According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), approximately 500 000 trucking accidents occur across the country each year. In addition:
– One out of eight fatal traffic accidents is a truck accident, with about 5000 truck accidents each year resulting in fatalities.
-In trucking accidents (including Miami trucking accidents) involving tractor trailers, 98% of fatal injuries occur to pedestrians or passengers of passenger vehicles – not to the passengers of the trucks.
-68% of fatal truck collisions in 2008 occurred in rural areas. What this means is that while Miami traffic accidents involving trucks are common, truck accidents outside the city limits may be even more deadly.
-In 2003, 78% of all US fatal truck accidents took place during weekends and 66% of all fatal collisions took place during daylight hours, not at night.
According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS):
– There were 3,867 large trucks involved in non-fatal accidents in Florida in 2010.
-In Florida in 2010, there were 2,484 large trucks involved in traffic accidents causing injury.
-In Florida in 2010 there were 3,545 injuries reported in truck accidents.
Miami sees its fair share of truck accidents, and according to the experts there is something that everyone can do to help prevent these types of Miami traffic accidents. For example, many Miami car accidents involving trucks occur due to driver error. To prevent this, drivers can write to their elected representatives to encourage legislation that promotes good training and hiring practices for truck companies. Truck carriers already need to abide by many federal rules and regulations, but when truck carriers take the care to hire the best drivers and to train them properly, the streets are a little safer.
Drivers can also ensure that they do all they can to prevent Miami car accidents and truck accidents. If you drive a passenger car, you can take defensive driving lessons and refresher lessons to ensure that your driving skills are excellent – this can even help you save on insurance. You can also driver sober and un-distracted and take care to check blind spots. If you are following behind a commercial truck, give the truck plenty of room, since trucks take longer to brake than most vehicles. Following too closely is also dangerous because the truck driver cannot see you if you are tailgating.
If you have been injured in a Miami truck accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group to arrange for a free accident consultation to discuss your case. If your injuries were caused by a wrongful act or by negligence, you could be eligible for compensation that can help you pay for medical costs, lost income, and other expenses related to your injuries. Securing fair compensation can help you and your family get quality medical care and the financial support you need to move towards a bright future after your accident. Find out what your rights and options are today – contact the Flaxman Law Group to arrange for a free accident consultation to discuss your case.