Accidents involving large trucks and similar large commercial vehicles have the potential to cause serious harm to those involved. The size and weight of a vehicle are a major factors influencing the severity of one’s injuries in a collision. When someone is harmed in an accident involving a large commercial vehicle, they may be left with catastrophic injuries that can have a permanent impact on their quality of life. An accident with a large truck may even be fatal.
Unfortunately, statistics indicate such accidents have become increasingly common in Florida over the last decade. Motorists should exercise caution accordingly, doing their best to minimize their chances of being hurt in such collisions.
Truck Accidents on the Rise in Florida
Data available in 2021 indicates that the rate of fatal truck accidents in Florida had increased by 36% since 2010. The rate of truck accidents resulting in injury in Florida had increased by a whopping 96%.
These are very substantial increases. Experts who’ve reviewed this data suggest that recent developments in Florida’s role as a logistics hub may account for the change.
Numerous highways run through Florida. This is particularly true in Central Florida, where various warehouses, logistics centers, and other such facilities have cropped up since 2010.
To some degree, these have been positive changes, as they’ve ushered in economic opportunities for Floridians. However, they’ve also resulted in more trucks being on Florida’s roads.
The highways themselves have not been modified to account for these developments. For example, the Central Florida highways that are often used by these trucks have the same number of lanes they’ve had for years. Although adding new lanes could theoretically reduce the rate of accidents, this step has not yet been taken.
Again, the best step Floridians can take right now is to simply be careful when driving in the presence of large commercial vehicles. Ways to stay safe include the following:
Stay Out of Blind Spots
Without putting yourself or others in danger, it’s important to quickly move out of a trucker’s blind spot when passing them. You’ll know you’re in a trucker’s blind spot if you can’t see their face in the side view mirror.
Additionally, you should never pass on the right when passing a large commercial vehicle. This is only acceptable in situations when you have no other option.
Leave More Space
The amount of space between your vehicle and a truck in front of you should be greater than the amount of space you might leave between your vehicle and another car on the highway. Because trucks are larger than cars, they can block more of your view if you were to follow them as closely as you would follow smaller vehicles.
Trucks also need more time and space to stop than cars do. Keep this in mind when overtaking a truck. You should never cut in front of one.
Avoid Truck Routes During Storms
Inclement weather can severely affect a trucker’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Thus, if you have to drive during a relatively severe storm, and you’re familiar with the routes most often used by trucks in your area, try to avoid them if possible.
That said, even if you apply these tips, it’s still possible you’ll be harmed in a truck accident resulting from a trucker’s negligence one day. You can seek compensation for your medical bills and other such losses if this ever occurs by filing a claim with the trucking company’s insurance.
Review your case with a Miami truck accident attorney at Colson Hicks Eidson for more information about your legal options. Get started today by calling us at 305-476-7400.
