Truck Drivers who Speed Pose a Significant Threat to Motorists

According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 104,000 individuals were injured in accidents involving large trucks during 2012. Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents involving commercial vehicles. In many cases, these vehicles can weigh as much as 20-30 times as much as smaller passenger cars and trucks and their momentum can crush nearly anything in their path. It is not surprising, therefore, that people involved in accidents with speeding semi-trucks often sustain serious bodily injury.

Many commercial drivers are under pressure to exceed the posted speed limit because of demanding customers and tight deadlines. Unfortunately, when they speed, they pose a significant risk of injury to other people on the road. Accidents caused by speeding truckers often entitle victims to significant compensation, so it is important for anyone who has been injured in a Boca Raton truck accident to discuss their case with an experienced attorney. There are several reasons that truck drivers who speed put other motorists at risk of injury. Some of these are detailed below.

• Speeding trucks have longer stopping distances – The faster a vehicle is going, the longer distance it will travel when a driver is trying to bring it to a complete stop. In addition, braking distance increases exponentially with speed, which means that even a slight increase in speed can significantly increase the amount of distance a vehicle will travel before coming to a complete stop. As a result, speeding truck drivers are often unable to avoid objects in the path that they may have been able to avoid had they been traveling at a slower speed.
• Truck tires are not designed for speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour – According to the a report published by the Associated Press, NHTSA states that most truck tires are only designed to travel at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. As a result, speeding trucks can increase the risk of a tire blowout, which is a serious event that may result in an accident.
• Truck drivers have less time to react – The faster a vehicle travels, the less time drivers have to react to obstacles that may appear in their path. As a result, speeding truck drivers are often unable to take evasive action if a hazard suddenly appears.
• Speeding trucks are more prone to rollover and jackknife accidents – Jackknife accidents and rollovers of the most dangerous kinds of accidents involving large trucks. Trucks that are traveling at an excessive speed are more likely to be involved in these kinds of accidents, putting other motorists at risk.

Contact a Boca Raton truck accident lawyer today to schedule a free case evaluation

Many people who are involved in accidents with semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles sustain serious injuries that result in tremendous medical expenses and lost income due to being unable to work. Additionally, injuries can cause victims to experience tremendous physical and emotional pain and suffering. Florida law often entitles people who are injured by the negligence of others to recover for these and other losses they sustain as a result. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Boca Raton truck accident lawyers, please call Lavalle Brown & Ronan, P.A. today at 888-BOCALAW.

Posted in Truck Accidents | Comments Off on Truck Drivers who Speed Pose a Significant Threat to Motorists