If you've ever found yourself surrounded by semi-trucks, then you've likely felt at least a moment's worth of anxiety. These big vehicles, after all, can cause an enormous amount of destruction in an auto accident. Those in Florida who are unlucky enough to be involved in one of these wrecks can be left with serious injuries, sometimes causing them to be inflicted with permanent disabilities.
One reason truck accidents occur with more frequency than we care to think is because they require much more distance in order to come to a safe stop. The primary reason for this, of course, is because these vehicles can weigh as much as 75,000 pounds more than a car. Therefore, when one of these trucks travels at 65 miles per hour, it will require a total of 525 feet in order to come to a safe stop. That's nearly the equivalent of two entire football fields. That distance is compared to the 316 feet needed for a car traveling the same distance to come to a stop.
There are other factors that can increase a truck's stopping distance, too. Inclement weather improperly maintained vehicles, and inattentive, tired, or drunk driving can all have an effect on vehicle performance and/or reaction time. Even a minor decrease in stopping distance can result in a tragic truck accident that leaves devastation and death in its wake.
Those affected by a truck accident can suffer extensive damages that include, but are not limited to, medical expenses and lost wages. These damages may be recoverable through a personal injury or wrongful death claim if a victim can successfully prove liability. This can be a difficult thing to do, and even what seems like the most obvious cases can result in multiple legal issues arising. Therefore, truck accident victims may want to seek the advice needed to develop a strong argument in their favor.
