We are one of Tampa’s most trusted teams of attorneys, so we know a lot about common semi truck accidents…and how to prevent them. Sadly, we see recurring trends in trucking accidents and the damage they cause victims.
In Florida, semi truck collisions are prevalent on all of our major highways. Hundreds of accidents happen on I-75 and I-4 each year. While not all of these accidents are caused by the trucker, like last week’s fatal accident in Polk County, many of these accidents are the trucker’s fault. According to 2024 statistics so far, impaired drivers and (or) distraction were the second-most common cause of fatal large truck accidents nationwide.
While Tuesday’s victim from Clermont unsafely passed traffic and hit a tractor-trailer head-on, this isn’t the norm for semitruck accidents and fatalities.
What are the most common semi truck accidents on Tampa’s roads?
Tampa Bay’s dense traffic and bustling economy lead to a large number of semitruck collisions each year. As local accident lawyers, the most common large truck accident scenarios we see are:
- head-on collisions (most often due to driver impairment, fatigue, or distraction)
- side-swipe accidents that push other motorists off the road or crush them against another vehicle or barrier
- rear-end collisions (and pileups)
- roll-over accidents
- under ride accidents (vehicle hits truck from behind and goes underneath trailer) – most often caused by trucker’s changing lanes irresponsibly, or stopping suddenly
- intersection collisions (usually T-Bone accidents)
- wide turn collisions
Each of these accidents can be deadly, depending on specific circumstances. Due to semitrucks’ size and weight, damage is usually severe for other involved vehicles, and serious injuries are a high likelihood.
How can I protect myself against these large truck accidents?
While driving around semi trucks can be scary with the above statistics and scenarios, you don’t have to be afraid! Awareness and smart driving decisions go a long way in protecting you against truck collisions.
Pay Close Attention to Blind Spots
Semi trucks are notorious for their numerous, and large, blind spots. Being aware of where these are located, and avoiding them, are the best ways to prevent a collision.
Head-on collisions with semitrucks are often deadly.
Pass with Caution
Never pass a semi truck on a two-lane road unless you have a long-distance view of upcoming traffic and have the right-of-way to pass (the dotted line vs. solid yellow line.) One wrong move, as exemplified in the recent Polk County crash, can be deadly.
Keep Your Distance
Tailgating is never a good idea as a driver…unless it’s in the parking lot at the football game! On the road, it’s important to keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front. This gives you time to react to any sudden stops or actions without rear-ending them. This is especially important with large commercial trucks. Under ride crashes are common semitruck accidents. They kill hundreds of victims annually. They’re usually caused by a driver following too closely and running underneath a truck after a sudden stop.
Give Them Space
Semi trucks don’t just need distance in the back. Giving these trucks distance all the way around is crucial to protecting yourself and your passengers from an accident. Never drive alongside a large truck for extended periods of time. You risk getting into their blind spot and being struck from the side.
Drive Aware!
When it comes to driving around commercial vehicles, awareness is your most effective tool in accident prevention. Stay aware and stay alive.
Brooks Law Group stands with victims of common semi truck accidents.
Have you been injured in a collision with a large truck or commercial vehicle. Brooks Law Group is your biggest advocate in the Tampa Bay area. Our skills and experience in truck accidents are unmatched, and we bring a litany of resources to the table to fight for you. Our ongoing “Struck by A Truck” campaign seeks to reach victims just like you, letting you know you’re not alone in your fight. We know times are hard, so don’t let affording a lawyer be another stressor after your accident. Our contingency fee means you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case. Your first consultation is free, giving you a risk-free chance to speak with us about your accident, your injuries, and how we can help.
We are one of Tampa’s leading truck accident experts. Don’t face your legal journey alone. After your truck accident, all you have to do is call us anytime, from anywhere. We’ll come to you, help you navigate the next steps, and partner with you to get the results you deserve. When the unexpected comes your way, Look to Brooks.
