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In years past, residents in South Fort Myers have expressed frustration. Why? Because dump trucks were routinely speeding down Hendry Creek Drive. The speeding typically started around 5:00 a.m. and did not end until sunset. 

Quite often, dump truck drivers carrying heavy loads not only speed through residential neighborhoods, but some of them operate their trucks recklessly and run red lights. For example, earlier this year, a couple from Alva was killed and a Lehigh Acres man was cited for failing to stop after his dump truck went through a red light on Palm Beach Boulevard, crashing into their vehicle.

Accidents involving dump trucks are usually more severe than ordinary vehicle accidents. Dump trucks can weigh 25,000 pounds or more, while an average passenger automobile weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. Because of this size disparity, and due to the basic laws of physics, any collision between a dump truck and another vehicle is likely to result in serious, even fatal injuries. The danger posed by truck accidents can be made worse depending on the nature of the freight the truck is carrying. 

“Dump truck accidents are dangerous. Should you or a loved one be injured in an accident with a dump truck or any other vehicle, please contact our experienced legal team,” said Naples Personal Injury Attorney Randall Spivey.

Florida's Law on Speeding 

Florida’s “absolute” speed limit law is not difficult to learn. Even driving 41 mph in a zone marked with signs saying 40 mph is a violation of the law. 

Ways to Reduce Speeding 

There are ways to limit speed in residential zones, including painting speed limits or “SLOW” on road surfaces along with speed limit signs. There are other traffic calming measures that have been known to reduce speeding. Here are a couple of examples from the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing (POP): 

Speed bumps: Shorter and narrower speed bumps can be crossed safely only at lower speeds. They can damage large vehicles. 

Textured pavements: Adding textured pavements made from brick or cobblestone can be used for entire street blocks and can substantially reduce vehicle speeds. 

It is important to note that dump truck drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license. Dump truck drivers who drive aggressively or fail to make conservative choices and then cause accidents can be found responsible for the damages they cause. Additionally, companies that operate dump trucks have a responsibility to ensure that their drivers have been trained in the safe operation of their vehicles and can be held accountable if their operators have caused an accident.

What Are Your Family’s Legal Rights if You Lose a Loved One in a Fatal Dump Truck Accident?

Whether due to speeding, distracted driving, alcohol or drug-impaired driving, or any other driver-related factor, when dump trucks cause fatal accidents, the companies that own and operate them deserve to be held accountable. Eligible family members can file claims for wrongful death, and they can seek to recover compensation not only for their financial losses (i.e., medical bills, funeral expenses and loss of income) but for their loss of consortium, loss of companionship and other non-financial losses as well. Under Florida law, eligible family members may include (and are not necessarily limited to) spouses, children, parents, other biological relatives and adopted siblings.

Regardless of the circumstances involved, you should speak with an attorney about your loved one’s fatal dump truck accident. The statistics show that truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for the vast majority of these accidents—with excessive speed being a primary factor. If your family has a claim, securing compensation will be an important part of the recovery process, and you will need an experienced attorney to help you hold the trucking company accountable.

Discuss Your Family’s Legal Rights with Attorney Randall L. Spivey at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

If you’ve been hurt in a dump truck accident, the team of attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. is available to discuss your legal rights and options.

Personal injury attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact our firm in Lee County at 239-337-7483 or toll-free at 888-477-4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941-764-7748 and in Collier County at 239-793-7748.