When you hear about a truck “accident” on the news, what comes to mind? Probably an image of an unfortunate but unavoidable event – something that just happened by chance. In fact, a search for “truck accident lawyer in Tampa” is likely what brought you to this page! You’ll see the term frequently on our site as we seek to help those impacted by commercial vehicles and trucks on Florida’s roads. But here’s the truth: most large truck collisions are not accidents at all. They are crashes caused by preventable human error, corporate negligence, or a combination of both.
As Tampa truck crash attorneys, we at Brooks Law Group have seen firsthand how the words we use can affect not only how people perceive these wrecks but also how victims receive justice. We believe that language matters. Calling a crash an “accident” can sometimes blur responsibility, depending on the specifics of the collision. Using the correct terminology, like “crash” or “wreck,” helps assign accountability where it belongs in these cases.
When is an “accident” actually an accident?
Every year, more than 400,000 large trucks are involved in collisions in the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), only about 10% of these events could be considered true “accidents” – the kind of collision where nothing could have been done to prevent it. That means that in 90% or more of truck crashes, someone is at fault.
When is an “accident” actually an accident?
So what causes these wrecks? The NHTSA identifies driver-related factors, such as risk recognition or poor decision-making. What does that mean? It could be:
- driver fatigue from pushing too many hours behind the wheel
- impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or medications
- distracted driving, like texting or failing to keep a proper lookout
- speeding or following too closely
- poor judgment can prevent in calculating distance or braking time
- equipment failures, often due to skipped inspections or faulty brakes
Studies show that in most cases it’s the truck driver – not the motorist – who is cited for causing the crash. Beyond the driver, trucking companies can also be held liable when they cut corners in training, supervision, or hiring practices.
When we call these events “accidents,” we unintentionally let negligent drivers and trucking companies off the hook. By shifting our language to more accurate terms like “crash” or “collision,” we put the focus back on accountability and prevention.
Are trucking companies prioritizing safety?
Unfortunately, no. The trucking industry continues to prioritize profits over safety. Safety measures like new technology or stricter enforcement of regulations cost more money in the short term. Instead of investing in safety, some companies lobby to relax federal rules, allowing drivers to stay on the road longer or bypass critical maintenance requirements. When the public hears about “truck accidents,” they’re more likely to accept these crashes as random events, rather than seeing the urgent need for stronger safety measures.
Here’s the reality: many devastating truck wrecks could be prevented with the right technology and oversight. For example:
- Lane departure warnings can alert a tired driver drifting out of his lane.
- Forward collision warning systems can help prevent rear-end wrecks.
- Automatic emergency braking can reduce severity when a driver doesn’t react in time.
These safety tools exist, but they’re not required by law. Thankfully, H.R. 3684 (the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) is pushing for NHTSA to mandate more stringent safety requirements (including the above tools) for commercial trucks. Without this pressure, many trucking companies won’t spend the money to voluntarily improve safety protocols.
That’s why legal language matters. Precise terminology is powerful, and reminds us that crashes are preventable, not inevitable.
Why does legal language matter for you (or your loved one) after a truck crash?
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck wreck, the words you use matter. Insurance companies and defense lawyers love the word “accident” because it minimizes their client’s responsibility. But you don’t have to accept that narrative.
Calling these collisions what they are – crashes, wrecks, or collisions – underscores that someone is at fault and that those impacted deserve compensation. Whether it’s mounting medical bills or lost wages (or a combination of the two!), you shouldn’t have to shoulder those burdens alone.
A skilled commercial truck crash lawyer can investigate the details, gather evidence, and hold both drivers and companies accountable. From reviewing logbooks and black box data to uncovering negligent hiring practices, your attorney’s job is to prove what really happened and fight for justice on your behalf.
Standing up after a Tampa truck crash
At Brooks Law Group, we’ve represented many victims of devastating truck wrecks here in Tampa and across Florida. We know that these cases aren’t about “accidents” – they’re about negligence, recklessness, and corporate shortcuts that put profits over people.
If you’ve been searching for an experienced truck crash lawyer, you’ve come to the right place! Our team has the knowledge, resources, and dedication needed to take on big trucking companies and their insurers.
You don’t have to accept the idea that your tragedy was unavoidable. With the right attorney on your side, you can demand accountability and work toward the compensation you deserve.
Call your local Tampa truck crash attorney today!
You’ve made the first step by finding our team. Now give us a call and take advantage of your FREE consultation with one of our experienced truck crash attorneys. Let us fight for you as you seek compensation that allows you to heal and move forward. Results matter, and so does the truth.
When truck crashes happen, Tampa Bay Looks to Brooks!
