Truck Accidents

According to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), over 500,000 truck accidents occur every year and of these accidents, about 5,000 result in fatalities. If you consider that a large truck can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and be up to 75 feet in length, it is understandable how fatalities and injuries occur in such large numbers.

Approximately twelve percent of all traffic fatalities are a direct result of truck accidents. Tractor trailer truck accidents are especially dangerous resulting in fatalities in the majority of all occurrences.

If you have ever been involved in an accident involving a truck, you understand the size and weight of a truck can result in devastating damages and injuries. Truck accidents are common in the United States and in Florida. Some parts of the country are even more susceptible due to heavy truck and trailer traffic.

Roadways are more congested overall, not only with truck drivers, but with commuters and leisure drivers as well. This has resulted in an increase in the number of truck collisions that occur every year across the country. If you are involved in a truck accident, tractor-trailer accident or big-rig crash you are welcome to call Mr. McIntyre to discuss your case.

There are a number of causes for accidents involving large trucks. In addition to negligence by the truck driver or big rig operator, an accident may also be caused by:

• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Tailgating
• Driver exhaustion due to long working hours
• Aggressive drivers
• Unrealistic schedules
• Using a cell phone while driving
• Jackknifing
• Speeding

Most drivers realize that trucks or tractor-trailers are more dangerous than automobiles. The weight and power of a truck can cause extreme damage in case of a crash. Studies show that an 18-wheeler truck traveling at 70 miles per hour has twice as much power as one traveling at 50 mph. Under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Rules automobiles are designed to encounter other vehicles of a similar size and are not built to withstand a collision with a truck weighing 80,000 pounds. In addition, regular passenger vehicle drivers are more susceptible to truck collisions due to the sheer weight and size of a big rig or tractor trailer.

If you are injured in a crash involving a truck, tractor-trailer or big rig you may contact Attorney Joseph C. McIntyre at FloridaInjuryLawyer.com for advice. It is important that your attorney understands the laws that apply in truck driving accidents to recover the damages the law allows.