Florida Turnpike Truck Accidents

Florida Turnpike Truck Accident Lawyers

Florida was among the top three states in 2022 when it came to the most truck accident deaths, with 368 people in the state losing their lives in accidents involving large trucks. Along with Alligator Alley, I-95, and U.S. Route 1, one of the most dangerous roads when it comes to truck accidents in the state is the Florida Turnpike.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in South Florida, turn to Coffey McPharlin to speak with Florida Turnpike truck accident lawyers.

What Causes Florida Turnpike Truck Accidents?

Usually, these kinds of accidents occur because of driver error. One of the most common errors is distracted driving, which involves driving without putting your full attention on the task. In Florida, it’s illegal to hold your phone while driving, but texting and speaking on the phone is not the only form of distraction. Others include:

• Fiddling with the GPS or radio
• Reaching for items
• Eating or drinking
• Daydreaming

A truck driver who takes their eyes or mind off the road or their hands off the wheel, even for a moment, can cause a catastrophic accident.

Intoxicated driving is another concern. For commercial trucks, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.04%, but even if the driver has only a single drink, they can be a danger behind the wheel. This danger is because alcohol slows down reaction times and impacts coordination — a deadly combination on the Florida Turnpike.

Trucks traveling at very high speeds can easily get out of the driver’s control. Speeding can also make it very difficult for the driver to stop in time to avoid a collision, and the force at which a speeding truck is traveling will lead to much more serious accidents and injuries.

Aggressive driving can also occur. Truck drivers who refuse to yield, follow too closely, or rapidly change lanes may all lead to collisions that could result in fatalities.

Sometimes, driver error isn’t the problem. A truck that malfunctions on the Florida Turnpike can quickly become a danger to everyone else on the road. In that case, the liable party may not be the driver but, instead, their employer or the maintenance company in charge of checking the trucks before they get on the road.

Road conditions can also be to blame. Potholes that might not have done more than jostled the truck on a regular road can lead to serious accidents on the Florida Turnpike because of the speed at which vehicles are traveling.

Finally, having untrained or inexperienced drivers behind the wheel of powerful trucks is a danger. The companies that hire them tend to be liable in those instances.

Why You Need Florida Turnpike Trucking Accident Attorneys

If you suffered severe injuries that your personal injury protection can’t cover, you have the right to sue the party who caused the accident. However, that means proving negligence. To do that, you have to show that the party:

• Had a duty of care
• Breached their duty of care
• Caused injuries that can be compensated

Although doing this may appear to be simple, it’s not, especially if there are many parties (like trucking companies) involved. A lawyer will be able to gather the evidence necessary to prove the other party was negligent, relying on expert witnesses, police reports, medical records, and more.

Because truck accidents on high-velocity roads like the Florida Turnpike tend to result in life-altering injuries, you need to have a lawyer who’ll fight for your rights. Having a lawyer on your side gives you the best chance to get the maximum compensation possible.

If negotiations with your insurance company or the other party don’t progress, your lawyer is also qualified to represent you in court. You never want to file a lawsuit and go to court on your own.

Turn to Florida Turnpike Trucking Accident Lawyers

It’s not uncommon for Florida Turnpike trucking accidents to lead to spinal cord injuries, severe scarring, and even traumatic brain injuries. These severe consequences affect your entire life, leaving you with mounting medical bills and trauma.

You have rights in Florida. If you’ve been in an accident involving a truck on the Florida Turnpike, you need to reach out to experienced truck accident lawyers.

At Coffey McPharlin, we offer services throughout South Florida and we can help you too. Call us today at (954)-289-6316 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced trucking accident lawyers.