Trucking Accidents

The Florida trucking accident lawyers at the West Palm Beach law firm of Murray Guari have been achieving exceptional results for Florida truck and tractor trailer accident victims for more than 30 years combined.

Did you know that a fully-loaded large commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds or even more; while an average passenger automobile weights around 3,000 pounds? Obviously if you are in an accident involving a commercial truck, such as an eighteen-wheeler or other large freight carrier, the results are catastrophic and often fatal. In 2018, large truck accidents accounted for 112,000 injuries and 4,862 deaths.

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that in 2017, 18-wheeler commercial trucks have accounted for nearly 32,000 accidents and 27 fatalities – 57 injuries resulted in permanent disability and about 1,050 victims suffered other types of serious injuries.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that driver fatigue is responsible for 30% to 40% of all large truck crashes and is the probable cause in over 30% of crashes that resulted in the truck driver’s death. In a recent survey, almost 20% of truckers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the previous three month period. In 2003, this prompted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to limit truck drivers’ on-duty hours and enhance vehicle safety rules.

Other causes of accidents include mechanical failures, reckless driving and improper driver training. More often than not, large trucking accidents result in devastating personal injury and/or extensive property damage.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a truck or tractor trailer and would like to learn more about your legal rights, please contact us.