A Florida Highway Patrol trooper reportedly suffered injuries as a result of a crash on Interstate 75 in August. According to reports, the officer was investigating a single-vehicle accident at the time of the crash.
The trooper’s accident took place when a semi-tractor hit his patrol car, forcing it into a nearby road barrier. The driver of the truck was uninjured, but the trooper was reported to be in serious condition at a local hospital.
Common causes of truck accidents
There are a number of common reasons why truck accidents occur in Florida and throughout the United States. One of the top issues is driver fatigue, as truck operators often must spend long hours out on the road. And although there are strict federal regulations in terms of the rest time these drivers must take, sometimes individuals violate these rules in an effort to meet tight shipping deadlines. Some of these pressures may come from trucking and shipping companies.
Truck drivers may also exhibit negligence by engaging in distracted driving or by consuming alcohol or drugs before or while operating their vehicles. These are obvious dangers and represent extremely irresponsible behavior.
In addition, poor maintenance of tractor-trailers is a common problem. Trucking companies have a responsibility to perform regular maintenance and make sure their trucks are in good working order and safe for highway travel. If they neglect this responsibility, they risk the lives of their drivers and everyone else with whom they share the road.
After a serious car or truck accident in Florida, be sure to speak with an experienced Bradenton personal injury attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh as soon as possible.