Florida Truck Accident Statistics

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that 20 percent of the truck accidents that occurred in 2015 resulted in injuries. Additionally, in 2016, the rate of fatal motor vehicle accidents has been on the rise in Florida, compared to years past. Florida truck accident statistics are disturbing, and with more and more vehicles occupying the roads, the potential for dangerous trucking accidents increases. The Miami truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon assist victims of these crashes, as well as surviving family members, in pursuing legal action against the appropriate parties. Our firm offers dedicated legal guidance to people throughout South Florida, including in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties.

According to the 2015 Crash Facts Annual Report provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 400 individuals sustained an injury in collisions involving a truck. Twenty-two fatalities were reported due to these types of accidents as well. The most common factor involved in a trucking accident is fatigue, since truck drivers try to meet strict deadlines and may stay on the road past the allotted number of hours in order to make deliveries on time. Truck accidents are more likely to lead to a fatality than other collisions, due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles, especially when compared to a smaller car or motorcycle.

People injured in a trucking accident may pursue legal recourse against a responsible driver, a trucking company, or even a truck or part’s manufacturer. If a driver’s unreasonable actions on the road lead to another individual’s injuries and resulting damages, a case for negligence may be pursued. For instance, a driver who was excessively speeding or under the influence of an over-the-counter medication with serious side effects may be found negligent if they strike another vehicle. In addition, if a truck driver’s negligent act was carried out during the course and scope of their employment, the employer-trucking company may be held vicariously liable for its employee’s negligence and the resulting damages.

In other cases, a company that was negligent may be directly liable for injuries that occur as a consequence of that negligence. For example, a trucking company is generally responsible for accidents caused by negligent hiring, training, entrustment, supervision, or retention practices. A victim who believes that a company was negligent must establish the causation between a negligent practice and the injuries sustained. This often involves a detailed investigation and the collection of evidence regarding a driver’s driving history, as well as a trucking company’s standards regarding issues such as licensing and background checks.

If a fatal accident occurs, a victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit in order to pursue compensation for hospital bills, lost income, loss of anticipated support, and loss of love and affection. In Florida, personal injury claims must be filed no later than four years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims must be pursued within two years from the date of the victim’s death.

When you have been involved in a truck crash or lost a loved one in an accident, there is a lot to consider in the aftermath. Recovering from your injuries or dealing with your grief is of the utmost priority. But holding a responsible driver or company liable should be a consideration so that your financial burden is lightened. The motor vehicle collisions at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon are familiar with the grim realities revealed by Florida truck accident statistics, and we offer dedicated legal representation for truck crash victims and their families. If you have questions regarding your legal rights and possible claims, call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Miami lawyer.