What Police Investigate: Commercial Truck Accidents In Florida
Commercial truck accidents are often more complex than the average passenger vehicle accident due to the sheer size and weight of these large vehicles. What Police Investigate: Commercial Truck Accidents In Florida. The immediate aftermath of a truck accident can be chaotic and result in mental anguish for those directly impacted and may cause extended traffic delays for those who were passing by.
In Hollywood, Florida, any commercial truck accident is investigated by the police with a particular set of protocols that aim to identify exactly what led to the accident. Law enforcement must look at a wide range of factors, including driver fatigue, mechanical failure, the attention of other drivers on the roads, and more.
If you were in a Florida truck accident involving commercial drivers, be sure to hire an experienced accident attorney to protect your legal rights. Get in touch with the truck and car accident attorneys from Jared Spingarn’s law firm to get the compensation you deserve.
Who is the most vulnerable in a tractor-trailer accident?
A crash involving passenger cars and a commercial truck proves to be especially devastating to the occupants of the car. The size disparity between trucking company vehicles and passenger vehicles is massive. Commercial motor trucks are up to 30 times bigger than regular cars, and their undercarriage clearance can leave standard-sized motor vehicles trapped beneath them. Additionally, it takes 20-40% longer for a truck to stop than an ordinary vehicle. This time may even be increased on wet or icy roads.
Common Causes of Florida Truck Accidents
Trucking accidents can lead to serious injuries and fatal crashes. There are several causes of commercial truck accidents in Florida, including driver fatigue, distracted driving, road rage or aggressive driving, adverse weather conditions, improperly loaded cargo, and mechanical failure.
Regardless of the cause of a truck accident in Hollywood or anywhere else in Florida, it’s critical that the appropriate parties are held accountable for the damages they have caused. Working with a qualified Florida truck accident lawyer from Jared Spingarn’s law firm can ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the compensation for medical expenses and lost wages you deserve.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Operating a commercial vehicle like a truck or semi-truck requires intense concentration and focus. Unfortunately, because of the long-distance nature of most trucking jobs, truck driver fatigue is an issue that commonly arises. It can be caused by many factors, such as inadequate rest periods during shifts or disruptive sleeping patterns due to working odd hours. If a driver falls asleep at the wheel – even for just a second – lives can be lost instantly.
Inexperience and Distraction
Truck drivers who lack proper training and are also easily distracted by their cell phones or other devices while driving can have serious implications. They can disturb traffic flow, cause property damage, and endanger other people’s lives.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions can significantly impact the safety of trucking operations. Rain, snow, sleet, and ice all create substantial hazards for large commercial trucks. Aside from the obvious risks associated with unreliable traction and decreased visibility, there is an increased risk of hydroplaning and reduced reaction times due to wet roads.
Truck Overload
Over-packed and unevenly distributed cargo of a trucking company can have disastrous consequences. The extra weight on one side makes the large truck more unstable, thus exposing everyone to potential danger.
Road Design
Poorly-designed or maintained roads present a hazard to drivers of any size vehicle in the form of potholes, slippery surfaces, and blind spots. Despite stringent regulations to reduce truck crash rates and improve safety protocols, fatal truck crashes remain a serious public health issue requiring further attention on behalf of all stakeholders involved.
What do police look for when investigating a commercial truck accident in Florida?
The police will look at things like the position of the vehicles, skid marks, and damage to the vehicles to help them understand what happened. The following are just a few factors that law enforcement will check right after motor vehicle accidents involving trucking companies:
1. Witnesses
Interviewing witnesses is one of the first things that police will do when investigating a commercial motor vehicle accident. The police will want to speak to them to get their account of what happened. Additionally, witnesses may be able to provide information that can help to identify the responsible party.
2. Surveillance Footage
Another thing that police will look for when investigating a truck accident is surveillance footage. If there are any security cameras in the area, police will want to review the footage to see what happened. Surveillance footage can be extremely helpful in determining how an accident occurred and who is at fault.
3. Truck Driver’s Logs
Truck drivers are required by law to keep logs of their hours, and these logs can be used to determine whether or not the truck driver was following the rules. If the driver was not following the rules, it might be possible to hold them liable for the accident.
4. Maintenance Records
These records can show whether or not the truck was properly maintained and if any issues with it could have contributed to the accident. For example, if the brakes on the truck were not properly maintained, this could be a factor in causing an accident.
5. Drug and Alcohol Testing
Truck drivers are subject to strict drug and alcohol testing requirements, and if they are found to be under the influence at the time of an accident, they can be held liable.
6. Accident Reconstruction
In some cases, police may also need to conduct an accident reconstruction to determine what happened and who is at fault. This process involves recreating the accident using computer software or physical models to understand better how it occurred.
Who will be held responsible for a commercial truck accident in Florida, and what are the penalties for causing one of these accidents?
In Florida, trucking companies are held primarily responsible for commercial truck accidents. This is due to the inherent risk of operating large vehicles such as tractor trailers, and the need to hold truck drivers accountable.
The trucking company may face civil and criminal penalties if it is negligent in causing an accident. Similarly, truck drivers may be individually held liable for their careless or unlawful behavior, particularly if that behavior endangered passengers in a passenger car.
What can you do if you are involved in a Florida truck accident?
If you are involved in a commercial truck accident in Florida, the most important thing to do is cooperate with the police investigation. This will ensure that the police can make a written report of the incident from all parties involved and maintain proper federal regulations at the accident scene. Providing clear and detailed information about the accident can properly handle any damages or injuries in court. Cooperation with the police is essential for creating a fair judgment of what happened and having accurate documentation of the truck accident.
You must also ensure that you seek the proper medical attention and gather all the information you can, including photographic evidence and the insurance information of the other drivers involved. Most Florida truck accidents can have devastating consequences, which is why it is essential to be prepared in case of an accident. It is also important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible who can help you understand your legal rights and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Can my insurance company help me after a truck accident?
Insurance provides peace of mind in the face of medical emergencies. Even a minor medical condition can result in substantial medical bills, and without insurance, medical treatment can become a huge financial strain. Furthermore, if an accident leads to injury or loss of life, an insurance settlement may provide much-needed compensation for medical expenses, lost wages from work, and other costs associated with the incident.
Why It’s Important to Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Hollywood, FL
If you have been injured in a truck accident, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help protect your rights. Truck accident attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and how to navigate the legal system to get the best outcome for their clients. They will also be able to provide guidance on filing a personal injury claim and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
It’s also important to remember that in some cases, the truck driver or company may be found liable for damages due to negligent behavior. An experienced truck accident attorney can help prove liability and seek justice on your behalf.
Without an experienced truck accident lawyer, holding a large corporate entity responsible can be difficult. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. As a result, it’s important to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer – Jared Spingarn – as soon as possible after the accident. Only then will you be able to seek justice and hold those responsible for their careless or negligent behavior accountable.
Conclusion
Knowing what police investigate – commercial truck accidents in Florida – and how to avoid them is essential for all road users in the state. Following traffic laws and having adequate insurance are key steps that ensure that you and your loved ones remain safe on the roads.
If you are involved in a commercial truck accident in Hollywood, Florida, it is important to cooperate with the police investigation and have an experienced attorney. With the expertise of an experienced Florida truck accident attorney from the firm of Jared Spingarn, your legal rights will be properly defended as you seek justice and reparation for your case.
If you’re involved in a Florida truck accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney, at 1-954-781-2316 for a Free Case Review or drop a message on their Contact Us page.
