Truck Accident Lawyer Boca Raton

Truck accidents often result in life-altering injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. If you’ve been hurt in a collision with a large truck, it’s important to take legal action quickly. At Donaldson & Weston, our experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the complex regulations that apply to trucking companies and are prepared to build a strong case on your behalf. Call 561-821-3898 to schedule a free consultation today.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be devastating. When an 80,000-pound vehicle collides with a passenger car, the outcome is rarely minor. In Boca Raton and throughout Florida, truck accidents are responsible for serious injuries, property damage, and fatalities every year. Understanding what often causes these crashes can help drivers stay safer on the road and give accident victims a clearer picture of how liability is determined.

These accidents are often the result of preventable actions—by the truck driver, the trucking company, or even other drivers. Here’s a closer look at the most common factors that lead to truck-related crashes.

Driver fatigue remains a widespread issue

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents. Long hours behind the wheel can lead to drowsiness, delayed reactions, and poor decision-making. Even though federal hours-of-service rules are in place to limit how long a driver can operate a truck without rest, some drivers push past those limits to meet delivery deadlines.

In Boca Raton, where long hauls up and down I-95 are common, it’s not unusual to see drivers who are simply too tired to be on the road. The problem worsens when trucking companies pressure their drivers to meet tight schedules, sometimes ignoring safety for the sake of speed.

Distracted driving is not limited to cars

While distraction is often associated with texting and driving in passenger vehicles, truck drivers are also at risk. Cell phones, GPS systems, radios, and even eating behind the wheel can all take a driver’s focus off the road. Given the size and weight of a commercial truck, even a few seconds of distraction can cause a serious accident.

Unlike smaller vehicles, large trucks require much more distance to stop. If a distracted driver fails to react in time, they may not be able to avoid a crash. This is especially dangerous in stop-and-go traffic or during sudden slowdowns, which are common on South Florida highways.

Poor maintenance and equipment failures play a role

Truck maintenance is critical for safe operation. When brakes fail, tires blow out, or steering systems malfunction, the results can be catastrophic. Trucking companies are responsible for keeping their vehicles in roadworthy condition. Failing to do regular inspections or ignoring known mechanical issues puts everyone at risk.

In some cases, the problem isn’t with maintenance but with faulty parts. Manufacturers can be held liable if a defective component contributed to an accident. However, proving that requires a detailed investigation and often involves expert analysis.

Improper cargo loading can cause imbalance

The way a truck’s cargo is loaded can have a major impact on its handling. Overloaded trucks or those with unevenly distributed cargo are more likely to tip over, jackknife, or lose control—especially when turning or braking suddenly. This is particularly risky on Florida’s busy highways, where trucks often change lanes or merge in heavy traffic.

Cargo-related accidents can be traced back to the driver, the shipping company, or third-party contractors responsible for loading. Identifying who is at fault requires a close look at weight records, shipping logs, and maintenance reports.

Speeding and aggressive driving increase the danger

Truck drivers are under pressure to deliver goods quickly, but speeding comes at a cost. Large trucks cannot stop as quickly as smaller vehicles. Driving too fast reduces reaction time and increases the risk of losing control.

Some truck drivers also engage in aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, or failing to yield. When combined with the physical limitations of a tractor-trailer, these actions can lead to severe collisions. Aggressive driving is especially dangerous in urban areas like Boca Raton, where traffic congestion is common.

Weather conditions make operation more difficult

Florida’s weather can shift quickly. Heavy rain, poor visibility, and slick roads all make driving a truck more difficult. Trucks are more prone to hydroplaning or sliding during sudden storms, especially if the tires are worn or improperly inflated.

Although drivers are expected to adjust their speed and behavior based on the weather, not all do. Some continue to drive as if the roads are dry and conditions are perfect. When they fail to slow down or increase following distance, crashes become more likely.

Inadequate training and experience are contributing factors

Driving a commercial truck takes skill and training. Inexperienced or undertrained drivers are more likely to make critical mistakes. This could include misjudging turns, failing to check blind spots, or not knowing how to handle the vehicle in an emergency.

Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly licensed and trained. When they cut corners to fill jobs quickly or overlook red flags in a driver’s history, they put unqualified drivers on the road.

Blind spots and limited visibility create risk

Tractor-trailers have large blind spots on all four sides. These areas are sometimes called “no-zones,” and if a car is in one, the truck driver may not see it. Many accidents happen when a truck changes lanes or turns, unaware that another vehicle is nearby.

Passenger car drivers can reduce the risk by avoiding these blind spots whenever possible. Still, the burden is on truck drivers to check their mirrors, use turn signals, and drive defensively. When they fail to do so, liability for any resulting accident may fall on them or their employer.

Substance use impairs judgment

While most truck drivers follow the law, some do get behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even legal substances, such as certain prescription medications, can affect reaction time and alertness. Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards than regular motorists, but violations still occur.

Drug and alcohol testing is mandatory after serious accidents, but the results don’t always come quickly. That’s why an attorney may need to request toxicology reports, driving records, and other evidence during a personal injury case.

Holding the Right Parties Accountable

When a truck accident happens, identifying the cause is only the first step. It’s just as important to determine who is legally responsible. Depending on the circumstances, liability could rest with:

• The truck driver 
• The trucking company 
• A third-party maintenance provider 
• A cargo loading company 
• A parts manufacturer

Sometimes multiple parties share blame. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine how each contributed to the accident and how compensation should be distributed.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney After a Truck Accident

Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties and aggressive insurance companies. Without strong legal representation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A personal injury attorney from Donaldson & Weston can level the playing field and help you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to. If you were injured in a truck crash in Boca Raton, don’t wait to get the guidance you need. Call 561-821-3898 today to schedule your free consultation.