There are several reasons why 18-wheeler truck accidents occur. However, they are most commonly caused when a truck driver violates truck safety regulations they are required to comply with when operating a commercial vehicle. Unfortunately, 18-wheeler accidents are particularly dangerous because of their enormous size and weight. Collisions involving commercial vehicles often result in significant damage and victims rarely walk away unharmed. Being as dangerous as they are many wonder what factors most commonly cause 18-wheeler accidents to occur on the road. Please continue reading to learn about 18-wheeler truck accidents and how our determined St. Petersburg Truck Accident Attorneys can help you navigate your legal options.
What are the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents in Florida?
In the trucking industry, the Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA) implements trucking safety regulations through its Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) program. Essentially, these safety regulations are enforced to ensure truck drivers are operating their large rigs safely and properly on the road. This program was enforced to prevent truck accidents. Unfortunately, many 18-wheeler accidents are caused by driver error and negligence. When a motorist violates a CSA safety regulation, they are putting themselves and other on the road at risk. The following are some of the most common truck safety violations that often result in tragic accidents:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Improper lane changes
- Improper turns
- Failure to obey a traffic control device
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Failure to secure the truck’s cargo
- Failure to ensure the truck driver performed a pre-trip inspection
- Defective or missing wheel flaps
Most of the CSA program’s safety regulations are also classified as moving violations under Florida’s traffic laws. With that being said, truck drivers must abide by the rules of the road and exercise reasonable care toward others on the road to prevent collisions. To prevent serious accidents and injuries, truck drivers must comply with CSA safety regulations while operating their commercial vehicles.
What should I do if I’m injured?
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident, it is crucial, even if your injuries seem minor, to seek medical attention. It is important to be examined by a medical professional to ensure any injuries you sustained are properly diagnosed and treated to prevent further damage. After seeking medical attention, if you can, you should collect evidence at the scene. This includes capturing pictures, taking videos, and collecting witnesses’ contact information, all of which can corroborate your claim if you decide to pursue legal action against a negligent party. Nevertheless, after an accident, the most important thing you could do is retain the legal services of an experienced St. Petersburg truck accident attorney. It can sometimes be difficult to prove that a truck driver violated a safety regulation. However, an attorney can investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather pertinent evidence to support your claim.
In the unfortunate event that you have been injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident, get in touch with one of our determined attorneys. Our firm is committed to helping our clients seek reasonable compensation for their losses.
