Florida Had the 3rd Most Truck Accidents in 2022

Florida had the third-most truck accidents in 2022 compared to other states nationwide, according to a recent TruckInfo.net news story. The report highlights the alarming frequency of commercial truck wrecks in Florida and serves as a grim reminder of how these crashes often result in severe and fatal injuries.

Given the prevalence of tractor-trailer accidents in Florida, it’s crucial for victims and their families to have experienced legal support in the aftermath of a crash. Our truck accident attorneys have been holding truckers and trucking companies accountable for nearly 50 years, and we can help you demand justice. Contact Pajcic & Pajcic to learn more about your potential legal options.

Only Texas and California had more truck accidents than Florida in 2022

TruckInfo recently featured an article shedding light on the states with the highest number of truck accidents, specifically emphasizing commercial truck accidents involving vehicles weighing at least 10,000 pounds.

This distinction excludes pick-up trucks and places the spotlight on incidents involving large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and dump trucks.

In the previous year, the nation experienced a total of 166,833 commercial truck accidents, according to TruckInfo's analysis of accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

As per TruckInfo's report, the top three states with the most commercial truck accidents last year were Texas, California, and Florida.

Fatal truck accidents on the rise

When examining the statistics for truck accident fatalities by state in 2022, Florida did just as poorly as other states. Specifically, 5,276 people nationwide died in commercial truck accidents in 2022, the second-highest death toll since 2008. The highest single year was 2021 when 5,788 people died nationwide due to commercial truck accidents.

Mirroring the trends observed in the total number of commercial truck accidents, Texas, California, and Florida were the three states with the highest fatality rates in 2022. Florida also ranked fourth in the nation for the highest number of truck accident injuries sustained in 2022.

Trucker negligence is a common factor in crashes

Truck accidents involving other vehicles often occur due to the negligent actions of truckers or trucking companies and can have devastating consequences. Some common examples include:

• Fatigued driving: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue. Truck drivers may push themselves beyond their limits, impairing their reaction time and decision-making abilities. This is why the FMCSA enforces strict limits on the number of hours a truck driver can operate a commercial vehicle within a specific timeframe. Truckers must take regular rest breaks to ensure they remain alert and focused.
• Distracted driving: Like any other driver, a trucker can become distracted by a smartphone, navigation system, or other distractions, diverting their attention from the road.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a truck's ability to stop quickly and increases the severity of accidents. Speeding in adverse weather conditions can be especially dangerous when operating an 18-wheeler.
• Impaired driving: Some truck drivers illegally operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing their judgment and coordination.
• Improper loading: Incorrectly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and potentially leading to rollovers and jackknifes.
• Inadequate maintenance: Neglected maintenance can result in brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues, making it difficult to control the truck and increasing the likelihood of an accident.
• Failure to yield the right of way: Truck drivers may not yield the right of way when required, leading to collisions at intersections or while merging onto highways.
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating, changing lanes abruptly, or road rage, can escalate situations and result in accidents.
• Inexperienced drivers: Inexperienced truck drivers may not be prepared to handle challenging road conditions, leading to accidents, especially in adverse weather or heavy traffic.
• Ignoring traffic rules: Disregarding traffic signals, stop signs, and other rules of the road can lead to collisions with other vehicles.

Truck accidents caused by these mistakes can result in serious injuries or fatalities for those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it's essential to consult with an experienced attorney to understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Contact a truck accident  lawyer today

At Pajcic & Pajcic, our attorneys are dedicated to representing individuals and families who have been affected by truck accidents. We understand the nuances of these cases and are committed to helping our clients seek the justice and financial compensation they deserve. For example, our law firm obtained a $1 billion verdict for the family of an 18-year-old driver who died in a fatal truck accident on I-95.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, our legal team is here to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. With an office in Jacksonville, we proudly serve clients in Florida and nationwide.