When it comes to an accident between a fully-loaded 80,000 pound semi-truck and a standard 2,000 pound automobile, it is likely that the occupants of the automobile will suffer significant damages. Unfortunately, truck accidents occur all too frequently in Florida and nationwide, injuring or killing those involved. For this reason, there are many federal and state laws and regulations that trucking companies and truck drivers must comply with.
For example, drivers of semi-trucks must obtain a commercial driver license to operate their vehicles. This is a special license that is only issued to those who can safely operate a large truck. Unqualified drivers are more likely to cause truck accidents. In addition, there are regulations in place that outline how much time a trucker can spend on the road before taking a rest break. The aim of these regulations is to prevent driver fatigue, which is a common cause of truck accidents.
Trucks are also limited in how much weight they can haul. This limitation is based on the size of the vehicle at issue. For example, a double-axle truck can carry more weight than a single-axle truck. The heavier the truck, the more likely significant damages will occur in the event of a crash. Quality control checks must also be performed on semi-trucks, both when the vehicles are manufactured and if they are being repaired. Finally, there are regulations for the transportation of hazardous waste.
Unfortunately, when it comes to truck accidents, the semi-truck has the sheer laws of physics on its side and it is likely that the occupants of the other automobile involved in the crash will be injured. In extremely catastrophic accidents there could even be fatalities. Federal and state laws and regulations aim to prevent these types of accidents from occurring, but there will always be those who fail to comply with the law.