“I was toting my pack along the long dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load 
If your goin’ to Winnemucca, Mack with me you can ride 
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside 
He asked me if I’d seen a road with so much dust and sand 
And I said, “Listen! I’ve traveled every road in this here land!” 

–Johnny Cash, “I’ve Been Everywhere” 

A semi, or a large truck, is a vehicle that weighs more than 10,000 pounds. These metal beasts do much good by delivering products all throughout our country. However, over 100,000 people are injured and 4,000 people die every year in crashes involving large trucks, and each year the number of crashes involving large trucks increases. This is an alarming trend since most truck crashes involve serious injuries and fatalities. Large trucks can weigh more than twenty times other vehicles on the road. When fatal crashes occur in involving large trucks, 74% of the deaths are occupants of other vehicles while only 16% of the fatalities are accounted for by those inside the truck. 

Causes of Truck Accidents 

• Drowsy driving: Truck drivers can become fatigued due to extended work hours and lack of sleep. As the drivers’ pay is dependent upon their time spent driving there is motivation for them to drive even while they are tired. Estimates have some truck drivers putting in nearly 80 hours per week behind the wheel, and even a moderate deprivation in sleep negatively affects driving performance. 

• Night-time driving: Many truckers travel at night when there is less traffic and in order to make deadlines. Regardless of how rested drivers are, statistics show that more accidents occur at night.  

• Truck maintenance: Sometimes trucks are poorly maintained which makes them more likely to get into accidents. This may be due to the driver’s failure to perform routine maintenance, or it could be due to the trucking company cutting corners in an attempt to save money. Brake malfunctions, faulty tires (which I see all over the highways here in Florida), and other equipment failures can be deadly.  

• Speeding/Aggressive driving: In around 10% of truck accidents the vehicle was speeding. Truck drivers may speed because they feel the pressure to meet timelines. Aggressive driving is a combination of moving violations which endanger others, such as speeding and weaving. Statistically, truck drivers who engage in aggressive driving are even more likely to cause an accident then drivers who are tired.  

• Alcohol: Around 2% of large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes have a blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher, which is significantly lower than the 20% of passenger car drivers who are inebriated when they get in crashes. Considering that they are driving a five to ten ton metal battering ram, however, truck drivers must never drink and drive. 

• Distracted Driving: While taking long, cross-country trips, truck drivers may also be prone to find ways to pass the time, such as texting.  Driving distracted is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents in the country. 

Truck accidents can be devastating. If you have been in an accident involving a truck and were injured, then you should contact a Florida truck accident lawyer.  

 Call A Truck Accident Lawyer Now!

You may be able to take legal action if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident. Contact the law offices of Shannon J Sagan to speak about your case. We will guide and help you secure maximum compensation for their injuries and other damages. Serving most south Florida cities: Belle Glade, Lake Worth, Boca Raton and many other around the Palm Beach County

Call us at 561-DASHCAM or contact us online for a free appointment.