Poor Road Design Can Contribute to Commercial Truck Accidents
Tractor trailer accidents happen every day in our region. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FLHSMV) reports that an average of 35,500 semi-truck accidents are reported in the state each year. Truck accidents occur for many different reasons—including driver negligence and truck company negligence. Another major factor that can contribute to truck accidents is poor roadway design. Within this article, our Miami semi-truck accident attorney explains how poor road design can contribute to crashes.
Tractor Trailer Accidents are Especially Risky
A fully loaded tractor trailer is a massive vehicle. Given their extraordinary size, semi-trucks pose a major safety risk. Indeed, a disproportionate share of commercial truck accidents lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Truckers and trucking companies must be vigilant. Profits should never take a priority over public safety. Further, it is crucial that our roads—state and local—are properly designed to ensure that commercial trucking is not unreasonably dangerous.
Why Poor Roadway Design Can Cause Semi-Truck Accidents
Poor roadway design can compromise the ability of semi-trucks to maneuver safely. Unfortunately, it can lead to a higher risk of accidents. Some examples of poorly designed or maintained roadways that can heighten the risk of semi-truck crashes include:
- Sharp Curves: Roads with excessively sharp curves can be particularly hazardous for semi-trucks. These large vehicles require wider arcs in order to navigate turns safely. It is a design flaw that can cause truckers to lose control.
- Poor Signs: If road signs are poorly placed or obscured, semi-truck drivers may not have adequate warning to adjust their speed or prepare for upcoming road changes. The lack of communication can easily lead to a terrible semi-truck accident.
- Narrow Lanes: Lanes that are too narrow for the size of semi-trucks force these large vehicles into tight spaces. It increases the risk of sideswipe accidents with other vehicles. Truck drivers may fail to maintain their lane.
- Poorly Designed Merges: On-ramps and merging lanes that are too short do not give semi-trucks enough space to reach the appropriate speed for merging safely with traffic. Sudden braking or other issues can cause collisions.
All Negligent Parties Should Be Held Accountable
All parties whose negligence contributed to a serious semi-truck accident in Florida should be held accountable. Even if a roadway is not well-designed, truckers and truck companies still have an obligation to operate with due care. With that being said, a government entity or private company (road designers, highway maintenance crew, etc) could also bear legal responsibility for a serious commercial truck accident if road design/maintenance problems were a factor.
Contact Our Miami Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we are a law firm that fights tirelessly for the rights and interests of injured victims. If you or your family member was involved in a commercial truck accident caused by poor roadway design, we are here as a resource. Contact us today for a free case review. We handle truck accident claims in Miami, Miami-Dade County, and throughout all of South Florida.
Source:
flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2022.pdf
