Driver error and mechanical failure are among the most frequent causes of serious trucking accidents in the Tampa area
Commercial trucks log thousands of miles each month, delivering important goods that we all need. Because truck drivers are on the road for so many hours a day, accidents frequently occur.
The following is an overview of the most common causes of truck accidents in Florida and across the United States. If you have sustained injuries due to the recklessness of a commercial truck driver or carrier, you may benefit from speaking to an experienced truck accident injury lawyer to learn the legal options available to you.
Most Common Semi-Truck Accident Causes
While many factors can lead to a commercial truck accident, some are more common than others. The top causes of accidents that lead to personal injury case filings include:
- Improper truck maintenance
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Texting while driving
- Aggressive driving
- Manufacturing defects in the truck
- Driving overloaded
- Inexperienced truck drivers
- Failure to screen truck drivers properly at hiring
- Road hazards
- Speeding
Many truck accidents are avoidable and could have been prevented with careful attention on the part of the driver and the company for which the driver works. Employers must properly test and check the backgrounds of truck drivers before hiring. Failing to do so could cause the employer to be responsible for any injuries that are the result of the driver’s negligent actions.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that around 342,000 trucks were involved in reported crashes in 2013 and those accidents resulted in 95,000 injuries and 3,964 deaths. Source: Enjuris
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Commercial trucks are heavier and larger than passenger cars, vans and SUVs, which means they typically cause more serious injuries to accident victims such as:
- Crush injuries
- Brain injuries
- Closed head injuries
- Multiple broken bones
- Fractures of the spine
- Paralysis
- Amputated limbs
- Facial disfigurement
Who Pays For Truck Accident Injuries?
If you’re seeking compensation for injuries sustained in a truck accident through a lawsuit, you must be able to prove that your injuries are the direct result of negligence. Depending on the facts of your case, the law may hold the following parties responsible:
- The commercial carrier
- The manufacturer of the truck
- The truck driver
- Government entities (if the accident was due to road hazards)
It can be difficult to prove who was negligent and caused your injuries, especially in trucking accidents where many individuals were involved. For this reason, it is best to consult an attorney for advice.
Damages and Accident Related Expenses for Truck Accidents
You may be able to obtain a financial settlement for certain expenses and damages related to your truck accident, which could include:
- Medical bills
- Therapy costs
- Lost wages
- Future lost wages
- Cost of alternative transportation
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
Being injured in a commercial truck accident can be frightening, but help is available through a personal injury attorney.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, Tampa’s truck accident attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo are experienced in this area and can professionally investigate your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation of your case.
