Large commercial trucks like semis, tankers, and others are common sight on Florida highways and interstates. As any driver with even moderate experience can confirm, the people who drive these vehicles sometimes drive in excess of the posted speed limit and may even engage in driving that makes others nervous or even downright afraid. This should come as no surprise, as long hours on the road and tight schedules often incentivize truck drivers to get to their destinations as quickly as possible.
These feelings are reasonable, as a speeding semi-truck traveling at 70 or 80 miles per hour could easily crush a smaller passenger vehicle, and truck accidents injure tens of thousands of people each year in the United States. In an effort to make our roadways safer, last year the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed equipping all newly manufactured trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles with a gross vehicle rating of more than 26,000 pounds with speed limiters that would set their maximum speed at 06, 65 or 68 miles per hour.
Will the Rule Take Effect?
While the rule was published in August of last year, the current political climate has many industry observers wondering whether it will ever be implemented. According to an article published last December in the Claims Journal, the Trump Administration’s stated goal of doing away with unnecessary regulations that impede economic growth and the President’s proposal to do away with two regulations for each one adopted makes the future of the rule uncertain.
Truck Accident Victims Can often Recover Significant Compensation
Regardless of the future of the rule, the fact remains that truckers who violate speed limits put everyone at risk and will almost always be liable for any injuries they cause. People who are hurt in accidents caused by speeding truckers can usually recover compensation for their losses, including their medical expenses, lost income, loss of quality of life, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
While speeding is certainly a serious problem that undoubtedly causes a significant number of accidents, there are many other ways that the negligence of professional truck drivers can result in serious accidents. Some of the most common include the following:
- Distracted driving
- Driving too fast for the weather conditions
- Following too closely
- Aggressive driving
- Failure to yield
- Failure to signal lane changes
- Improper turns
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Hours-of-service violations
- Driver error
Call Gerson & Schwartz Today to Speak with a Miami Truck Accident AttorneyIf you have been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, you should speak with a Miami personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. At Gerson & Schwartz, we are committed to helping accident victims recover and work hard to make sure that each client we represent obtains the full and fair value of his or her claim. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney, call our office today at (877) 475-2905 or send us an email through our online contact form.