Top 5 Florida Truck Accident Factors

We often see news stories about truck accidents in Florida. It seems like every day, some highway was brought to a halt after an 18-wheeler collision. The sad fact is, these accidents are all too common, and many may be avoided by taking a look at the common causes.

The most common factors contributing to a Florida truck accident are:

• Weather. If you think driving in rainy, windy or foggy conditions is dangerous in a car, imagine hauling tons of gravel behind you. Inclement weather will decrease a truck’s stopping time and cut down heavily on a trucker’s visibility, and is a major cause of truck accidents nationwide.
• Load size. Sometimes truckers will overload their cargo in order to receive a higher price per delivery. Such increases are dangerous when an accident occurs, as the load weight determines both a truck’s stopping time and force of impact.
• Road conditions. Sloping drives, uneven pavement, missing guardrails or even simple potholes can cause an unwieldy 18-wheeler to spin out of control.
• Sight problems. Truck drivers have trouble seeing anything in their “no zones”—areas surrounding the truck where the mirrors don’t reach. Car wrecks, bike crashes and Florida pedestrian accidents are particularly common in these zones.
• Driver issues. Fatigue, depression, aggressive driving or rushing to meet a deadline can all affect a truck driver’s performance.

Of course, there are many factors to take into consideration when dealing with an 18-wheeler accident. There have been cases of drowsy truck drivers, hazardously overloaded beds, and further instances of neglect or irresponsibility. Whatever caused your Palm Beach truck wreck, one thing is certain: a truck has the potential to do more damage—and cause more physical harm—than another car.

At Fetterman & Associates, we’ve seen these types of cases before. We know how to deal with the trucking companies, truck drivers, and their insurance company. We can get to the bottom of your injury case, determine who was at fault, and negotiate proper compensation for your loss. If you need help from an experienced Port St Lucie truck accident attorney, call us today at (866) 865-1244 for trusted legal advice.