Florida Among States With the Most Truck Accidents

Florida is among the top three states with the most serious truck accidents, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). According to its report, 373 truck accident victims lost their lives in Florida in 2021, and only Texas and California saw more fatal truck accidents that year.

If you or a loved one was in a truck crash in Florida, a Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyer from our firm can fight for your deserved compensation. Statistics (and our experience) tell us that these accidents are often serious, so we believe you should receive financial compensation for your accident-related damages.

Recent Data Shows That Trucking Accidents Are Common in Florida

Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) illustrates the severity of accidents involving medium-sized and heavy trucks. The FLHSMV’s Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report’s data shows these truck accidents caused:

• 28 truck driver deaths
• 124 incapacitating injuries to truck drivers
• 468 non-incapacitating injuries to truck drivers
• 983 possible injuries to truck drivers

These data only show injuries to truck driversoperating medium- and large-sized trucks. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) explains that occupants of cars and other vehicles generally get the worst of a truck accident. Therefore, we know truck accidents in Florida cause far more injuries and deaths than this data indicates.

Florida Also Ranks Among the States With the Most Fatal Truck Accidents

Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (Table 27) consistently shows Florida to be among the most dangerous states in terms of truck collisions. Between 2010 and 2020, the Sunshine State has ranked near Texas and California as the states with the most fatal truck accidents.

Why Is Florida Such a Hotspot for Truck Crashes?

It is no coincidence that three of the most populous states—Florida, Texas, and California—lead the nation in fatal truck accidents. Florida is a hotbed for truck accidents because of:

Its Large Population

The 2022 United States Census revealed Florida to have the third-largest population, with more than 22 million people calling Florida home. Such a large population generally increases:

• The number of vehicles on the road at any given time
• The number of trucks bringing goods to Florida residents
• The likelihood and total number of truck accidents

Florida, Texas, and California have the greatest number of truck accidents because these states have the greatest number of people. 

Its Robust Tourist Industry

Florida’s domestic population is considerable, and a constant influx of tourists only makes Florida’s roads more crowded. Tourism may be an especially relevant factor in truck crashes:

• Near tourist attractions, such as the theme parks in Orlando and Florida’s many beaches
• On roads leading to popular tourist spots, such as Interstate 4 connecting Tampa and Orlando

Commercial truck drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely, even on roads packed with tourists and Florida residents.

Its Crowded Highways

Highways are a common site of commercial trucking accidents because:

• Highways connect Florida’s largest cities, including Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tallahassee
• Truck drivers tend to take highways because they are the most direct, time-efficient path (and truck drivers often have incentives to travel as efficiently as possible)
• Highways tend to be more crowded than alternate routes, and traffic increases the risk of an accident 

A truck accident can happen on any road in Florida, but highways may be unusually dangerous for truck accident victims.

Specific Causes of Truck Accidents in Florida

As personal injury lawyers in Florida, we see truck crash victims up close and learn about the negligent actions that cause them to suffer serious injuries or lose loved ones. Common reasons for truck accidents include:

Truck Driver Error

Truck drivers have the greatest capacity to cause or prevent truck accidents and may cause a collision by:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Engaging in distracting behaviors
• Changing lanes when it’s unsafe to do so
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Engaging in any other dangerous driving act

Trucks take longer to stop, cannot accelerate as quickly as lighter vehicles, and often carry heavy cargo that affects how the vehicles move. For these reasons, truck drivers have less margin for error and must operate their big rigs with the utmost caution.

Truck Driver Impairment

Driver impairment is always a danger. Common impairments are:

• Sleepiness
• Intoxication by alcohol or drugs (drunk driving)
• Emotional impairment (such as rage)
• Over-caffeinating
• Impairment caused by legal medication

If a negligent truck driver is impaired in any way, they must stop driving to avoid a potentially catastrophic truck wreck. Those who drive while impaired are responsible for any accident they cause.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Driving a motor vehicle is inherently dangerous, but some road conditions are especially dangerous. You may be at a heightened risk of being in a truck accident when:

• It is raining.
• The sun obstructs your view.
• Dangerous work zones are near the roadway.
• There are potholes or uneven pavement on the road.
• Traffic lights are defective.

A municipality in Florida may be liable for dangerous conditions that lead to a truck crash.

Vehicle Defects

If a defect in a tractor-trailer or another motor vehicle causes an accident, a truck manufacturer may be liable for the collision.

Every Florida Truck Accident Victim (Including You) Deserves Financial Justice

You deserve fair compensation for your truck accident injuries from the at-fault or liable party that caused them. Our attorneys can file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (for current and future medical expenses)
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Vehicle repairs or replacement of a totaled vehicle
• Lost income
• Diminished earning power
• All other damages resulting from the accident

Our team will handle every step of your commercial truck accident lawsuit, from collecting evidence to documenting your damages and negotiating a settlement. If a trial is necessary to recover a fair settlement, we will take your case to court.

Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

When you hire Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, you work directly with partners Jason and Debi Chalik. Our firm’s personal injury attorneys accept cases under a contingency fee agreement. This means we will cover your case’s costs and only receive payment if you receive compensation. You never pay out of your pocket when you hire our firm.

Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today for your free initial consultation. Don’t wait, as we may have a limited time to file your case.