Truck drivers, standard motor vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and even bicyclists must coexist with one another on Florida roads. But in doing so, auto accidents may arise at an unfortunately frequent rate. In fact, in 2020 alone, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported approximately 34,239 auto accidents involving trucks, with 5,981 injuries and 34 fatalities resulting. Continue reading to learn the most common types of trucking accidents and how an experienced Panama City truck accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you navigate the aftermath of yours.

What are the most common types of trucks seen on Florida roads?

Likely, more types of trucks are seen on the Florida roads than you initially think of. Each type of truck serves a different role, and more specific examples read as follows:

  • Tractor trailers: otherwise known as 18-wheelers, this type of truck is intended to haul cargo to and from different destinations.
  • Tanker trucks: this type of truck is intended to transport gas or other hazardous liquids to and from different destinations.
  • Flatbed trucks: this type of truck is intended to cart heavy loads that may not be compromised in certain weather conditions.
  • Tow trucks: this type of truck is intended to move standard motor vehicles that are disabled or are to be impounded.
  • Garbage trucks: this type of truck is intended to transfer large loads of waste from residences to a community dump.

What are the most common types of trucking accidents reported on Florida roads?

Unfortunately, while truck drivers perform their intended tasks, they may wind up involved in a trucking accident. And because of the sheer mass of a commercial truck, the collision may be catastrophic for all parties involved. Without further ado, the most common types of trucking accidents reported on Florida roads read as follows:

  • A rollover accident: this may occur when the truck driver loses control of the truck and it flips over on its side.
  • A jackknife accident: this may occur when the front of a truck skids, a truck driver does not brake, and the attached trailer does not slow down, causing the truck to fold in on itself and form a “V” shape.
  • A T-bone accident: this may occur when the truck driver fails to come to a complete stop on time at an intersection and strikes the side of another automobile perpendicularly.
  • A rear-end accident: this may occur when the truck driver fails to leave enough space between themselves and the automobile in front of them and then fails to brake on time.
  • A wide turn accident: this may occur when the truck driver swings left to make a right turn without checking blind spots for neighboring automobiles or pedestrians.

Even if you are only considering a personal injury claim, you must first consult one of the skilled Panama City auto accident attorneys from Manuel & Thompson, PA. Contact our firm today.