Truck accidents, especially those caused by hydroplaning, can lead to devastating consequences. As truck drivers navigate Florida's highways during adverse weather conditions, hydroplaning becomes a serious threat, turning these massive vehicles into potential hazards.
This article delves into the causes of hydroplaning, the contributing factors to such accidents, the process of determining liability, and the potential compensation victims may receive. Whether you're a truck driver, a fellow road user, or an unfortunate victim of such an incident, this article offers critical insights to help you understand and navigate these challenging situations.
A. Florida Accidents Caused When a Truck Hydroplanes
Tractor-trailers pose a substantial risk on the road due to their sheer size and weight. Their potential for catastrophic accidents elevates during adverse weather conditions, underscoring the need for truck drivers to exercise utmost caution. Truck drivers must remain vigilant of weather and road conditions to avoid dangerous scenarios such as hydroplaning.
A hydroplaning truck, bereft of control, transforms into a lethal weapon on the road. If you or your loved ones have suffered injuries from a hydroplaning truck accident in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, or North Carolina, Spetsas Buist PLLC is ready to provide you with crucial legal support. Don't face this daunting situation alone; our seasoned legal team will guide you through all aspects of your injury case, fighting relentlessly to secure the compensation you deserve for the pain, suffering, and financial losses triggered by the truck accident.
B. What Causes Trucks to Hydroplane on Florida Roads?
Hydroplaning involves a scenario where the truck tires lose contact with the road surface, instead skimming over a thin film of water. This severely impairs the driver's ability to brake and steer effectively.
There are several factors that can trigger hydroplaning:
- Road Conditions: Just 1/10th of an inch of water on the road can cause a vehicle to hydroplane. The risk escalates as the water depth on the road surface increases.
- Tread Depth: The depth of tire tread plays a critical role in hydroplaning. Worn-out treads significantly heighten the risk.
- Vehicle Speed: Speeding gives tires less time to disperse water between the treads and road surface, thereby elevating the hydroplaning risk.
The early stages of a rainstorm pose the highest danger as water mixes with oils on the road, creating a slick surface until the rain washes the oils away. Fast-moving water from heavy rainfall can also increase the likelihood of a truck hydroplaning.
C. Factors Involved When Trucks Hydroplane and Cause Accidents
While poor road conditions from rain, ice, and snow are common culprits of truck hydroplaning, other contributing factors can exacerbate the situation. These include:
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions;
- Failure to inspect truck tires before each trip;
- Not replacing worn-out truck tires;
- Inexperience of truck drivers;
- Distracted driving;
- Failure to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, leading to sudden braking;
- Improperly inflated truck tires.
Although truck drivers cannot control weather or road conditions, negligence on their part that contributes to an accident could hold them and their employers liable for damages.
D. Who Is Responsible for Damages Caused When Trucks Hydroplane?
Identifying contributing factors is the first step towards determining liability for a hydroplane truck accident. The truck driver and the trucking company could be held accountable if they failed to inspect and maintain the truck tires.
Similarly, negligence or reckless behavior on the part of the truck driver can also result in them and their company being held liable. In certain cases, the tire manufacturer may be responsible if defective tires contributed to the accident. Furthermore, government entities might be liable if poorly maintained or defective roads played a role in the accident.
E. Recovering Compensation for Damages Caused by Hydroplaning Trucks
Victims of truck accidents could be eligible for compensation, covering:
- Medical bills and related expenses;
- Personal care and nursing costs;
- Loss of income and future earning potential;
- Disabilities and impairments;
- Reduced quality of life;
- Pain and suffering, including physical injuries, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
Overall, obtaining this compensation requires proving that the accident resulted from another party's negligence or wrongdoing. This can be a complex task due to the multitude of factors that can contribute to a hydroplaning truck accident.
At Spetsas Buist PLLC, we conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the truck accident. We examine each factor contributing to the crash, engage experts for assistance, and gather evidence proving liability. Then, we aggressively pursue those parties to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Do You Need to Speak to a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving a semi truck, 18-wheeler, tractor trailer, or any other commercial vehicle, you should speak with a skilled, experienced, and aggressive Florida truck accident lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us on our website, or you can call our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone. When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a truck accident lawyer, not a customer service representative or intake person.
If you need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured in the Southeast, we may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
For more information on truck accidents, you can download our free e-book: 10 BIG Questions You Need Answered After a Truck Accident.
