One truck driver was killed in a fiery crash in Boynton Beach, Florida involving three tractor-trailor trucks yesterday morning. The crash occurred shortly before 5 am at the I-95 Gateway Boulevard exit in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Sadly, this isn’t unusual.
Trucking accidents are on the rise, while some other accidents continue to fall. The total number of people killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2017 increased by 392 fatalities, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Why there are more trucking accidents.
Consumer commerce depends on prompt and reliable delivery, and with e-commerce, more and more goods are being delivered by truck. “Regardless of the type of industry a company works in, the accident count continues to rise. This is especially true in the delivery service segment where the pressures for ‘on-time delivery’ create havoc for ….. the driver” says Bob Martines, CEO/founder of Corporate Claims Management. Adds Sara Sweeney, senior product manager for Wheels, “We believe the biggest factor in that increase was that medium-duty vehicles were driven more miles year-over-year.”
Some trucks are more likely to travel longer routes, too, putting them on the road in the early hours of the day and late into the evening. Younger potential drivers are eschewing the field, leaving fewer, and generally older, truckers to haul an increasing amount of goods.
What does this mean to you?
Exercise greater caution when driving near trucks. Many trucks are equipped with sophisticated technology, but trucks still need longer time to apply brakes and more room to execute turns, to name a but few. Truck drivers are professionally trained, but are also people that may be deeply fatigued by a long day of hauling.
What should you do if you are involved in an accident?
Even a “minimal impact” accident could result in damages to you, as some injuries aren’t readily apparent. Call Matthew Waring, Esq. for an immediate consultation at 954-388-0646 if you are in any type of accident. I will give you on-point advice and will ensure that you avoid post-accident pitfalls to receive the compensation you deserve.