TRUCKING ACCIDENTS

Trucking Accidents in
Florida, Michigan, and New York

Across the United States, commercial trucking plays a vital role in keeping goods moving—especially in major transportation hubs like Florida, Michigan, and New York. While these large vehicles are essential to the economy, they can also pose serious dangers on busy highways and city streets. The size, weight, and momentum of a fully loaded semi-truck can result in devastating consequences, particularly when smaller passenger vehicles or motorcycles are involved.

Each year, thousands of people are seriously injured or killed in accidents involving commercial trucks. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large trucks were involved in approximately 5,700 fatal crashes, 117,000 injury crashes, and 401,000 property-damage-only crashes in 2021 alone.¹ These statistics highlight the significant risks that come with sharing the road with 18-wheelers and other heavy-duty vehicles.

Truck crashes frequently result from preventable causes such as driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, equipment failure, or poor cargo loading. In high-traffic states like Florida, Michigan, and New York—where commercial trucking routes intersect with dense urban areas and heavily traveled corridors—these risks are even more pronounced.

For example, Interstate 95 in Florida, particularly through Miami, is among the state’s busiest commercial truck routes and is notorious for congestion and collisions. In Michigan, Interstate 75—especially through the Detroit metro area and near the Ambassador Bridge—serves as a vital trade corridor, seeing some of the highest truck volumes in the state. Meanwhile, in New York, the Cross Bronx Expressway portion of Interstate 95 is a well-known bottleneck and a hotspot for truck-related accidents due to its aging infrastructure and constant freight traffic. Traveling on these routes requires heightened awareness from both truck drivers and motorists, as a moment’s inattention can result in catastrophic consequences.

In the aftermath of such incidents, many victims search for a truck accident lawyer nearby to help navigate the legal complexities that follow. Emergency rooms across these regions regularly treat individuals who suffer from catastrophic trucking-related injuries—many of which lead to permanent disability, loss of income, and long-term medical care. For families who have lost a loved one, the emotional and financial toll is immeasurable.

Given the complexity of these cases, it’s essential to have experienced legal representation. Whether you're searching for a trucking accident lawyer in Florida, a trucking accident lawyer in Michigan, or a trucking accident lawyer in New York, choosing an attorney who understands the unique demands of commercial vehicle litigation can make all the difference. From investigating the cause of the crash to negotiating with powerful insurance companies, a skilled legal team can help guide you through every step of the recovery process.

Unique Aspects of Trucking Accidents and What to Do After a Crash: A Guide for Injury Victims

If you've been hurt in a crash involving a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle, you’ve probably already realized—this isn’t just another fender bender. Trucking accidents are different. They hit harder, the injuries are more serious, and the legal side of things? It’s way more complicated. Here's why these cases stand out—and why having the right team in your corner matters.

Who's to Blame?
More than just the Driver

In many car accidents, there’s often only one person to blame. But with trucking accidents, it’s often not that simple. There might be several people or companies involved:

The driver
The trucking company
Whoever loaded the cargo
The company that owns the trailer
The shop responsible for maintenance

That means more moving parts—and more people pointing fingers at each other to avoid responsibility.

Rules of the Road are More Strict

Big trucks have to follow their own set of rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations on:

If a driver or company breaks these rules, it can help prove fault—but only if your legal team knows what to look for.

Evidence Disappears

Truck companies only have to keep important records—like driver logs, maintenance reports, and dashcam footage—for a short time. Sometimes just a few months. Once that window closes, those records can legally be destroyed.

That’s why acting quickly matters. A well-timed letter from your lawyer can legally force them to preserve that evidence before it’s gone.

BIG Trucks = BIG Insurance

Most commercial trucks carry policies worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars. Sounds great, right? Not so fast. These policies come with aggressive legal teams who will do everything they can to protect their bottom line.

It takes experience and persistence to deal with these insurers and get the compensation you deserve.

Life Changing Injuries

Trucking accidents cause some of the most devastating injuries we see:

Brain and spinal cord damage
Amputations
Burns
Permanent disabilities

These are not short-term issues. They affect your work, your family, and your future. You’ll likely need long-term care, and that should be factored into any case.

Building Your Case

Trucking cases often need outside experts to explain what went wrong and how it affects you. These might include:

Crash reconstruction specialists
Trucking safety professionals
Engineers
Medical and life care planners
Economists who calculate future losses

They help paint the full picture for insurance companies—or juries—so that nothing gets overlooked.

Trucking Companies Act Fast

The trucking company’s legal team is probably already working the case—sometimes before the tow truck even leaves the scene. They’re interviewing witnesses, inspecting vehicles, and building a defense.

You need someone working just as fast for you. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your chances of leveling the playing field.

Where Your Case is Fought

Trucking cases can cross state lines and involve companies based in different places. That means deciding where ("Venue") to file your case becomes a big deal. The laws, the courts, and even the potential jury can all vary depending on the location.

An experienced lawyer will figure out the best venue to give your case the strongest shot.

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Common Causes of
Trucking Accidents in the U.S.

When a commercial truck is involved in a crash, the consequences can be devastating. Understanding what causes these accidents can help victims and their families make sense of what happened—and may also play a key role in determining liability. Below are the most common causes of trucking accidents according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other transportation safety experts.

Driver Error

One of the top causes of trucking accidents is a simple failure to recognize hazards in time, including:

Distracted driving (cell phones, GPS, etc.)
Speeding
Following too closely
Unsafe lane changes or turns
Misjudging other vehicles' speeds or distances

When a driver isn’t fully focused on the road, even a momentary lapse can lead to a catastrophic collision.

Driver Fatigue

Despite strict federal regulations on Hours of Service (HOS), driver fatigue remains a major problem. Fatigued truck drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the likelihood of a serious crash.

Driver Intoxication

Operating a commercial truck while under the influence of drugs or alcohol poses a significant risk to all road users. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in 2021, 5.5% of large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug. However, it's important to note that 62.1% of these drivers were not tested, suggesting the actual percentage could be higher .

Vehicle Malfunction

Mechanical failure is a serious concern in the trucking industry. Common equipment-related causes include:

Brake failure
Tire blowouts or worn tread
Steering or suspension defects

Proper maintenance and pre-trip inspections are essential, but not always performed diligently.

Weather Conditions

Weather and road conditions also play a significant role in truck accidents, especially in states like Florida, Michigan, and New York, where the weather can change quickly and dramatically. In Florida, sudden downpours, tropical storms, and heavy rain can reduce visibility and make road surfaces dangerously slick. Michigan drivers often face black ice, snow squalls, and freezing rain that create treacherous driving conditions. Meanwhile, New York sees a mix of weather extremes—from heavy snowfall in the north and upstate regions to dense fog and rain in the more populated downstate areas.

TRUCKING ACCIDENTS