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Trucking Accidents / Vehicle Accidents

The headlines are terrifying:

• “Semi Driver Who Killed 5 Kids in Florida Crash Lied on Health Forms” – Tampa Bay Times 5/28/21
• “Man Cited for Careless Driving after Dump Truck Flips on I-75 in Fort Myers” – NBC-2 5/20/21
• “Ocala Truck Driver Not Injured in Crash that Claims Life of Woman in Gilchrist County” – Ocala StarBanner 5/1/2021

When an 80,000-pound semi tractor-trailer collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the result is never good. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2018, there were 499,000 police-reported crashes that involved large trucks. Of these, 4,415 were fatal crashes. In 82 percent of these crashes, someone other than the occupants of the large truck was the person killed.[1]

Fatal crashes are most likely to occur in rural areas, on interstate highways, and between the hours of 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM[2]. Some of the major causes of these accidents are[3]:

• Braking problems
• Traffic flow interruption (congestion, previous crash, etc.) or if the truck had to stop before the crash (e.g. traffic light or a crosswalk)
• Prescription or over-the-counter drug use
• Traveling too fast for conditions. A semi tractor-trailer traveling 65 miles per hour in good road conditions can take up to two football fields to stop. It takes even longer in poor conditions[4].
• Unfamiliarity with the roadway or roadway problems
• Driver fatigue

The outcome of being involved in an accident with a large truck can be gruesome. While some crashes are fatal, even more involve serious injuries. Some of the more common injuries are:

• Head injuries. This can range from a mild concussion to a traumatic brain injury that requires years of medical care and rehabilitation.
• Spinal cord injuries. Depending on the extent of the injury, this has the potential to cause permanent paralysis, impacting a victim’s ability to work and care for themselves.
• Back and neck pain. This could be minor, like whiplash, that resolves in a few weeks, or more severe, impacting a victim’s ability to live a full life without pain.
• Damaged organs. This type of injury may not be readily apparent immediately after the crash.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident with a truck, contact ECanter Lawyers for a case evaluation. Whether a loved one has suffered from a wrongful death or you have suffered from serious injuries, we will fight to make sure you receive the settlement that you deserve.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For over two decades, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

ECanter Lawyers

561-447-4500

Boca Raton | West Palm Beach | Coral Springs | Ft. Lauderdale | Miami

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[1] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2018 | FMCSA (dot.gov). Accessed May 28, 2021.

[2] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2018 | FMCSA (dot.gov). Accessed May 28, 2021.

[3] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Large Truck Crash Causation Study – Analysis Brief | FMCSA (dot.gov). Accessed May, 28, 2021.

[4] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Long Stopping Distances | FMCSA (dot.gov). Accessed May 28, 2021.