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According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Florida has the third most truck accidents in the United States. As of the end of August, there have been more than 3,700 truck accidents in Florida so far this year. These accidents have resulted in more than 1,800 injuries and 126 fatalities—with most victims being occupants of passenger vehicles.

Why is this the case? Why does Florida have so many truck accidents?

Several Factors Contribute to Florida’s High Rate of Commercial Truck Accidents

As it turns out, there are likely several factors that contribute to Florida’s high rate of serious and fatal commercial truck accidents. For example, some of these factors include:

1. Florida’s Ever-Increasing Population

While Florida is only the 22nd largest state by geographic area, it is the third largest state by population. As of 2022, Florida is home to nearly 22 million residents. Florida’s population has grown significantly in recent years, and that means that everything is in higher demand.

From clothes and home appliances to groceries and toilet paper, nearly everything we need gets delivered to local stores (or our front doors) on commercial trucks. As a result, with Florida’s growing population, there are more trucks on the roads—and this means that we are seeing more truck accidents.

According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the state’s population is expected to increase to 26 million by 2030. This means an increase of roughly four million residents—more than the entire population of 21 of the 50 U.S. states. With even more residents, Florida’s commercial demands will grow even further, and as a result, we can expect to see even more trucks—and truck accidents—on our roads in the years to come.

2. Florida’s Port Cities

Florida has numerous seaports along its Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and many of these ports are among the busiest in the United States. These ports host cargo ships traveling to the U.S. and countries around the world for one purpose—to transport cargo containers that arrive and depart on 18-wheelers.

While Florida’s commercial shipping industry provides tens of thousands of jobs and untold billions in revenue, it is also a major factor in the high volume of commercial truck traffic on Florida’s roads. While port cities may see the most local truck traffic, highways like Interstate 75 in Fort Myers are often packed with 18-wheelers as well. These highways are where most truck accidents occur, and accidents that happen at highway speeds are the most likely to lead to serious injuries and fatalities.

3. Florida’s Tourism Industry

Florida’s tourism industry also relies heavily on commercial truck transportation. From the food at restaurants and resorts to the merchandise at theme parks and amusement parks, virtually everything tourists want while they are on vacation shows up in a box truck or on the back of a tractor-trailer.

Of course, Florida relies heavily on tourism, and the state’s worldwide reputation as a vacation destination isn’t likely to go away any time soon. This is yet another reason why driving around commercial trucks is a part of everyday life for Florida residents and yet another reason why Florida has such a high rate of commercial truck accidents.

4. Florida’s Tropical Storms and Hurricanes

Tropical storms and hurricanes cause devastation throughout Florida. According to Bloomberg, the total economic cost of Hurricane Ian in 2022 is expected to reach $63 billion, and Ian is expected to result in “the largest storm-related losses in Florida’s history.”

Large commercial trucks are instrumental in the rebuilding process. They remove debris, deliver supplies, and carry building materials where they need to go. Unfortunately, while this is extremely important work, in some cases, trucks involved in Florida’s rebuilding efforts are also involved in accidents.

5. Florida’s Construction Boom

Another major factor contributing to a large number of trucks—and truck accidents—on Florida’s roads is the state’s construction boom. As the South Florida Business Journal wrote in October 2022, “Florida is currently experiencing a development boom across all aspects of commercial space, from the construction of hospitals to class A office buildings and multifamily housing.” Just like rebuilding efforts, these new construction projects rely heavily on large trucks to deliver cement, lumber, cranes, and other construction materials and equipment on a daily basis.

What To Do After a Serious or Fatal Truck Accident in Florida

For individuals who suffer serious injuries and lose loved ones in Florida truck accidents, seeking proper compensation is extremely important. Regardless of why a truck is on the road, the trucking company and truck driver have a duty to ensure that it does not present a hazard to other motorists. From inadequate maintenance and truck defects to negligent truck driving and failure to properly secure cargo, various issues can lead to accidents—and when they do, the companies involved deserve to be held accountable.

With this in mind, individuals and families who are coping with the consequences of truck accidents in Florida should take some important steps to protect their legal rights. For example, as soon as possible, it is important to try to:

• Take photos to document the vehicle damage and physical injuries caused by the accident
• Take detailed notes to record everything you can remember about the crash;
• Take care of yourself by seeking medical and/or psychological care as necessary;
• Be careful to avoid saying the wrong things to insurance adjusters or on social media; and,
• Seek help from an experienced truck accident attorney who can fight for the financial compensation you and your family deserve.

Contact Us for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

Are you struggling to cope with the effects of a truck accident in Florida? If so, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. can help, and we encourage you to contact us promptly for more information. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with truck accident attorney Randall L. Spivey as soon as possible, please call 888-477-4839 or reach out online today.