A Florida truck driver charged with causing a fatal accident in 2015 was convicted of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and with a plea deal was sentenced to a period of 12 months’ probation.
The Florida trucker was operating his tractor-trailer on Interstate 80 in Ohio when he collided with a vehicle in front of an interchange exit ramp. The driver of the other vehicle died as a result of the injuries he suffered in that accident. Witnesses at the scene claimed that the Florida truck driver had made an improper lane change which caused the fatal accident to occur.
Truck drivers must follow strict rules and regulations on both state and federal levels, considering the frequency with which they are driving across state lines. In addition, truck drivers should pay particular attention to ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and functioning in a safe manner before venturing out on to roadways with the general public.
There are countless dangers that arise from the operation of large tractor-trailers. Anybody who has driven on I-95 in Miami to Fort Lauderdale and up through West Palm Beach can likely attest to how dangerous these roadways are, especially with the heavy tractor-trailer traffic coming and going to the ports in South Florida.
In addition, drivers themselves must take extra precautions while operating these vehicles on South Florida roadways. Unexpected issues such as a tire blowing out or a shift of weight within a cargo container can have serious consequences that a truck driver must be prepared for. However, some of the precautions truck drivers can take will help limit or prevent collisions. Truck drivers need to make sure that their horn, turn signals and other lights are functioning on their truck, they need to maintain safe speeds relative to the roadway they are travelling on, and one of the most important precautions they can take is to keep a safe distance between their truck and any vehicle in front of them, allowing ample time and space to safely slow their truck if there is a sudden stop ahead.
Accidents involving tractor-trailers occur often in the South Florida region, and are common on roadways from Fort Lauderdale to Davie, Weston, and other local areas. These collisions carry with them inherent complexity so if you find yourself involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer, be sure to consult an experienced and skillful Fort Lauderdale trucking accident personal injury attorney to ensure that your interests are competently represented.
For further information on this topic or any other, feel free to contact the Schulman Law Group at (954) 349-3300, or at info@www.schulaw.com
