Miami Semi Truck Driver involved in Lake Placid Accident
A semi truck, driven by a Miami native, struck and killed an 85-year-old man recently. The victim’s 2003 Mercury pulled into the semi truck’s path at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Main Avenue. While police are still investigating the cause of the accident, witnesses informed police that the victim’s car pull into the path of the semi truck. The truck then hit the car door and trapped the driver inside. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene. Accidents like this one happen regularly in Florida. If you have been involved in an semi truck accident this article can help you gain a better understanding of how semi trucks are regulated.
Semi Trucks are Strictly Regulated
As this accident demonstrates, semi trucks moving at highways speeds present a unique danger to other cars on the road. Because a collision with a semi truck can cause so much damage, semi truck drivers must take extra care when driving. Even a simple semi truck accident could have devastating consequences for accident victims. Federal regulators understand the damage a semi truck can cause and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry with the goal of reducing crashes and fatal accidents:
- Hours of Service Rules: the FMCSA limits the number of consecutive hours a driver can work without resting. Generally, drivers cannot drive more than 60 or 70 hours per week. Drivers with cargo are limited to driving 10 hours per day and drivers carrying passengers are limited to driving 11 hours per day.
- Distracted Driving Prohibited: The FMCSA prohibits semi truck drivers from using cellphones while driving. Specifically, semi truck drivers may not use mobile devices to text. Regulations do allow semi truck drivers to use a handsfree and voice activation to make phone calls.
- Alcohol and Drug Testing: semi truck drivers may not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. FMCSA regulations make it illegal for a semi truck driver to drink four hours before driving. Additionally, drivers are required to take drug tests before they are hired.
The state of Florida also attempts to decrease semi truck accidents by prohibiting drivers from following within more than 300 feet of another vehicle. While the cause of the above accident is still unknown, if an investigation reveals that a semi truck driver violated federal or state regulations, then the victim’s family may have a basis for filing a wrongful death suit against the driver and the company employing the driver.
Contact an Attorney
Semi trucks can cause devastating damage. Their size and weights makes it possible for semi truck accidents to result in lifelong disability and even death. If you have been in an accident with a semi truck, or if you have lost a loved one in a semi truck accident, then please contact the Miami truck accident attorneys at the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A.. We can discuss you case with you and help you determine if a state or federal law was violated when your accident occurred. Please contact us today at 866-936-9761 to discuss your case.
