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Trailers are regulated in the United States to ensure they are maintained and kept in safe operating condition. The safety regulations are determined by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

On August 30, 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warned the public that noncompliant trailers may pose safety risks and are increasingly marketed and sold to small businesses throughout the United States. These trailers are often marketed as food trucks or vending stations.

Fox13 News in Tampa reported a couple tragically died when their trailer, used as a food truck, blew a tire on I-75 in Sarasota County. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that after the tire blew, the vehicle overturned. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office said, “The crash appeared to be a very tragic example of a catastrophic tire failure.”

There have been a number of incidents where small business owners purchased and imported trailers. After they were received, buyers found that the vehicles did not meet U.S. safety standards that are intended to reduce the risk of accidents. The NHTSA cautions buyers when shopping online or when importing trailers.

Imported trailers are permitted under U.S. law if they meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for certification. If the trailers do not meet the standards, they are not allowed to enter the United States.

The critical safety standards apply to such things as appropriate lighting, tires, and wheels. Only companies that are registered with the NHTSA may manufacture trailers that are compliant with Federal standards.

Compliant trailers will have affixed labels indicating they meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The NHTSA has a Vehicle Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing Manufacturer Portal on its website.

Trailer trucks are becoming more popular as many people look forward to working for themselves. There are times when the drivers of these trucks may cause accidents. Speeding, distracted driving, and fatigue are three main causes of these accidents. However, there are other reasons trailer truck drivers may cause accidents, including fires, maneuverability, blind spots, and braking time, according to the NHTSA.

• Fires – Many food trailer trucks use propane gas or other cooking fuels that are stored in the vehicle. This increases the probability of a fire erupting in a crash causing victims to suffer devastating burns, disfigurement, scarring, and even death.
• Inexperience & Limited Maneuverability – Trailers used as food trucks or vending station trucks are driven by drivers who are primarily businesspeople, not truckers. They may be untrained and inexperienced in safely driving a large truck causing accidents and injuring themselves or others on the roads.
• Blind Spots ­– Trailer trucks have large blind spots in the front, back and on both sides. An inexperienced driver may not understand how large the blind spots are and may forget to check before changing lanes or turning.
• Braking Time ­– Trailer trucks are heavier than standard passenger vehicles. The largest models may reach 30,000 pounds. This weight compromises braking time when they need to stop.

If you or a loved one suffered injury or tragically died, in an accident because of the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering under Florida law. A trailer truck operator may be liable, in addition to others. Fort Myers Truck Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey and his team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. assist victims to receive the compensation to which they are entitled. After seeking medical assistance, please contact us 24/7 at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or contact us online at SpiveyLaw.com. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you.

Here are a couple of our client testimonials: 

• Words can’t express how thankful I am that I found Spivey Law firm! After my accident, I was lost, scared. I didn’t trust anybody. Spivey Law asked me to trust them. They were with me every step of the way. Communication was there constantly, and it made it so much better for me. Definitely 5 stars in my book. DELMA 

• Outstanding Law Firm!!! The Spivey Law Firm is the best of the best. Mr. Spivey is an outstanding attorney! We were lucky to have him represent us. He is honest, knowledgeable and an outstanding negotiator. His staff is amazing! It was comforting to know that Mr. Spivey, himself, was handling our case from the beginning to the end. We could not have asked for a better experience. RICHARD