Oct 10, 2024

Truck Accident Statistics

Commercial truck accidents are alarmingly frequent in both Florida and across the United States, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. In Florida alone, thousands of truck accidents occur each year, with many leading to devastating consequences for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Nationwide, the trends in injury-related and fatal truck accidents are equally concerning, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures.

If you are seeking legal assistance with a truck collision, our proven and experienced truck accident attorneys at Nunez Law, P.L. can provide you with the most substantial representation you need to take on large insurance carriers and negligent trucking companies.

Commercial Truck Accident Statistics and Trends

Nationwide Truck Accident Data (2021)

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) report:

Around 494,000 crashes involved large trucks, 5,149 (1%) of which were fatal truck accidents and 110,000 (22%) causing injuries.
Fatal truck crashes occurred more frequently in rural areas (54%) and on Interstate highways (26%), with 12% occurring on rural Interstate highways.
37% of fatal and 24% of injury truck crashes occurred at night (between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am).
Overturns (rollovers) were the first harmful event in 4% of fatal and 2% of nonfatal large truck crashes.
Large trucks were involved in 33% of fatal work zone crashes and 15% of work zone injury crashes.
There were 15.51 fatal truck crashes per million people in the U.S., a 46% increase from 2010.
On average, there were 1.12 deaths per fatal truck crash, with 83% of the fatalities being non-truck occupants.
Of the 5,634 truck drivers involved in fatal large truck crashes, 7% were 25 years or younger, and 7% were 66 years or older.
“Speeding of Any Kind” was the most common factor in fatal truck crashes, followed by “Distraction/Inattention” like cell phone use.

From 2019 to 2021, fatal crashes involving large trucks weighing 10,001 to 14,000 pounds increased by 32%.
From 2019 to 2021, fatal crashes involving medium/heavy trucks increased by 36%.

Florida Truck Accident Data (2021)

According to the National Safety Council (NSC) data, Florida ranks among the top three states for serious truck accidents.
373 people died in truck accidents in Florida in 2021.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), There were 41,828 commercial truck crashes in Florida in 2021.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida

Some of the critical causes of significant truck accidents in Florida and nationwide include:

Driver fatigue
Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving (e.g., cell phone use)
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Blind spots and improper lane changes
Pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
Failure to yield to a passenger vehicle
Inadequate training or lack of experience
Poor vehicle maintenance
Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
Ignoring weather-related conditions
Mechanical failures (e.g., brake failure or tire blowouts)

Legal Implications of Truck Accidents in Florida

Regulatory Framework in Florida

Florida has a strong regulatory framework designed to ensure the safety of commercial trucking operations in the state. These regulations cover everything from truck maintenance to driver qualifications, mandating adherence to both state and federal guidelines.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets many of these standards, including hours-of-service rules that limit how long a truck driver can be on the road without a break and mandatory inspections to ensure vehicle safety. In addition to federal regulations, Florida law requires commercial truck operators to follow specific state guidelines to minimize the risk of accidents on the road.

Liability Issues in Commercial Truck Accidents

When a truck accident occurs, determining liability can be complex. In Florida, trucking companies may sometimes be held vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligent actions. This means that if a truck driver causes an accident while performing duties related to their job, the trucking company may be responsible for the damages.

Vicarious liability can help ensure that victims of truck accidents may claim compensation not just from the driver but also from the company that employs them. In some cases, trucking companies may also face direct liability if they are found to have engaged in negligent hiring practices, inadequate training, or improper maintenance of their vehicles.

Insurance Coverage Minimums

Commercial trucking operations are subject to federal insurance requirements, which set the minimum amount of liability coverage that trucking companies must carry. The FMCSA mandates that trucks carrying non-hazardous goods have a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. However, this amount can increase depending on the type of cargo being transported, with hazardous materials requiring at least $5 million in coverage.

These insurance requirements are designed to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to cover the damages that can result from severe semi-truck accidents. In Florida, your truck accident attorney should understand the state and federal insurance regulations in order to pursue fair compensation for injured victims after a truck accident.

Steps Our Truck Accident Lawyers Will Take to Prove Liability and Pursue a Claim for Damages

The moment you sign up with Nunez Law, P.L., our experienced Miami truck accident lawyers will move fast to take the following steps:

Ensure you receive appropriate medical care for your injuries and guide you toward recovery.
Promptly visit the accident site to document skid marks, accident debris, vehicle positions, road conditions, and surrounding damages.
Notify the trucking company to preserve critical evidence, including event data recorder (EDR) information, which can provide insights into the last-minute driver actions leading to the accident.
Obtain and review the truck’s GPS data, truck driver’s logs, dispatch records, and driver’s qualification and training file.
Thoroughly analyze maintenance logs, investigate potential vehicle malfunctions, and assess cargo safety compliance in order to assess the role of other potentially liable parties in a truck accident lawsuit.
Secure and examine any available surveillance footage related to the accident.
Identify and quickly collect statements from eyewitnesses, which can play a crucial role in truck accident lawsuits.
Collaborate with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, to analyze the black box data and other evidence to establish how the crash occurred.
Engage in solid and evidence-based negotiations with the insurance company for a fair settlement on your behalf while remaining prepared to go to trial if necessary.

To schedule your free consultation with a dedicated Florida truck accident lawyer at Nunez Law, P.L., call (786) 755-1949 or contact us online.