1-855-722-2552The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that approximately 400,000 commercial vehicles are involved in auto accidents annually in the United States. Of the 400,000 collisions, about 70,000 of them are considered to be rear end truck accidents. Based upon both the size and weight of commercial trucks, the property damages and injuries linked to these types of crashes are generally severe. Truck read end accidents are defined as a truck striking the rear end of another vehicle, or vice versa, a car striking the rear end of a truck.
When these types of traffic accidents occur, the impact tends to be very powerful, thus causing a wide range of very serious injuries to both parties involved. The FMCSA outlines a number of strict standards that all truckers are expected to abide by. Unfortunately, however, the nature of traffic accidents creates a largely unpredictable situation where crashes may occur. Based upon the volatile nature of car accidents, preparing for a motor vehicle collision involving a commercial truck is almost impossible.
Gordon & Partners understands that no education or information can prepare an accident victim for a collision. But when the negligence of another driver causes injury to you and your loved ones, the at-fault party must pay. Our personal injury attorneys take this belief into the court room. When the careless actions of causes damage to you, the litigation process provides a sense of justice. If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear end truck collision, you deserve compensation for you losses.
To learn more about your legal options, complete a Free Case Evaluation at your earliest convenience.
Causes of Rear End Truck Accidents
In reality, a countless number of events can lead to rear end truck accidents. As these large commercial trucks travel along highways in Florida, the increases in speed create a potentially disastrous situation for drivers who are not incredibly careful. Something as simple as looking down at a cell phone for a split second can truly be the difference between life and death, especially when the collision involves a commercial vehicle.
The FMCSA has conducted a study to determine the leading causes of rear end truck accidents. The following are some of the most prevalent contributing factors of traffic collisions for truckers:
Truck brake malfunction
Inadequate lighting
Either motorist is operating their vehicle under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
Truck turning signal error
Broken headlights
According to the FMCSA, the above causes of rear end truck accidents are most commonly seen throughout Florida and the entire country. In an effort to limit the number of truck collisions each year, truckers must be responsible for ensuring that every piece of equipment on the vehicle is functioning both properly and safely. Far too many traffic crashes are caused by equipment failure, an issue that is 100 percent preventable with adequate maintenance checks. If you or a loved one has suffered from any injuries following a traffic collision, contact our personal injury law firm today to learn more.
To speak with an attorney immediately, fill out a Free Case Evaluation on this page.
Underride Guard Failure
According to a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 423 people are killed annually due to some kind of rear end accident involving a large truck. In addition to these 423 traffic fatalities, the same study noted that about 5,000 passenger vehicle occupants suffer from injuries in a rear end crash. Unfortunately, when a truck is involved in a rear end collision the damages and injuries are almost always very severe. The distance from the ground to the bottom of the trailer of an 18-wheeler is about the height of an average passenger vehicle’s windshield.
Sadly, when rear end truck accidents occur, the occupants of the passenger car which strikes the large truck are only protected by the roof pillars and windshield. In this case, the car may slide under the tractor-trailer, even when these collisions occur on the roads or streets at lower speeds. This type of auto accident is referred to as an underride collision, which maintains the highest traffic fatality rate of any other type of car vs. truck crash.
While the majority of commercial trucks come equipped with an underride guard rail for protection, this safety equipment is not 100 percent reliable. When the underride guard rail fails to stop the vehicle from sliding under the truck’s trailer, the damages are life threatening. As the trucking industry continues to ignore this serious matter, all motorists must be aware of this potential driving hazard.
Contact a Florida Truck Accident Attorney for Help Today
With Florida offices located in Stuart, Palm Beach Gardens, and Pembroke Pines, Gordon & Partners is able to provide legal services to a large number of residents in the state. We take pride in our dedication to protect the rights of the injured. In our pursuit of justice for all Florida residents, the personal injury lawyer s of Gordon & Partners work tirelessly to provide the best customer service available. In doing so, we provide peace of mind to our clients who can trust that we will handle the litigation process while they concentrate on recovering from their accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of truck accident in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and any other costs associated with the traffic collision. With hundreds of favorable verdicts and settlements, our truck accident attorneys know how to win.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation above to get started today.
