# Chain Reaction: Secondary Truck Accidents Happen Often | Brooks Law Group ![Secondary truck accidents happen more often than you think.](https://brookslawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LTB-Blog-2-image-1.jpg) Do you know the dangers of secondary truck accidents? While direct collisions with trucks are often severe, secondary collisions also threaten motorists on Florida’s roads. Between 2017 and 2019, it’s estimated that over 1,200 secondary crashes happened in Florida, some of which involved commercial vehicles, often setting off chain reactions that devastate multiple families. Situations like these are a good reminder that secondary truck accidents are very real risks when you’re on the road, and taking the proper precautions can save your life. And if you were hurt in one of these crashes, you should seek professional help from a [Tampa truck accident lawyer](https://brookslawgroup.com/tampa/truck-accident-lawyer/). ## What are secondary truck accidents? The [Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) defines a secondary (or subsequent) crash](https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop23043/fhwahop23043.pdf) as: > “A crash that occurs as the result of an original crash either within the crash scene or within the queue or backup in either direction.” When large, commercial vehicles like semi trucks, delivery vehicles, or box trucks become involved, the level of severity in these secondary crashes goes up significantly. Their size, weight, and speed cause destruction not experienced with smaller consumer vehicles. When an accident happens between two (or more) cars, the scene automatically becomes vulnerable to secondary crashes. If a large truck comes upon the scene and is speeding, distracted, or unable to visually spot the accident in time, a secondary truck accident is likely to occur. The impact from the truck is, in many cases, as severe (or more severe) than the original crash. As in the accident referenced above, this secondary collision can cause a chain reaction with vehicles behind the commercial vehicle, resulting in more damage, injuries, and potential fatalities. It’s important that the FHWA also notes that these accidents can happen *anywhere.*These crashes are not limited to major highways or congested areas. Even rural communities and back roads are at risk of secondary accidents. Look to Brooks!CALL US TODAY [![Phone Icon](https://brookslawgroup.com/wp-content/themes/brooks-law-group/assets/app/img/ctas/phone-icon.png)(800) 529-3030](tel:+18005293030) ## How can drivers prevent secondary accidents? There are two main areas of prevention when it comes to secondary truck accidents. Both are important to keep in mind when you hit the road. ### While Driving… - avoid [distractions](https://brookslawgroup.com/research/distracted-driving-statistics-and-facts/) – put down the phone or food and pay attention to the road - leave space between you and the vehicle in front of you – if they slam on brakes or experience an impact, you need time to react - slow down and move over if you come upon the scene of an accident - be aware – if approaching an accident scene or if a crash happens in front of you, be ready to drive defensively and avoid debris, other drivers, etc. ### After an Accident… ![Make your accident as visible as possible to avoid secondary collisions!](https://brookslawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/LTB-Blog-2-image-2-300x251.jpg) Make your accident as visible as possible to avoid secondary collisions! If you’re in an accident with another vehicle, your response can prevent secondary accidents from happening. - move your car off the side of the road, as far as possible from traffic - if your car is undriveable and can’t be moved, turn on your flashers immediately - don’t stay in your car if you have other safe options – move yourself and your passengers (if uninjured) far off the side of the road or into a nearby open area (parking lot, etc.) - make your vehicle visible! If you have caution triangles or flares, using them can be helpful, as long as you can put them out safely Know the steps to take before *or* after a collision. You play a part in preventing secondary truck accidents on our local roads. ## Why should I call Brooks Law Group after a truck accident? We are your [truck accident legal experts](https://brookslawgroup.com/florida/truck-accident-lawyer/), serving the greater Tampa Bay area with the best in representation. After a secondary truck accident, victims usually question who’s at fault. They wonder how they’ll be compensated for their injuries when the driver that hit them was (in many cases) a victim as well. We have years of experience working with clients in these situations. We bring the skills and experience needed to get to the root cause of the accident. By communicating regularly with law enforcement, accident reconstruction experts, witnesses, and other victims of the accident, we build a solid case. Our top priority is your well-being. You don’t pay unless we win, and your initial consultation with our [Tampa truck accident attorneys](https://brookslawgroup.com/tampa/truck-accident-lawyer/) is free! You can count on our team to fight for the justice you deserve and the compensation you need. When it comes to secondary collisions in Central Florida, victims Look to Brooks! Call or text [(800) 529-3030](tel:+18005293030) or complete a [Free Case Evaluation form](/contact-us/) Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents Blog Posts: [![Pencil checking sleep apnea on a medical form](https://brookslawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-design-22-300x157.jpg)](https://brookslawgroup.com/blog/recent-study-indicates-truck-drivers-could-be-at-risk-for-sleep-apnea/) ### [Recent Study Indicates Truck Drivers Could Be At Risk for Sleep Apnea](https://brookslawgroup.com/blog/recent-study-indicates-truck-drivers-could-be-at-risk-for-sleep-apnea/) A collision with an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer usually does not end well for other vehicles on the road. Some [![accident alert sign on highway above yellow box truck](https://brookslawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/LTB-Blog-image-1-1-300x251.jpg)](https://brookslawgroup.com/blog/commercial-work-truck-accidents-feared-by-florida-drivers/) ### [Commercial Work Truck Accidents Feared by Florida Drivers](https://brookslawgroup.com/blog/commercial-work-truck-accidents-feared-by-florida-drivers/) Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents...these are common on Florida's roads. But what strikes fear into [![large dump truck traveling on highway with clear blue skies in background](https://brookslawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LTB-Blog-1-Image-1-300x251.jpg)](https://brookslawgroup.com/blog/the-dangers-of-dump-truck-accidents-on-tampa-bays-roads/) ### [The Dangers of Dump Truck Accidents on Tampa Bay’s Roads](https://brookslawgroup.com/blog/the-dangers-of-dump-truck-accidents-on-tampa-bays-roads/) When you think of commercial truck accidents, you likely envision semi-truck crashes or even delivery truck collisions. [![Building a strong commercial vehicle accident case in Tampa.](https://brookslawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LTB-Blog-2-Image-1-300x251.jpg)](https://brookslawgroup.com/blog/3-ways-tampa-lawyers-fight-for-you-after-a-commercial-vehicle-accident/) ### [3 Ways Tampa Lawyers Fight for You After A Commercial Vehicle Accident](https://brookslawgroup.com/blog/3-ways-tampa-lawyers-fight-for-you-after-a-commercial-vehicle-accident/) A strong commercial vehicle accident case hinges on a variety of factors. Accidents involving semi-trucks, delivery --- Source: https://brookslawgroup.com/blog/chain-reaction-secondary-truck-accidents-happen-more-than-you-think/