While any truck accident can be devastating, collisions involving 18-wheelers or semi-trucks present unique dangers. Florida’s busy highways see thousands of commercial vehicles each day, and large trucks account for 6 percent of all traffic crashes in the state, yet they cause 12 percent of roadway fatalities. The combination of immense weight, high speeds and long stopping distances makes semi-trucks particularly deadly.
Why 18-Wheeler Crashes Are Deadly
- Massive size and weight: A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, dwarfing passenger vehicles.
- Long stopping distances: A loaded truck travelling at highway speed may take the length of several football fields to stop.
- Wide turning radius and blind spots: Large trucks have “no-zones” where drivers cannot see nearby vehicles, increasing the risk of side-sweep and underride collisions.
- Cargo dangers: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause rollovers or spills.
Common Causes
Driver fatigue, distraction, speeding and inadequate training contribute to many semi-truck crashes. Mechanical failures such as brake or tire blowouts also play a role. When an 18-wheeler is involved, multiple layers of federal and state regulations apply, and determining liability often requires analyzing maintenance records, driver logs and cargo manifests.
Protecting Your Rights
If you are hit by a semi-truck in South Florida, you may face severe injuries, lost income and long-term rehabilitation. Souder Law helps victims by:
- Investigating all liable parties, including the trucking company, maintenance contractors and cargo loaders.
- Preserving critical evidence, such as electronic logging device data and dispatch communications.
- Calculating damages that include medical bills, future care, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members.
Given the high stakes and powerful defense teams representing trucking companies, victims should consult an attorney as soon as possible. Souder Law offers free consultations and only charges fees if we win compensation.
