Florida Truck Accidents: A Brief Look at the Types of Semi-Trucks That May Be Involved

According to PolicyAdvice’s 2020 statistics regarding semi-trucks:

• There has been a 52% increase in semi-trucks accidents since 2009.
• There were 4,102 deaths in truck wrecks in 2017, showing a 52% increase since 2009.
• 74% of all fatal passenger vehicle cases include a large truck.
• Tire defects account for around 30% of all truck-related accidents.
• Most of these accidents occur during the day, between noon and 3:00 PM, up to 19%.
• 68% of all truck fatalities are passenger vehicle occupants.
• The number of semi crashes has increased in the past few years, despite a general decrease in motor vehicle accidents.
• Up to 30% of fatal crashes and 12% of injury cases in work zones were wrecks involving trucks, one or more at a time.

There is little doubt that semi-trucks (or tractor-trailers, big rigs, or simply semis, or perhaps most accurately, commercial vehicles) are vehicles that command extra attention from all drivers on the road. The consequences of colliding with a semi can be devastating, and the injuries are far more likely to be severe.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck in Florida, you should immediately contact a Florida truck accident lawyer at Searcy Denney as soon as possible. Time is of the essence.

Types of Commercial Trucks in Florida and Elsewhere

There are a dozen or so different kinds of commercial vehicles, including:

• Tanker trucks
• Flatbed trucks
• Refrigerator trucks (or reefer trucks)
• Dump trucks
• Bucket trucks
• Box trucks
• Lowboy trucks
• Auto transport trailer trucks
• Dry bulk trucks
• Animal transfer trucks
• Cabover trucks
• Buses

Commercial trucks are manufactured by a few popular companies, including:

• Peterbilt,
• Freightliner,
• Kenworth,
• Volvo,
• International, and, if you go back in time a bit,
• REO (namesake of the popular band REO Speedwagon, which was an actual truck model).

Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida

Accidents involving trucks are caused by a variety of factors, the most common of which include:

• Mechanical Issues. Most of these are due to tire and braking system issues, such as defects.
• Weight. The weight of fully-loaded trucks can reach up to 80,000 pounds, which is the legal weight limit for a semi-truck with a loaded trailer in the U.S. Because of this amount of weight, it takes semis much, much longer than a typical vehicle to stop.
• Speed. The speed of a semi is also a significant factor, similar to weight, as it also increases the stopping time.
• Fatigued Driving. This has long been a problem for safe big-rig drivers despite recent crackdowns on driving time limits.
• Aggressive Driving. Truck drivers, who are often somewhat exhausted in the first place, occasionally become angry with other vehicle drivers or become tired of always yielding the right-of-way. For these reasons, other drivers should make it a point to avoid semis to the extent possible.
• Location. Over half of all truck-related accidents occur on major roads other than interstates and freeways.

For Help With Your Accident Injuries, Contact a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in an accident involving a semi-truck, a Florida truck accident lawyer at Searcy Denney can help you examine your options, investigate your claims, and file any legal or insurance claims that may be necessary. Contact us online today.