Florida's highways are among the busiest in the country, and with that comes a higher risk of accidents involving large commercial trucks. These collisions can sometimes result in serious injuries, extensive property damage, and, tragically, fatalities. Understanding the most common causes of truck accidents in Florida can help victims recognize potential liability and protect their rights after a crash. It also underscores the importance of regulation and responsibility within the trucking industry.

Below are the top five causes behind many of Florida's truck accidents—and why they matter in both prevention and legal accountability.

1. Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often face demanding schedules, long hours behind the wheel, and pressure to meet tight delivery windows. Despite federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations limiting how long truckers can drive without a break, fatigue remains a significant factor in many crashes.

Sleep-deprived drivers experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced focus—all of which increase the risk of accidents, especially on Florida's long, straight interstates like I-75 and I-95.

Contributing factors to fatigue-related crashes include:

• Pressure from employers to deliver faster
• Overnight or irregular driving hours
• Inadequate rest stops or sleeping accommodations

In lawsuits involving fatigue, trucking logs, GPS data, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) can be critical in proving a driver exceeded safe limits.

2. Distracted Driving

While distracted driving is a concern for all motorists, truck drivers operating vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds face amplified risks. Taking one's eyes off the road—even briefly—can lead to catastrophic consequences when controlling such a large and heavy vehicle.

Common distractions include:

• Using cell phones or GPS devices
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting radio or climate controls
• Daydreaming or inattentiveness during long hauls

Florida law prohibits all drivers from texting while driving, but enforcement can be difficult without direct evidence. However, in truck accident claims, cellphone records, dashcam footage, and eyewitness reports can support allegations of distracted behavior.

3. Improper Truck Maintenance

Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles each week. Without consistent inspections and maintenance, critical systems like brakes, tires, steering, and lights can fail. When a mechanical failure contributes to a crash, liability may fall on the trucking company, maintenance contractor, or even the manufacturer.

A 2022 report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that brake problems contributed to nearly 30% of all large truck crashes analyzed in a national sample. In Florida, where frequent rain creates slick roads, any failure in braking systems significantly increases the chance of jackknifing or rear-end collisions.

Examples of maintenance failures include:

• Worn or underinflated tires
• Brake system defects
• Broken tail lights or turn signals
• Unsecured cargo components

Truck accident investigations often require a detailed analysis of maintenance logs, inspection reports, and black box data to identify negligence.

4. Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo

How a truck is loaded affects its balance, braking distance, and ability to maneuver. Overloaded or unevenly distributed cargo can cause a trailer to sway, tip, or jackknife. In other cases, unsecured cargo can spill onto the roadway, causing multi-vehicle accidents.

Florida enforces strict weight limits and load distribution standards, particularly for commercial vehicles operating on state highways and toll roads. Violations can result in civil penalties and form the basis for a negligence claim if an overloaded truck causes harm.

Cargo-related accident risks include:

• Rollovers due to a high center of gravity
• Sudden braking failure from excess weight
• Falling debris leading to secondary crashes

Liability may extend to the shipping company, third-party loaders, or others involved in the logistics chain—not just the driver.

5. Reckless or Aggressive Driving

While commercial drivers must complete specialized training, not all drivers consistently adhere to safety practices. Speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and failure to yield are all examples of aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to serious accidents—particularly on congested Florida highways or in areas with frequent construction.

Speeding is especially dangerous for trucks due to their longer stopping distances and greater momentum. A truck traveling at 65 mph can take the length of two football fields to come to a full stop.

Other reckless actions include:

• Ignoring traffic signals
• Weaving through traffic
• Failing to check blind spots (which are larger in trucks)

When truck drivers operate with disregard for safety, and especially if they have prior violations or a history of complaints, that behavior can play a major role in legal claims and damage awards.

Understanding Liability in Florida Truck Accidents

Florida follows a comparative fault system, meaning each party's percentage of fault will impact how compensation is awarded. That makes investigating the cause of the crash essential—especially when multiple parties may share liability, such as the driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or a cargo loader.

Moreover, federal and state laws impose specific regulations on commercial trucks, which can support a negligence claim when violated. These include drug and alcohol testing requirements, driver background checks, and regular vehicle inspections.

Florida Truck Accident Statistics

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the state saw over 40,000 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles in 2023. These accidents resulted in more than 300 fatalities and thousands of injuries. Many of these incidents were linked to the five causes outlined above.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Florida

If you're involved in a collision with a truck in Florida, take the following steps to protect yourself:

• Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately
• Document the scene with photos and video, if possible
• Get contact and insurance information from all parties
• Request a copy of the police report
• Avoid speaking to insurance companies until you consult an attorney
• Contact a truck accident lawyer to investigate and file a potential claim

Truck accidents differ from regular car crashes due to the complexity of federal regulations, commercial insurance policies, and multiple liable parties. Seeking legal guidance early on can help ensure important evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.

Conclusion

Truck accidents in Florida often stem from preventable causes like fatigue, distraction, poor maintenance, improper cargo handling, and reckless driving. Each of these risk factors can carry significant legal implications, especially when they lead to serious injury or loss of life. Victims and their families deserve answers—and fair compensation. By identifying the root cause of a crash, those affected can pursue accountability and begin the road to recovery with confidence.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Florida truck accident claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced truck accident lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.