An unfortunate fatal auto accident in South Florida has, once again, raised the need for awareness about the subject of towing and trailer safety on the roads of South Florida.
Even though many seem like unavoidable or random accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says approximately trailer-related accidents account for eight fatalities each week around the nation.
Recently, a driver was injured and the passenger killed in a rollover crash on Southbound I-95 near West Palm Beach. According to the Florida Highway Patrol Accident Report, the trailer began swerving back and forth causing the driver to lose control and veer off the roadway and then overturn. While the cause of the accident is under investigation, it is presumed that the load being carried by the trailer was a significant factor.
Any driver who has navigated the major roadways of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties knows that serious accidents are a daily occurrence. Because of this, it is important that drivers take extra precaution when driving near or behind a vehicle towing a trailer, including tractor-trailer trucks.
When operating a vehicle in close proximity to those towing trailers throughout the Weston and Fort Lauderdale areas, it is important to keep extra distance between the two vehicles, be mindful of the towing vehicle’s speed and watch for any erratic movements coming from the trailer or towing vehicle, which could indicate a driver losing control.
In addition to taking precautions while driving, it is also critical to review your auto insurance coverage to ensure that you, your family and potentially other passengers are protected in the event there are injuries resulting from an accident. Because of the number of uninsured and underinsured drivers throughout local areas like Miami, Davie, Weston, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, making sure that your policy includes “stacked” uninsured motorist coverage may help provide additional compensation for injuries and damages you or your family and guests may suffer in such an accident when the other party has limited or no bodily injury coverage at all.
For more 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
