Surprising Florida Truck Accident Statistics

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Florida may be one of the most beautiful states in the nation, but it also has one of the highest accident rates. Many people flock to Florida to enjoy the weather, beaches, and hospitality. There are also many people seriously injured or killed in auto accidents every year.

Truck accidents in particular are a significant concern in the Sunshine State and across the country. You may be surprised by some of these Florida truck accident statistics. Hopefully, they’ll serve as a reminder to exercise caution at all times on the roads.

If you have been injured in a Florida truck or car accident, you have the right to seek legal action to recover damages for your injuries. Contact the experienced Florida truck accident lawyers at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath to get help with your claim.

How often do truck accidents occur in Florida?

According to the most recent annual crash report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida has one of the highest state averages for deadly truck accidents in the nation.

Florida ranks as the third-deadliest state for bus and large truck accidents, preceded only by California and Texas. In 2019, 202 people died in accidents involving large trucks and buses and 3,863 people suffered injuries ranging from incapacitating to capacitating – and this was just in the state of Florida. Nationally, there were 2,734 fatal crashes involving trucks and buses.

Truck accidents are unfortunately fairly common in Florida. As the population and number of visitors grow each year, it’s likely that the number of truck accidents will also increase.

Other Florida Car and Truck Accident Statistics from 2019

  • 401,867 total crashes
  • 1,101 average crashes per day
  • 2,951 fatal crashes
  • 3,185 fatalities
  • 152,768 injury crashes
  • 8,895 motorcycle crashes
  • 769 pedestrian fatalities
  • 165 bicyclist fatalities
  • 4,984 alcohol-confirmed crashes

Palm Beach County Accident Statistics

Boca Raton and West Palm Beach See Their Fair Share of Accidents

Boca Raton and West Palm Beach are especially popular areas for both residents and tourists alike. With many exciting events, restaurants, shopping, and great access to beaches, these areas are highly trafficked. Unfortunately, this leads to one of the highest accident rates in the state.

Although the fatal accident rate is lower in Palm Beach County than in the state as a whole, this county alone accounted for nearly 27,000 crashes and 174 fatalities in 2019. In total, Palm Beach County accidents resulted in 16,787 injuries, up from 16,046 injuries in 2018.

What causes truck accidents in Florida?

Many different factors cause accidents in Florida. Some of them, like poor road conditions or poor visibility due to rain, cannot be controlled. However, many causes of accidents are within our control and it’s critical that drivers do everything they can to minimize these factors:

  • Distracted driving
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driver fatigue
  • Inadequate training/lack of training
  • Poorly maintained trucks
  • Truck drivers driving for too long without breaks
  • Faulty truck parts
  • Speeding

Car and truck accidents can be minimized by putting cell phones away and paying attention to other motorists on the road. These few simple tips may seem rudimentary. However, they have the potential to save lives.

Injured? Contact a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Our experienced Florida truck accident lawyers fight for justice on behalf of victims and help them claim damages for their injuries. Whether you were in a truck accident in West Palm Beach or were injured while riding your bike in Boca Raton, our accident lawyers are ready to work with you as you begin your journey of recovery.

Contact us today at (561) 655-1990 to schedule your risk-free case evaluation. We look forward to working with you.

What should you do at the scene of big truck accidents?

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big truck accidentsAlthough some auto accidents are minor, those that involve large commercial trucks often lead to significant injuries, serious property damage, and even loss of life. With this in mind, what should you do at the scene of big truck accidents to protect yourself from liability? 

Let’s discuss the steps you should take immediately after a collision involving a commercial truck, and what you should consider in the months after your accident. Here are the things that you should know from attorneys with experience working with accidents.

1. Stay at the scene of the accident and notify emergency services.

After an accident, it is important to stay at the scene of a crash. If you leave the scene without waiting for emergency services to arrive and fail to provide the other driver with your information, you can receive a hit-and-run charge in several states.

In addition to staying at the scene, you should also consider whether or not to move your vehicle. If your vehicle is not in a safe place, move it to safety. If you do not need to move your vehicle, you are injured, or the vehicle is undrivable, keep it where it is. This can help ensure your safety and preserve the evidence until an officer can inspect the scene.

Because accidents involving commercial trucks often lead to significant property damage and physical injuries, you should call 911. Let them know whether you need medical attention. If you are suffering from injuries, have another person, such as a passenger, complete the following steps while you seek medical attention.

2. Check for injuries and property damage.

Another aspect of seeking medical attention is to aid others if other people are suffering from injuries after a crash. This can involve the other driver, passengers in either vehicle, or even pedestrians. 

In addition to securing medical attention for other parties, you should also assess the property damage resulting from your truck crash. Looking for property damage can alert you to potential safety hazards you can otherwise miss.

3. Collect photo and video, plus truck driver information.

After notifying the proper authorities and receiving medical attention for yourself or others, you should begin collecting evidence about the accident. This will involve:

  • Receiving the other driver’s information. You should write down or take their name, contact information, driver’s license state and number, vehicle details, and insurance information. Other than collecting information, there is no need to speak with the other driver.
  • Taking photographs of the road conditions, vehicles, injuries, and weather conditions.
  • Taking videos of the aftermath. Alternatively, you can shoot a video or series of videos. From your video, you can take individual images. You can even use this video to take audio recordings that help you explain the details of your accident. 

4. Contact your attorney.

After your accident, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages against the other driver’s insurance company. This is known as the statute of limitations. Consult an attorney about your crash immediately after. Your attorney can start the investigation process, examine state laws and details pertaining to big truck accidents, and speak to insurance agents on your behalf.

5. Visit a doctor and follow your treatment plan.

The typical big truck accident leads to medical problems, some of which you might not identify at the scene. For this reason, it is important to go to the hospital immediately after an auto collision. Even if you or your passengers feel fine, you should all seek medical attention. Follow this up by doing as your physician directs.

Do you need help proving fault and winning damages in your big truck accident?

It’s important to act right away after you or a loved one suffers an injury from a truck accident. The best way to begin is by speaking with truck accident attorneys. There are several things you must prove to show that you were not at fault for an accident, and evidence gets harder to collect as time passes. 

At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our attorneys can help you build a case, collect evidence, and work with insurance companies. Contact us using the live chat feature on our website, or by phone at (561) 655-1990. We can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and inform you of the next steps for proceeding with a case. Contact us now to begin.