Tractor Trailer Rear-End Collisions are Especially Dangerous
A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Given their immense size, getting rear-ended by a large commercial truck is extraordinarily dangerous. Here, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident lawyer explains why so many semi-truck rear-end accidents happen and why they are so dangerous, and highlights your options after a crash.
Large Trucks Can Cause Catastrophic Accidents When they Rear-End Smaller Vehicles
A commercial truck typically weighs 15, 20, or even 30 times as much as a passenger car. When a semi-truck collides with the rear of a smaller vehicle, the results can be truly devastating due to the significant size/weight difference. For example, a family sedan rear-ended by a fully loaded semi-truck can suffer severe damage. It could even trap passengers inside the smaller vehicle. The immense force of the impact creates an extreme safety risk.
Semi-Trucks Typically Need Additional Space to Come to a Complete Stop
Large commercial trucks rear-ending smaller vehicles remains a serious public health and safety problem on our roads. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of multi-vehicle crash. Notably, semi-trucks require significantly more distance to stop compared to passenger vehicles due to their heavy loads and size. For example, a semi-truck traveling at highway speeds may need the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop—even if the weather/road conditions are good. Truckers leaving insufficient stopping distance can lead to rear-end collisions. The risk rises when there is busy stop-and-go highway traffic. Of course, that is relatively common in Florida.
You Have the Right to Hold a Negligent Trucker/Truck Company Liable for a Serious Crash
Florida is a no-fault motor vehicle accident state. After being rear-ended by a commercial truck, your initial claim is generally through your own insurance company—specifically your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy. Your PIP insurance is a no-fault policy. You can get initial medical benefits and wage loss benefits regardless of fault. Beyond that, if you suffered a serious injury in a crash, you can step outside of the no-fault system and sue the negligent trucker or trucking company directly. A trucker’s negligence may cause a rear-end collision—such as if he or she was a driver while distracted. A truck company’s failure to maintain the brakes could also play a role in causing the crash. Through a fault-based truck accident claim, injured victims can seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency care;
- Medical bills;
- Physical therapy;
- Missed paychecks;
- Reduced future income;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Disability;
- Disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death.
Contact Our West Palm Beach Rear-End Collision Truck Accident Lawyers Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyers fight aggressively to protect victims rights. If you or your loved one was rear-ended by a large commercial truck, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today for a free, no strings attached case evaluation. Our team advocates for justice for the injured in Miami, West Palm Beach, and across South Florida.
