Florida car accidents involving trucks can be caused by number of factors. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a number of risk factors could influence the risks of commercial Florida truck accidents:
1) Age. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truck drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 have rates of violations almost twice the rates of drivers between the ages of 30 and 49. Young drivers are especially likely to drive at unsafe speeds. In truck accidents, young drivers were 50% more likely than drivers between 30 and 49 to be charged with a violation. These studies, cited by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, do not suggest that older truck drivers have a higher rate of traffic violations when compared with young and middle aged commercial truck drivers.
2) Experience. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, studies have proven that driver experience can play a major role in the risk of an accident. Quite simply, less experienced truck drivers are more likely to be an accident, possibly because they do not have the collision avoidance experience and the other skills which experience brings.
3) Sleep disorders. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truck drivers with a sleep disorder – sleep apneas the most common disorder – are between 3 and 14 times more likely to be in a truck accident.
4) Impulsiveness. Someone who has an inability to control impulses or shows signs of behavioral instability may be at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. According to studies, drivers who are impulsive may also be more likely to take risks or drive aggressively.
5) Aggressive, angry, and unsociable personalities. Studies of commercial truck drivers who have been involved in multiple accidents have suggested that many of these drivers have negative social traits.
While all these risk factors do not necessarily mean that a truck driver will be in a Florida truck accident, these can be seen as red flag signs of possible high risk. In many cases, carriers are already taking steps to help monitor or reduce the number of truck drivers in their fleets with these risk factors. For example, some carriers provide additional training for younger drivers or send drivers to doctors in order to ensure that sleep disorders are not an issue.
If you have been injured in a Florida truck accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group to schedule a free, no obligation consultation to learn about your options and rights. The Flaxman Law Group has worked with thousands of personal injury and truck accident victims in South Florida, Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood. Our compassionate and experienced legal team can help you understand your rights and your options. Call today to set up your consultation.