Northwest Miami-Dade was the site of a tragic scene one recent morning when a tanker truck and car were involved in an accident. As a result of the crash, the car became pinned underneath the tanker truck and the driver of the car was still inside the vehicle. The car’s driver was subsequently transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries.

Truck Accidents More Severe

We can only hope that the driver of the Northwest Miami-Dade accident will recover from whatever injuries he or she sustained as a result of being pinned inside their vehicle under the tanker truck. Accidents between passenger cars and trucks – in general, any accident involving a larger truck such as a tractor trailer – are usually far more severe than accidents involving only passenger vehicles due to the sheer size and weight of the truck.  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, the majority of fatalities that occur in crashes involving large trucks are occupants of passenger vehicles, who are far more vulnerable than those inside the trucks. Smaller vehicles can easily end up underneath a tractor trailer just because of the height difference alone. Additionally, as a result of the great weight disparity between the two extremes in vehicle types, an additional factor in these types of crashes can be braking, which takes much longer for a large truck than a smaller vehicle.

Significant Number Of Truck Accidents Caused By Following Too Closely

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), about five percent of crashes involving trucks occurred as a result of the truck driver following too closely; this, combined with the slower reaction time of and longer stopping distance required by a larger truck, is a dangerous situation that is bound to continue leading to personal injuries and death on our roadways. The FMCSA offers a valuable tip to drivers of these larger trucks by suggesting that they leave enough space between their vehicles and those ahead of them to allow themselves to brake safely and react to unexpected actions on the road; following this advice could likely prevent a significant number of trailer tractor accidents, personal injuries and even deaths.

Contact Us For Help With Your Truck Accident Case

If you have suffered personal injuries as a result of a truck accident, you need to speak with an attorney experienced with these types of matters. At the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A., we understand the complexity of accidents involving large trucks such as tractor trailers. Often times there is more at issue with these types of cases than with an accident case involving passenger vehicles and, as a result, the case needs to be handled differently to ensure victims receive the compensation they are entitled to receive. Our Miami truck accident attorneys have helped countless clients in the Miami area to recover for losses incurred due to accidents and will help you to do the same. Contact us to set up your appointment to meet with a legal professional at no cost or obligation to you.

Resources:

wsvn.com/news/local/car-pinned-underneath-tanker-truck-1-hospitalized/

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/large-trucks/fatalityfacts/large-trucks

Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents

Large trucks are critical to business and industry in Florida. The large volume of trucking traffic moving through Florida daily means that the potential for 18-wheeler accidents is high. The causes of truck accidents are similar to cause of automobile accidents. However, the consequences can be more deadly and devastating. Although there is no one cause of trucking accidents, common causes include:

• Driver fatigue;
• Drug use;
• Alcohol use;
• Speeding;
• Distracted driving;
• Inexperienced driver;
• Mechanical failure; and
• Overloaded vehicle.

18-wheeler Trucks Must Adhere To Strict Guidelines

While the causes of truck accidents are similar to causes of automobile accidents, there are federal state and federal regulations for the trucking industry. Federal law subjects truck drivers to strict guidelines on all aspects of trucking including: amount of hours driven in a day, the proper way to load a trucks, procedure to follow after an accident and proper driving maneuvers. Likewise, Florida law regulates the movement of a truck while passing through city limits. These laws are in place to help protect public safety and decrease 18-wheeler accidents. If an accident is caused because a driver failed to adhere to these regulations victims may have a potential legal claim.

Legal Claims Help 18-wheeler Accident Victims Recover

A legal claim may be key for a victim seeking to recover fully after a truck accident. Many accident victims may be able to use insurance to cover some costs after an accident with a truck. However, filing a legal claim will help a victim recover damages for medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, lost wages or wrongful death. Furthermore, filing a legal claim will prompt an in-depth investigation. An investigation into the cause of the accident may reveal multiple responsible parties.

18-Wheeler Victims Accidents Deserve Compensation

Legal claims involving 18-wheeler accidents can be lengthy and complicated. It is possible there will be multiple parties involved in every aspect of the claim. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a truck, then you will want an attorney capable of handling a multifaceted claim. Alan Goldfarb, P.A. has successful experience in personal injury law. The Miami truck driver accident attorneys at our firm can provide you and your family advice and counsel on your options after a truck accident. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our office by calling (305)-371-3111.