South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
According to data gathered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Florida continually ranks in the top five states with the highest trucking accident rates. Data also reveals that Florida trucking accidents resulting in severe injuries and fatalities occur more than three times than that of the national average. These harrowing statistics reveal a disturbing trend that can have a lifelong impact on truck accident victims and their families.
Every year close to 150,000 individuals suffer injuries in an accident involving a semi-truck, and close to 700 semi-truck occupants die in these crashes. Most recent annual statistics by the FMCSA reports that Florida trucking accidents killed nearly 30 people, incapacitated 57, and over 1000 suffered other serious injuries. Despite advances in safety mechanisms, increased training, and monitoring, these accidents continue to occur at an alarming rate. It is critical that motorists take steps to protect themselves while sharing the road with large trucks, especially if they are traveling on particularly hazardous roadways.
There are particular roads and highways in Florida that are prone to large truck accidents. For example, I-95 stretches across the state and has over 300,000 motorists every day. Understandably, the high rate of vehicles on the road corresponds with the significant number of accidents on the road. However, there is also a large number of accidents that occur on the stretch north of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Florida’s Interstate 10 and the 11-county stretch of the Florida Turnpike are also considered some of the most dangerous roadways in the state and country.
For example, recently, a local news report described two tragic accidents on 1-10 that resulted in five deaths, including a pregnant woman. Both of the collisions involved a large 18-wheeler and occurred approximately two miles apart. The first accident occurred when a truck driver hit the back of another large truck broken down in the middle of the road. The truck driver who hit the stalled truck died as a result of the collision. About two hours later, an SUV hit the back of another 18-wheeler that was stopped in traffic because of the initial accident. The SUV driver died, and two of his passengers also suffered fatal injuries.
These accidents exemplify the tragic consequences of a Florida trucking accident. It is important that accident victims and their loved ones discuss their rights with an experienced attorney to determine the best course of action.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a Florida Trucking Accident?
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a Florida trucking accident, you should contact the attorneys at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A. The injury attorneys at our law firm have extensive experience handling motor vehicle accident claims in addition to lawsuits arising from wrongful death, medical malpractice, defective products, and premises liability. With representation from our diligent attorneys, our clients have recovered significant amounts of compensation for their losses. Contact our law firm at 877-448-8585, to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced Florida injury attorney at our office. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we can help you recover for your injuries.