Truck Accidents
In the United States large trucks and commercial vehicles can cause some of the most fatal accidents on the roadways. An 18-wheeler that can sometimes weigh as much as 80,000 pounds (whereas most passenger vehicles weigh 5000 pounds) can cause catastrophic injuries for truck accident victims when impacting a smaller vehicle. Florida ranks in the top five among all of the United States, with the highest number of fatalities involving large trucks; According to recent statistics, there were nearly 400 people killed in accidents involving large trucks in Florida.
There are laws and regulations that govern the safety of commercial motor vehicles. It is helpful to have a qualified Florida Truck Attorney that has a thorough understanding of commercial vehicle regulations for Florida and Federal regulations that govern the industry.
At LaBovick & LaBovick, P.A. we handle serious injury cases involving 18-wheeler, semi-truck and tractor trailer accidents throughout Florida. Trucks, including tractor-trailers and commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds, cause an enormous number of traffic deaths on the highways. The fatality crash rate for large trucks is approximately 3 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Large trucks and commercial vehicles are more likely to be involved in multiple-vehicle accidents; almost 80 percent of the accidents that involve large trucks have more than one additional vehicle involved.
Drives and their employers are required by Federal law to keep detailed reports of information on the commercial truck such as, logbooks, fuel receipts and other trip documentation for at least six months and the maintenance records for the commercial truck for at least a year. The driver and their employer need to keep all relevant documents that are related to an accident. Sometimes, unscrupulous trucking firms alter or forge the commercial truck’s records after an accident involving a commercial truck, especially the number of hours driven.
Research points to driver fatigue as a major factor in crashes involving large-trucks. This is due to drivers being on the road for long hours with no sleep or rest. In 2003, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented new rules to govern drivers of large trucks and commercial vehicles. According to the new regulations, truck drivers may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty, and their on-duty time must follow 10 hours off duty. Also, they are not permitted to drive after being on duty for 60 hours in a seven-consecutive-day period or 70 hours in an eight-consecutive-day period. When a driver takes at least 34 consecutive hours off duty, this on-duty cycle may be restarted. According to surveys of drivers of large-trucks, several drivers violated the old regulations on hours of service. The verdict is still out as to whether drivers are in compliance with the new regulations.
It is required by Federal law for an employer to verify a minimum of three years experience for new commercial truck hires. Unfortunately, several trucking firms provide the excuse that since so many trucking firms go out of business each year, it is almost impossible to verify a commercial truckers prior experience. Regardless, the trucking firm can be held responsible for negligent hiring if the required background checks are not performed properly. Sadly, commercial trucking firms take the risk and put commercial truck drivers on the road without a response from the commercial truck driver’s prior employer, knowing that this can be a possible danger to the public.
The victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for property damage to their vehicles, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and permanent injuries. At LaBovick & LaBovick, P.A. our Florida Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys can handle your claims in all these areas, saving you the headache of dealing with insurance adjusters and at-fault individuals. We are also experienced at seeking out additional sources of insurance coverage, coordinating benefits and resolving subrogation interests so that our clients get the greatest compensation possible
If you (or a loved one) have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, large commercial truck, or semi-truck accident in Florida, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified Florida Commercial Truck Accident Attorney.
At LaBovick & LaBovick, P.A., our Attorneys, Paralegals, and Case Managers assist Commercial Truck Accident Victims (or a loved one) throughout Florida, including the following areas: Palm Beach County, Martin County, County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Wellington, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Ft. Pierce, Vero Beach, Pompano Beach and Coral Springs.
We can help you determine the best legal remedy and help pursue it on your behalf. Please feel free to contact us Toll Free at 1-888-777-3884 to discuss the issues related to your Florida truck accident and how we can help.
Important Truck Links
NTSB - National Transportation Safety Board
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
The Safety and Fitness Electronic Records
Florida Crash Facts and reports
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Department of Motor Carrier Compliance
Truck Safety Coalition