Longtime Florida Strawberry Festival announcer Randy Scott, his wife and his sister-in-law all died in a Manatee County collision in May. The three were driving in an SUV on County Road 675 when they collided with a dump truck. The driver of the dump truck was injured and transported to a local hospital. The crash was still under investigation when the news broke.

According to the National Safety Council, fatal accidents involving large trucks are on the rise. Large trucks make up nine percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, and involvement rose 49 percent from 2011 to 2021. Why are large trucks so dangerous, and what can victims or families of victims do after an accident?

Large truck accidents

Large trucks, including dump trucks, are more likely to cause serious injury or death when involved in a collision. Their significant size and weight—even when unloaded—make it more difficult for them to stop, make sharp turns or move to avoid a crash. They’re also more likely to tip over, given their high profile, and lose cargo while driving. This is why commercial trucking companies are heavily regulated and carry high value insurance policies.

Options after a truck accident

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a truck accident, you can pursue compensation from the trucking company or government entity responsible. Injured victims should seek immediate medical treatment and document the accident and their recovery. Families of deceased victims can ask the estate’s personal representative (also known as an executor) to file a wrongful death claim on the deceased’s behalf. However, it’s important that you contact a lawyer quickly: depending on the entity who owns the truck, you may have as little as six months to file a claim.

Reach out to the seasoned Sarasota, FL truck accident lawyers at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh to learn more about your legal options.