblings, children, and loved ones. It can often be devastating to try to recover from such a loss.

4) Property loss. Patients who are in a Florida car accident involving a truck often do not think about property loss immediately, but this type of loss can be significant. You may lose your car as well as any valuables in your car during a collision.

Continue reading "Coping with Loss After Florida Truck Accidents" »

There are many people who can help prevent car accidents:

1) Legislators. Lawmakers can and do pass laws which can help prevent Florida truck accidents. Legislators, for example, can pass laws regulating the trucking industry or pass laws regarding the rules of the road.

2) Advocacy groups and the press. Advocacy groups and the press play an important role in preventing Florida car accidents and truck accidents because they raise awareness about traffic accidents and the issued which cause them. For example, in recent years, the media as well as advocacy groups have raised the alarm about distracted driving and in some cases have been successful in convincing the public about the dangers on the roads.

3) Citizens. Citizens form an important link between advocacy groups, the media, and legislators. Citizens, responding to media reports and their own experiences, often lobby legislators and local representatives in order to change laws. By discussing events related to road safety and trucking accidents, citizens can also help spread a message about safety.

4) Trucking companies and the trucking industry. Trucking companies play a pivotal role in preventing Florida trucking accidents. Trucking companies can decide to put profits first or can make a commitment to safety. They can decide to carefully select and train safe truckers and can create conditions which encourage truck drivers to make good decisions about safety.

5) Truck drivers. When truck drivers get behind the wheel of a large truck, they decide on a moment-to-moment basis how safe they will be. Truck drivers decide whether to speed, whether to text and drive, and whether to keep their full focus on the roads.

6) Motorists and others who share the road with truck drivers. Motorists, too, have a responsibility for staying safe on the roads. Good motorists stay out of truck blind spots and avoid cutting trucks off.

7) Law enforcement. Law enforcement ensures that the laws passed by legislators are adhered to – both by truck drivers and motorists.

Continue reading "Everyone Has a Role to Play in Preventing Florida Truck Accidents" »

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.

In 2008, Russell Hurd’s daughter, Heather, was killed in a Florida car accident involving a truck when a truck ran a red light and collided with eight passenger vehicles. The truck driver was distracted by text messaging when the accident took place. Since then, Hurd has been trying to ensure that laws are passed banning drivers from talking on their cell phones or texting while driving.

Earlier this year, bills which would have banned text messaging and cell phone use in cars and trucks in Florida were killed in committees. Hurd has another opportunity this upcoming Tuesday, when a summit on distracted driving will be held by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in Washington. Hurd and others hope to convince lawmakers at the summit to change the laws to help prevent Florida truck accidents and car accidents involving distracted drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 20% of all accidents in 2008 were caused by distracted driving. That same year, there were 6,000 fatalities due to distracted driving. Drivers who are distracted are four times more likely to be in an accident than drivers who are not distracted.

Although texting and cell phone use have been targeted as a culprit in distracted driving, distracted driving can include driving while performing any other activity. Some Florida car accidents and truck accidents caused by distracted driving were the result of a driver changing music, adjusting the stereo, searching for a dropped item on the floor, reading, shaving, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, and many other activities. Any activity that distracts a driver from the road is potentially deadly.

For truck drivers, the risks are especially high. In many cases, trucks are on highways, driving at high speeds. The size and force of a truck is immense and trucks take longer than passenger vehicles to stop. When a driver is distracted, there is often no way for the truck driver to avert an accident. There is simply no way to stop the truck in time and the force of the truck pushes the truck forward.

Of course, Florida trucking accidents involving distracted drivers are especially tragic because they are often so preventable and so tragic. When a truck runs a red light or loses control because the driver is distracted, the truck has the potential to hit or even roll over many cars, causing multiple injuries and fatalities. For example, in the accident involving Heather Hurd, eight cars were damaged by the truck. Two fatalities and several injuries resulted.

One problem with Hurd’s quest is the fact that the definition of distracted driving is so broad. In fact, this is what caused the bills in Florida to fail to pass. Lawmakers question how many activities should be or could be banned under legislation, and experts agree that it is a problem. If a law were to ban cell phone use but still allow eating while driving, that would not reduce the instances of distracted driving.

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.

The NAS Jax Safety Department has been offering hands-on workshops to audiences to teach them about the dangers of Florida truck accidents, car accidents, and other accidents. Most recently, the department sponsored their "Street Smart" presentation over the Labor Day weekend. The presentation involved two Orlando paramedics who are part of Florida SAFE (Stay Alive From Education) Inc.

The presentations include audience participation, a clear description of cases where paramedics arrive at the scene of an accident and graphic depictions of accident scenes. According to SAFE, many trauma calls to local paramedics involve Florida drunk driving accidents. In many cases, drivers and passengers involved in these accidents are not wearing seat belts.

According to Orlando Firefighter and Paramedic Scott Neusch, who is also a part of SAFE, when a driver in a Florida truck accident or car accident is not wearing a seat belt, the chest hits the steering wheel. The impact of there crash causes the head of the driver to collide with the windshield and causes the thigh femur bones to be pushed into the abdomen.

According to the SAFE paramedics, when they arrive at the scene of a Florida truck accident, they stabilize the spinal cord of the accident victim, since many Florida truck accident victims are also Florida spinal cord injury victims – the force of the collision often injures the spinal cord. Once the spinal cord is stabilized, the paramedics remove the clothing of the accident and insert an IV and trach tube to prepare the victim for transport to a hospital.

Once in hospital, the accident victim has a catheter and chest tube inserted and is usually rushed to surgery. After surgery, patients are usually in considerable pain, since many Florida truck accidents and car accidents result in painful burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and other painful injuries. Some patients have permanent injuries while others require months of rehabilitation and treatment.

SAFE and NAS Jax Safety Department hope that the detailed and graphic presentations, which included real-life examples, will help convince Florida drivers about the importance of wearing a seat belt and obeying traffic laws. The detailed presentations are available to groups and schools and are intended to make a deep impression as to the real dangers of ignoring safety.

In 2008, 8-year-old Ronshay Dugans was killed when a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and caused a Florida bus accident involving the school bus on which Dugans was traveling. Dugans’ family lobbied to change legislation in Florida to help prevent drowsy driving. Working with Florida state representative Alan Williams, the Dugans family has helped pass the Ronshay Dugans Act to combat fatigued driving.

As part of the act, the first week of every September will be designated as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in Florida. The bill was passed by Florida legislature and signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist in June. Morton Plant Mease Hospital, the Florida Department of Transportation and Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles have joined together to help promote Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 50% of drivers admit to fatigued driving in the past year. About a third of drivers admit that they drive while fatigued at least once a month. Another 30% of drivers admit they have fallen asleep at the wheel and 1% of drivers have been in an accident or a near accident while driving drowsy.

Driving drowsy is a serious problem in Florida and across the country. Even falling asleep for only a second – a period of sleep a drowsy driver might not even notice – means that a driver is traveling 88 feet while asleep (assuming the driver is traveling 60 mph). 88 feet is plenty of space to cause a Florida pedestrian accident or a serious accident. The problem is even more serious for truck drivers, since large commercial trucks take longer to stop. If a truck driver falls asleep for a second and travels for 88 feet, once he or she awakes, the driver will not be able to brake in time to prevent an accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 100,000 traffic accidents are caused by fatigued driving each year. These accidents cause 71, 000 injuries, 1,550 fatalities, 71,000 injuries, and $12.5 billion in losses. Some experts think that drivers between 18 and 24 are especially at risk. They already have a high rate of accidents and are statistically more likely to stay up late and sleep fewer hours.

Shift workers are especially vulnerable to car accidents caused by fatigued driving. Shift workers tend to get interrupted sleep, tend to change their sleep hours, and tend to fight their natural body cycle – all risk factors for sleep problems and drowsiness. Unfortunately, commercial truck drivers often are shift workers, driving late at night or during unusual work hours in order to make deliveries on time. This can make commercial truck drivers especially vulnerable to collisions.

Although there are many regulations at the state and federal levels regulating truck drivers, truck companies, and the truck industry, car drivers still have an obligation to help prevent Florida car accidents involving trucks. Florida trucking accidents involving cars are often especially tragic for passenger vehicles and their occupants, simply because of the disadvantageous difference in size between a truck and a car. There are many things that Florida car drivers can do, however, in order to help prevent tragedy:

1) Stay alert. Avoid a Florida drunk driving accident as well as trucking accidents and other types of traffic accidents by driving sober. Even one drink can impair your judgment. In addition to drinking, carefully consider any medications – including over-the-counter medications – that you may be taking. These may also cause you to become drowsy and unfit to operate a vehicle.

2) Stay focused. Distracted driving is a major contribution factor to Florida truck accidents and traffic accidents of all types. Avoid using your cell phone, mobile device, or headphones while driving. Focus on the road rather than on conversations or on entertainment.

3) Never cut off a truck. Trucks cannot brake in the same manner as cars do. Even with emergency brakes, large tractor trailers and 18 wheeler trucks take far longer than cars to stop. If you cut off a truck, even a very experienced truck driver may not be able to stop in time, and you could find yourself in a tragic accident. If you need to pass a truck, wait until you can see the front of the truck through your rearview mirror before you change lanes. This gives you enough time to pass safely.

4) Be aware of truck blind spots. The only way you can be sure that a truck driver can see you is if you can see the truck driver and if you make eye contact with the driver. Trucks have very large blind spots along the rear of the truck and along the sides. This is especially true for larger 18 wheelers and tractor trailers. Avoid driving for long periods of time in a truck’s blind spots and be especially wary about driving between two large trucks.

5) In Florida cities, especially, be careful around trucks making wide right turns. In Florida cities with narrow streets, drivers of large commercial trucks often swing very wide to the left in order to make a right turn. While they are doing this, blind spots do not allow them to see passenger cars beside them or behind them. Pay attention when a truck signals to turn and make sure that you offer the truck plenty of room to complete the turn.

More than 40 agencies and many officers launched their “Hand Across the Border” campaign recently at the Florida and Alabama border. The campaign aims to increase the presence of law enforcement authorities on Florida’s roads during this holiday weekend in order to help prevent Florida car accidents and truck accidents.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the past year that the campaign was in place, there were fewer Florida drunk driving accidents and traffic accidents during the long weekend. According to law enforcement agencies, drunk driving is an especially severe problem during the last holiday weekend of the summer. As motorists hope to enjoy the final weekend of summer, they sometimes indulge in alcohol and get behind the wheel of a car. Unfortunately, that decision can easily lead to a Florida pedestrian accident, car accident, or other serious accident. When cars and trucks collide, the results tend to be even more dangerous and fatal. Trucks cannot stop as quickly as cars can, so an erratic motorist or truck driver can be an especial danger.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the message to motorists this holiday weekend is simple:

1) Do not drink and drive;
2) Plan ahead if you will be drinking this weekend.

Officers agree that planning ahead is key to driving safely. If you think you may be drinking, find a sober driver or plan to take a taxi or an alternative way home. Having more than one plan can be helpful, as well, if your initial plan fails. For example, if you cannot find a taxi because of high demand, consider finding a nearby motel or place to sleep until morning, when you can drive safely. Anything is better than driving drunk.

This weekend, police officers and law enforcement agencies from several states will be monitoring roads for drunk drivers and impaired drivers. In 2009, 23 fatal Florida car accidents took place on Labor Day weekend alone. In 13 of these accidents, alcohol played a role. As a result of such preventable tragedies, police agencies have taken a “zero tolerance” approach to drivers who are caught speeding, drinking and driving, or driving without a seat belt this weekend.

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.

After a Florida truck accident, your first priority will likely be to get emergency medical attention. Most truck accidents in Florida result in at least some injuries, if not fatalities. It is difficult to assess the extent of injuries on the scene, which is why it is important to seek medical attention right away if you have sustained any type of injury. Many serious Florida brain injuries, for example, do always show overt symptoms at once. In some cases, patients feel fine right after an accident, only to find that they have indeed sustained a serious brain injury. Getting immediate help can dramatically increase your chances of surviving a Florida car accident involving a truck.

However, getting medical care after a Florida truck accident can be a challenge for many patients. If you are in a Florida truck accident, you will generally be taken to the closest Florida hospital for immediate treatment. If you are unconscious, you may not be able to act as your own health advocate. It can take emergency personnel some time to reach your family doctor and to recover your records. Mistakes can happen in the high-pressure environment of the emergency room. This is why after serious accident, Florida medical malpractice suits are common.

Another problem with getting quality medical care after a Florida truck accident is cost. Truck accidents can cause serious or even permanent injuries and the total cost of treating these injuries can be very high. Many insurance companies only pay for part of the treatment involved and do not consider long-term costs of the injury. For example, many Florida spinal cord injury patients find that long-term rehabilitation costs, home care costs, and other costs are not considered. The first few years of treatment may be covered by insurance, but subsequent costs may not be.

Another problem is that insurance carriers do not always cover all the costs of an injury, leaving the patient with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs after a Florida truck accident. For example, many Florida burn injury patients find that their insurance company is not willing to pay for skin grafts and other procedures, even though such procedures are necessary to recover fully from the injury. Many insurance companies label all such procedures as “cosmetic.” As well, many insurance companies may not cover therapy, counseling, and other services which may be important to a full recovery.

When patients choose not to get some treatments after their Florida truck accident due to financial or insurance reasons, complications can sometimes occur. Not getting the best treatment right away can mean delays in recovery or can mean a less-than-full-recovery. Not getting some of the treatments that insurance companies label “cosmetic” may make it hard to recover the life lived before an accident.

Many Florida trucking accident victims have found that seeking the help of a qualified Florida personal injury attorney can help. A good personal injury attorney can negotiate with insurance providers after a Florida trucking accident to ensure that you get the full claim money you are entitled to. A good Florida personal injury attorney can also make recommendations to you that can help ensure the best quality medical care. After thoroughly investigating your accident, a Florida truck accident attorney can also ensure that everyone who has caused the accident is held accountable, so that you get all the medical and financial resources you need to recover as fully as possible.

After a Florida truck accident, you will have many questions and concerns if you have sustained any injury. Among your concerns might be issues such as:

1) Paying medical bills. You may be uninsured or underinsured for the serious injuries that you can sustain in a truck accident. As well, you will inevitably find that your insurance provider does not cover all the costs associated with your injuries. For example, many Florida burn injury patients find that their health insurance does not cover skin grafts and other so-called “cosmetic” surgery, even though such surgery may be necessary for full recovery. As well, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries may require years of rehabilitation and treatment, and not all of this is usually covered by insurance. Health care costs can be devastating, which is why it is vital to speak to a qualified Florida personal injury attorney after your truck accident. A good attorney can give you good advice and can help ensure that you have the financial resources you need to get the best quality medical care for your injuries.

2) Dealing with lost wages. If you have been injured in a Florida car accident involving a truck, you will likely miss work. In addition, you may need to miss work in order to meet with your Florida personal injury attorney or in order to visit your insurance company or doctor after your accident. If you have sustained a serious injury, you may not be able to return to work for weeks or months. In the event of a permanent injury, you may not be able to return to work at all. A good Florida personal injury attorney can help ensure that you are compensated for your lost wages, so that you do not have to worry about losing your home or ruining your credit rating.

3) Getting a car get fixed. You probably rely on your car for basic transportation, so after a Florida truck accident, it will be a priority to get your car repaired – or replaced, if your vehicle is beyond repair. A good Florida personal injury attorney can speak with car insurance providers on your behalf, can help arrange for a rental, and can work with you to ensure that you can keep driving.

4) Deciding to seek legal action. After a truck accident, you will need to determine whether the accident was caused by someone’s recklessness or negligence and you will need to decide whether to file a legal action. This can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you are dealing with an injury at the same time. A good Florida personal injury attorney can help you understand the legal terms and issues affecting your case, so that you can make an informed decision about what to do next.

5) Problems with insurance companies. If you pay your insurance premiums faithfully, you may assume that your insurance provider will be there for you after your Florida trucking accident. This is not always the case. Your insurance company may claim the accident was your fault or may try to assert that your claim is suspicious and may delay in processing your claim. The insurance company for the trucking company may also pressure you to sign papers or make a statement you do not quite understand. Make no mistake: problems with an insurance company can deprive you of your rights and can make it hard for you to recover all the damages you may be entitled to under Florida law. Speak to a Florida personal injury attorney before negotiating with any insurance provider. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that there are no problems with your claim.

In April of this year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted sessions with trucking industry experts to discuss hours-of-service (HOS) rules for commercial truck drivers. The trucking industry was seeking more flexibility in the rules, which currently restrict how many hours truck drivers can drive before taking rest stops. The American Trucking Association has said that the HOS rules work in preventing Florida car accidents involving trucks and nationwide truck accidents, but the industry wants more flexibility.

Under current rules, truck drivers are to rest for eight hours out of their ten hour rest period in their truck cab. This allows drivers to rest for eight hours in their cab and drive for six hours under the current 14 hour limit for driving. Despite concerns about safety, in 2004 and 2007 courts upheld decisions which allow drivers to drive many hours consecutively. Decisions and industry practices have also reduced the amount of time that drivers have to rest.

In October 2010, the new proposals made by the trucking industry to reduce rest hours even more were rejected by the Obama administration. The decision came after heavy lobbying from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Public Citizen, the Truck Safety Coalition, and the Teamsters Union.

Truck drivers are also opposed to the new suggestions and proposals, noting that such regulations make Florida pedestrian accidents and truck accidents more likely. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has asked federal regulators to reject proposals which would increase the driving limit to 11 hours and would allow drivers to be on the road again for a new week after only 34 hours of rest.

It’s not just a quality of work issue. It’s a safety issue. Fatigued drivers are simply more dangerous drivers. Experts have proven that fatigued driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving and note that HOS rules should be as strict as Florida drunk driving laws and regulations. Tired commercial truck drivers are driving tens of thousands of pounds of metal and sometimes hazardous materials. When tired, these drivers are more likely to be in traffic accidents. Ensuring that commercial truck drivers get adequate rest is an important part of keeping Florida streets safe.

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.

In 1986, Congress created The Commercial Motor Vehicles Safety Act (CMVSA) to make interstate trucking safer. The CMVSA places restrictions on who can operate a commercial truck or bus, ensuring that bus or truck drivers are qualified for their jobs and therefore safer on the road. With the CMVSA, testing and licensing standards were introduced, bringing fewer Florida bus accidents and truck accidents to our streets.

While the CMVSA has helped reduce truck accidents, there are still far too many truck accidents on our roads. After a truck accident, one thing that occurs is a thorough investigation of the accident in order to determine what caused the collision. Florida truck accidents may be investigated by police, private investigators, or other groups.

An investigation will often include a look at a driver’s logs. Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, drivers are required to record their breaks, driving time, and other information. This helps ensure that drivers take the required breaks and rests they are required to keep by law. Drivers are not allowed to destroy these logs, especially after an accident. Investigators can examine these logs to determine whether a truck driver was driving while tired.

If authorities suspect that a truck accident may have been a Florida drunk driving accident, they will often test a truck driver’s blood alcohol level and test for any illegal or controlled drugs as well. A driver’s medical record and medication may also be checked.

Investigators will also often examine the mechanical conditions of an accident. This may require examining the weather, road conditions, and the traffic at the time of an accident. Investigators sometimes use accident reconstruction software to determine exactly what occurred during a collision in specific conditions.

Most investigations will also examine trucking company records to determine whether a load was secured properly, whether a truck was maintained properly, and whether a trucking company took reasonable measures to keep the truck and the driver safe. Truck companies are required to maintain and release records when requested.

Now that awareness about the dangers of distracted driving is growing, Bluetooth and many other technology manufacturers are touting hands-free technology as the way to make cell phone calls and even texting safer. Devices designed for drivers read text messages and allow drivers to dictate messages – all while keeping their eyes on the road. While hands-free technology can help prevent a driver from taking their eyes off the road, however, there are many reasons why this technology is not necessarily safer or better at preventing Florida car accidents and truck accidents:

1) Hands-free technology does not help prevent a driver from being absorbed by a conversation. The problem with cell phone calls is not just that the driver has to dial a number. Rather, while a driver is talking on the phone, he or she becomes absorbed in a conversation or discussion, and this causes less focus on the road. This will not be prevented by hands-free phones.

2) Hands-free technology can affect what a driver hears. A truck driver using Bluetooth or other hands-free technology is often wearing a device that can affect their ability to hear. This can allow drivers to miss important auditory clues – which can easily lead to a Florida pedestrian accident or other terrific accident.

3) Bluetooth still means emotions. Drivers who are talking – whether hands-free or using a device – get emotionally charged while chatting. The link between strong emotion and distracted driving is well established. The more emotional a driver is, the less focused he or she is on the road. For a commercial truck driver, this means less control over a vehicle that could weigh 80 000 pounds or more.

4) Hands-free technology is often not hands-free. There are still buttons, wires, and devices to adjust. If a truck driver does not pull over to adjust settings, the result could still be a Florida truck accident.

While much has been reported in the media about the risks of distracted driving and the dangers of texting while driving, a study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute suggests that truck drivers may need to pay attention more than drivers of passenger cars. If truck drivers want to prevent Florida truck accidents, they may need to put down their mobile devices. According to researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the risk of texting behind the wheel is significantly higher for truck drivers than for drivers of passenger vehicles.

According to researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, truck drivers who text while driving are 23 times as likely as an undistracted driver to get into a car accident or truck accident. Car drivers are still more likely to get into a Florida car accident when they text, but their risk is not as high. As well, researchers found that when car drivers dial a cell phone, they are 2.8 times more likely to be in a traffic accident as undistracted drivers. Truck drivers, however, are 5.9 times as likely to be in a crash for the same activity.

Other risky distracted driver behaviors are also more risky for truck drivers than for drivers of passenger vehicles. For example, when a car driver reaches for an electronic device, they risk of being in a car accident is 1.4 times higher than the risk for an undistracted driver. Reaching for a device increases a truck driver’s risky by 6.7 times.

It’s easy to understand why distracted driving is risky. Most drivers need to focus on their cell phones or portable devices when dialing, texting, or talking. As well, most drivers look away from the road when using electronic devices. According to researchers, when drivers are distracted by an electronic device, they spend five out of six seconds not looking at the road. Many Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents occur precisely because drivers do not see what is directly in front of them.

However, while it is easy to see why electronic devices are more dangerous for all drivers, why do truck drivers seem to have a disproportionate risk when using these devices on the road? Experts have many theories. One theory is that trucks simply require more effort and skill to drive. As well, since trucks take longer than passenger vehicles to stop, it is possible that truck drivers who are distracted are simply less able to react in time to prevent an accident.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study used videos of drivers taken between 2004 and 2007 to see how drivers reacted to driving when using cell phones. Researchers concluded that even when drivers use hands-free cell phones, they are increasing their risk of accidents. Researchers of the study recommended that all drivers avoid all electronic devices and gadgets when driving.

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.

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.

If you have sustained a serious injury in a Florida truck accident, you will likely hire a Florida personal injury attorney. Your attorney will do several things. First, he or she will advise you of your rights so that you can make informed decisions about what you wish to do in the wake of the accident. Second, he or she will represent you in negotiations with insurance providers and will negotiate with them on your behalf. Finally, your Florida personal injury attorney will investigate all the causes of your truck accident in order to determine what has caused the accident.

This last role is extremely challenging. By the time you have found an attorney, the scene of the accident is usually cleared up. Evidence may be gone forever. Most attorneys in Florida work with private investigators and other professionals to find out the truth about an accident. This type of investigation may involve:

1) Accident reconstruction. Private investigators have complex software tools which can help them recreate an accident based on information gleaned from police reports, witness testimony, and other factors. This can give investigators a moment-by-moment rendering of the accident.

2) Background checks. Investigators hired by your Florida attorney will usually run background checks on the driver who was involved in the crash. If there are irregularities in the driver’s credentials or if the driver has been involved in other Florida car accidents or pedestrian accidents, this may indicate and can help prove a pattern of negligence. An investigator will usually also investigate the carrier or trucking company involved in the crash. If the company does not screen drivers, take proper care of their trucks, and generally work to avoid traffic accidents, this, too, can be proof of negligence.

3) Documentation. Florida investigators have access – or can gain access – to quite a but of documentation related to your truck accident. Everything from Florida police reports to doctor’s reports from the hospital to truck driver logs will generally be carefully pored over to help determine liability in an accident. Even weather reports and reports of city construction projects can help your Florida attorney determine liability.

4) Witness testimony. Florida personal injury attorneys may call in and interview many witnesses related to your case. In addition to those who witnessed the accident or your injuries, your attorneys may also interview expert witnesses or people who can make more general comments about your case based on their knowledge. For example, your attorney may gather testimony from a Florida brain injury expert who can state the type of force that may have caused a head injury like yours.

Many Florida truck accidents are not caused just by one factor. In most cases, a number of situations and issues can cause an accident. For example, a mechanical failure in the truck may have contributed to an accident, but road conditions as well as mistakes made by pedestrians or other drivers may have contributed to a collision.

In many cases, after a Florida truck accident, victims who have sustained serious injuries look for one answer to the accident. They decide that an accident was caused by a driver or by a mechanical failure. Even the media contributes to the idea that truck accidents are caused by one main cause. How many times have we read a headline proclaiming “Florida brain injuries caused by trucking accidents the fault of distracted drivers”? Most headlines suggest that truck accidents are caused by one factor or cause. While all of us like to keep things simple, it is important not to oversimplify the causes of a truck accident.

Determining all the factors that contribute to a truck accident is crucial because it allows a victim to seek a settlement from multiple responsible parties. This increases the chances that a victim will receive a fairer settlement which will cover all medical costs, lost income, and related costs of an accident. If you decide to pursue only one liable party, you will likely have to pay for part of your medical costs and lose income out of pocket.

For example, if you have sustained a spinal cord injury in a Florida car accident involving a truck, you may decide that the accident was caused by the truck driver. You may be able to recover part of your medical costs by pursuing the insurance carrier for the driver. However, the truck company may also have been negligent in failing to maintain the truck to specific standards. If you pursue this, you will be able to pursue the truck company as well and therefore will not have to pay for part of your medical costs out of pocket.

Most Florida truck accidents are complex events involving an almost infinite number of variables. Any one of these variables may contribute to a collision. Truck accidents may be partly the cause of mechanical failures, tire defects, road conditions, weather conditions, drunk driving, driver fatigue, and any number of other factors. A good Florida personal injury attorney can help you investigate all the causes of a truck accident, which is one reason why it is so important to contact a personal injury attorney if you have been in an accident. If you have been in a truck accident or other vehicle accident in Miami, for example, contact a good Miami attorney specializing in personal injury cases. He or she will be able to conduct a thorough investigation to determine all the causes of an accident so that you can pursue justice from all parties responsible.

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.

Hit and run accidents occur when a motorist leaves the scene of a pedestrian accident, car accident, truck accident, or bicycle accident. Whenever an accident occurs, it is the responsibility of all motorists involved to stop, exchange contact and insurance information, and offer assistance as needed. When drivers fail to stop after an accident, they face jail time, suspension of their driver’s licenses, as well as other penalties.

When truck drivers fail to stop after causing an accident, the outcomes can be even more dire. Due to the force and size of trucks, truck accidents are more likely than passenger vehicle accidents to result in serious brain injuries, fatalities, and other serious injuries. When a truck driver refuses to stop to help, he or she jeopardizes the lives of the victims of the accident. Without immediate help, the victims of a truck accident may succumb to their injuries. Even a delay of a few minutes or seconds can increase the risk of fatalities and permanent injuries.

There are many reasons why some truck drivers leave the scene of an accident. Truck drivers driving non-commercial vehicles may panic and flee the scene for many of the same reasons passenger motorists choose to leave the scene of an accident. A truck driver may be inebriated or may be frightened of the consequences of facing the accident.

A commercial truck driver may flee the scene of an accident for the same reasons. However, he or she may also fear losing their job and may panic about the possibility of their employer’s anger. If a commercial truck driver is driving under the influence, he or she might worry that a sobriety test may cost them their driver’s license. A truck driver may also be under-trained or under-qualified and may panic and flee the scene for this reason.

There are no excuses for leaving the scene of an accident. Truck drivers and passenger car drivers have a responsibility to stop and offer help after an accident. Any driver who fails to do this is putting lives at risk and is behaving in a callous and negligent manner. If you have been seriously injured in a hit and run truck accident, Florida law protects you and ensures that you qualify for legal redress which can help you pay for medical treatment and other costs.

If you have been in a hit and run track accident, it is very important to contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney at once. Attorneys – such as at the experienced team at the Flaxman Group – can advise you of your legal rights and can help you find the driver who has caused your injuries. By contacting a qualified attorney quickly, you also increase the chances of finding the driver, as an attorney can quickly launch an investigation into the accident. Good Florida personal injury attorneys can investigate all the contributing factors of an accident and ensure that you get all the help you need in pursuing justice. A good attorney can help ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under the law to cover medical expenses and other costs related to your injuries.

When an accident occurs on the roads – whether it’s a bicycle accident, car accident, or truck accident – emergency vehicles will generally arrive on the scene. Larger fire trucks, tow trucks, ambulances, and police vehicles all converge to help those who may be injured in the accident, but the presence of these vehicles and especially the presence of larger trucks creates a greater risk of secondary accidents. Secondary accidents can occur when motorists passing an accident or other problem fail to keep their eyes on the road. Secondary accidents can also occur if trucks and emergency vehicles are not given enough room.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is trying to prevent secondary trucking accidents and car accidents with a safety education program. The department is trying to raise awareness about Florida’s Move Over Law. The law protects police officers, tow truck drivers, firefighters, and other personnel who may be at an accident scene or at the scene of another roadside problem. Under the law:

1) Motorists are required to move over if they see a tow truck, police car, fire truck, wrecker, or emergency vehicle on the side of the road with lights flashing. If motorists cannot safely move over, they are required slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. This allows the emergency workers at the scene to have the room they need to work safely. This law is also designed to help prevent the serious pedestrian accidents which occur when emergency vehicle workers are struck by passing motorists.

2) Motorists are required to move to a further lane on a multi-lane roadway (if it is safe to do so) when approaching a stopped police car, fire truck, tow truck, wrecker, or emergency vehicle that has its lights flashing. Motorists are also expected to use extra caution when passing by or driving by past these vehicles. Drivers of fire trucks, tow trucks, and other emergency response vehicles need extra room to do their job and may need to move their vehicles unexpectedly to deal with a situation on the roadside. The Move Over Law is designed to help prevent any accidents when emergency personnel are responding to a call.

3) Motorists are required to not impede traffic and must obey any law enforcement officer at the scene of an accident or other problem where a police car, fire truck, tow truck, wrecker, or emergency vehicle is stopped. Failure to slow down, move over, or use extra caution around these emergency vehicles will result in a citation.

If you are injured by a driver who is not obeying the Move Over Law, you may be eligible for assistance because any such driver is being negligent. Contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney to discuss your case. If you have suffered a serious injury, your attorney can help you receive a fair claim which can help you pay for medical costs and other expenses. Attorneys at the Flaxman Group have helped many traffic accident victims get the help they need. If you need a Florida personal injury attorney who can help, contact the Flaxman Group.

Tow trucks are designed to help cars who have stalled or have been in an accident – but what happens when these trucks cause accidents? Although tow trucks have a lower accident rate than commercial trucks, they still do pose a danger on the roads. According to the Tow Truck Association of America, 60 or more tow truck operators are killed annually each year while helping customers on the road. In addition to these lives lost, many car accidents are caused when tow trucks and cars collide on the roads.

Tow trucks are at a high risk of collisions for a number of reasons:

1) They are often expected to arrive in dangerous situations. Tow trucks are often called to accident scenes, crowded parking lots, and the sides of roads where a flat tire has occurred. These large trucks must then maneuver among other cars or obstacles in order to position the tow truck correctly to help a stranded motorist. Other motorists may not expect to see a tow truck or a tow truck may simply not have enough room to do their job safely.

2) Hooking up a car to a tow truck can be challenging. If a car is not correctly attached and secured, it can roll off a tow truck when the tow truck is moving. This can cause the car to crash into a vehicle behind the tow truck. It can also cause the car behind the tow truck to swerve, causing an accident. When tow truck drivers do not correctly secure a car being towed, they can be held liable for damages caused by a resulting accident. The Tow Truck Association of America has called for increased training for tow truck drivers to ensure that these types of accidents occur less frequently.

3) Brake lights on tow trucks are not always very visible. On some tow trucks, braking lights are not very visible and on some models of trucks, these lights may be completely obscured if the truck is towing a larger vehicle. In some cases, brake lights or supplemental lights may short-circuit and not work properly. Unfortunately, tow trucks make frequent and unexpected stops, so if a truck’s brake lights are not working correctly, there is a very high risk of collision. In many cases, the tow truck company or the company owning the tow trucks can be held liable if a truck’s tow lights are not correctly maintained.

4) Motorists sometimes ignore the rules of safety when passing tow trucks. According to the Towing and Recovery Association of America, when motorists see a tow truck, they should give the truck plenty of space and should slow down. Motorists should keep their eyes on the road and move out of the area in a timely fashion. If you require a tow truck, the Towing and Recovery Association of America recommends moving the car off the road (if no one has been injured). If your vehicle is experiencing mechanical problems but can still drive, move your car off the freeway if you can. This gives tow trucks added room and can help prevent a secondary accident.

If you have been in an accident involving a tow truck, keep in mind that a tow truck is a commercial vehicle, just like a delivery truck. Help anyone who is injured and take down as much information as you can. Since tow truck drivers and towing companies have powerful insurance companies, many victims injured in tow truck accidents have found that a good personal injury attorney is indispensable. If you have sustained a brain injury, serious lacerations, burns, spinal cord injury, or any type of personal injury in a tow truck accident, contact a good Florida personal injury attorney. Attorneys at firms such as the Flaxman Law Group can work with you to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that helps you with medical costs and allows you to focus on your recovery.

Drunk driving accidents involving passenger vehicles kill and injury many people each year. Truck accidents caused by drunk driving and illegal substances can be even more angering, since truck drivers are carefully monitored and regulated. Truck accidents involving illegal and controlled substances are very preventable. Unfortunately, these types of accidents also cause serious injuries. Since trucks are so large, they can easily crush other cars, bicycles, and pedestrians, causing devastating brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities.

Many types of substances can be associated with DUI truck accidents:

1) Alcohol. The decision to have a few drinks on a hot day can have serious consequences for a truck driver. Driving over the legal blood alcohol limit makes a truck driver more likely to lose control of the vehicle, make mistakes while driving, or even drift off behind the wheel. Truck drivers who drink and drive are even more dangerous than drivers of passenger vehicles who do the same thing.

2) Illegal substances. Just like the rest of the population, truck drivers sometimes choose to take illegal drugs. Unfortunately, these drugs can make them hallucinate, can raise their heart beats, and can make them lose consciousness or fall asleep – while they are driving a truck. Some drugs – such as cocaine – put users at risk of a heart attack or other serious health problems. A truck driver who takes too much cocaine and has a heart attack will likely kill others on the road as he or she loses control of their car. Some illegal drugs leave a driver completely unable to focus or make rational decisions – not a safe state for a driver.

3) Medication. Surprisingly, it’s not only alcohol and illegal drugs that can cause truck accidents and truck-car accidents. Many prescription medications and even over-the-counter medications have side effects and should not be taken while driving. Many allergy and cold medications, for example, cause drowsiness. The prescription medications for some conditions can cause dizziness or other symptoms that are dangerous behind the wheel. In some cases, taking prescription medications incorrectly or in the wrong doses can also lead to dangerous side effects. It is the responsibly of the truck driver to listen to his or her pharmacists and doctor and to take medications exactly as prescribed.

4) Stay-alert substances. Since many truck drivers are paid by the load or by distance traveled, many truck drivers have financial incentives to drive as long as possible – even though there are strict regulations in place regarding frequent breaks and rest stops. Some drivers take caffeine and even stronger substances to stay awake in order to meet deadlines. There are over-the-counter caffeine products and energy drinks as well as illegal substances that promise to keep users awake. The problem is that drivers can easily fall asleep, even when taking these products, potentially causing a serious accident.

Whether you have a child just learning to bicycle or have a teen looking forward to their first summer with a driver’s license, at this time of year, it is important to sit your children down and talk truck safety. Trucks are actually more plentiful in the summer, when summer roadwork can mean more trucks and construction sites. Unfortunately, these sites can easily draw young children who are curious about the vehicles and road work or construction. To prevent the pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents that can be a very real risk when children play around trucks, make sure that you:

1) Teach your children to never play around trucks. It is useful to explain to children what the consequences of playing around trucks might be. However, it is also important to be specific. Explain how far children need to be away from trucks to be safe. When out with your children, point out a truck and ask your child to show you how far from the truck he or she should stand.

2) Teach your children to make eye contact with truck drivers. Practice making eye contact with truck drivers when out and about with your children and enforce the idea that truck drivers can only see a person when they make eye contact with that person. Truck drivers are less likely to see children, because children tend to be small. Make sure your children know how to make eye contact and walk safely around a truck.

3) Teach your younger children good bicycle safety. The better your children understand and follow bicycle safety rules, the less likely they are to be in a serious bicycle accident. Make sure you teach your children to wear helmets – which can reduce the risk of brain injuries dramatically – and to signal turns clearly. Truck drivers are more likely to see your child and drive safely around your child if your child knows the rules of the road.

4) Cover basic truck safety rules with your teens. Even if your teen has just had driver’s training, go over truck safety rules again. Truck accidents are more likely than car accidents to result in fatalities, so it is a good idea to discuss defensive driving as well as safety rules.

5) Practice what you preach. Your children will be more likely to practice good safety rules if they see you being safe, as well. There’s no point in telling your teen to not drive and text if you drive and text yourself. Allowing your children to see you following safety rules reinforces the idea that safety is the right choice.

Bill HB 1271 will increase the maximum weight allowable for trucks. Currently, trucks in Florida must carry no more than 80,000 pounds in weight. The bill will allow trucks of up to 88, 000 pounds on Florida’s roads. Some concerned citizens have been speaking out against the bill and some hoped that Governor Charlie Crist will veto the bill.

Experts note that such an increase in weight could significantly increase road damage caused by trucks. According to the Florida Coalition for Safe Highways, there will be no larger fees for the trucking companies if the heavier trucks are allowed. This means that in some municipalities, the condition of roads might deteriorate if the community cannot find funds to fix the roadways more quickly. Poor road conditions, in turn, may increase the risk of car accidents, truck accidents, bus accident, and even bicycle accidents. All vehicles and pedestrians rely on roads in good condition, and according to the Florida Coalition for Safe Highways, heavier trucks threaten the condition of roads.

The Florida Coalition for Safe Highways is also concerned about the safety of trucks with larger loads. According to the group, the extra 8, 000 pounds can impact a truck’s ability to slow down and stop, which can contribute to trucking accidents. As well, heavier trucks will require more driver awareness. However, most drivers today are trained on 8, 000 pound trucks, so there is some concern about the preparedness of truck drivers for the heavier trucks.

The Florida Coalition for Safe Highways does not want heavier trucks on the roadways, but is especially concerned that heavier trucks may be permitted on roadways without additional safety measures. The group believes that at the very least, the bill should make provisions for additional mandatory driver training and new requirements for axles to make heavier trucks safer.

The Florida Trucking Association supports the bill and notes that the industry has placed an emphasis on safety which has reduced trucking accident fatalities. According to the Florida Trucking Association, heavier trucks mean fewer trucks on the roads, less driving time and less fuel used, which is better for the trucking industry and for drivers.

The Florida Association of Professional EMTs and Paramedics has also spoken out against heavier trucks on Florida’s roads, noting that the heavier trucks may damage the roads and the state’s many bridges. Some of Florida’s bridges are already in poor repair, and there is concern that heavier trucks may render some of these bridges unsafe for other drivers and may even impact emergency medical access to some areas.

Bill HB 1271 was signed by Governor Charlie Crist on June 4, despite vocal protests by many groups. Companies will be able to start putting heavier trucks on the road as early as July 2010. It is expected that The Florida Coalition for Safe Highways and other concerned groups will attempt to have the law repealed.

Trucking companies have an obligation not only to deliver products safely and in a timely fashion for their clients, but also to keep the roads safe for everyone. Certain trucking company operational practices can have a profound impact on accident rates. For example, when truck companies hire experienced, qualified drivers and ensure that all drivers in a fleet have adequate training, the companies are taking steps to make the roads safer for everyone. Similarly, when truck companies take care to maintain their fleet of trucks, they are working to help prevent pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and bicycle accidents involving their trucks.

The way that truck companies pay their drivers can also have a significant impact on road safety. In some cases, experts note, truck companies offer truck drivers inadvertent encouragement to speed or reduce rest stops. For example, if a truck company pays a driver by the mile, the driver may feel a subtle pressure to speed or to drive when fatigued in order to make more miles in order to make more money.

As well, many truck drivers spend hours or days on the road. If they are being paid by the load or by the mile, and they have little to do but drive, they may be tempted to speed and to cut corners on rest stops in order to get the job done and in order to take home more income. Many trucking companies also only pay drivers for driving. Time spent loading or unloading the truck, time spent resting or idling, and time spent doing paperwork is all unpaid work, and this can push drivers to drive more and drive faster to make up for all those unpaid hours.

According to Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), truck drivers spend an average of 44 hours a week of unpaid labor near or in their trucks. This amount of time is equivalent to a full-time job, so when drivers are not paid for these driving-related tasks they may feel pressured to drive faster or longer to make up for those hours. Most truck drivers make an average of $38,000 - $50,000, even after spending hours of unpaid labor on the job. The career requires days away from home as well as long hours of work.

Some experts believe that trucking companies should change pay structures in order to reduce the risk of truck accidents. Instead of paying by the mile, these experts note, drivers should be paid by the hour or should be paid a flat fee for a specific number of deliveries completed in a month. This way, there is no incentive for drivers to speed or take controlled substances to stay up later in order to drive more. Some experts even think that trucking companies can pay drivers extra as an incentive to drive safely. For example, truck drivers who make deliveries on time without speeding and cutting on breaks could be rewarded financially.

Some experts also advocate for truck drivers, and claim that truck companies should be spending more money on truck technology and truck driver training to make truck driving a safer and fairer job. Making truck drivers safe, healthy, and well-trained makes everyone safer on the roads we all share with trucks.

According to research and advocacy groups, there are a number of things which can make trucks much safer. One of these items is the speed governor. Speed governors are on-board computers which limit the maximum speeds of trucks. Speed governors prevent speeding, and in some cases warn drivers when they exceed certain safe driving speeds. Many experts believe that speed governors are powerful tools in the trucking industry because these computers take the choice to speed out of the driver’s hands. The driver, in many cases, cannot easily speed with these computers onboard. If the driver does speed and is in an accident, the driver cannot plead ignorance, as the speed governor will warn the driver of excessive speeds. By keeping drivers to reasonable speeds, the speed governors ensure that drivers have adequate time to stop if they need to brake suddenly to avoid a collision.

The interesting thing about speed governors is that most trucks have them. In fact, all trucks made in the USA since 1992 have been equipped with speed governors. However, there is no legislation requiring truck drivers or truck companies to use these devices. In fact, many truck drivers and truck companies do not use these potentially life-saving devices. Under current legislation, trucks are legally allowed to drive at the same speeds as passenger vehicles, even though all experts agree that trucks cannot stop safely at highway speeds. Some experts and advocacy groups have tried to pass legislation requiring the use of speed governors or requiring different, lower, speed limits for trucks. Currently, no such legislation has passed.

Worse, some experts claim that the truck industry makes it profitable for truckers to exceed safe speed limits. Most truck drivers are paid by the load or by the mile. Truck drivers who travel more quickly, therefore, are more competitive than those who travel at safer speeds. Truck drivers who drive at slower speeds and therefore drive more safely are essentially financially punished with lower wages. However, even driving at regular highway speeds is very dangerous for drivers, since truck take three times the distance to come to a complete stop, when compared to passenger vehicles. Many experts believe that mandatory use of speed governors and new legislation regarding maximum truck speeds would reduce car accidents and pedestrian accidents associated with commercial trucks. Experts also point out that trucks that use speed governors to travel a safe speed are in fact also more profitable, since they incur smaller liability costs, spend less in fuel costs, and allow the truck to function longer without expensive maintenance or repairs.

In addition to speed governors, another tool that can help prevent truck accidents is the log book. All commercial truck drivers are required to keep an up-to-date log book, detailing hours driven as well as rests taken, to show that they are taking regulated breaks. However, some drivers take part in log book fraud, keeping a falsified log book which suggests that they take regular breaks when in fact these breaks are not taken.

One solution to log book fraud is the Electronic On-Board Recorder (EOBR). These devices automatically track vital statistics – such as hours driven, hours stopped, speed, location, and other details. EOBRs can help investigators after an accident and can help drivers keep track of their safe driving practices as well. EOBRs are also much harder to falsify than log books. Many drivers also support EOBRs because they require almost no paperwork. Currently, drivers driving trucks without EOBRs must fill out log books by hand and they are not compensated for this paperwork.

While truck drivers make some mistakes which result in truck-car accidents, there are also poor choices which passenger vehicle drivers make which can also result in collisions:

1) The choice to ignore a truck’s blind spots. Many trucks have warning signs, indicating the blind spot of the truck and warning drivers to not pass when the truck is changing lanes or turning. Nevertheless, many passenger vehicle drivers decide to ignore the warnings and either drive in truck blind spots or attempt to pass at unsafe moments.

2) The choice to cut trucks off and drive aggressively. Trucks usually use air brakes, which means that they take longer to stop than passenger vehicles. Cutting off a truck or zipping around a truck usually does not leave the truck with enough time to stop in order to prevent a collision.

3) The choice to ignore windy conditions. If you are driving beside a truck on a windy day, the truck may be protecting you from the wind. If you pass the truck or drop back, you need to brace yourself for the sudden wind. The sudden gust can easily surprise you and even cause you to lose control of your vehicle momentarily.

4) The choice to tailgating a truck. Tailgating a truck is extremely dangerous – far more dangerous than tailgating a passenger vehicle. If the truck in front of you stops suddenly, you will likely be in an underride accident, which means that the front of your car will slide under the truck. This means that the impact with the truck will not be with your bumper, but with your windshield. Underride accidents have a high fatality rate and survivors of such accidents often have serious head injuries. Some trucks have metal bars below the chassis to prevent accidents involving underride, but these metal guards cause many decapitations. An underride accident is simply one of the most dangerous accidents you can encounter on the road.

5) The choice to be distracted. When driving around trucks, you need to stay focused. You need to note and anticipate what the truck is doing and you need to consider that the truck is a large obstacle which may be preventing you from seeing and anticipating obstacles down the road. You also need to focus on driving safely around trucks, being seen by truck drivers, and signaling your intentions to turn or stop in a way that gives truck drivers enough time to respond. You simply cannot do all of this if you are talking on the phone, texting, or otherwise staying distracted.

Commercial truck drivers make many choices when driving which can affect their safety and the safety of everyone around them on the road. Important truck driver choices include:

1) The choice to stay involved. Most commercial truck drivers are not responsible for truck maintenance or for loading their truck – others do that and the truck driver focuses on driving. However, good truck drivers check loads and trucks before driving so that they can report an incorrectly loaded cargo or any mechanical issues with a truck before these problems cause an accident. Improperly loaded or secure loads can result in rollovers, tire blowouts, or a trail of debris on the road that increases the risk of car accidents. Tires without correctly functioning brakes, truck lights and other equipment are at a greater risk of accidents. Pre-inspection before every drive helps truck drivers notice and correct issues immediately.

2) The choice to obey posted speed limits. Some truck drivers choose to speed in order to make deadlines, but speeding is extremely dangerous. Speeding commercial trucks are more likely to rollover and drivers are more likely to lose control when speeding. Since trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles, speeding can also lead to a car accident or pedestrian accident if a driver is going too fast to respond adequately to traffic.

3) The choice to drive in designated truck lanes. Driving outside of designated truck lanes means that driver chooses to drive among passenger vehicles, and some of the drivers in those vehicles may be making mistakes of their own which lead to an accident. Where designated truck lanes are available, the safest place for a truck is inside those lanes.

4) The choice to pay attention to weather. Weather conditions can affect the slipperiness of the roads, the way a truck load responds, and how a truck handles. Slippery, icy conditions can easily lead to rollovers or multi-car accidents. High winds can rock a truck load and lead to a rollover if a load is not secured correctly. Truck drivers cannot drive the same way in every weather condition. When conditions are poor, truck drivers must slow down and use extra caution.

5) The choice to drive aggressively. An aggressive truck driver frightens other drivers on the road, because the size and force of a commercial truck can cause serious damage. Cutting other cars off, for example, is very dangerous, as it can easily lead to a collision. Yelling at other drivers or giving way to road rage can distract a truck driver and cause him or her to lose control of the truck. Staying calm and professional is essential for a truck driver.

6) The choice to drive unimpaired. Drugs and alcohol, even in small amounts, can lead to sleepiness. Drugs can cause a driver to become distracted and use poor judgment, which can lead to a serious accident. Drunk driving accidents involving trucks are even more deadly than drunk driving accidents involving passenger vehicles. They are more likely to result in fatalities and serious injuries because a large commercial truck can do more damage to other cars.

7) The choice to yield to a right of way. Cutting other drivers off and not yielding is a serious problem because trucks cannot stop very quickly. They take extra time, when compared with passenger vehicles, to come to a complete stop. Therefore, a truck driver who does not yield will often not be able to stop in time to prevent an accident if a collision seems imminent.

Since driver fatigue is a major contributor to car accidents, bus accidents, and truck accidents, the federal government has long instituted rules which regulate the trucking industry. These regulations dictate how long truck drivers should sleep, how often they should rest, and the maximum amount of time drivers should drive before taking breaks. Despite this, however, truck driver fatigue continues to cause accidents each year.

Part of the problem is that log books are used to prove how often a truck driver rests. All truck drivers are expected to keep a log book to show how often they rest and when they take breaks. However, some drivers fill out their log books every few days, long after they have forgotten their actual breaks. Some drivers even fake their log book entries. When such drivers are in an accident, it can be difficult to prove that driver fatigue played a role in the accident. Victims need a good Florida personal injury attorney to check log books against evidence gathered from the truck to determine whether a log book was accurate.

According to federal regulations, commercial truck drivers are not permitted to drive more than 70 hours over eight consecutive days and are not allowed to drive more than 60 hours per week. After eleven hours of driving a day, drivers are supposed to take a rest period of ten hours. In addition, drivers need to have a rest period of at least 34 consecutive hours. Drivers are supposed to drive ten hours maximum consecutively. Some experts claim that such federal regulations are too lax and can still result in driver fatigue. Driving a truck takes a great deal of mental energy and concentration, and driving 60 hours a week can lead to fatigue.

What is even more of a worry is that some truck companies and drivers ignore even the federal rules. Some trucking companies, for example, do not check their driver’s logs or audit them in order to ensure that drivers are following the rules. Some companies encourage drivers to break federal regulations by setting unrealistic deadlines or by offering financial incentives for drivers to deliver more in a shorter period of time.

When truck drivers become fatigued, they may drift into other lanes, react more slowly, and even rear-end other vehicles. In extreme cases, truck drivers may fall asleep at the wheel and lose control of their vehicle. Since commercial vehicles are so large and heavy, the truck accidents which occur as a result of fatigue tend to have dire consequences. Fatalities are a common result of trucking accidents. Victims who survive such an accident may have serious burn injuries, amputations, broken bones, brain injuries, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries.

After a truck accident, it can be difficult for victims to recover claims for their injuries. Unlike other types of accidents, accidents caused by fatigued drivers often leave no obvious clues. It can be very difficult to prove that a driver was fatigued after the fact. To prove that driver fatigue played a role in an accident, victims need to hire qualified Florida personal injury attorneys. Attorneys -- such as those at the Flaxman Law Group – have contacts with private investigators who can research the causes of an accident. Qualified attorneys also have the experience to pursue such cases.

Commercial trucks pose serious hazards to other vehicles and other persons on the road when they collide. Whether a truck collides with another vehicle, rolls over, or collides with an inanimate object, there are many hazards unique to this type of large vehicle:

1) Multi-vehicle accidents. The sheer size and length of a truck can cause a truck to suddenly block all or part of a road, and this can easily lead to multiple-vehicle accidents is other cars on the road cannot stop in time. The sheer size and force of a commercial truck can also cause the truck to crash through multiple passenger vehicles when spinning out of control. Commercial trucks are simply more likely to cause multi-car accidents than passenger vehicles.

2) Spills. One unique thing about commercial trucks which sets them apart from other vehicles is that commercial trucks carry loads. Following a collision, these loads can spill, causing additional damages and injuries. If a truck is carrying livestock, for example, a collision can cause the livestock to scatter, causing additional accidents. If a truck is carrying large objects – such as logs or heavy steel pipes – these objects may scatter on the road in an accident and impact with other vehicles, causing serious accidents.

3) Fires. In some cases, commercial trucks carry highly flammable or dangerous materials. If these substances are spilled in a truck accident, the materials can ignite or even explode. A large spill igniting after a collision can rage over a roadway, causing fatalities and serious burn injuries. Some trucks carry dangerous chemicals; when spilled after a collision, these substances can affect the health and welfare of entire communities. In some cases, these substances can also cause chemical burns.

4) Road damage. Due to their size and force, trucks in a serious collision can sometimes cause serious damage to a roadway, shoulder, bridge, or other road surface area. A truck skidding out of control can easily scrape or cause ruts in a road surface. This sort of damage can affect the safety of drivers who must then use the road after an accident.

5) Fatalities. Most commercial truck accidents do not occur between two trucks – they occur between a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck. Unfortunately, these sorts of accidents are far more likely than the typical car accident to result in fatalities. A 3,000 pound car is simply no match for a commercial truck of 60 to 80 tons. When these two types of vehicles collide, the car is often crushed or badly mangled, often leaving few if any survivors.

Most of us think of allergies as nothing more than a slight bother. They mean sniffles, a red nose, swollen eyes, and maybe some sneezing. For truck drivers, however, allergies can pose a serious health risk in a number of ways:

1) Allergies distract a driver from the road. When drivers are sneezing or having a more serious allergic reaction, they are often unable to give full attention to the road. This, in turn, creates a risk of bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and truck accidents, as drivers are unable to focus on the obstacles in front of them. A driver with allergies can mean that everyone sharing the road with that driver is at risk.

2) Allergy medication often induces drowsiness. Many over the counter medications designed to ease the symptoms of an allergy also produce feelings of drowsiness. Taking such medications can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel or to become so drowsy that their driving is affected. It is important for truck drivers to check their medication carefully to ensure that it does not cause drowsiness.

3) Serious allergies can cause life-threatening reactions. In rare cases, allergies can cause a severe rash, racing heart beat, and trouble breathing. These serious allergies are life-threatening. If they occur to a truck driver on the road, they can cause the driver to lose consciousness and lose control of his or her vehicle. This can easily lead to accidents and collisions with other vehicles on the road.

By law, truck drivers are required to get physical examinations to ensure that they are fit to drive a truck safely. However, some drivers “doctor shop,” meaning that they visit different physicians in order to get a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, this can be a great danger on the road if serious conditions, or even relatively minor conditions such as allergies, are left undetected and untreated.

Some truck drivers are fearful about getting proper physical examinations because they worry that a diagnosis could harm their income or employment. However, even letting relatively minor conditions such as allergies go untreated and undiagnosed can increase the likelihood of pedestrian accidents, truck-car accidents, and other types of potentially fatal collisions.

All truck accidents are tragic and often result in fatalities and serious personal injuries. However, when a car or truck accident causes injuries to minors and children or kills a young child, it is especially tragic. Unfortunately, children are uniquely vulnerable to truck accidents and car accidents.

Children often play outside, where trucks may be backing up. Because children are small, truck drivers may often not see them in time. As well, children often do not pay attention to or understand the auditory signals trucks make when backing up. They may simply not know enough to get out of the way. Some children may in fact approach trucks out of a sense of curiosity, not comprehending the hazards of trucks. There are many things that parents can do, however, to keep their children safer:

1) Teach your children safety around trucks. Teach your children to keep away from trucks and teach them about the auditory signals trucks have. Show your children what to do when a truck approaches. The more your children know, the better prepared they are to be safe.

2) Teach teen drivers to use extra caution around trucks. Young drivers often learn to drive on quiet streets. While this is useful in helping new drivers learn about the basics in a quiet, safe environment, it does not allow new drivers to learn how to share the road with trucks. Make sure that your teen’s driving course teaches them how to drive safely around trucks and make sure that your driver’s course teaches them how to drive defensively.

3) Do not let your play in the front yard or driveway unsupervised. Trucks may pull up to your front yard regularly. For example, garbage trucks may stop in front of your home to collect your garbage and delivery trucks may also make stops in your front yard. Your child may inadvertently get too close to these vehicles. Keep children away from these areas, in fenced-off yard areas, or ensure that they are well supervised.

4) Teach children proper bicycle safety. Younger children are most likely to encounter trucks when riding their bicycles. Bicycle accidents involving trucks are almost always fatal, which is why it is crucial to teach your children how to share the road with trucks. As well, encourage your children to stick to bicycle lanes and bicycle paths, where they will be safer.

A new study out of Harvard, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, has suggested that mandatory screenings for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and banning of doctor shopping can help prevent truck accidents and bus accidents caused by driver fatigue. The Harvard researchers also linked obesity to OSA and suggested that testing at-risk drivers more often can also help prevent vehicle accidents.

Stefanos N. Kales, the Harvard Medical School professor in charge of the study, noted that as America’s obesity rate increases, the rate of obesity among commercial truck drivers is also growing. Obesity can lead to a number of serious conditions, including OSA, which can affect a driver’s ability to drive safely. Kales notes that truck drivers with OSA, in particular, are far more likely to fall asleep at the wheel when compared with drivers without the condition. Kales’ research also uncovered that many truck drivers avoid treatment for OSA and even underreport symptoms.

OSA is a condition in which a patient does not get a restful sleep due to breathing difficulties during sleep. In the most common situations, the OSA causes a patient’s breathing to catch and effectively causes the patient to wake briefly but very frequently during the night. This results in daytime sleepiness and even a tendency to fall asleep suddenly during the daytime. OSA also increases the risk of cardiac disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus, all of which can also affect driver performance.

Obviously, this is a risk for truck drivers. According to Dr. Kales and his team of researchers, OSA increases the risk of a car accident, truck accident, or other vehicle accident twofold to sevenfold. In addition, OSA is very common among truck drivers. Kales believes that between 2.4 million and 3.9 million of the licensed commercial drivers across the country suffer from OSA.

Despite the frequency of OSA, however, it is an often under-diagnosed condition. Kales and his researchers found that many primary care doctors miss the symptoms of OSA. They also found that many truck drivers under-report their symptoms. Kales and his researchers examined 456 commercial drivers and found that 17% had symptoms or signs indicating possible OSA. Most of these drivers were obese, older, and had high blood pressure. 53 of the drivers were referred for further testing and studies, but 33 did not comply, while 20 who went for testing all were diagnosed with OSA. Of the 20 drivers with known OSA, only one driver sought treatment.

Kales believes that a significant number of truck drivers with OSA or suspected OSA seek medical certification from doctors who do not screen for OSA. By doctor shopping, they are able to avoid a diagnosis or mandatory treatment that might affect their jobs. Unfortunately, this means that a number of commercial drivers are on the roads with poorly treated or untreated OSA.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has considered mandatory sleep apnea screening for all drivers with a body mass index (BMI) which indicates obesity. Currently, there is no mandatory screening for OSA in particular, but commercial truck drivers are required to undergo medical certification. Some truck companies, such as Swift Transportation Corp. of Phoenix, screen their drivers for OSA and pay for treatment and monitoring.

Truck driving accidents involving fatigued or sleepy truck drivers are unfortunately still too common. They are also a major cause of car accidents involving trucks. When a truck driver is sleepy or fatigued, he or she has slowed response times and may not react in time in order to avoid a collision. In the worst case scenario, a sleepy truck driver can fall asleep at the wheel and cause car accidents, pedestrian accidents, or collisions with other trucks after losing control of the vehicle.

There are regulations which dictate how long truck drivers can drive before taking a break or rest. While these laws can help prevent some truck accidents caused by fatigue, these laws are far from fool-proof. In some cases, truck companies pressure drivers to drive for excessively long periods of time in order to meet deadlines. In some cases, drivers themselves ignore break and rest regulations because they wish to earn more money. Even in cases where truck drivers obey the laws and take breaks as prescribed, this may not be enough to prevent driver fatigue and resulting accidents.

There are also many conditions which can contribute to driver fatigue. Even rested drivers may be prone to fatigue if they take certain medications or suffer from certain conditions. Hot, muggy days, poor sleep and even heavy meals can contribute to feelings of sleepiness and fatigue which can impact how well a truck driver drives.

Truck drivers should take breaks when they are tired, not only when their guidelines tell them to. There are many drowsiness that truck drivers should be alert to. Any of these signs could indicate a dangerous level of drowsiness:

1) The driver yawns frequently. Yawning is an early sign of fatigue or lack of oxygen. If opening the window and getting some fresh air does not help, it is time for a rest.

2) The driver day dreams or has a mind that wanders. When bodies get worn down, so do minds, and minds react by wandering or day-dreaming. Not only is daydreaming a sign of dangerous fatigue, it is in itself a dangerous form of distraction that can easily lead to a truck accident.

3) The driver makes mistakes while driving. A truck driver who slows down and speeds up randomly, who wanders to the edge of the road, or wanders over the center line is making driving mistakes which could easily prove fatal. These are the signs of a dangerously fatigued or distracted driver. If you are driving behind such a driver, contact the authorities. If you are a truck driver and notice such mistakes in your own driving, pull over and rest immediately before an accident takes place.

4) The driver feels stiff or drained and feels that his or her eyes are getting heavy. When we are tired and ignore the body’s impulse to rest, our muscles eventually start to feel sore and our eyes get heavy as our body starts to shut down to compel us to rest. If a truck driver has these symptoms, it is time to pull over.

5) The driver cannot remember the last few minutes or seconds of driving or cannot remember the last few miles. This is really the danger zone, because if a truck driver cannot remember the past few seconds or miles, chances are good that he or she has fallen asleep at the wheel. When a driver ignores the impulse to rest, the body eventually shuts down and pushes the driver into small mini-sleeps, some lasting only a few seconds. This is an emergency situation, because during these small micro-sleeps, the driver loses control of the vehicle and can easily cause an accident.

Truck driver fatigue continues to be a major cause of trucking accidents. Even though truck drivers are strictly regulated in terms of rest time and maximum number of hours on the road between rests, trucking is still a stressful job and some companies pressure truck drivers to ignore rules. As well, long hours on the road are draining, even with frequent breaks for rest. In some cases, insomnia, sleep apnea, or other conditions or illnesses make a driver tired – and dangerous – on the road. There are many things that drivers can do, however, to reduce accidents due to fatigue:

1) Take breaks when needed. Although breaks are regulated in the trucking industry, truck drivers can stop any time they wish on the road – as long as they rest the minimum amount prescribed by regulations. Many truck drivers push on until the next stop or rest, even if they are tired. Resting when needed – even for a few minutes – can prevent accidents and the personal injuries they cause, though.

2) Get regular check ups. If an office worker falls asleep at his or her desk due to an illness, his or her pride may be a little hurt. If a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, the consequences are far more dire. Trucking accidents have a high rate of fatalities and also often lead to brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other serious injuries for survivors. Regular doctor’s visits can ensure that no conditions or illnesses are creating a hazard on the road.

3) Eat well. Heavy foods – especially starchy foods and carbohydrates -- can induce a state of sleepiness. Big, heavy meals traditionally make us feel tired. Few people, for example, feel at their best or most alert after a big Thanksgiving dinner. Eating smaller portions of healthful foods promotes good health and can help prevent fatigue.

4) Use extra caution during dangerous trips. Driving early in the morning and late at night is more dangerous than driving during the day, since our bodies are naturally more tired and drowsy at these times. Unfortunately, truck drivers often have to drive during these times in order to meet deadlines. Being extra careful and aware of the dangers of sleepiness at these times can be helpful.

5) Avoid controlled substances while driving. Obviously, any amount of alcohol must be avoided when driving. Even one drink – even if it does not put a driver over the blood alcohol limit – can create feelings of sleepiness. However, even over-the-counter medications can create drowsiness, which is why it is important to read labels. Even smoking can be a problem, as it can affect night vision.

6) Create alert conditions. Drivers can open windows for fresh air or use air conditioning to create a cool atmosphere. Most people are less sleepy in a cool atmosphere than in a warm one. As well, playing lively music and sitting up straight may help prevent drowsiness.

Everyone on the road has a responsibility to help prevent trucking accidents. Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their trucks and for driving and training their drivers. Passenger car drivers have a responsibility to drive safely so that all vehicles can be safe on the roads and so that car accidents can be prevented. Truck drivers have a responsibility to abide by regulations regarding safe truck driving.

Pedestrians, too, however, have a responsibility to help prevent accidents. Unfortunately, in some cases, pedestrians feel that they can ignore some of the basic rules of the road. When pedestrians fail to exercise caution around larger trucks, pedestrian accidents can easily occur. Since pedestrians are so much smaller than trucks, truck drivers may simply not see them in time to react. Pedestrians especially tend to commit a few specific errors around trucks:

1) Trying to get around trucks. Passing a truck is risky, whether you are in a vehicle or walking. Some pedestrians assume that they have time to quickly zip around a truck. Misjudging the speed of a truck, however, is usually a fatal mistake. If you need to walk around a truck that has an engine running, make sure that the truck is not about to back up. Make eye contact with the driver to ensure that they can see you.

2) Pedestrian distractions. Much has been written about driver distractions in recent months and new legislation has been passed to keep some drivers and all truck drivers from driving while distracted by mobile devices. However, pedestrians continue to use mobile devices, headphones, and other distractions while jogging, walking, or bicycling. Unfortunately, these kind of distractions also affect pedestrians. Distracted pedestrians are less likely to notice auditory warning signals from trucks, for example, or lights indicating that a truck is about to back up.

3) Jaywalking or walking in non-pedestrian areas. Construction areas, truck stops, and other areas with trucks are dangerous areas for pedestrians. Truck drivers may not be expecting pedestrians in these areas and therefore may not be watching for pedestrians. Jaywalking is a problem for the same reason – truck drivers may not be expecting to see pedestrians outside of crosswalks and may not be able to stop in time.

4) Not making eye contact. Trucks have many blind spots, and it is difficult to tell whether truck drivers can see you. If you are behind a truck or along the sides of a truck, a driver may not see you. Making eye contact with a driver is the surest way to make sure that a driver sees you.

Although truck accidents are often discussed in the media, there is one type of accident that still does not get much media attention: the truck accident involving suicide. Although it is hard for researchers to determine how many people commit suicide each year by stepping or driving in front of a truck, there is evidence that people do choose this method as a means to end their lives. Unfortunately, this method of ending their lives often leads to a truck accident that can cause serious brain injuries, broken bones, and unintentional fatalities to others.

Persons who are severely depressed and prone to suicide will sometimes drive in front of a truck in order to take their lives. Researchers believe that drivers rely on the deadly force of a truck to take their lives. It is not known how many car accidents involving trucks are suicides or suicide attempts, but researchers believe that in cases where a car is in an oncoming lane, for example, and does not move out of the way of a truck, these instances may be examples of suicide or suicide attempts. Studies have suggested that anywhere from 1.6% to 5% of vehicle crashes may be suicides or suicide attempts.

Another method people use in order to commit suicide is to walk in front of a truck on foot. In many cases, pedestrians step very suddenly in front of an oncoming truck and make no attempts to get out of the way. In many cases, researchers believe that these pedestrians know that the truck cannot brake on time and know that the impact will cause a fatal pedestrian accident.

Trying to commit suicide by stepping or driving in front of a truck can have serious results. In addition to the obvious result of a successful suicide attempt, suicidal drivers and pedestrians may survive the crash, and emerge severely injured. In addition, truck drivers may brake or stop suddenly, causing a secondary car accident or truck accident which claims a life or causes a severe injury to an innocent bystander or driver.

Many people who commit suicide by truck accident also cause severe distress for the truck driver involved. When a suicidal person steps or drives in front of a truck and is injured or killed, the truck driver often suffers extreme stress or trauma. Many truck drivers are unable to return to their jobs after such an incident and some relive the incident again and again in their minds. In many cases, such suicide attempts are especially cruel because they place the onus of the act on someone else – the truck driver – who is unable to stop the event and then suffers trauma because of it.

Unfortunately, in many cases, there are also many answers left after a truck accident caused by a suicidal person. There are many reasons why it is hard to determine which truck accidents may be caused by suicide attempts. In many cases, insurance considerations and the stigma of suicide make family members of the victim unwilling to share any information about the victim’s depression or suicidal thoughts. As well, if a victim does not leave a note, the physical evidence between a truck accident and a suicide attempt is not much different. In some cases, private investigators hired by personal injury attorneys have found that a suicidal driver applied pressure to a gas pedal rather a brake pedal, intentionally rushing at a truck. However, in many cases, such incidents rely on anecdotal or circumstantial evidence. One thing that is known in every case about these accidents: they cause everyone – including the victim’s family and the truck driver – a great deal of agony.

Fatigued drivers are one of the leading reasons for both car accidents and trucking accidents across the country. Tired drivers are more likely to make poor choices, drift into other lanes, and make mistakes while driving. One of the biggest risks associated with fatigued drivers, however, is the danger of falling asleep at the wheel. When truck drivers, especially, fall asleep behind the wheel, they lose control of a multi-ton machine which can cause severe damage and serious injuries in an accident.

Drivers are most likely to fall asleep early in the morning and the middle of the afternoon, when most fatigue-related accidents tend to happen. Researchers have also found that drivers are more likely to fall asleep on long stretches of monotonous roads, such as on long highways. Unfortunately, truck drivers are often forced to work in conditions which contribute to fatigue-related accidents. That is, most truck drivers must drive early in the morning as well as the afternoon in order to make deadlines. As well, truck drivers are more likely than car drivers to spend long periods on highways – where most drivers fall asleep behind the wheel – because truck drivers are often responsible for transporting goods between states and cities, making highways and freeways the most effective mode of transport.

Research from Tatung University in Taiwan has shown that drivers who frequently break up their driving with rest are less likely to be in car accidents. Researchers found that drivers who drive 80 minutes with no break are more dangerous on the roads than drivers who drive for shorter distances. Unfortunately, the very nature of truck transport usually requires that truck drivers drive for longer periods than 80 minutes without stops.

Some research has also suggested that irregular schedules can experience higher levels of stress and subjective fatigue. Unfortunately, many truck drivers have irregular schedules in many cases, as trucking companies have differing orders to fill. All these factors – long hours on monotonous highways, irregular hours, and working during peak fatigue times – can make truck drivers more susceptible to driver fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel. In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has found that about 52% of single-vehicle truck accidents were related to fatigue. In about 18% of these cases, the truck driver fell asleep while operating the truck. About 20% of commercial road transport accidents involve driver fatigue. About 50% of long haul drivers have admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel.

When a truck driver falls asleep behind the wheel, he or she is more likely to run off the road. The driver is also more likely to enter an oncoming lane and collide with oncoming vehicles. Finally, a driver who has fallen asleep at the wheel will not stop for other cars and is at a high risk of rear-ending the car in front of them. In many cases, other drivers on the road may not realize that a truck driver has fallen asleep behind the wheel and therefore may not take evasive measures until it is too late.

In many cases, long before truck drivers fall asleep at the wheel, they notice signs of excessive fatigue. Symptoms such as yawning, a drifting truck, heavy eyelids, fidgetiness, irritability, jumpiness, daydreaming, and increasing or decreasing speeds can be a sign of driver fatigue. When any driver notices these symptoms, he or she should pull over and get some rest before continuing. Stopping when tired can help prevent a truck accident or another serious accident that can lead to fatalities and serious personal injuries.

In a car, drivers with road rage can cause serious injuries and damage. Research has shown that drivers gripped by strong, aggressive emotions while behind the wheel – the phenomena known as “road rage” – show poor response times, poor judgment, and often behave in aggressive and dangerous ways. Drivers who are gripped by road rage often ignore the rules of the road, speed, and drive aggressively or recklessly. They may verbally abuse other drivers or make threatening gestures. In rare cases, drivers affected by road rage may use their cars as a weapon to harm someone else.

When truck drivers are affected by road rage, the results may be much worse. The size and force of trucks – especially larger commercial trucks – are significant enough to cause serious damage if a driver loses control and drives recklessly or aggressively. Trucks are large enough to harm many people and damage many vehicles in a road rage incident.

There are many causes of driver rage. Truck drivers may exceed normal or accepted driving hours. Exhaustion can lead to anger and irritability, which can cause minor difficulties to escalate into instances of road rage. As well, some drivers may use illegal substances in order to meet hectic work schedules or may simply have anger management issues or even histories of road rage incidents. There are many reasons for road rage as there are drivers who experience the problem.

However road rage is caused, if a truck driver with road rage has caused an accident which has resulted in your injury, Florida law has provisions which allow you to recover for medical costs and related injury costs. Whether you have sustained a spinal cord injury, amputation, burn injury or other serious injury as a result of the truck accident, there are options for you. If you have sustained a serious injury in a trucking accident, your best option is to contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney.

Since every incident of road rage is different, your Florida personal injury attorney will want to carefully examine the causes of an accident. What may seem like a simple case of driver road rage on the surface may actually reveal several liable parties and several contributing factors to the accident. For example, if a trucking company knew about a driver’s previous poor driving record, they may be held partially liable for the incident. A number of factors besides road rage may also have contributed to the accident. For example, tire defects or road conditions may have been at least partly to blame for an accident. Finding all liable parties allows your attorney to secure the fairest possible settlement for you.

We cannot control the actions or emotional states of drivers surrounding us on the highways. However, where truck driver’s actions can have such an immediate impact on your life and future, you do have every right to pursue every legal avenue open to you to ensure that you receive the best chance of recovery possible. In most cases, this means hiring a qualified attorney who can thoroughly investigate the trucking accident and give you the answers you need.

Pedestrian accidents involving a truck are almost always devastating. A pedestrian accident involving a car can easily result in life-threatening injuries such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, but the power of a truck is even less of a match for a pedestrian. Pedestrian accidents involving trucks are usually fatal. While trucking companies have an obligation to help prevent trucking accidents, pedestrians can certainly do their part to help prevent these devastating accidents. Here’s how:

1) Pay careful attention around trucks. Whether you are at a truck stop, trying to walk from your car to a restroom or are on your street when moving trucks are trying to offload furniture, stay extra alert. When you see trucks, put away your portable devices and music players and focus on getting to your destination safely.

2) Be careful in construction areas. At this time of year, there are many construction sites around every city. Whether you are trying to walk or ride your bicycle, trucking accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents are very common near and in construction areas. Quite simply, trucks, construction equipment, bicyclists, and pedestrians are not a good mix. Try to avoid construction areas while out walking. Cross the street if you have to. If you must walk through a construction area, make sure workers on the area can see you and walk through as carefully as you can.

3) Make eye contact with the truck driver. You cannot rely on the fact that a truck driver has seen you unless you make eye contact. If you cannot see the driver to make eye contact, you are likely in the driver’s blind spot, so move to where the driver will see you.

4) Listen for audio clues and look for visual clues when trying to get around a truck. Most trucks are equipped with audio devices, lights, and other cues to tell you when a truck is backing up. Never assume that you can just squeeze through before the truck backs up fully. Wait until the truck backs up and the driver waves you through.

5) Stay well clear of a truck. Since trucks are unwieldy and often move slowly in pedestrian areas, pedestrians sometimes get the idea that they can dash around trucks and could get out of the way quickly in the event that the truck moved. This is not always the case and each time you get too close to a truck you are taking a huge risk, especially when you consider that truck drivers likely cannot see you when you stand very close to their vehicle. Give the truck some added room and don’t assume you can move fast enough to move out of the way of danger.

If you have made a personal injury claim after being injured in a trucking accident, several things may happen. Your attorney may negotiate with insurance providers and possibly liable parties. In some cases, your case may need to work its way through the court system before a settlement is reached. This process can take months or even years, depending on your case, the evidence gathered and presented, and the parties involved. While your case is working its way through the court system, you will need to:

1) Communicate with your attorney. Hopefully, you will hire a qualified Florida personal injury attorney soon after your trucking accident to safeguard your rights. If you have done this, you will need to communicate effectively and openly with your attorney so that your attorney can help you pursue your case. Respond to your attorney’s requests for information as fully and promptly as you can to prevent delays in your case.

2) Focus on recovery. While you may be concerned about your personal injury case, you need to focus on recovering from your injury. Whether you have sustained a burn injury, brain injury, or other serious injury as a result of a trucking accident, seek the best care possible. Follow all doctor’s instructions and directions fully so that you can recover fully.

3) Carefully avoid anything that might harm your case. You may wish to discuss with your attorney what you can do to ensure that you get the best outcome possible for your case. For example, many personal injury attorneys caution personal injury attorney plaintiffs from social networking, as any items posted online can affect your case.

4) Learn as much about your case and injury as you can. Speak with your doctor and seek community resources – such as support groups, associations, and advocacy groups – to learn as much about your injury as possible. The more you know, the better you can make informed decisions about your care.

5) Create a financial plan. If you have sustained a spinal cord injury or other serious injury, you may not be able to return to work. At the same time, you may have substantial medical bills. While your attorney can help you secure a fair settlement that will compensate you for these expenses, you will also want to create a plan for trimming unneeded expenses and surviving financially as your case works its way through the court system.

If you have sustained a spinal cord injury, amputation, head injury, broken bone, burn injury, or another serious injury in a truck accident, you may feel very alone. Having a serious injury can feel very isolating. Worse, when you try to interact with insurance providers, the court system, trucking companies or the medical system (as you inevitably must after a serious truck accident), you may find yourself facing systems and companies with much larger resources than you. In some cases, you may feel like a mere number instead of a patient. In other cases – such as when you apply for an insurance claim – you may feel bullied by a larger company. Hiring a Florida personal injury attorney can help you and can level the playing field in trucking accident cases in a number of ways:

1) Attorneys can equalize the difference in resources between you and trucking companies. Trucking companies and insurance companies are generally huge companies with virtually unlimited resources. They can delay your case or claim until you are pressured to accept a lower settlement than you are entitled to. A Florida personal injury attorney working on a contingency basis uses his or her resources to equalize the playing field. With an attorney, you can afford to wait for a fair settlement.

2) Attorneys can investigate the accident. Most trucking companies and unions have excellent attorneys on retainer and these attorneys have investigators who can arrive on the accident scene immediately. Even if you hire an accident attorney yourself, your attorney will likely not have access to the accident scene until after most of the debris and evidence has been taken away. However, your attorney will have respected private investigators and accident reconstruction experts who can recreate the accident scene and uncover evidence.

3) Attorneys can get access to information you cannot. Attorneys can seek and get access to medical records, driver records, police records, and trucking company records. This evidence can be crucial to your case and can help you reach a fairer settlement.

4) Attorneys have the experience and legal knowledge to represent you. Attorneys know what sorts of costs a patient in your situation will need to make over a longer recovery time and most attorneys can also determine the financial resources of the liable party in your accident. Combined with a good understanding of laws, this allows attorneys to seek out a truly fair settlement.

5) Insurance companies have powerful attorneys, and a personal injury attorney ensures that you do, too. Without your own attorney, you may find yourself facing reams of legal documents to sign. Attorneys from trucking companies and insurance companies may tell you that these documents are standard, but by signing them, you could be signing away important rights – unless you have your own attorney look these papers over. Without your own attorney, you are at the mercy of insurance and trucking company attorneys – and those attorneys have their own clients’ best interests at heart, not yours.

6) Attorneys can help you if the truck driver in your accident was underinsured. Many truck drivers are underinsured, making it harder to recover a fair settlement. Personal injury attorneys, however, can seek settlements from multiple liable parties, increasing the odds that you will get a fair settlement that pays for all your medical costs and lost income.

After a trucking accident, there are many issues which can affect your insurance claim and any legal claim you may have. One of the best ways you can safeguard your rights and your ability to secure a fair claim is to hire a qualified Florida personal injury attorney to assist you. Your attorney can negotiate with insurers on your behalf and can investigate the accident on your behalf. There are many issues that your attorney may discuss with you or you may wish to discuss with your attorney:

1) Evidence. If you have any documentation or evidence related to the accident, you will want to share this information with your attorney. Your attorney will also likely launch an investigation into the accident to gather evidence that can reveal what has happened to cause the accident.

2) The resources of the trucking company involved in the accident. Your attorney will likely examine the resources available to the truck company involved in your accident. If you have sustained a serious brain injury or burn injury in a truck accident, for example, your attorney may investigate the accident and also the trucking company involved. If the company is found to be negligent and has large resources, your attorney will be aggressive in ensuring that you get a fair settlement that helps to pay for all your medical bills and lost income.

3) Liability. One of the most complex areas of trucking accident litigation is determining liability. Many things may contribute to an accident, including poor road maintenance, driver error, trucking company negligence, tire defects, truck mechanical failure and more. Although many accident victims do not consider liability issues extensively, these issues can be important. If an attorney determines that several parties were liable for an accident that has injured you, your attorney can seek claims against several parties, which better ensures that you will get a fair settlement that will cover all your medical bills, lost income, injuries, and other expenses.

4) Driver records. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations strictly limit how long drivers can drive a truck before resting. Drivers are required to keep a log to prove that they have had adequate rest and sleep. However, driver fatigue continues to be a leading cause of trucking accidents. In many cases, driver records can be falsified or skewed in order to allow a driver or trucking company to profit more. Attorneys can often investigate driver records to determine whether a driver followed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. As well, attorneys can examine a driver’s records and qualifications to see whether a trucking company was negligent in hiring an unqualified or unsafe driver.

5) Trucking company rules. Most trucking companies have rules about driver behavior, truck maintenance, substance abuse, and other issues. However, attorneys need to carefully examine whether companies and drivers were carefully following these rules when an accident took place. Issues such as these can affect your claim.

If you have been in a trucking accident and have sustained a serious personal injury such as a spinal cord injury or a brain injury or have lost a loved one in the accident, you should contact a good Florida personal attorney as soon as it is at all viable to do so. Many attorneys will even visit your hospital room to discuss your accident with you.

Many patients avoid speaking to an attorney and often this reluctance is based on incomplete information. Many patients assume that they do not need an attorney because insurance providers will take care of the costs associated with an accident. Some think that they do not require an attorney because they have no intention of suing. However, it is important to remember that an attorney does far more than just represent you in court. After a trucking accident, a good Florida personal injury attorney is essential and can often help you with:

1) Investigating the accident. Most attorneys work with private investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to determine the exact cause of your truck accident. This is vital because it offers you closure and also ensures that you will not be unfairly blamed for an accident that was not your fault.

2) Preventing similar accidents. If you have been injured in a truck accident, an attorney’s investigation into the accident can reveal mechanical failures with the truck, driver error, and problems with the practices of a carrier. Attorneys can uncover dangerous conditions and hazards which can lead to more accidents. In many cases, attorneys are able to hold those responsible liable for the hazards and this can lead to safety changes that can prevent other accidents and injuries.

3) Getting quality care and advice. Attorneys can often help you find resources. Since Florida personal injury attorneys often work with accident victims, they are knowledgeable about resources in your area that can help you. They can help you find assistance as you recover after your accident. If you receive a larger settlement, attorneys can even advise you how to use the money so that it will go further. They may recommend that you speak with a banker, for example, to safeguard your settlement.

4) Evaluating the impact of the accident. After an accident, insurance companies are often concerned with placing a value on the injuries sustained in an accident. An attorney can help ensure that you consult with mental health experts and medical professionals who can document accurately the trauma and physical injuries you have suffered from your truck accident.

5) Negotiating with insurance providers. Even if you have insurance coverage, insurance companies are often reluctant to pay out the full amount of coverage you are entitled to under the law. Some place the blame on you and deny your benefits, while other insurers try to pressure you into a low settlement that does not cover all your medical costs. Attorneys are experienced in negotiations and can ensure that you get a fair settlement. Often, this can mean the difference between substandard and high quality medical care, which is why a Florida personal injury attorney is one of the first persons you should phone after a truck accident.

The Mid-America Trucking Show earlier this month features a number of sessions organized by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, designed to explain the new compliance program, the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 Initiative. Under the new initiative:

1) A driver’s driving record will now include collisions as well as any issues with roadside inspections. A record will go back three years and violations will be weighted on how recent they were and on their risk of leading to an accident. A driver’s driving record will be made available through the Pre-Employment Screening Program. Drivers will be able to improve their records with any clean inspections. If a driver is fired due to too many violations or if a driver leaves a carrier, the driver’s driving points will stay with the carrier. This means that carriers will be directly responsible for the driving records of their drivers and will not be able to simply get rid of bad drivers. Details of the point program and system are available through csa2010.fmcsa.gov.

2) The Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 Initiative will likely remove 200,000 truck drivers from roads or up to 320, 000. Most of these drivers will be removed because the new points system and the method of taking a closer look at driving records will reveal unsafe driving records and these drivers will be considered unemployable. The Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 Initiative will make criteria for hiring quite high for carriers and carriers will be more responsible for their driver’s records. As a result, drivers with poor records will likely not be hired. The CSA, however, notes that this will actually increase competition for good drivers, so that good truck drivers will likely be able to enjoy better benefits and pay as carriers become more committed to hiring a smaller pool of good drivers.

3) Driver’s records and carrier’s records will be more closely linked. Carriers who has a poor score with the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 Initiative will be targeted for inspection more and that poor score will affect a driver’s own record.

4) There will be more inspections. Currently, only about 2% of carriers get safety audits and the Comprehensive Safety Analysis 2010 Initiative aims to change that quickly. The program aims to audit the majority of carriers quickly, targeting those with the poorest records especially. The aim of the inspections is to institute changes that will make roads safer. Inspectors will also be given more information prior to each inspection, so that each inspection takes less time. The CSA hopes that the inspections will catch and fix more safety violations, thus preventing truck accidents and their resulting brain injuries, fatalities, spinal cord injuries, and other injuries.

According to Jungheinrich, an international materials handling equipment supplier, many forklift truck accidents could be prevented with better reporting. Currently, most businesses have in place a reporting procedure for forklift truck accidents, but according to Jungheinrich and other industry experts, reporting a wider variety of accidents could help prevent more accidents. Specifically, reporting perceiving hazards as well as “near miss” incidents involving forklift trucks could prevent truck accidents before they occur by targeting potential hazards before they cause personal injuries and accidents.

Currently, many workplaces have extensive procedures in place for reporting workplace accidents, especially when those workplace accidents cause personal injury or fatality. Federal and state laws as well as union standards ensure careful reporting and investigation of all incidents leading to injury. Careful reporting is usually necessary for workers’ compensation claims as well.

However, most companies do not have policies in place for “near accidents” or incidents which almost caused an accident. Most companies do not keep track of these incidents or analyze or investigate with them. Most such incidents, because they do not result in personal injury, are not recorded or kept track of. Quite simply, in most workplaces, everyone considers themselves lucky that no accident has occurred and work continues on as before.

For Jungheinrich and other experts, however, such near misses are important clues of potential hazards. When such clues and analyzed, investigated, reported and acted upon, important corrections can be made to workplace procedures – corrections that could save a life. Some larger firms already have reporting procedures in place for near-miss incidents involving forklift trucks, but many smaller companies with five forklift trucks or fewer generally do not have such policies in place.

Jungheinrich and others note that many forklift truck accidents are caused by badly designed workplaces or by operator error. This means that most of these accidents are highly preventable. In fact, before such an accident occurs, there is usually a chain of events involved – a chain of events that may include near-misses – which can alert the workplace of the possible dangers. By reporting near accidents, workplaces can highlight this chain of events and act before a more serious accident occurs in the workplace.

There are many ways that even small businesses can institute a new policy in the workplace. Encouraging workers to come forward with safety concerns with no fears of retaliation is a good place to start. Workplaces can also have an anonymous system of reporting in place, allowing workers to report problems anonymously. Simply asking workers to report near accidents involving forklift truck accidents and designating a few workers to investigate each incident can be a step in the right direction.

While more common causes of trucking accidents, such as rollovers or car accident collisions, cause many injuries and deaths each year, at least some of the 500,000 large truck accidents on our roads each year are caused by more esoteric reasons. Truck accidents caused by these rarer causes can also cause serious personal injuries and fatalities, so these dangers need to be considered as well:

1) Wind and road conditions. High winds, especially on bridges, can increase he likelihood of a truck accident or rollover. High winds can push on a truck with extreme force, especially if a truck is traveling very fast, and this force can cause a truck driver to lose control. When high winds are combined with poor road conditions, this combination can prove especially lethal.

2) Animals. Animals run into roadways all the time and when a truck swerves to avoid an animal, accidents often occur. A truck driver swerving to miss an animal can crash into other cars or rollover, causing serious injuries, including brain injuries. In some cases, even striking a larger animal can cause injuries to a truck driver. Since many truck drivers tend to drive at dusk and later in the evening to meet deadlines, they are especially subject to accidents involving animals, as these are the times when animals tend to be most active.

3) Objects in the Road. Foreign objects on the road – including tree branches, stopped vehicles, and other items – can be a hazard for all drivers. A truck driver traveling down a dark road might not see some larger objects until it is too late and this can cause a serious accident. A larger object can cause a truck to swerve or can cause a collision or rollover accident.

4) Unusual weather patterns. Mudslides, earthquakes, and other natural disasters can occur in an instant, and when they do truck drivers are at the mercy of the elements. A truck driver driving full speed at the time of an earthquake or mudslide will usually lose control of the vehicle. A mudslide can cover the windshield with debris, making it impossible for the driver to see. An earthquake can damage the road under the truck, can create large gaps in the roadway, and can shake a truck off the road entirely.

5) “Phantoms.” A small number of truck accidents each year are caused by things which cannot be explained. Truck drivers report seeing objects which are not there upon investigation. While some people attribute this to various odd phenomena – and while there are many urban myths about truck drivers encountering ghosts on the road – in many cases, these incidents may be caused by excessive fatigue, which can cause hallucinations. Truck drivers may also react to shadows or atmospheric phenomena on the roads.

Many frightening and distressing events can cause trauma, emotional upset, and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Car accidents and truck accidents, by their very nature, can cause severe trauma that lasts for weeks or even months. Even after the physical personal injuries of a trucking accident have begun to feel, the emotional aftermath of the accident can remain.

Each patient reacts to the trauma of a truck accident differently. Some patients return to work and normal activities normally and with a little help from supportive friends quickly seem to recover. Other patients struggle more severely with the emotional effects of a truck accident. Although it can be difficult to pinpoint when trauma becomes a serious problem, there are some symptoms that should not be ignored after an accident:

1) Difficulty returning to work or home activities. A return to usual home and work responsibilities is usually a very healthy and positive sign. When it does not happen a few weeks or months after an accident, it may be time to seek professional counseling or help. Sometimes, this symptom is difficult to determine because a patient may devise many plausible-sounding reasons why he or she is not returning to normal activities.

2) Continued and severe depression, fear, and anxiety. It is normal to have intense feelings after a truck accident, but as the weeks go by, most people are able to return to an emotional equilibrium and a more calm emotional life. If this does not happen, it could be a sign of larger problems that need to be addressed. In some cases, extreme fears and anxiety manifest themselves in flashbacks or nightmares, which can be another symptoms of problems.

3) Relationship problems. A truck accident and the injuries it can cause can be isolating. It is possible that a patient will initially struggle with themselves as they adjust to life after the accident, and this struggle can place a strain on relationships. However, if a patient becomes emotionally numb and withdraws from others, this can be a sign of depression or other problems. Lack of close relationships and sudden relationship problems need to be addressed.

4) Avoidance. A patient who is avoiding more and more things after an accident may be having trouble coming to terms with the trauma of the accident and may need some help. Avoidance may come in many forms. It can include avoiding everyday activities such as driving, due to irrational fears. A patient with this symptom may also avoid social contact and may stay home alone much of the time.

5) Substance abuse. Use of alcohol or drugs is common in people who have sustained a severe trauma. The drugs and alcohol become a way to momentarily feel better but these substances can of course cause all sorts of secondary problems, including loss of relationships and jobs.

Forklift truck accidents can occur in many work environments, including factories and construction work sites. These accidents can include rollovers and collisions which result in brain injuries, broken bones, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities. Many forklift truck accidents are preventable. In many cases, forklift truck accidents are blamed on truck operators, and while training and expertise of operators can help reduce forklift truck accidents, these accidents are in fact caused by a variety of factors. Therefore, there are a variety of solutions must be implemented in most workplaces to prevent forklift truck accidents:

1) Careful servicing and maintenance. Employers need to ensure that all forklift trucks are maintained and serviced to manufacturers specifications. This can be a challenge if a workplace has multiple models and several older models of trucks, but careful maintenance can help prevent many forklift truck accidents.

2) Imposing speed limits. Many forklift truck accidents are caused by excessive speeds. Forklift trucks are designed to stop slowly. Most models require about 1.3 feet to stop for every mile per hour they travel. The faster a forklift truck is traveling, the longer it will take to stop and the harder it will be for the operator to stop in time to prevent a collision. It is a good idea to post speed limits of 8 miles per hour in the work place and limits of 3 miles per hour in areas with pedestrians. Posting and enforcing such speed limits can significantly reduce forklift truck accidents in the workplace.

3) Warning devices. Most forklift trucks come with safety features. Even the simplest models have a horn which operators can use to warn others when a forklift is approaching. More modern models have reflective patches for high visibility as well as automatic lights and alarm sounds when the forklift is in motion. This is essential in warning anyone in the truck’s blind spot to move out of the way.

4) Operator training. All forklift truck operators should receive initial training as well as periodic refresher training. This training should include directions for use of warning devices and instructions on safe use of the truck. Operators should also be taught how to identify and check the blind spots a forklift truck has.

Truck accidents have a high fatality rate as well as a high rate of serious personal injury. The size and force of most commercial trucks make them no match for passenger vehicle. If you are in a passenger vehicle, there are only a few limited things you can do to help prevent head injuries, burn injuries, and other life-threatening injuries:

1) Prepare ahead of time. Your ability to survive a trucking accidents depends in part on how well prepared you are before the accident occurs. Staying alert while driving, for example, can give you a few extra precious seconds to brace for impact and prepare for a collision. Keeping focused on your driving and avoiding distraction can also help you prevent a trucking accident, of course. In addition, making sure that your car is well-maintained can ensure that your car responds well in an emergency situation. Taking defensive driving courses or refresher courses can further prepare you for road emergencies.

2) Do all you can to prevent the accident. Avoid over steering, but look for ways to minimize or prevent an accident. If you have room, try swerving quickly but firmly away from the possible collision. Think quickly and try to stay calm.

3) If you cannot prevent a direct collision with a truck, keep your body upright, and brace your body for impact. Grip your steering wheel firmly at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Keeping your body upright rather than flailing in panic or going limp can help protect your organs and can prevent a spinal cord injury.

4) If you cannot prevent a collision with a truck that will send your vehicle under the truck’s wheels, brace for impact as for a collision, but do everything possible to prevent a brain injury and head injury. Sit as low in your seat as possible and curl up in your seat, with your head as low as possible, cover and shielding your head with your arms and hands.

5) Try maintain emotional control. A truck accident is terrifying, but do your best to remain calm. Losing control can allow you to make mistakes that could lead to a fatality. Continue to try avoiding a collision until the last possible moment and then do all you can to survive the collision. Talk yourself through the collision and breathe slowly and evenly to maintain your sense of calm.

It is important not to be alone after a trucking accident. Unfortunately, many of the personal injuries which are commonly sustained in trucking accidents – including burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and other personal injuries – tend to be quite isolating. Many people struggle to cope with their new injuries and may feel out of touch with their regular groups of friends. Some patients have a hard time adjusting to the way they look or the way that they function after trucking accidents, and this can make it hard for them to develop or keep supportive friendships. However, the emotional trauma of a trucking accident requires a strong team of support.

A good, supportive team can answer your questions about your injury, can help you through the difficult times following your accident, and can provide you with the resources you need to recover emotionally and physically from your accident. You should surround yourself with many types of people including:

1) Support groups. Support groups consisting of other accident survivors with similar injuries can be an invaluable source of support. These groups are often organized by local chapters and associations that advocate for accident victims. For example, if you have a spinal cord injury, there is likely an acute spinal cord injury support group in your area. This support group may be organized or associated with a local spinal cord injury association. Joining the support group allows you to meet other people who have the same injury and to learn how to cope with your own injuries through their own experiences. Joining the support group also gives you a place to ask the many questions you likely have about your injury and your life after injury.

2) A Florida personal injury attorney. A good Florida personal injury attorney is essential to your support team. Your attorney can help you determine the cause of your accident and can therefore help you gain some closure from what has happened. In addition, a personal injury attorney can protect your rights and can ensure that you get all the financial resources you are entitled to under the law. This is often vital in helping you recover more fully and in helping you secure the best possible medical treatment.

3) Healthcare professionals. Depending on the injuries you have sustained, you may require the services of a plastic surgeon, family practitioner, rehabilitation expert, and specialist. It will likely take a nursing staff as well as other health-care professionals in order to treat your injury. Good health care professionals working together can help ensure that you achieve the maximum recovery and can ensure that your recovery is comfortable with as few complications as possible.

4) Counselors or therapists. A truck accident often results in emotional as well as physical trauma. After an accident, you may feel angry, depressed, anxious, fearful, and a host of other emotions. Sometimes, you may even feel as though you are feeling all these emotions at once. A qualified therapist or counselor can help you make sense of your emotions and can help you feel better emotionally as you recover physically from your injuries.

5) Family and friends. Family and friends are an essential part of the equation as you recover from your accident. At first, many patients wish to push away family and friends. Some patients do not wish to receive sympathy or pity, while others worry about rejection or the possible reactions of family and friends to their injuries. However, maintaining a good relationship with family and friends is vital. Support is important to your emotional and physical recovery. Family and friends can cheer you up and cheer you on as you recover. If you are struggling with your relationships, a therapist or counselor can help with group counseling and can ensure that your relationships stay strong as you work on strengthening your body after your accident.

Truck accidents claim lives, cause personal injuries, damage roads and property, and create quite a lot of trauma. Millions of families across the US are directly or indirectly affected by trucking accidents and many people today are still struggling with the personal injuries sustained in trucking accidents which occurred decades ago. There are many things that can be done, however, to take a stand against truck accidents. If you have been in a trucking accident or have a loved one who has been seriously injured or killed in a trucking accident, you may be motivated to take a stand. Even if you have no direct experience of trucking accidents, you may still be concerned to take action against preventable trucking accidents. There are many ways to do this:

1) Volunteer your time. There are many support groups for people who have sustained specific types of injuries, such as brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, in car accidents or trucking accidents. You could volunteer your time to help patients these of support groups. These types of local support groups often need volunteers to help set up for events, provide emotional support for patients, and sometimes run errors for patients. Some groups also need help organizing fundraising or awareness-raising campaigns.

2) Join a group dedicated to preventing trucking accidents. There are many such groups around the country, dedicated to changing laws, regulations, and trucking industry standards. Often, these groups are involved in fund-raising, lobbying, and raising awareness about trucking accidents and their effects.

3) Create your own group. If you cannot find a local group, you may be interested in creating your own group aimed at preventing trucking accidents. To do this, consider working with an existing support group or group of friends. Develop a clear mission statement as well as clear goals for the best chance of success. Today, many groups use online social networking sites such as the Facebook or MySpace in order to raise awareness about their groups and in order to drum up support as well as membership.

4) Write to your local and state representatives. Let them know about laws which you feel can be changed or laws which you feel can be created to make the roads safer for everyone. You can also develop petitions and have these signed in order to change existing laws.

5) Improve your own awareness. Often, making changes centers around raising your own awareness of an issue. Join newsletters dedicated to trucking accidents, read blogs and news reports, and follow your local news to learn more about truck accidents – and the efforts made to prevent them -- in your area. Often, reading the news can help you understand what needs to be done and allows you to gather specific information you can use. For example, if you find that many local trucking accidents are occurring at a specific intersection, you may write to your local political representatives to tell them that you have noticed a problem and asking them for their support in making changes to that intersection. The more you know, the more powerfully you can work to prevent trucking accidents.

While trucking accidents involving passenger vehicles are often devastating in the fatalities and personal injuries they cause, pedestrian accidents involving trucks are especially disastrous. A pedestrian has simply no chance against a fully loaded commercial truck. The size and force of a truck usually do not just cause spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and other serious injuries. In virtually all cases, such an accident results in fatalities. There are many ways, luckily, that pedestrian accidents involving trucks can be prevented.

A great deal of the onus is on pedestrians. Pedestrians need to ensure that they are not taking undue risks around trucks. In general, since trucks and pedestrians are such a poor mix, pedestrians should steer clear of trucks entirely. Passing in between trucks, walking between trucks, or popping up suddenly in front of a truck is a recipe for disaster.

If you are walking in an area where trucks are present – such as a construction site, or a pedestrian area where trucks are parked -- make sure that you make good eye contact with the truck driver. In many cases, truck drivers are focused on other vehicles and may not expect a pedestrian. Keep in mind to that trucks often take longer to brake than passenger vehicles. Wait until a truck driver waves you through in order to pass in front of a truck. A little patience can save your life.

In general, prevention is the best strategy. Avoid walking in areas where large numbers of trucks are parked. If you are stopping on the highway at a truck stop or rest area, park with other passenger vehicles rather than sliding your car between trucks. If you are faced with a construction site, consider walking around it rather than through it.

If you must walk through a construction area or another area where trucks are present, exercise extreme caution. Look for trucks that have their lights on and who may be ready to move. Always listen carefully for alarm systems that tell you when a truck is backing out. Do not assume that a truck driver can see you. Trucks have many blind spots and drivers are not always able to see small objects such as a pedestrian near their truck.

Use extreme caution around garbage trucks, dump trucks, and other trucks that are common in urban areas. Many pedestrians simply ignore these trucks because they are so familiar in these environments. However, since these trucks back up, move, and stop unexpectedly, they can pose a special danger to pedestrians. If you are jogging or walking somewhere where garbage trucks, dump trucks, and other trucks are working, consider crossing the street or getting far out of the way to prevent an accident. If you must pass by a truck, make eye contact with the driver and make sure that you have the space to pass. A little bit of precaution and help save your life.

In many cases, trucking accidents on the highways and roads involve a car and a truck. It is an unfortunate situation, because few types of vehicles are more unevenly matched. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and can obliterate or crush a passenger vehicle. While there are many laws and federal regulations to ensure that truck drivers take certain precautions on the road, there are still many things that passenger vehicle drivers can do to ensure that they are never in a car accident with a truck:

1) Always treats trucks as trucks. Many passenger vehicle drivers treat trucks as just another vehicle on the road. Unfortunately, this can be a fatal mistake. It is important to keep in mind that trucks brake, stop, and turn differently than passenger vehicles. It is important to give trucks additional room and to use extra caution when driving around trucks. Keep in mind that truck drivers, for example, cannot see as clearly and have many more blind spots. Avoid following closely behind or in front of a truck. Provide lots of room for yourself to maneuver around track. Never stop suddenly in front of a large commercial truck, as the truck driver will likely not be able to stop in time to prevent rear ending your car.

2) Avoid situations where you are surrounded by trucks. It is easy for your vehicle to become invisible when surrounded by trucks, and being crushed between two trucks almost guarantees serious spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and fatalities. If you see a large fleet of trucks, drop back and allow them plenty of room. Make sure that the drivers can see you by staying well back or by making eye contact with the drivers as you pass.

3) Keep your eyes and mind on the road. Texting or speaking on your cell phone while driving is dangerous precisely because you share the road with many other vehicles, including trucks. Texting around trucks is extremely dangerous as trucks delivering products to businesses may make unexpected stops. Keep your mind and your eyes on the road at all times so that you can predict the maneuvers of trucks in front of you, behind you, and beside you.

4) Think ahead. If you see a truck in front of you, plan ahead so that you can either pass it safely or drop back in time to allow the driver to see you well. Predict possible obstacles, such as roadwork or hills, well in advance. Keep in mind that trucks often block your vision and make it impossible for you to anticipate obstacles and problems up ahead. This is another wonderful reason drop well back of trucks and to not follow closely behind. You will have a better view of the road and therefore will be to drive more safely if you keep well back.

After a trucking accident, there are generally a great deal of damages, including personal injuries, property damages, and intangible damages. Due to the sheer size and force of trucks, collisions involving these vehicles tend to be fatal or tend to cause extensive damage. Attorneys and insurance providers alike try to place a dollar value on the damage in order to reach settlements and in order to settle insurance claims. However, determining damages and placing a value on them after trucking accidents can be difficult. A great deal of evidence and property may have been obliterated, making it difficult to reconstruct an accident or determine exactly what happened. As well, attorneys and insurance providers tend to have different ways of evaluating the value of damages. In general, however, damages will include:

1) Property damages. If you have been in a trucking accident, you will want to recover for property damage. This can include the cost of repairing or replacing your car or vehicle, as well as the cost of replacing anything of value inside your vehicle. Property damage may include the loss, for example, of any gadgets, laptops, or digital cameras you may have had in your car at the time of the accident. As well, if a truck has crashed on your property, there may be in damage to structures, walkways, and driveways on your property. In this event, you may wish to recover for the damages not covered by your homeowners insurance policy.

2) Personal injuries. In addition to property damage, almost all trucking accidents cause severe personal injuries. These may include spinal cord injuries, broken bones, amputations, burn injuries, brain injuries, and other serious injuries. If you have been seriously injured in a trucking accident, you will be able to recover for medical costs, the cost of medication, rehabilitation costs, hospital stays, and other costs related to your personal injury.

3) Long-term costs of personal injuries. Many injuries have long-term costs. For example, you may not be able to return to work for an extended period of time and you may need to hire babysitters to care for your children if you are physically unable to do so. You may require around-the-clock nurse care or you may have other expenses that you will need to calculate in determining the damages caused by your trucking accident. Keep in mind that some serious injuries can take years or even a lifetime to recover from, so it is important to consider the total costs that injuries may incur.

4) Income loss. After your trucking accident, you are generally unable to work for at least some time. For example, you may lose work time while in the hospital initially recovering from your injury. In addition, you may be too traumatized to return to work immediately. In some cases, you may need rehabilitation or may even be unable to return to work due to permanent injuries. You may also need to take time away from work in order to attend doctors’ appointments, attorney appointments, and to attend to legal matters. A good Florida personal injury attorney can ensure that you are compensated for all of this income loss.

5) Medical costs. Medical costs after a trucking accidents can include a hospital stay, at-home nursing care, the cost of bandages, wheelchairs, and other medical devices. You may also incur costs if you need cosmetic surgery and other types of treatments not usually covered by health insurance. A good Florida personal injury attorney can help you recover money for these costs. As well, some specialized treatments are only available through travel to other states or even other countries. A good personal injury attorney can ensure that you have the financial resources after a trucking accident to pursue the best treatment possible so that you make the fullest recovery possible.

6) Intangibles. A trucking accident can affect your life in many ways and can therefore incur many intangible costs. For example, you may be in severe pain and may require renovations to your home in order to accommodate a new level of mobility. You may need to take taxis more often in order to get to doctors’ appointments after your accident if you are unable to drive a car. You may even need to pay for a therapist or counselor in order to get over the trauma of being in an accident. All of these intangibles and many others can add thousands of dollars to the cost of your injury. A good personal injury attorney can predict these expenses and can ensure that you are compensated for your losses so that you do not have to pay for these expenses out of pocket.

The time immediately following a truck accident is usually fraught with danger, fear, and severe trauma for the surviving victims. Victims may be unconscious, severely injured, and rushed to an emergency room. Some victims may be declared fatalities at the scene. If you have survived a trucking accident, however, the immediate aftermath of a trucking accident is vitally important. When you’re rushed to a hospital for emergency care, you will often need the very best possible care in order to recover fully. The diagnosis and treatment you are given immediately after an accident can determine your overall recovery. Unfortunately, the hectic pace of an emergency room as well as the rapid emergency treatment usually required after a trucking accident can allow medical errors and misdiagnosis to occur. If you want to avoid a medical malpractice lawsuit and the complications that medical errors can result in, make sure that you:

1) Take good notes. As soon as you are able to after a trucking accident, start documentation. Asked for copies of your medical records, and make sure that you note any diagnoses, treatments, medications, and doctor names that you come into contact with. Make sure that you understand what you are being diagnosed with, your prognosis, the basis for the diagnoses, and the treatments being suggested. If you have any questions or if there seems to be a conflict in the information you are being given from different health-care providers, make sure that you ask. Asking questions is a good way to prevent medical errors.

2) Have a health care advocate. Because you will likely be in poor condition immediately after your trucking accident, it is a good idea to have a health-care advocate by your side. A health-care advocate can be a friend or family member who can be with you during treatment, conversations with healthcare professionals, and who can spend time with you in a hospital. A health-care advocate not only provides you with support, but he or she can also take down details of treatments, medications you’re given, and healthcare professionals you speak to. This can give you a clear record of your treatment and allow you to pinpoint and prevent errors.

3) Insist on specialists and a second opinion. Trust your instincts. If you are being given a diagnosis that you do not agree with or diagnosis that you are suspicious about, ask to speak to a specialist and seek a second opinion. Be especially certain to ask a second opinion if you are being diagnosed with a serious injury or are being recommended for treatments that are very expensive or that carry high risks.

4) Hire a good Florida personal injury attorney. A good Florida personal injury attorney is essential to your health care team. A good attorney can investigate the causes of your accident, can advise you of your rights, and can ensure that you have the financial resources you are entitled to by law. This can help ensure that you get the best medical treatment possible. If a medical mistake has been made, an attorney can investigate this and make sure that you receive all the help you are entitled to under the law.

In a trucking accident involving a car or another truck, passengers are often thrown about inside their vehicles. Even when seat belts are worn, the trauma caused by this rapid motion in a collision can cause serious spinal cord injuries and head injuries. Head injuries can be especially devastating for a number of reasons:

1) Head injuries may be hard to diagnose. In some cases, patients have few or no symptoms after an accident and symptoms only gradually develop. This can be fatal, unfortunately. Some patients do not seek medical help because they do not have any symptoms after a truck or car accident. It is only a few hours later that symptoms start to manifest themselves, and by this time it may be too late to get medical help, as swelling inside the brain expands rapidly.

2) Head injuries may change a lifestyle substantially. Head injuries may cause problems with concentration as well as severe memory loss and sensory problems. This can make it difficult for a patient to stay employed or enjoy everyday activities. A patient may not even be able to drive after a trucking accident. In many cases, a patient’s life is severely or even permanently altered by a head injury.

3) Head injuries usually require long rehabilitation times. Patients who have sustained a serious head injury may need therapy to deal with the emotional upheaval caused by their injury. They may also need extensive rehabilitation to learn how to perform everyday tasks again.

4) Head injuries usually result in emotional and social challenges. It is often difficult for patients to maintain their everyday social lives after an accident. Difficult concentration, emotional upsets, mood swings, and memory loss are all common symptoms which can result from a brain injury. For many family members and loved ones, coping with these symptoms in a patient can be very challenging and this can cause a patient to become isolated. In some cases, patients need to pay for family or group therapy as well as rehabilitation costs in order to continue to have good relationships.

5) Head injuries lead to many hard-to quantify losses. Head injuries are often hard to evaluate in terms of damages because there are so many intangible costs. Someone with a brain injury may experience loss of income because they are unable to return to work. However, they may also need to alter their home to cope with their injury. For example, a patient with severe brain injuries may need a full-time nurse or may need to install safety timers in their home to ensure that memory loss does not lead them to leave stove top elements on.

After a truck accident, one of the most important members of your support team is often a good Florida personal injury attorney. A good lawyer can negotiate with insurance providers on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation. An attorney can launch an investigation into your accident and can protect your legal rights. In some cases, attorneys even can help patients find resources and medical help. To make the most of your attorney’s help, you need to maintain good communication with your attorney. There are many ways that you can do this:

1) Be upfront with your attorney. Fully share all information your attorney asks for, even if the information is embarrassing or difficult to share. Keeping previous convictions or driving problems from your attorney is not only futile, but makes a good relationship with your attorney very difficult.

2) Contact your attorney as quickly as possible after your accident. Most states have a statute of limitations regarding how long a victim has to bring a suit. As well, the longer you wait to contact your attorney, the more evidence about your accident will likely be lost. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more fully your Florida personal injury attorney can help you. Keep in mind that many attorneys are willing to visit you in your hospital room, at home, or at your office, so you do not have to be well enough to travel to see an attorney.

3) Avoid signing anything. Signing any agreement with an insurance provider can make it harder for an attorney to assist you. However, some insurance providers are very insistent on having you sign agreements, often while you are still in the hospital. Always insist on having an attorney review any document you sign.

4) Start documentation early. Start keeping track of your injuries and the accident as soon as you can. Having a list of symptoms and how they affect your life on a day to day basis can help your personal injury attorney evaluate the likely costs of your injury. Knowing the names of officers and emergency personnel at the accident scene can help your attorney investigate the accident. Do not worry if you are too injured to start documentation at once. Get copies of what medical records you can and share them with your attorney and start your documentation as soon as you are physically able.

5) Consider what you say about your accident and injuries. Keep in mind that speaking about your injury or posting injury-related photos on social networking sites can affect your case. Talk to your Florida personal injury attorney about how to discuss your injury with others. Your attorney may even recommend that you avoid social networking sites until your case is settled. Be sure to follow your attorney’s directions carefully.

After trucking accidents, some types of injuries are very easy to spot. Burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other types of serious injuries often leave clear symptoms that make diagnosis simple. However, there are also many additional types of injuries which are often more challenging to diagnose and more difficult to quantify. All too often, truck accident victims have a difficult time getting support and compensation for these less-obvious injuries.

For example, many trucking accident victims experience emotional trauma after an accident. They may feel depressed or may experience anxiety or loss of concentration. For some of these patients, returning to work duties and a normal life may be difficult, and this often leads to considerable expenses for the patient. As a result of the emotional trauma, patients may lose income or may need to pay for therapy. Some patients have a hard time feeling comfortable behind the wheel again and may need to pay for transportation services as well. Unfortunately, without a qualified Florida personal injury attorney, many patients have a hard time getting recompensed for these losses and may end up paying these sometimes substantial costs out of pocket.

Another frequently-overlooked loss sustained through trucking injuries involves long-term rehabilitation. Many types of serious injuries sustained through trucking accidents require immediate care but also a long-term recovery time. Burn injuries, head injuries, and spinal cord injuries may all require months or even years of rehabilitation, all of which requires transportation to rehabilitation facilities, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. However, many patients find that insurance companies and providers for trucking companies sometimes underestimate the total costs and duration of rehabilitation, leaving the patient to bear the financial burden of the long-term recovery time.

Another type of loss that is frequently associated with trucking accidents is the loss associated with a change of lifestyle. Many serious trucking accident injuries – such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries – prove to be permanent and require the patient to change their lifestyle. Unfortunately, calculating the cost of permanent lifestyle changes can be challenging and sometimes leads to under-estimation of total costs. A patient may need to have their home and car made accessible, but the patient may also require additional renovations after a few years to accommodate changing ability levels. This long-term cost is not always considered, leaving the patient to absorb the cost.

Head injuries are also often undervalued when it comes to trucking accidents. Some head injuries do not produce obvious external trauma and do not even manifest symptoms at once. This makes them challenging to diagnose in some cases. As well, some types of injuries to the head area – including whiplash – have a high chance of being misdiagnosed, which may mean that trucking accident victims are left to absorb the costs of the injury.

The frequency with which vehicle accident injuries are misdiagnosed, undervalued, and missed should give truck accident victims pause. Even with a generous offer from an insurance provider or trucking company attorney, it is possible for patients to be left with thousands of dollars in medical bills and associated costs that must be paid out of pocket. For this reason, a good Florida personal injury attorney is a must. A qualified personal injury lawyer can ensure that long-term costs as well as less tangible costs are considered, so that you get the fairest settlement possible.

Mobile water supply apparatus tanker trucks bring water and emergency personnel and water to emergency fire scenes. While these trucks are vital to prevent fatalities, burn injuries, and other serious injuries, these vehicles also have a high accident rate. Some industry experts believe that the very design of these tanker trucks could be contributing to the trucking accidents.

Many emergency use tanker trucks are in fact converted trucks which were once used for another purpose. Many industry experts note that there is a high cost to not creating customized tanker trucks better suited to emergency response. The Safe Operation of Fire Tankers reports that many emergency tanker truck accidents involve trucks which were converted after being used as fuel tankers. In many cases, experts note that the chassis of the trucks cannot hold the amount of water emergency tanker trucks need to carry, and this excessive pressure can contribute to accidents.

In fact, emergency tanker trucks are unusually heavy and place a great burden on any vehicle design not created exclusively for water. Gasoline weighs 5.6 pounds per gallon, while oil (fuel) weighs 7.12 pounds per gallon. In contrast, water weighs 8.33 pounds per gallon. This means that a water tanker converted from a gasoline tanker is expected to carry about 23, 324 pounds of water (for a 2,800-gallon tanker) when the truck was designed to carry 15, 680 of gasoline. In addition, emergency water tanker trucks also often carry additional life saving equipment, pumps, and emergency personnel, increasing the weight even more.

Many trucks used for consumer goods such as milk or eggs are designed to allow for easy cleaning of the tanker area. The emphasis is on making the inside of the tanker sterile, not on keeping loads steady. In contrast, an emergency water tanker does not need to clean out the inside of the tanker. What is a priority is maintaining stability at high speeds, something that food tankers are simply not designed for.

Experts think that custom designed water tankers for emergency use would reduce the number of accidents involving these tankers. If tankers were designed for emergency use, they could be designed with stronger tires (to maintain the water weight of a full tanker) and stronger chassis as well as a lower center of gravity to reduce the risk of rollovers. These trucks could have seat belt warning systems to encourage seat belt use, correct axles for the use of the truck, and specific pumps and equipment that are part of the tanker design.

Tanker trucks, which are sometimes called mobile water supply apparatus, are used to transport water and firefighters to many emergency scenes, especially to emergency scenes where water is not readily available. Unfortunately, the fatality rates of these lesser-used firefighting vehicles is much higher than the accident rate of other firefighting vehicles.

According to some industry experts, part of the problem may be laws regarding drivers.
Most state laws allow emergency vehicle drivers important exemptions. Drivers of these vehicles are allowed to speed, drive against the flow of traffic, request right of way, and to drive around traffic control items. All these exemptions permit driver to help people in an emergency, but these exemptions are not meant to permit reckless driving. Drivers of mobile water supply apparatus are still expected to be cautious of the public.

For example, while drivers are permitted to exceed the speed limit when driving mobile water supply apparatus to an emergency, drivers must also consider road conditions when deciding how fast to drive. Some fire departments have rules about how quickly drivers operating mobile water supply apparatus can drive. However, experts argue that these limits do not go far enough and drivers should never drive more than 10 mph over the posted speed limit, even in ideal conditions. As well, sharp turns, residential areas, pedestrians, and school zones need to be considered when deciding on an appropriate speed.

It is expected that when the driver of a mobile water supply apparatus approaches traffic, he or she will leave enough room to respond safely to the actions of other drivers. The amount of space that needs to be left will depend on the speed of traffic and the speed of the mobile water supply apparatus tanker truck. Driving too close to other vehicles often leads car accidents causing fatalities and serious personal injuries. If a passenger car driver panics and brakes or slows suddenly, the tanker often cannot stop in time and may cause a rear end collision.

Driving against the flow of traffic is something that most drivers of mobile water supply apparatus tanker trucks must do on occasion to get to an emergency site quickly. However, it is important for drivers not to force right of way. Drivers must make sure that oncoming lanes are clear and that drivers see the emergency vehicle. Trying to force right of way usually results in head on collisions. When driving against the flow of traffic emergency truck operators must drive more slowly and must be prepared for unexpected obstacles.

When driving through intersections and around traffic control devices, drivers of mobile water supply apparatus tanker trucks must ask right of way. They must stop at red lights and ascertain that drivers are willing to offer right of way. They must also ensure that all drivers see the emergency vehicle and respond. Many accidents occur in multiple lanes, where one passenger vehicle driver does not see the emergency truck but the truck driver assumes that it is safe to proceed.

Tanker trucks, also known as mobile water supply apparatus, are an important part of most firefighting efforts. These tanker trucks transport water to fire scenes, allowing firefighters the water that helps them extinguish flames. Tankers arriving at a fire scene can help save homes as well as lives. They can also help prevent burn injuries by helping get flames under control.

Unfortunately, tanker trucks also have a high rate of accidents. Tanker trucks involved in firefighting efforts cause more fatalities than all other pieces of firefighting equipment combined. This is in spite of the fact that there are fewer mobile water supply apparatus tankers than most other types of firefighting equipment and in spite of the fact that these tankers respond to fewer calls.

According to experts, there are many reasons why mobile water supply apparatus tanker trucks have such a high rate of accidents. Many claim that these trucks can be easily overloaded as the prime concern when filling these trucks is to get enough water to the fire scene. As well, tanker trucks are encouraged to speed, even on dangerous road conditions, because they are responding to an emergency. As well, many mobile water supply apparatus tanker trucks are in fact converted from other trucks (often trucks designed to transport propane, for example).

While there are many contributing factors in these accidents, including tire blowouts or brake malfunction, in many cases driver error at least contributes to the accident. In some cases, drivers are too inexperienced driving the type of tanker being operated. Often, the emergency flashing lights and the signal siren of the tanker can be especially distracting to the inexperienced driver. In some cases, drivers do not have adequate training in hauling large loads of liquid. Excessive speed and driver distraction is also a cause in many accidents. When a collision does seem unavoidable, studies show that many drivers overcorrect their steering, which actually increases the risk of a rollover.

In many firefighter tanker truck fatalities, the U.S. Fire Administration reports that seat belt use was an issue. In about 75% of cases where firefighters are killed in tanker rollovers, the victims were not wearing seatbelts. Many firefighters do not wear seatbelts while in trucks on the way to or from an emergency, often because they are rushed to get to the scene of the emergency. However, lack of seatbelt use greatly increases the risk of fatalities, serious spinal cord injuries, broken bones, head injuries, and other serious injuries in the event of an accident. Since 1999, many firefighting trucks have been equipped with very visible seatbelts which are in bright shades. These seatbelts are designed to help remind firefighters of the importance of seat belt use. Unfortunately, many firefighters still choose not to wear seatbelts.

Tanker truck rollovers are a common type of trucking accident, and one that can have serious consequences. Many tanker rollovers result in serious injury to the driver, including head injuries and spinal cord injuries. When a tanker rollover occurs, the materials inside the tanker can catch on fire and can cause extensive property damage as well as burn injuries. When tankers rollover, they also typically crash into other vehicles, causing fatalities and serious damage.

Although many factors can contribute to these types of accidents, a report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in conjunction with the Battelle Memorial Institute suggests that almost one in four such accidents (75%) can be attributed to driver error. Another 25% of such accidents are caused by factors such as weather conditions, the actions of other drivers, and road conditions as well as other factors.

Many people assume that many trucking accidents occur on sharp curves or exit ramps, where trucks must merge with traffic. However, the FMCSA research study surprisingly found that in 90% of tanker rollover cases, accidents occurred on straight roads or when a truck collided with another vehicle. In only about 10% of cases did collisions occur on curves or ramps. This result surprised even FMCSA members and researchers, who were expecting higher accident rates on curves and ramps.

Part of the reason why driver error is such a concern in tanker rollover accidents, according to the FMCSA study, is that when the driver of a truck begins to lose control of the truck, the driver will often instinctually overcorrect the steering. This maneuver increases the risk of rollovers significantly. According to the FMCSA study, this overcorrected steering is one of the most common mistakes in tanker rollover accidents.

The FMCSA report, according to industry insiders, suggests that improved driver training and electronic stability controls could significantly affect rollover accident rates. Some researchers discussed new truck designs which would lower the center of gravity in trucks and tankers, making rollovers less likely. However, many industry insiders note that such designs are not practical and would increase costs too much. Many believe that increased stability controls and better driver training would help correct many of the problems associated with driver error.

All trucking accidents have the potential to cause serious personal injury as well as fatalities. Due to the force and size of trucks, any truck accident can cause burn injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and other serious harm. Collisions between passenger vehicles and trucks tend to be especially deadly. While all truck accidents can be deadly, however, there are important differences in the characteristics of every type of collision:

1) Underride and override accidents. Underride truck accidents occur when a truck is forced to brake suddenly, and this causes the car following the truck to slide under the truck. Often, part of the car is sheared off and death as well as serious head injuries are the frequent result. Override accidents are caused when a car or vehicle in front of a truck stops or slows down suddenly, not giving the truck enough time to slow down and stop. When this happens, the truck often rolls over the vehicle, often crushing the vehicle and killing the passengers.

2) Air brake malfunction. Most trucks have air brakes, which allow trucks to stop within 100 feet when traveling at 35-40 mph. Air brake defects as well as excessive loads and the pressure generated by going downhill can cause truck air brakes to fail, which can cause trucks to rear-end vehicles in front of them.

3) Head on crashes. In these accidents, the front of a truck collides with the front of an oncoming vehicle. In many cases, these occur when one vehicle is in the wrong lane. In many cases, head on collisions involving trucks result in fatalities or in serious brain injury or spinal cord injury. Where high speeds are involved, most head on crashes are fatal, due to the extreme force of the collision.

4) Jackknife accidents. These accidents occur when a truck hits the side of a vehicle. Often, these occur when a truck loses control or when there is a brake problem during a curve or turn.

5) Rear end accidents. These accidents occur when a truck collides with the vehicle in front of the truck. Sometimes, these accidents are caused when a truck follows another vehicle too closely. They also often occur when the driver of a passenger vehicle cuts off a truck or brakes or slows down suddenly in front of a truck. Trucks take longer to brake, so such driving is dangerous and often leads to a rear end accident. In some cases, truck brake failure can also lead to these accidents. Rear end accidents often result in head injury, back injury, or whiplash.

6) Rollovers. Rollovers often occur because trucks tend to be top heavy, making them more likely to rollover in an accident. Excessive loads, incorrect loading, and speed are often contributors to rollover accidents. In many cases, these accidents occur on turns or curves.

Monster truck shows or rallies are entertainment events at which large trucks perform stunts for the amusement of an audience. The drivers of these trucks are highly trained stunt drivers. In most cases, rallies are simply fun events at which families have a fun time. However, in some cases monster truck rallies turn deadly and claim the life of drivers or audience members when trucks collide.

Although monster truck accidents are not as common as other kinds of trucking accidents, they do occur. In June 2009, a six-year-old Tacoma boy was killed after being struck by debris at a Monster Truck show. In 2007, nine people sustained personal injury at an Illinois. monster truck show when two trucks collided. In 1999, two separate monster truck accidents claimed the life of one man and injured three others, including two children.

Monster truck accidents are often tragic because they often involve children and teenagers and lead to injuries to children and minors. In many cases, injuries and fatalities at monster truck rallies take place when monster trucks lose control and crash. When this occurs, flying debris can sometimes fly from the performance area and into the stands, injuring or killing audience members.

When this occurs, eye injuries, broken bones, and head injuries are often the result. Children are especially vulnerable because of their smaller size. Some of the flying debris from a monster truck show can be quite large and flies with enough force to seriously injure audience members. In some cases, debris may be on fire and may cause burn injuries. As well, the drivers of trucks in such shows may be injured and may sustain broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries as a result of a monster truck accident.

Monster truck shows first became popular in the 1970s, when drivers and promoters would modify pickup trucks, adding high wheels and other custom features to create large trucks. These early trucks were powerful but often unstable, and frequently resulted in rollover accidents and audience accidents as well. Since then, monster truck events have become a major industry and some safety protocols have been added to make these events safer.

Today, monster truck chassis are custom designed to offer the trucks more stability and to create safer trucks. As well, monster tricks today feature special axles (usually from heavy duty trucks), four-link suspensions, custom-designed transmissions, and hydraulic steering, all of which improve stability, response times, and the driver’s control of the truck. If a monster truck driver loses control of a vehicle, the truck has three kill switches. Trucks today are also equipped with a Remote Ignition Interrupter and switches which help the truck shut off in the event of an accident or rollover. Many parts are strapped to the truck to prevent flying debris in the event of a collision and drivers are protected with a Lexan-plated cab. Regulations at most truck shows require drivers to wear head restraints, fire suits, helmets, neck restrains, and special harnesses. These protect against burn injuries, neck and back injuries, and head injuries in the event of a crash. Opponents point out that in spite of these safety features both drivers and audience members continue to experience personal injuries at monster truck rallies and shows.

Garbage truck accidents are not as common as other types of truck accidents and rarely make the news, but these accidents can be just as devastating as other types of vehicle accidents. Each year, people are killed and seriously injured by garbage trucks. Very often, accidents involving garbage trucks involve pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents. These accidents are often caused by a number of factors:

1) Poor visibility. Garbage trucks are large and have poor lines of sight. Like larger commercial trucks, they have many blind spots. As well, as the day progresses, garbage trucks often get dirty. This can obscure reflectors and lights. It can also cause mirrors to become smudged or dirty and therefore less useful.

2) Tired drivers. Garbage trucks are usually making the rounds very early. Garbage truck drivers wake very early and often work long shifts, which can contribute to fatigue. When this is combined with driver distraction (caused by cell phones or texting) the risk of an accident is even higher.

3) Backing up. Garbage trucks must back up frequently and suddenly to pick up garbage. This can lead to pedestrian accidents if garbage trucks run over a person or child on the sidewalk.

4) Unusual driving patterns. Garbage trucks must often drive in unusual patterns in order to pick up garbage. They may need to drive down alleys or drive the wrong way down some streets. In many cases, garbage trucks drive where no trucks usually drive, so that other drivers (as well as pedestrians and bicyclists) may simply not be looking for a truck or anticipating such as driving obstruction.

5) Negligence. Drivers of garbage trucks are expected to use caution when driving their vehicles. Municipalities are responsible for maintaining garbage trucks in good repair and for carefully hiring and training qualified drivers when negligence causes an accident, a good Florida personal attorney can often ensure that victims are given the full protection of the law. As well, good attorneys can work to ensure that others are not victimized by negligence.

Truck drivers are often very highly trained professionals. To qualify for their licenses, they must pass strict testing, training, and licensing requirements. They also clock many miles on the roads, making them highly trained drivers. In many car accidents involving a truck, however, truck drivers are singled out for blame.

In some cases, bias may contribute to the problem. When a truck collides with a car, the passengers of the car are often seriously injured or killed. Fatalities in these types of accidents are frequent and where passengers do survive, they often face spinal cord injuries, whiplash, amputations, burn injuries, brain injuries, and other serious and potentially long-term injuries. They are often rushed to the hospital from the scene of the accident.

In many cases, injured passengers of cars are not extensively questioned at the scene of an accident because they are seriously injured. Since the truck driver is largely protected by the height of his or her cab and the size of his or her truck, the truck driver is often questioned at the scene and may not be seriously injured. Since the passengers of the smaller car are seriously injured, this can tip sympathy towards them and may obscure the mistakes made by a passenger car in an accident.

However, just because passengers are injured this does not mean that they are blameless of liability. In some cases, collisions between trucks and cars occur because the driver of a passenger vehicle was driving drunk, was texting while driving, was negligent, or was making significant mistakes. Many passenger vehicle drivers do not allow truck drivers the additional space that trucks require to stop and do not take care to avoid truck blind spots.

Although truck drivers are often protected from some personal injuries because of the size and height of their truck, they can and do sustain injuries due to accidents. Most truck drivers who have been in a trucking accident suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While the accident is being investigated, drivers may lose income and may not be able to drive a truck until the investigation is concluded. The force of stopping the truck suddenly in a collision can throw truck drivers forward, which can lead to back injuries, whiplash and head injuries as well. In serious rollover accidents, truck drivers may be seriously injured or killed.

If a passenger vehicle driver has been driving negligently and has caused a trucking accident, both the truck driver and the trucking company can seek legal assistance in recovering damages from the accident. A good Florida personal injury attorney can help investigate the causes of an accident and can help the injured party get the resources they need to recover from the accident.

In the US, truck drivers driving commercials trucks and bus drivers will no longer be able to text and drive. There is already a text ban in place by many larger transportation and trucking companies (including United Parcel Service and FedEx), but the federal ban makes the ban industry-wide and comes with tough penalties. Many in the industry are applauding the decision, which they say will help reduce bus accidents and trucking accidents.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has made banning distracted driving a top priority and this first step may pave the way for more extensive texting bans for all drivers. LaHood cannot ban passenger car drivers from texting and driving (even though driver texting has been extensively linked to car accidents) but rules regarding the trucking industry give him the authority to ban texting among truck drivers on the roads. Truck drivers who text while driving will now face fines of up to $2,750.

However, some experts are concerned about the enforcement of the new policy. Experts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, for example, note that LaHood’s new regulation may be largely symbolic and may not have an immediate effect on road safety, as texting is hard to spot. Police authorities agree that enforcing texting laws is difficult, since drivers hold their mobile devices below the window level. In most cases, truck drivers are caught texting and driving only after an accident, when police look at phone records and records on mobile devices to show that a driver was texting at the time of a crash. Some police note that lane departures and drivers who glance down frequently may be red flag signs that someone is texting while driving, but again this is hard to spot.

There are plenty of studies and lots of research that supports the idea of a texting ban. A study conducted by Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute found that text drivers who text are 23 times more likely than non-texting drivers to be involved in a near-collision or a traffic accident. The National Safety Council reports that 28% of road accidents occur when drivers are distracted by cell phones or texting. Cell phone conversations accounted for 1.4 million accidents last year while texting was linked to 200, 000 collisions.

Part of the problem is the cultural perception of cell phones and texting. Many drivers do not believe that their texting affects their driving because it is a quick activity. Many drivers also rely heavily on texting. According to federal statistics, at any given moment on America’s roads, about 812,000 drivers are distracted by cell phones. However, despite driver perceptions, studies do show that texting affects driving. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers texting while driving have their eyes off the road about 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds they drive, meaning that drivers who text are driving most of the time with there eyes off the road. A driver who is texting and driving at 55 mph is traveling the length of an entire football field without seeing the road.

Trucking accidents cause 35, 000 deaths each year as well as serious injuries such as burns, brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries. When a serious accident involving a truck takes place, there is often a great deal of focus on the driver. However, in many cases the drivers of passenger vehicles are also at leas partly responsible for a trucking accident. In fact, a study out of Los Angeles suggests that up to 75% of trucking accidents are caused by motorists operating passenger vehicles. Drivers of passenger vehicles often have less expensive training than truck drivers. As well, many drivers do not treat trucks differently than other vehicles on the road, and this can cause many common mistakes which can lead to an accident:

1) Changing lanes without signaling. Trucks take a longer time to respond, so trucks need plenty of warning when motorists change lanes. Zipping out in front of a truck when switching lanes is especially dangerous, as the truck may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.

2) Taking a turn left in front of a truck.

3) Miscalculating the speed at which a truck is going. Trucks change speeds often, often picking up speed dangerously on downhill grades (especially when fully loaded) and slowing down when going up hill. Since trucks cannot stop as quickly as passenger cars, it can be very dangerous not to take truck speed into account.

4) Slowing down suddenly in front of a truck. A fully loaded truck takes much longer to stop and often cannot stop as suddenly as a passenger vehicle. Stopping suddenly or slowing down rapidly in front of a truck often causes the truck to plow into the passenger vehicle. In general, drivers need to avoid any sudden or rapid movements around trucks, since trucks are bulkier and slower.

5) Driving in the truck driver’s blind spot. Trucks have many more blind spots than cars. In general, if you cannot see the driver in the truck’s mirrors, he or she cannot see you. Driving in the blind spots of a truck can get your car crushed if the truck must suddenly swerve or turn.

6) Driving between two large commercial rigs. This reduces your visibility a great deal, making it hard for you to anticipate possible problems ahead and react in time. As well, being between two trucks increases the probability that you will end up in the truck’s blind spots and potentially get crushed.

Statistics from the Fatal Analysis Reporting System show that about 35, 000 fatal trucking accidents take place across the country. About 8% of these accidents involve large commercial trucks, such as rigs. In addition to the large death toll, there are also many trucking accidents that lead to serious injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, burns, and other serious injuries. Although car accidents are more common than trucking accidents, statistics show from the Fatal Analysis Reporting System show that truck collisions are involved in about 46% of traffic-related fatalities.

Obviously, it is important to do everything possible to prevent these tragic accidents. One common cause of trucking accidents which is quite preventable is driver fatigue. Tired truck drivers have slower response times and some even doze off at the wheel, causing trucking accidents. Studies have proven that driving while tired is as dangerous as driving under the influence. The tragic thing about driver fatigue is that it is quite preventable.

Truck collisions involving driver fatigue have not declined, even though the overall rate of trucking accidents has been slowly decreasing. There have been a number of laws instituted which aim to reduce tired driving. For example, federal statues limit the length of time drivers can driver commercial trucks and vans before resting. As well, all drivers must keep a log to show that they are taking adequate rest breaks.

Despite this, truck accidents caused by driver fatigue continue to occur. Many of these accidents occur in the early hours of the morning – between midnight and three in the morning. This may suggest that in addition to getting rest, drivers may also need to respect their body’s natural rhythms and not try to drive when they are usually sleeping.

The federal government has created Hours-of-Service (HOS) laws which set limits on the time commercial truck drivers can drive before taking breaks. HOS was instituted and designed after extensive surveys and scientific studies were conducted to determine safe driving procedures. Currently, HOS rules apply to commercial trucks weighing at least 10,001 lbs. or higher. Only trucks that cross state lines, transport dangerous materials, or transport at least 16 passengers are included under the legislation.

Under these rules, drivers driving products or materials must have a rest period of 10 consecutive hours before driving. Drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours between rest periods. Drivers must receive eight hours of sleep and an additional two hour break under HOS regulations. HOS regulations for passenger-carrying trucks are different. Drivers of these trucks can drive for a maximum of 10 hours before taking a rest break of eight consecutive hours. These drivers must also sleep at least eight hours.

In trucking accidents, one of the most common types of non-fatal injuries sustained is the back injury. The violence of the collision between a truck and a passenger car usually causes the bodies of the car’s passengers and the truck’s driver to move very suddenly and violently, creating prime conditions for a variety of back problems.

One of the most common types of back injuries sustained in a trucking accident is the lumbar injury. This type of injury affects the lower middle of the back area, known as the lumbar area. Lumbar injuries prevent regular movement and can make work and normal activities very difficult for patients. Lumbar injuries are also very painful and in many cases doctors cannot tell patients when signs of improvement may be expected.

Another type of back injury common in truck accidents is the spinal cord injury. This type of injury affects the spine and may involve damaged bones, muscle, nerves, nerve endings, or cartilage. Many spinal cord injuries result in paralysis and are permanent.

A back injury results in severe pain and suffering. Both spinal cord injuries and lumbar injuries require extensive (and expensive) medical care as well as ongoing physiotherapy. Occupational therapy and other long-term ongoing rehabilitation treatments, some of which are not covered by insurance. Most back injury patients lose significant income because of treatment and because they cannot return to work activities for extended periods of time. A good Florida personal injury attorney can be useful in this regard, helping patients recover financial resources which can assist in paying for treatment.

Lumbar injury patients face special challenges. In some cases, lumbar injuries are hard to quantify by medical science. The patient experiences pain but doctors do not yet have the tools to always prove an injury has taken place. This can cause insurance companies to become reluctant in offering needed and deserving compensation. A good attorney is often essential when handling these negotiations.

Patients with spinal cord injuries also often face special challenges. Patients who have sustained permanent spinal cord injuries as the result of a trucking accident may not be able to return to work, may have to have life-long therapy and assistance for everyday tasks, and may need to completely modify their homes and cars to make them accessible. In many cases, insurance providers routinely underestimate the total amount of all these costs, leaving patients with less money than they need. A good attorney is essential to protect the patient in these cases.

Trucking accidents cause over 80,000 non-fatal personal injuries each year. Some of these injuries include burn injuries, which are among the most difficult injuries to sustain. Burn injuries occur when a truck is carrying a flammable substance which ignites when the truck is in a collision. A truck may also experience a fuel fire or a battery fire in a crash, causing burn injuries.

Due to the size of trucks, burn injuries sustained from these accidents tend to be severe. Fires can spread very quickly from the truck to any flammable substance on the road. Any substance contained in the truck can also ignite. Obviously, truck drivers can be susceptible to burn injuries if their truck catches fire and they cannot escape the cab in time. However, passengers of nearby cars involved in a collision may also be burned as fire spreads quickly. Even pedestrians may be affected.

Burn injuries sustained in a trucking accident can be fatal. Even if they are not, they can lead to lifelong scarring. For many people, this is very challenging as it can lead to on-job problems, depressions, relationship issues, and other problems. Some people who sustain serious burn injuries feel uncomfortable leaving the house and may initially want to isolate themselves. They may have feelings of sadness or anger. In cases where the burn injury reaches the tissue, bone, and muscle, a burn injury can cause extreme pain, loss of mobility, and may require years or physiotherapy.

Traditionally, there are three ways of classifying burn injuries:
1) First degree burn injury. This most mild form of injury usually involves damage at the outer skin layer only. However, even with this relatively mild form of injury, there may be scarring, the risk of infection, time lost from work, and other problems for the patient.

2) Second degree burn injury. In this type of burn injury, the top layer of skin as well as the top layer of tissue are damaged. Usually, this type of injury will require some cosmetic surgery or treatment as scarring usually results. This type of injury may be quite painful and patients may need to miss time from work.

3) Third degree burn injury. In this most severe injury, layers of tissue under the layer of skin may be affected. This form of injury may require ongoing treatment and therapy as the patient may lose some sensation or even mobility in the affected area. This burn injury tends to be quite painful and requires intensive treatment, requiring considerable time away from work. This type of injury virtually always results in heavy scarring and may require a series of cosmetic treatments to fix.

Head or brain injuries sustained in a trucking accident can be dangerous or even fatal. Any truck accident involving a passenger car can cause a passenger in the car to be thrown about inside the vehicle. Being violently tossed about in an accident can cause the brain to crush up against the skull, causing damage. If the truck collision causes a passenger to smash their head against the interior of a car, the skull can crack or sustain other injuries.

What is insidious about head injuries is that they can be hard to detect. Someone may feel perfectly fine after a trucking accident and assume they have no personal injuries, only to be in severe distress only hours or days later. Some victims pass away because they delay treatment, assuming that all is well. It is essential to get a full physical examination after a trucking accident, even if you feel fine. If you have bumped or hit your head, you need to be examined for a possible concussion or other trauma.

In most car accidents and truck accidents, the most common type of head injury is the concussion. This occurs when swelling and bruising occur on the brain due to trauma. Concussions can be hard to diagnosis, because some patients do not show clear signs of symptoms. Some patients show symptoms immediately. Immediately after an accident or soon after an accident, a patient may show signs and symptoms such as:

*Confusion
*Feelings of deep fatigue or sleepiness
*Nausea and/or vomiting
*Dizziness
*Difficulty speaking
*Vision problems
*Headache or pain in the head or neck area

However, even if you do not display such symptoms, it is a good idea to get a full physical exam to ensure that you do not have a concussion. Even if you do not have the above symptoms after a car accident, you may still have a concussion. For some patients, symptoms are delayed and may appear hours or days after an accident. Delayed symptoms may include:

*Difficulty concentrating
*Amnesia or loss of memory
*Sleep disorders
*Depression or anxiety
*Sensitivity to noise and light

If you have sustained a head injury in a trucking accident and begin to display these symptoms, seek medical help at once. It could be an emergency. Seek help even if you have been given a clean bill of health by a doctor. You may still have a concussion.

Due to the sheer size and force of the vehicles involved, trucking accidents tend to be devastating. They are more likely than passenger car accidents to result in loss of life and trucking accidents also tend to cause serious personal injuries – including permanent spinal cord injuries, amputations, burn injuries, and other injuries – as well as significant property damage.

After a trucking accident, it is common for insurance companies to be very reassuring. The insurance providers covering trucking companies, in particular, often seem helpful, offering instant contracts to sign to ensure that compensation is doled out quickly. While it may be tempting to deal with only the trucking company’s insurance provider, if you have been in a serious trucking accidents and have lost a loved one or have suffered severe injuries, it is vital to seek professional help independently.

The first type of professional help you will want to seek is professional health care. Visit the best doctor, hospital, clinic, or specialists you can. Even if you don’t think you have been seriously injured, keep in mind that seemingly small and innocuous injuries and mishaps can have life-long permanent effects. That twinge in the back after an accident may become a life-long disability as well as a recurring source of pain. A bump on the head may be an asymptomatic brain injury. Without a thorough medical examination, there is just no way to know. Err on the side of caution and visit a qualified doctor of your choosing first. Keep a journal and take photos of any injuries and make sure that you retain copies of all medical records.

The second professional you should consult after a serious trucking accident is a personal injury attorney. A good Florida attorney can negotiate with insurance providers on your behalf, so that you are assured of getting a fairer offer and settlement. An attorney can also reconstruct the accident, determine responsibility, and calculate the total costs to you of an accident. With an attorney’s help, you can protect your rights after an accident and seek all the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Professional help is also often needed to restructure your life after an accident. If you have sustained a serious head injury or spinal cord injury, for example, you may need a professional occupational therapist in order to help recapture some of the mobility and some of the activities you enjoyed before the accident. Professional therapists may be needed if you – like many truck accident victims – feel depressed or anxious after the accident. Again, a qualified personal injury attorney can help ensure that you have the resources for all this help.

Seeking professional help after an accident helps not only you, but other possible victims as well. If your accident was caused by product defects or negligence, a thorough investigation can find this out and can hold those responsible liable. This can help encourage change, which can ensure that others are not hurt in the same way.

In 2006 alone, the FMCSA (the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) reported that large truck accidents caused 4 321 deaths and 77 000 personal injuries. That same year, 287,000 property damage claims were filed as a result of trucking accidents. Although many people believe that all vehicle accidents are the same, there are many important differences between car accidents and trucking accidents:

1) Severity. Trucking accidents are far more likely than car accidents to result in fatalities, serious property damage, and significant property damage. They are also more expensive and more complicated in legal terms, since more parties are involved. Trucking accidents are also more challenging to settle, often because many parties and insurance carriers are involved.

2) Fuel fires. Trucks are more likely than cars to catch fire, since trucks sometimes carry flammable materials. As well, trucks run on diesel fuel, which can ignite if this fuel comes into contact with battery spark. Trucking accidents resulting in fires often lead to serious burn injuries and fatalities.

3) Jackknifing. Jackknifing occurs when one vehicle hits another at an angle. Trucks may have their brakes de-powered or disabled, which increases the risk of jackknifing. As well, the consequences of jackknifing are far more severe in trucking accidents than in car accidents. In car accidents, jackknifing can result in serious injuries, but two cars are generally of similar size. When a truck jackknifes a car, however, it is very likely that the car will be crushed and all occupants killed.

4) Braking problems. Brake problems are a more frequent issue in trucking accidents than in car accidents. Trucks, unlike passenger vehicles, use air brakes, and these brakes have a heat limit. If truck brakes overheat – often because they are set incorrectly or because a truck is driven incorrectly – the brakes may fail.

5) Rollover accidents. Trucking accidents are far more likely than car accidents to result in rollover. This is because trucks have a higher center of gravity, making it easier for them to tip over and roll. As well, heavy loads and incorrect load distribution can make trucks vulnerable to rollover accidents.

Trucking accidents have been on the rise over the past twenty years, according to FMCSA (the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and in a typical year nearly 5000 people lose these lives in trucking accidents. Another 130 000 people a year sustain serious injuries, such as brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries. Truck accidents are also more likely than car accidents to result in serious personal injuries, substantial property loss, and fatalities.

After a trucking accident, it is often far more difficult to assign liability or responsibility. Unlike car accidents, trucking accidents often involve multiple parties – the driver of the car, the truck driver, the owner of the truck, the company renting or managing the truck. In addition, some trucks consist of a cab and trailer owned and managed by separate companies. In many cases, a truck is leased from an owner, so that the leasing company may be held partly liable. The shipper or loader of a truck may also be held liable if a load was incorrectly secured. Finally, the manufacturer of the truck or various truck parts may also be held partly responsible for a trucking accident.

There are many regulations and laws which determine who is responsible or liable in a trucking accident. Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations outlines most of the federal legislation governing trucks. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), state laws, and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) also govern the trucking industry. Determining which party may have violated some laws or regulations usually requires the services of a savvy and experienced personal injury attorney.

Often, after a trucking accident, no one wants to take blame. The leasing, hauling, and trucking companies often engage in finger-pointing, as none want to use their insurance company to pay the person who has sustained injuries. For instance, the leasing company may blame the owners of the trucks for renting a poorly-maintained truck. The owner of the company may blame the manufacturer of the brakes, claiming the brakes are defective. The manufacturer may blame the loader, claiming a truck was overloaded. While these parties argue amongst themselves, the victim recovering from serious loss and injuries usually has no recourse to financial help to cope with growing medical bills.

Years ago, trucking companies created barriers between themselves and drivers by hiring drivers through contractors and by leasing trucks through other companies. In the event of an accident, the trucking company could claim that the driver is not one of their employees and that the truck was not their property. In this way, trucking companies hoped to avoid some liability. However, today’s federal laws do not permit this sort of slight of hand. Now, every time a company places its name or placard on that truck, the company is responsible for the truck, regardless of whether the truck and driver are directly associated with the company or not.

Another issue when determining liability in a trucking accident is the gathering of evidence. Due to the damage a truck accident causes, some evidence may be lost. Laws require certified truck inspectors to gather evidence and inspect trucks involved in accidents immediately. Trucks today also use “black boxes,” much like planes, which gather crucial evidence. These rules allow investigators to gather more evidence about accidents. As well, many Florida personal injury attorneys work closely with private investigators who are experienced in accident reconstruction and other techniques which are useful in gathering evidence and facts after an accident.

Trucking accidents cause many deaths each year. In fact, according to Road Safe America, highway accidents claim more than 42 000 lives each year. This is equivalent to the amount of people who would fill 200 commercial airliners. In fact, in order for aviation accidents to have the same death rate as highway accidents, there would have to be more than 16 aviation accidents involving commercial airlines a month.

These statistics do not even take into consideration the many personal injuries which trucking accidents cause. Trucking accidents often cause brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, broken limbs, burn injuries, and other serious injuries. This is above and beyond the financial and property damage such accidents inflict. For many survivors “lucky” enough to escape fatalities in a trucking accident, life-long injuries are the result.

Stephen C. Owings helped found Road Safe America, an advocacy group which aims to prevent trucking accidents. Owings believes that we are far more lax about traffic safety and trucking accident prevention than we are about airline safety. Partly, he feels this is because we have become immune to the many news stories about such accidents. Research seems to prove him right. According to Dr. Linda Degutis of the American Public Health Association, studies show that most Americans do not believe that highway accidents are preventable.

Research has also suggested that in order to make roads safer, we need to focus on commercial trucks specifically. According to studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds account for 20% of all multi-car fatal accidents, even though these large trucks constitute only 1% of all vehicles on the roads. These trucks cause 5,000 fatalities and more than 100,000 injuries each year. Simply reducing the accidents involving these trucks can considerably reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. However, again, few people see large commercial trucks as a serious problem.

Some people – including Stephen C. Owings – believe that the answers are simple. Simply setting speed governors on heavy trucks to 68 mph or slower, they believe, will have a big impact on truck accidents. All trucks have been equipped with speed governors since the 1990s. Ensuring that these devices are used to slow trucks down even more, advocates argue, will mean safer roads.

In Japan, Europe, some of Canada, and Australia, speed governors on trucks are set to 68 mph or below for heavy trucks. However, some advocates of the plan note that a lax attitude is preventing similar legislation here. Lawmakers are simply too caught up in other issues to pay attention to a problem that has claimed so many lives.

In trucking accidents, passenger vehicle drivers and truck drivers both have a duty to prevent accident. After an accident, it is typical for passenger vehicle drivers to blame truck drivers and for truck drivers to blame car drivers for an accident. Research has suggested that both truck driver error and passenger car error contribute to car accidents involving trucks.

For passenger car drivers, the main error involve not paying due attention to trucks. Some drivers simply do not exert special care around trucks. Common passenger car driver errors include:

1) Rapid lane changes near a truck. A truck cannot stop as quickly as a passenger car. Any sudden movements near a truck can cause an accident, since the truck needs extra time to move or stop.

2) Driving for extended periods of time in the truck’s blind spots. Large trucks have many blind spots – such as beside the truck and behind the truck. While it may be necessary to drive very briefly in these areas, you will want to get out of these “no-zones,” as they are called, as quickly as possible. If you cannot see the driver in his or her mirrors, the driver cannot usually see you.

3) Incorrect turns near a truck. When a truck is making a right turn, you should not be to the immediate right of the truck. Your car may be crushed or forced off the road if you are. Making a left turn in front of a truck can also be dangerous if you don’t give the truck enough time to slow down and stop.

4) Driving between large trucks. Driving between large trucks is not only scary – it is dangerous. When surrounded by large trucks, the passenger car driver often cannot see enough of the road to anticipate and respond to road conditions. Being stuck between two trucks also usually means being in the trucks’ blind spots.

Of course, truck drivers also have a responsibility to keep roads safe. There are a number of driver errors that truck drivers make which contribute to trucking accidents:

Continue reading "Car Drivers and Truck Drivers Both Have a Responsibility to Keep Roads Safe" »

If you have been in a trucking accident, you need a good Florida personal injury attorney. A qualified Florida personal injury lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance providers and can help you get the full amount of support you are entitled to under the law. If you have sustained a serious brain injury, burn injury, amputation, or other loss, a good attorney can help ensure that you get the full support you need to recover fully. Even if you think you do not need an attorney, you do. Without a good attorney, you are likely to get less support than you will need.

Finding a good Florida personal injury attorney usually begins with getting some recommendations. If you do not know anyone who has worked with a personal injury attorney, you may need to speak with an attorney yourself. Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation. This is a very useful way to get to know an attorney and to get some preliminary legal advice. When speaking with an attorney during your consultation, look for the following characteristics of a good attorney:

1) Experience. A good Florida personal injury attorney is one who has experience in the type of trucking accident you have experienced. Most attorneys will be happy to tell you about relevant experience they have. Look for a professional who has succeeded in the types of cases which are similar to your accident. You can also ask for referrals to speak with previous clients of an attorney. This will help you understand how happy past clients have been with the attorney.

2) Caring. A good Florida personal injury attorney really cares about your well-being. They offer advice about your finances, medical treatments, and legal situation, as needed. They help you understand your legal rights and want to help you do the right thing.

3) Listening skills. A good Florida personal injury attorney listens to your concerns, needs, and wants and addresses them. He or she does not pressure you to take an action you don’t feel comfortable taking. A good attorney also returns your calls and makes time to address your concerns in full.

4) Good planning skills. A good Florida personal injury attorney has a specific plan or several possible plans for dealing with your situation. He or she usually has resources such as private investigators to help you understand the truck accident and to help gather evidence. He or she is ready to move quickly to secure evidence you will need in the case.

After a trucking accident, getting back behind the wheel of a vehicle can be scary. In addition to the physical personal injuries trucking accidents cause, these accidents also cause trauma. It is not unusual for victims to experience insomnia, panic attacks, and other serious emotional upheavals and stresses after a trucking accident. Getting back into a car or truck is often difficult both for truck drivers and passenger car drivers who have been in a trucking accident. Here are a few ways drivers can make the transition less stressful:

1) Don’t rush it. For the first while after a trucking accident, consider taking public transportation, taxis, or relying on carpooling. Getting back behind the wheel too soon can spark fears, panic attacks, and other stresses. Allow yourself to heal fully – both physically and emotionally – before attempting to drive again.

2) Seek medical help. Make sure that you get a full physical by a qualified doctor after your accident. Keep in mind that some injuries -- such as spinal cord injuries, whiplash, brain injuries, and even deep burn injuries – may affect your ability to drive. Discuss driving with your physician and ask when it is physically safe for you to resume driving.

3) Talk to an attorney. Speaking to a Florida personal injury attorney is often cathartic for many truck accident victims. A good personal injury attorney can help you understand what has caused an accident. This can help you feel more in control and more able to understand the accident. An attorney can also help ensure that you don’t blame yourself if an accident was not your fault.

4) Talk to a therapist or counselor. If it has been a few weeks and you still feel anxious or nervous, speak to a counselor or qualified therapist. These professionals are here to help and they can help you sort out your conflicting feelings about the accident and about driving.

5) Start slow. Avoid taking a long car trip soon after a trucking accident. Instead, start with very short drives along familiar streets and build your way up to longer drives. If you start to feel panic, pull over and wait for the feeling to pass before driving back home. Wait until you feel comfortable with short drives before attempting longer drives.

Trucking accidents often cause a great deal of suffering, personal injury, and property damage. Due to the size of most commercial trucks, a trucking accident involving such a vehicle often leads to fatalities, serious brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, permanent disability, amputation, and other serious injuries. As well, property damage is a common occurrence in trucking accidents. In many cases, when a car accident involves a truck, the passenger vehicle in the collision may be completely destroyed. A trucking accident may also cause serious damage to roads and roadside property.

Long after an accident has taken place and injuries from the accident have been treated, however, emotional trauma can continue. When we talk of trucking accidents, we often speak of the physical damage, personal injuries, and physical effects of the accident. However, the emotional scars of the accident can last as long and can be just as devastating. There are many effects of emotional trauma:

1) Difficulty driving. Survivors who have been in a trucking accident may have a hard time getting back behind the wheel. They may feel anxious or fearful of driving again, worried that they may be in another accident. Both truck drivers and passenger car drivers may experience difficulties resuming driving and may worry about their role in an accident. Some survivors even have trouble being in any moving vehicle after a truck accident, experiencing motion sickness and panic.

2) Anxiety, fear, and stress. Many people experience severe stress and fear after an accident. This may cause insomnia, difficulties in concentrating, and other related symptoms. Some survivors of a trucking accident experience panic attacks or nightmares as a result of their fears.

3) Anger. Many survivors of trucking accidents experience deep anger as a result of their accident. They may blame themselves or someone else who they think has caused the accident. They may be frustrated and angry that they have been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident. Even non-fatal trucking accidents often precipitate trauma and grief, and anger is a part of the grieving process.

4) Social problems resulting from an injury. Some survivors of trucking accidents have a hard time with their relationships after their accident. If someone has sustained a serious injury, this might be a very isolating experience, as the victim spends considerable time in the hospital away from usual activities. Many victims also experience a roller coaster ride of emotions after an accident and these emotions can put a strain on relationships.

A new ban enacted by the federal government immediately bans all bus drivers and all drivers or larger commercial trucks from text messaging while driving. The new ban aims to reduce the serious collisions, bus accidents, trucking accidents, and pedestrian accidents which have been attributed to texting while driving. Under the new ban, any bus drivers or truck drivers found texting while driving may face fees and penalties of up to $2,750.

The ban is the latest in a string of legislation and news items which has shone light on the problems associated with texting and driving. As of December, all drivers operating federal vehicles were banned from texting while driving. Ten states as well as the District of Columbia have made it illegal to text and drive. The senate is considering new laws which would force all states to ban texting while driving. States who do not comply would stand to lose federal funding under the new laws.

As the media has widely reported, the link between texting and truck and car accidents is a close one. According to a recent study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, texting truck drivers were 23.2 times more likely to be in a truck accident, when compared with drivers who were not distracted. The same study found that truck drivers were 5.9 times as likely to have a truck accident while talking on a cell phone and 6.7 times as likely to be in an accident while reaching for a cell phone or mobile device.

A number of influential groups and organizations have already tried to change popular notions of texting and driving. This month, The Oprah Winfrey show featured the dangers of texting and driving and pleaded with viewers to stop the practice. The AAA and other groups have also called for drivers to put down mobile devices while driving. The use of mobile devices is being referred to as “distracted driving” and it refers to any use of a mobile device while driving. There is a growing movement to make distracted driving not only illegal but socially unacceptable as well.

Many fleets and trucking companies have already banned texting or distracted driving, but the new legislation will likely make even more bus drivers and truck drivers put down their mobile devices. It is possible that drivers found in violation of the new law will face penalties from their employers as well as from the law, although trucking companies have not spoken extensively to the media about their own efforts to crack down on distracted driving.

While most people approve of the new legislation, a new study may have some people raising eyebrows. Released this week, a report by the Highway Loss Data Institute has found that texting laws and bans do not have a significant impact on crash rates. The Highway Loss Data Institute, associated with and funded by insurance companies, looked at the accident rates of insured cars in the months before and after bans of handheld devices in cars went into effect. The study found that while use of handheld devices dropped after a ban, the rate of accidents did not increase with it.

Many drivers buy light trucks for the convenience of being able to haul large items. Whether you work in an industry that requires a light truck or whether you run your own business, a light truck may seem like a good choice. Ironically, many drivers also choose to buy light trucks because they believe that these trucks are safer on the roads. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Light truck accidents cause many injuries and deaths each year. Due to the larger size and weight of a light truck (when compared with a passenger vehicle) fatalities, brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and other harm is more of a risk with light trucks. As well, light trucks may be more prone to rollovers.

Light trucks are classified as any vehicles with a payload of less than 4000 pounds. These vehicles can include vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs (sport utility vehicles). If you own a light truck, there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of an accident:

1) Use great tires. Good quality tires are a must, because you will likely be carrying more weight on your vehicle. As well, light trucks take a longer time to stop than passenger vehicles, especially when fully loaded. Good tires will provide you with the traction you need as well as the safety you need.

2) Load carefully. Always carry rope and cords in your truck so that you can secure anything you want to carry. When you buy a light truck, you will inevitably hear from friends and family who are moving or buying larger items. Learn to load your truck safely and avoid overloading at all costs. Make two trips if you need to, but don’t carry more than the truck can hold. Avoid driving with a too-large item sticking out of the back. Even if it is well secured, it is often safer to hire a professional with a larger truck to move very large pieces.

3) Get some training. If you have always driven a passenger vehicle, consider getting some additional or refresher training in light trucks. Keep in mind that the driving experience is quite different. You will be further off the ground and will have more blind spots. Learn to drive this new type of vehicle safely.

4 Minimize blind spots. Although light trucks have fewer blind spots than commercial trucks, they have more than passenger vehicles. Blind spots can lead to pedestrian accidents and collisions. Angle your mirrors carefully and consider getting a back up auto sensor. These devices can show you exactly what is behind your truck via a small camera.

Although Florida residents are lucky enough to not have to worry about snow and ice on the roads most of the time, winter weather can still be a concern for drivers. On occasion, temperatures in Florida do drop below freezing in the winter. When this happens, many people are unprepared and this can lead to car accidents and trucking accidents. As well, many truck drivers drive outside of state lines, where they can encounter winter weather. If you drive a truck (or even a passenger vehicle) you need to consider winter driving.

If you are driving outside the state in areas where snow and ice are prevalent, keep in mind that winter means more trucks on the roads. All areas experiencing winter weather hire snow plows and salt trucks to keep roads and streets clear. As well, tow trucks are more common at this time of year as more people need help getting their cars out of ice and snow.

If you are driving outside the state, keep an eye out for snow plows, tow trucks, and trucks distributing salt. Keep in mind that some of these vehicles will move erratically and may move more slowly. Snow plows, for example, may back up or drive in odd patterns as they try to move large amounts of snow. Tow trucks may have to reverse a number of times when tugging a car out of the ice. Look for the flashing lights these trucks use and be prepared to drive slowly and stop suddenly.

Keep in mind, too, that commercial trucks are also struggling with icy and snowy conditions. Larger trucks already have a hard time stopping and slowing down due to their size and weight. It becomes even harder for trucks to drive on slippery roads. If you are driving behind a truck, give them more room than usual if you are in snowy or icy conditions.

When driving beside a truck in icy conditions, be wary of fishtailing. Fishtailing happens when the trailer of a tractor trailer drives over an icy patch, causing the cab and the trailer to go in opposite directions. When this happens, the trailer can easily enter another lane, crushing trucks and cars there. As well, fishtailing can cause rollovers.

Truck rollovers are a common cause of trucking accidents and due to the size and weight of trucks these accidents tend to cause a lot of damage and injury. Rollovers involving large trucks can cause damage, fatalities, and personal injuries. What is especially devastating about these types of accidents is that most of them can be prevented.

Most engineers and experts agree that the major problem with rollovers is that they happen very quickly – usually before a truck driver has a chance to react. Many drivers are close to the point of rollover and do not even know it. In fact, according to some safety experts, the safety margin in these situations is quite small.

The first step to preventing rollover accidents is to identify what causes them. There are two forces working on a truck: those working to keep the truck upright and those working to push the truck over (these are called lateral acceleration). When lateral acceleration gets too great, a rollover occurs. Engineers and experts measure rollover risks in terms of something called rollover threshold (RT). The RT refers to the maximum amount of lateral acceleration that can be withstood by particular vehicle before it rolls over. For a passenger car, the RT is 1.3. For a tri axle trailer and tractor that is fully loaded, the RT can be 0.28.

Many things can cause a truck to surpass its RT and rollover:

1) The center of gravity of the truck. Usually, this is affected by the loading process and the materials in a truck. A truck that is heavily loaded and has a very high center of gravity is more likely to roll over. As well, the amount of space between tires can also impact the RT of a truck – where tires are closer together, the truck is more likely to roll over.

2) Speed and turns. A truck that is speeding is far more likely to rollover, since fast speeds can affect lateral acceleration. The sharpness of turns and even the tilt of a roadway can also contribute to rollovers.

3) Trailers. Tractor trailers are more likely to be in rollover situations because there is a difference in rollover risk for the tractor and the trailer. When a driver is making a turn, he or she can usually feel the correct speed for the tractor. However, the trailer is attached to the cab or tractor and its lateral acceleration may be different. If a driver mistakenly takes a turn a little too fast and sharp, this can cause the trailer to rollover, which can in turn cause the tractor or cab to roll as well.

Obviously, awareness of RT and lateral acceleration is crucial in stopping truck accidents. Reducing speeds and taking turns gradually can help prevent many accidents. Proper driver training is also a must in helping drivers understand how to drive safely.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 5000 people die because of large truck collisions each year. These types of large truck accidents occur about half a million times each year on our roads and in addition to the lives they claim, they also cause a slew of personal injuries. Large truck accidents tend to make the news because of the amount of devastation they cause, but not all large truck accidents are the same. In fact, there are many types of large truck accidents, each causing their own problems and damage:

1) Rollovers. Trucks tend to be tall and this creates a high center of gravity. When a truck loses control, rollovers are very common. Rollovers most often occur on a turn or when a driver drives over an object. Rollovers cause fatalities and many types of injuries. A truck can fall onto a passenger vehicle and kill everyone inside. A truck driver in a rollover accident can sustain serious brain injuries and spinal cord injuries from being tossed about in the cab.

2) Brake failure. Brake failure is a common cause of truck accidents, since truck brakes require good training to use. Many things can make a truck’s brakes fail: mechanical problems, poor weather conditions, and a properly balanced and secured load. Even overheated brakes that have not had time to cool completely can fail.

3) Blind spot problems. Large trucks have large blind spots behind them and to either side of them. If another vehicle is in these spots when a truck changes lanes or turns, an accident can easily occur. These accidents also have a high risk of fatalities, simply due to the size and weight of the truck.

4) Underride Accidents. These types of accidents occur when a passenger car collides with a truck and slides underneath the truck. The truck often drags the car along before the driver can come to a complete stop. The front and top of the passenger vehicle is usually crushed in this type of accident and the front passengers in the passenger car are at high risk of brain injury, amputation injuries, and other serious injuries.

5) Wide turns. When a truck makes a turn, the driver will sometimes swing to the opposite direction first. This can cause the truck to collide with any vehicle that happens to be in the way. This vehicle may be crushed or pushed off the road. Such accidents can cause chain reactions of accidents – especially if a car is pushed by the truck into oncoming traffic – and multiple personal injuries.

6) Head-on collisions. These accidents occur when a truck strikes another oncoming vehicle. These collisions almost always result in fatalities if the other vehicle is a smaller passenger car. Often, these accidents take place when either the truck or vehicle drifts into an oncoming lane.

Fire trucks are designed to get equipment and fire fighters safely to a blaze so that fire fighters can help put out a fire and deal with other life-saving situations. Unfortunately, many experts say that fire truck accidents are on the rise, and this problem is causing many types of injuries and problems. Fire truck accidents injure passengers of other cars as well as pedestrians. They tap resources which need to be spent on emergencies. Worse, a fire truck that has been in an accident is slowed down, so that the persons waiting for a fire truck may suffer fatalities or serious burn injuries because a truck did not arrive in time. Each year, fire truck accidents also take many fire trucks off the roads, stretching resources thin and making it harder for fire fighters to respond to emergencies in a timely way.

In 2005 alone, there were 15,885 fire truck accidents taking place while fire trucks drove to and from emergencies. According to the National Fire Protection Association, this number appears to be rising. In part, experts say, the increase in truck accidents stems from the hiring of new personnel in fire fighting departments.

Drivers of fire trucks need plenty of experience and training, since fire trucks are long, heavy, and large. They are very hard to maneuver around city streets, especially city streets where parking is permitted. In many cases, as well, fire trucks need access to small areas – such as small driveways – and getting a large fire truck into such areas takes a great deal of experience and good training.

New drivers are not the only ones who get into accidents with fire trucks. Experienced drivers also have accidents. Driving a fire truck is often a high-pressure situation. Drivers are working hard to maneuver a very large truck down smaller city streets and they are rushing to get to a fire to save lives. Sometimes, accidents occur as a result of the hurry. As well, not all pedestrians and drivers yield right of way or follow safe driving procedures around fire trucks.

Some fire departments have found a solution that can help. Several fire departments around the country have purchased a driving simulator, which consists of a real fire truck cab with three large screens positioned around it. Drivers can train in the simulator, which can be programmed to mimic rush hour, poor weather conditions, and other bad conditions for drivers. The simulator is not inexpensive – service contracts can cost $23,000 annually – but experts say the devices could help prevent pedestrian accidents, fire truck accidents, and serious injuries. The New York City fire department claims that its fire truck accidents decreased by 12% after using the simulator.

Fire trucks are intended to get to the scene of a fire quickly so that emergency crews can save lives and stop fires. However, fire trucks also pose a risk of traffic accidents. Fire trucks are designed to speed to the site of a fire and these vehicles can legally run red lights in order to offer life-saving services. However, many things can go wrong when a fire truck is racing to the scene of an emergency:

1) Other cars and pedestrians may not follow safety rules regarding fire trucks. Both pedestrians and cars are supposed to yield right of way to fire engines who have lights and sirens on. Cars should pull over to the side of the road to allow fire trucks and other emergency vehicles through. Pedestrians should steer clear of these trucks and allow trucks through at all times. Unfortunately, many people simply do not follow these rules. Some drivers actually race after fire trucks, hoping to run a red light, too. When pedestrians and drivers do not yield right of way, auto accidents, fire truck accidents, and pedestrian accidents can be the inevitable result.

2) Truck driver training may be inadequate. Fire truck drivers need extra training to deal with the excessive speeds required to get to an emergency and the special equipment inside a fire truck. Drivers without adequate experience and training are more likely to cause an accident.

3) Truck size may be a factor. Fire trucks are large, long, and loaded with life-saving equipment. Many fire trucks are 8 feet wide and 31 feet long, weighing 20 tons with all equipment on board. This can make them more challenging to drive. In areas where narrow streets are a problem, navigating a fire truck can be very difficult unless a driver is very experienced and well-trained.

4) Some drivers park illegally. When drivers of passenger vehicles park in illegal spots or too close to fire lanes, fire trucks in a rush may experience fender benders or may brush or collide with these vehicles. Many fire truck accidents are minor fender-bender type collisions with parked cars. In cities with narrow streets, especially, correct parking is essential.

Unfortunately, fire truck accidents have far-reaching consequences. Fire trucks that have been in an accident may be out of service, reducing the number of life-saving vehicles available on the road in an emergency. A small number of people sustain injuries due to fire truck accidents each year, although fatalities are rare.

A new group called FocusDriven has been started by Elissa Schee. Schee’s daughter was killed in 2008, when a semi tractor trailer crashed into the school bus carrying the child. Police investigators found that driver distraction caused by cell phone use as well as hours of service problems caused the trucking accident. In response, Schee decided to start FocusDriven to change laws and to reduce the problem of distracted drivers.

Schee and other members of FocusDriven recently met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to discuss possible bans on cell phone use while driving. All the members of FocusDriven had lost loved ones in trucking accidents, bus accidents, car accidents, and other vehicle accidents caused by a distracted driver who was using a cell phone at the time of the collision. All the members believe their loved ones would still be alive today if legislation was tougher on cell phone use among drivers.

Statistics and research seem to support their theories. Numerous studies have shown that texting or talking on a cell phone can be as deadly as drunk driving. In fact, both drunk drivers and drivers texting while driving have a four times greater chance of being in a collision than non-distracted drivers. Truck drivers and bus drivers are an especial danger when texting or talking on cell phones, since their vehicles are far more likely to kill or cause serious personal injuries in an accident.

Some states – including Florida – have considered legislation which would ban cell phone use among drivers. However, while such legislation has plenty of popular support some experts note that enforcing the legislation would be a considerable challenge. Some experts also suggest that public attitudes about texting and driving are not as fixed as attitudes about drunk driving, for example. Cell phone use while driving does not have the same social stigma, which may be one reason why driver distraction is so prevalent. These are just the sorts of attitudes that groups such as FocusDriven hope to change.

FocusDriven hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and hopes to raise money for group activities. A FocusDriven will be located in Florida and the group hopes to open chapters in states across the country in upcoming months. The group is already being compared to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a group which was also initiated by a grieving parent and went on to change legislation as well as attitudes surrounding drunk driving accidents.

Large commercial trucks, SUVs and some buses all have a higher risk of rollovers, due to their low center of gravity and their distribution of weight. With large commercial trucks, especially, rollover accidents are a concern because these very large trucks can cause a lot of damage when they rollover on highways. An out of control truck can cause collisions, car accidents, and property damage as well as fatalities. Many commercial trucks are used to transport flammable or dangerous materials. In the event of an accident or rollover, these materials can fuel out of control fires.

Increasing awareness about truck rollovers has placed additional pressure on manufacturers of trucks as well as trucking companies to prevent these sorts of accidents. Manufacturers have been developing rollover warning and control systems in order to help prevent some of these types of accidents. These devices might prove very popular, especially since they may be modified to fit vans and SUVs to help prevent SUV and van rollovers as well.

Research studies have suggested that commercial truck design can also play a large role in preventing rollover accidents. Currently, high cg heights and large dimensions as well as heavy loads on these trucks contribute to rollover accidents, especially with higher speeds. Incorrect distribution and securing of loads has also proven to cause accidents.

In fact, rollovers are a leading cause of accidents involving articulated vehicles. These types of accidents cause millions of dollars of property damage as well as significant loss of life each year. In some cases, driver error or incorrect training have been found to lead to rollover accidents. Studies have shown that the speed drivers consider safe for a turn are very close to rollover threshold limits of large commercial trucks.

Statistics have shown that 13% of all fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles are caused by rollovers. About 3% of all collisions on US highways are due to rollovers. Each year, NHSTA reports that 43 200 fatalities occur on American highways. About one third of those deaths are due to trucking accidents. Many more people escape with their lives but suffer for months or years with serious personal injuries, such as burn injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, amputations, or spinal cord injuries.

Experts have found many methods of preventing truck rollover accidents. Some experts recommend hydraulic actuators or active braking. Alarm and warning systems which warn drivers of possible rollovers are also endorsed by some experts. Although many experts hope for a good rollover warning or prevention system, manufacturers of such systems are hampered by the fact that any such device would have to identify and respond to a wide variety of factors that can contribute to rollovers without too many false warnings.

In Australia, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union has initiated a campaign that may see fewer large trucks on the road. The campaign aims to ban road transport of hazardous materials over long distances. The campaign will see dangerous materials – including gasoline and fuels – transported by rail instead of truck. Many experts note that this campaign was launched after the holiday season of 2009, when eight people were killed in trucking accidents in a ten day period.

Experts in the US have suggested that certain goods are better transported by rail rather than by truck, as well. A study of heavy trucks in Maine, for example, found that car accidents and traffic accidents involving large trucks were growing and that these accidents had high rates of personal injury as well as fatalities.

The Maine Study, published by The Truck Safety Coalition, found that Maine permitted large trucks of 100,000 pounds – including trucks carrying hazardous goods – to transport items on residential and lower-class local streets. This was done despite research which showed that larger trucks had higher accident risks due to rollover hazards and braking issues.

The study found that rail transport was a much safer way to transport hazardous materials and extra-heavy loads, when compared to trucking transportation options. According to researchers, transporting items by rail, there was only one-seventh the fatality rate per one trillion ton-miles of transport, when compared to trucking transport. As well, train accidents are decreasing even as the number of trucking accidents, according to many studies, is on the rise.

Further, the study found that trucking and trucking accidents are harming bridges and roads, not allowing roadwork to keep up with demand for repairs. Many experts believe that transporting more items by rail instead of by truck can help reduce this problem. Heavy trucks are linked to road damage, and federal studies have suggested that virtually all road pavement damage can be attributed to heavy trucks. Transporting more items by rail may save on road repair and may decrease the number of car accidents and truck accidents due to road conditions.

According to The Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), truck drivers spend, on average, 44 hours in their cabs when their trucks are not moving. Drivers remain with their trucks while the trucks are loaded, unloaded, transported by ferry, serviced, and so forth. However, many companies only pay their drivers by miles driven. This means that drivers who are paid in this way spend an average of 44 hours per week not being paid.

According to trucking industry experts, this method of paying drivers sets a dangerous precedent. Drivers need to drive in order to make deadlines and in order to get paid. If drivers are not paid for 44 hours on the job (or the equivalent of more than a full workweek), they must work extra hard in order to earn a living wage. According to experts, this way of paying drivers encourages them to speed, as drivers strive to make up their unpaid hours with some paid hours.

Most drivers earn $38,000 - $50,000 per year and must spend considerable time in a truck, away from their families. A pay structure based on hours driven depletes the quality of life for drivers – who must spend hours more on the road to make their wages – and encourages drivers to speed in order to make more money.

Advocacy groups such as Road Safe America as well as other organizations believe that drivers should be paid for all driving-related work, not just for hours driven. Experts claim that this will discourage drivers from speeding. In addition, it may discourage drivers from driving while exhausted. This, in turn, can help prevent the fatalities and serious personal injuries caused by trucking accidents.

Under current pay-only-for-distance-driven schemes, drivers who fall behind due to truck maintenance or delays in unloading or loading may be tempted to drive longer distances in order to get paid. After all, if they do not, they will not make up the money lost idling. Under a fairer wage system, which would see drivers paid by the hour for all driving-related work, drivers would not feel the same pressure to “make up” time and wages by speeding or by driving when tired, experts assert.

Some trucking companies already do this, and pay drivers a fair hourly wage. These companies do not evaluate driver efficiency just by distance traveled. This sort of system tends to mean more satisfied drivers and safer roads, advocates claim.

Trucks from the US cause thousands of deaths and serious personal injuries in trucking accidents each year. However, not all trucks on US roads are from the US. Trucks from foreign countries are also allowed on US roads as they deliver products from other countries into the US. This has caused some controversy and has raised a number of questions about safety.

A program under the Bush administration in 2008 permitted 100 Mexican trucking companies to operate their semi trucks on US roads. Some experts in the trucking industry claimed that this move may possibly risk the rate of truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and car accidents involving trucks on US roads. Although the Bush administration eventually stopped the program, the Obama administration spoke of reviving the program.

Currently, all US trucking companies must meet very strict safety regulations. These companies must also keep strict records so that in the event that an accident does occur, investigators have access to all the information they need. However, Mexico has different regulations. In fact, trucking experts note that in that country there is no record-keeping system to keep track of trucks, drivers, and accidents. Regulations are also more relaxed than in the US, some trucking industry experts claim.

This has many people worried that allowing foreign trucking companies to operate on US roads will lead to increased numbers of trucking accidents. It is also unclear how programs such as these will involve legal jurisdiction in the event of an accident. If a foreign-owned trucking company causes a trucking accident on US roads, will victims suffering from brain injuries and other serious injuries have recourse to the justice system to collect legal help to help them heal from their injuries? If other countries have different safety standards, can truckers from other countries be held liable for not following US safety standards? If no records are kept by some foreign companies, will this hamper investigators in determining the causes of accidents?

Many trucking experts also note that regulating and testing trucks from non-US trucking companies will be difficult. Currently, despite strict federal rules, there are still unfortunately many unsafe US trucks on the roads. Regulators have a hard time keeping up with domestic trucking companies who bend the rules. Experts warn that there might not be enough resources – and not enough legal power – to test and investigate non-US trucking companies as well.

However, currently most trucking accidents caused on US roads involve US truck companies and truck drivers. The debate as to this will change with the introduction of non-US trucking companies continues.

You probably pass them on the streets every day – dangerous trucks that could cause an accident that leads to fatalities or permanent serious injuries. Do you know how to spot a dangerous truck? Being able to locate and stay away from dangerous trucks can help prevent a truck-car accident. Being able to identify and report unsafe drivers could prevent an accident as well. Here’s what to look for.

1) A trailer that is weaving dangerously from side to side. A truck that is overloaded past its capacity may suffer from tire blowouts, tire defects or other serious mechanical failures. If a trailer is not correctly attached or a load is not correctly secured, a truck could cause a serious accident. A trailer that moves excessively from side to side can enter other lanes of traffic as well.

2) Leaks or objects falling from the trailer. Any leaks from a truck could indicate that the truck is not property maintained. Leaks of cargo may suggest that the cargo is not correctly stored. If the leaks are of flammable materials, the truck could cause a serious fire and burn injuries. Any objects that fall from the trailer can obstruct traffic and crash into oncoming cars, causing car accidents. Always report such incidents.

3) Aggressive driving. A driver that changes lanes abruptly or cuts other vehicles off may be too inexperienced to drive a truck or may be suffering from road rage. Aggressive driving is extremely dangerous, especially when a truck is involved. The sheer size of a commercial truck can crash or completely destroy smaller passenger vehicles. Aggressive driving may also be a sign of a driver under the influence. Report such actions immediately – this is an emergency.

4) Weaving between lanes or straddling lanes or markers. Trucks need to remain correctly in lanes, especially since they have sp many blind spots and may crash into smaller vehicles in other lanes. A truck that is straddling markers or is weaving excessively may be driven by a drunk or fatigued driver. This is an emergency – contact authorities at once to report the truck.

5) Obvious driver errors. If a truck driver is driving very slowly, is driving on the wrong side of the road, is entering the shoulder, is following other cars too closely, or is making other obvious errors (such as incorrect signaling or nearly hitting objects), he or she may be fatigued or may be driving under the influence. Call authorities at once, before an accident takes place. By reporting the truck, you could prevent a drunk driving accident.

Most passenger vehicle drivers pass dozens of trucks each day on highways and roads. While most of these trucks are safe and are driven by responsible drivers, not all are. Some trucks are obviously a danger on the roads, and you may have driven right past these trucks on the road. You may have seen signs of danger – a speeding truck, a truck weaving on the road or taking reckless risks. Do you know what to do if you see an unsafe truck? Doing the right thing can help prevent a trucking accident and may save a life. Here’s what to do:

1) Take steps to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Your first priority should be to avoid a trucking accident. Give yourself extra room and expect the unexpected. Make sure that you and your passengers are all wearing seat belts. Be prepared to drive defensively.

2) Take down truck details. If you are driving with a passenger, ask the passenger to note the license plate number of the truck, as well as the company name and number on both the cab and the trailer, if possible. Keep in mind that the trailer and cab might be from different companies. If you are driving alone, pull over to jot down the information or call it in to a cell phone.

3) Gather evidence if you can. If you are driving with a passenger, consider using a cell phone or digital camera to take pictures of the truck. Do not get closer to the truck in order to do so, however. Maintain your distance. Have your passenger note the date, time, road area, and any other significant details.

4) Contact authorities. If you suspect a truck driver is under the influence, you can prevent a drunk driving accident by contacting the authorities at once. Pull over and call 911 to report the driver and the truck. If you notice a truck making a few dangerous mistakes and don’t feel that there is imminent danger, use the contact information on the truck to contact the trucking company. Follow up to ensure that some action has been taken following your report.

5) Avoid the driver. Do not confront the driver, beep, or wave at him. If the driver is under the influence or is aggressive, this could provoke more aggressive driving – possibly targeted at your smaller vehicle. Maintain a safe distance. If a truck is following you and acting aggressively, drive down different streets until you find a bridge, covered parking lot or other more secure area where the truck cannot follow you. Then, contact authorities.

Congress as well as state governments have spend considerable amounts of time over the past few years discussing hours-of-service regulations for the trucking industry. This issue is so important because driver fatigue has been linked to many serious trucking accidents. Having federal and state governments set guidelines for hours-of-service is important, as it ensures that drivers get adequate rest when driving.

However, hours-of-service debates always spark controversy. Deciding the exact optimal number of hours per driver is difficult. As well, trucking companies want drivers to be able to drive for longer periods of time in order to ensure profitability. Drivers, too, often want to be able to drive for longer periods of time to ensure a good wage. As well, reducing hours-of-service to the bare minimum may also have some adverse effects, some experts warn, as it ensures that drivers must remain on the road longer to complete one delivery, and this extended period on the road can mean increased driver fatigue as well. Plus, very low hours-of-service may contribute to longer delays of delivery as well as increased costs for customers.

Hours-of-service rules limit how many hours and how long drivers can drive. The regulations also require drivers to maintain driver logs to ensure that all drivers comply with hours-of-service rules. The aim of hours-of-service is to ensure that drivers get adequate rest and are not pressured to drive too long before resting. The idea to is reduce trucking accidents and the personal injuries they cause by limiting one of the key reasons for driver fatigue: long hours behind the wheel. Since the hours-of-service rules apply to all drivers and trucking companies, trucking companies do not have to worry about losing a competitive edge by allowing drivers more time to rest.

Hours-of-service rules include not just driving time but all on-duty time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a truck driver is subject to hours-of-service rules and is considered to be on-duty when on duty at any terminal, plant or facility belonging to a truck shipper or carrier. A driver is also on duty and subject to hours-of-service rules when driving, when inspecting a truck, when fuelling and washing a truck, when spending time in the cab (not including the sleeper berth), when caring for a broken-down truck, when taking care of truck-related paper work, when loading and when unloading. A driver is also subject to hours-of-service regulations when supervising or attending a truck, when providing samples for drug/alcohol testing, when driving a company car, and when receiving or offering training. Further, a truck driver is limited by hours-of-service rules when working for any motor carrier – even if that work does not include driving a truck – and when doing paid work for anyone else. These rules ensure that drivers are not exhausted from doing additional work or from doing trucking-related work.

Hours-of-service regulations affect anyone. These rules affect how quickly products get to you when you order them and affect how much you pay for various products. More importantly, hours-of-service regulations ensure that the truck driver next to you on the road has had adequate rest and is less likely to cause an accident that threatens your life. All of us need to keep informed about hours-of-service rules and work to ensure that all truck companies adhere to these regulations.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident and suspect that negligence may have played a role, contact a qualified Florida personal injury attorney immediately. Even if you are not sure what has caused an accident, a Florida attorney can hire investigators to get the answers you need. A good Florida personal injury lawyer can advise you about your rights and can ensure that you get the full protection and assistance you are entitled to under the law.

Trucking accidents are often on the news. For many of us, trucking accidents are no more than an annoyance that makes rush-hour traffic even slower. However, for those who are unfortunate enough to be in a trucking accident, the effects of these accidents can be devastating. Trucking accidents often cause:

1) Wrongful death. Unfortunately, due to the sheer size and force of trucks, fatalities are a common result of trucking accidents. If someone’s negligence causes a trucking accident and you lose a loved one, you may have a wrongful death claim. You generally may have a wrongful death claim if you were directly related to the loved one and that person affected your current or future financial well-being. For example, if you have lost a spouse in a trucking accident, you may have a claim because you have lost half your household income.

2) Burn injuries. If a truck is carrying a flammable cargo, this cargo can spill or leak during an accident, causing a fire. If the cargo is not correctly secured, such a fire can quickly rage out of control, causing fatalities as well as serious burn injuries.