Hydroplaning poses a significant risk on Florida’s highways, especially when involving semi-trucks. The combination of heavy rainfall, high speeds, and large commercial vehicles can lead to catastrophic accidents, often resulting in secondary crashes that compound the danger. Understanding the causes, consequences, and legal implications of semi-truck hydroplaning accidents is crucial before you hit the road this Spring. After all, the rainy season is almost here!
Understanding semi-truck hydroplaning accidents: Why do they happen?
Hydroplaning can occur with any vehicle. It happens when a layer of water builds up between a vehicle’s tires and the road surface, causing the tires to lose contact with the ground. The loss of traction renders the driver unable to steer or brake effectively, leading to a loss of control. The risk increases exponentially with semi-trucks due to their size, weight, and lack of maneuverability.
Major factors that contribute to hydroplaning include:
Water Accumulation
Worn or under-inflated tires are a major cause of semi-truck hydroplaning accidents.
It doesn’t take much rain to cause an accident! Semi-truck hydroplaning accidents can occur with as little as 1/10th of an inch of water on the road.
Vehicle Speed
Higher speeds reduce a tire’s ability to channel water away and, consequently, let water accumulate under the tire.
Tire Condition
Worn or under-inflated tires are less effective at dispersing water away from the tire. This increases the likelihood of hydroplaning. According to the Florida Safety Council, a vehicle with good tires can begin hydroplaning at 50 miles per hour. With worn or under-inflated tires, that same car can hydroplane at as little as 30 miles per hour. Imagine the increased danger with a vehicle as large as a semi-truck! We see yet another reason why commercial vehicle maintenance is so important.
Of course, the above factors for hydroplaning apply to any vehicle, but as mentioned before, semi-truck hydroplaning accidents are a more severe threat.
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What are the unique risks of semi-truck hydroplaning?
Semi-trucks, due to their massive size and weight, present unique dangers when they hydroplane. These include:
- Extended stopping distances. Even under optimal conditions, semi-trucks require longer stopping distances. Hydroplaning exacerbates the issue, increasing the likelihood of collisions in rainy weather.
- Cross-Median incidents. Loss of control can cause a semi-truck to not only veer off the road but can also cause it to cross a median into oncoming traffic. This leads to severe – and often fatal – head-on collisions.
- Jackknifing. Hydroplaning can result in the truck’s trailer swinging out from behind the cab, blocking multiple lanes and, in many cases, causing multi-vehicle accidents. It can also cause the semi-truck to overturn, further increasing the chance of a serious collision.
Are semi-truck hydroplaning accidents common in Florida?
Absolutely! In fact, in the last year alone, several major incidents on Florida’s major highways have highlighted the dangers associated with semi-truck hydroplaning:
Escambia County Incident:
Just recently, on March 24, 2025, a tractor-trailer traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 hydroplaned, crossed the median and collided with a westbound semi-truck. This crash caused the second truck to hit a sedan, which overturned. All three drivers sustained critical injuries in this accident.
Gainesville Accident:
In June 2024, a semi-truck jackknifed on southbound Interstate 75 near Newberry Road after attempting to avoid another hydroplaning vehicle. This led to a multi-vehicle pileup and caused significant traffic disruptions. Note: not all semi-truck hydroplaning accidents are caused by the truck hydroplaning! In this case, the truck driver’s reaction led to the secondary crashes.
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How can I protect myself when driving in rainy weather?
If you’re driving amongst commercial vehicles in bad weather, it’s natural to be intimidated and anxious. They’re a big risk (literally!) after all. You aren’t completely at their mercy though, and you can take measures to protect yourself.
- Give semi-trucks and commercial vehicles plenty of space in rainy weather. If they start to hydroplane, this gives you time to react accordingly. Don’t be the reason a secondary crash occurs!
- Watch your own speed! If you’re going too fast and you hydroplane, you could end up causing a major crash like the Gainesville incident listed above.
- Know how to drive defensively. Your reactions to sudden dangers on the road could save your life and the lives of others.
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How is fault determined in a semi-truck hydroplaning accident?
Determining liability in commercial vehicle accidents caused by rain and hydroplaning involves several considerations. We must consider:
Driver responsibility. Truck drivers are expected to adjust their driving to match weather conditions. Failure to reduce speed during heavy rain or driving recklessly in bad weather can be deemed negligent in some cases.
Trucking company liability. Companies must ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and that drivers are adequately trained to handle adverse conditions. Negligence in these areas can result in the company being held liable.
Remember, Florida has only a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from truck accidents. It’s imperative that you reach out for legal help as soon as possible after your accident.
Brooks Law Group is here for you after a commercial vehicle accident.
Semi-truck hydroplaning accidents on Florida’s highways present severe risks, often leading to secondary crashes that amplify the danger for motorists. Brooks Law Group knows and understands these risks well, and is passionate about raising awareness of road safety around semi-trucks and advocating for those affected by these crashes. We are a leading resource for Florida drivers after they experience serious accidents, ensuring they receive the compensation and justice they deserve. With offices throughout the state, we’re never too far away to meet with you, answer your questions, and hear your story. If you choose us to take on your case, you don’t pay unless we win. That’s how dedicated we are to helping all Florida drivers and making legal help possible regardless of your circumstances. Brooks Law Group is a people-first practice!
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident with a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, call our team to discuss your options. Our consultations are free! When you’re not sure where to turn, you can always Look to Brooks.
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