Tampa Trauma Center Information
First, when someone is seriously injured, they often need to go to an emergency room; known today as a trauma center; for medical assistance. But, these medical care departments are a vital resource to a community. Especially, when someone has incurred a life-threatening injury from an auto accident.
In fact, the Tampa area has two trauma emergency rooms. St. Joseph’s Hospital has both a designated Level II. And, a Pediatric Trauma Center, and Tampa General Hospital, which is a Level I Trauma Center.
Note: If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, contact us for a free consultation. We visit both of these hospitals to speak to accident victims.
Medical Trauma
Furthermore, a medical trauma is defined as a sudden onset of a physical injury with sufficient severity to require immediate medical attention. Thus, if someone experiencing a trauma doesn’t get medical attention quickly, the injury might cause systemic shock called “shock trauma” and may require immediate resuscitation and interventions to save a life or limb.
Even though, auto accidents are the number one cause of personal injury in the United States. Incidentally, there are certain common types of traumatic injuries that come from car crashes that require a trip to an emergency room. Some of these are:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Skull fractures
- Collapsed lungs
- Crush injuries
- Burn injuries.
What is a Trauma Center?
Hence, a trauma center—traditionally called an emergency room—is a medical care unit found in a licensed hospital that is equipped to deal with traumatic injuries. Yet, each state has laws that designate the levels of each center and provides guidelines on what is required to meet a certain level of trauma care. However, most states follow the same general designations so that there is uniformity in the meaning of the different levels of trauma care.
Types of trauma centers in Florida
Like most states, Florida uses a level system to designate the type of trauma care available in each emergency room. And, the Florida Department of Health creates the designation of each center throughout the state. In fact, each center is then verified by the American College of Surgeons which has national standards used in the verification process.
Additionally, a trauma emergency room needs to be re-verified every three years, and for an emergency room to gain and maintain a level I designation, it must provide both adult and pediatric services. Actually, these designations are:
- Level I Trauma Centers
- Level II Trauma Centers
- Pediatric Trauma Centers
Florida Level I Centers
Thus, a Level I center in Florida must meet the standards of a trauma emergency room and be verified by the Florida Department of Health.
- They have the resources, equipment, and personnel to handle critical patient care.
- Use formal trauma-certified doctors, nurses, and surgeons on staff at all times.
- Has the formal research and education programs for the enhancement of trauma care.
- Serves as a resource facility to Level II and Pediatric Trauma Centers.
- Has various levels of local (municipal) support and funding
Level II Centers
Granted, these are similar to Level I centers but do not require the research and residency components. Additionally, they have lower volume requirements of major trauma patients.
Components of Level II Center
- Has the resources, equipment, and personnel to handle critical patient care.
- Has formal trauma certified doctors, nurses, and surgeons on staff at all times.
- Continues in training for the enhancement of trauma care.
- Has various levels of local (municipal) support and funding
Pediatric Trauma Centers
Additionally, all Level I Centers must have served as a Pediatric Trauma Center. And, other emergency rooms can have the designations of a Pediatric Trauma Center without Level I or II designations.
Components of a Pediatric Trauma Center
- They have resources and equipment to handle critical pediatric patients.
- Use pediatric critical care trained and certified personnel and staff.
- Has a pediatric trauma-certified emergency doctor and a pediatric surgeon on at all times.
Tampa Metro Area Trauma Centers
St Joseph’s Hospital
– Level II Trauma Center
– Pediatric Trauma Center
3001 W. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd Tampa, Florida, 33607
(800) 229-2273
Tampa General Hospital
– Level I Trauma Center
1 Tampa General Cir
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 844-7000
Contact a Traumatic Injury Attorney Today
In short, if you or a loved one has visited an emergency room as a result of an auto accident, you need to speak to an attorney to learn your rights under the law. As a result, you may be entitled to compensation from the person that injured you.
Lastly, don’t go it alone, call the personal injury team at RHINO Lawyers which is the powerful, results-driven law firm that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” Thus, we describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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Box Truck Accident Passenger Seriously Injured
Due to the crash paramedics rushed the occupants of a box truck to the hospital in serious condition. The accident happened around 3 a.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2019, in the westbound lanes of I-4 near the 12 milepost.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver of the box truck went off-road for an unknown reason and hit a barrier wall that separated the highway from a Florida DOT scale building. The officer stated they weren’t wearing seatbelts causing them to be thrown from the truck.
Ejection Injuries in a Box Truck Accident
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations, you have around a 90 percent chance of dying when ejected from a vehicle in a crash. This is because of the violent nature of an accident that happens with enough force to eject occupants. Also, a person ejected from a car is not protected by the vehicle. So, they are subject to a secondary impact or severely injured by hitting the ground.
Passenger Injuries
Passengers of an auto crash are more likely to be severely injured or killed than the driver. Experts believe the reason for this is that the steering wheel offers some protection to the driver and that many times the passenger isn’t able to brace themselves or take other defensive measures prior to the crash.
Who Pays for my Injuries?
Many times, passengers of the at-fault driver wonder who will pay for their injuries. Florida law requires that anyone at fault for someone else’s personal injuries compensate them for their losses. This is true even if the driver and the passenger are friends, family and are on the same insurance policy.
This means that the insurance company of the drive of the car that caused the accident will have to pay for all financial losses incurred because of the crash. Also, if the injured passenger has auto insurance, there may some coverage from their own policy as well.
Do I need an Attorney after a Box Truck Crash?
The insurance company might tell you that you can’t sue a family member or that if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt, that the injury was your fault. Don’t listen to them. Talk to our personal injury team who knows the laws regarding personal injury and insurance coverage.
Call a Tampa Auto Accident Lawyer at RHINO Lawyers which is the powerful, results-driven law firm that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” Our Personal Mission is to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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Two Charter Buses Crash sending 34 to Hospital
Two charter buses taking students to Orlando on a field trip collided with each other injuring 34 of the 91 occupants of the buses. The Florida Highway Patrol says the buses were following a truck that was pulling a trailer that had no operating brake lights, and when the trailer slowed to turn into a driveway, the driver of the closest bus didn’t notice the turn and slammed on brakes.
The second bus driver was unable to slow in time and hit the bus in front of it. In all, 34 occupants from both buses went to the hospital. The rest were taken to a fire station to wait for another bus to take them on their way.
The accident happened around 10:15 a.m., Friday, May 17, 2019, in the area of Rockridge Road and Dean Still Road north of Polk City. The Port Richey Pepin Academies Pasco Campus students were going to the medieval festival in Kissimmee for a field trip. Most of the injuries were minor with a few being moderate. Of the 34 injured, three were adults who were chaperoning the trip. Police cited the driver of the pickup with defective equipment. And, charged one of the bus drivers with careless driving.
Charter Bus Accidents
Each year around 137,000 people injured and 135 people die in school bus-related incidents. Only 6 or 7 of those fatalities being students who were riding on the bus. Others include hitting kids outside the bus and occupants of other vehicles that collide with a bus.
Statistically, students are rarely killed while riding the bus. The reason is the size and weight of the bus. A bus weighs around 30,000 lbs which outweighs the average passenger car by a factor of 10. Thus, when a car hits a school bus, most of the damage is to the car. The students are usually protected by the bulk of the bus.
Bus Accident Injuries
The vast majority of the 137,000 injuries for bus occupants each year are minor, but some can be moderate to serious. Most school buses and private charter buses don’t have seatbelts. As a result, people get tossed around during an accident causing many of the injuries. These are some common injuries in a school bus crash:
- Head Trauma: From hitting the seat in front of the person.
- Broken limbs: Broken arms and legs happen when a person hits the seat or bulwark in front of them.
- Deep Contusion: The impact can cause deep bruising which can be painful and take time to heal.
- Lacerations: Broken glass, twisted metal can cause deep cuts and serious injury when a school bus crashes.
Do I need an Attorney?
If you’ve been injured in a school bus, charter bus or HART bus accident, then you should talk to an attorney about your case before you speak to anyone from the insurance company. Call RHINO Lawyers today to talk to our personal injury team in a free consultation where you can have your case evaluated by an auto accident professional.
RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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Can I Sue Someone in Prison after a Crash in Florida?
When a drunk driver kills a loved one, it’s an especially painful time for those close to the victim. Most surviving members of a DUI fatality want to see justice, and for that, they have to rely on the criminal justice system.
In most states’ laws today, when an impaired driver kills someone, they are facing some sort of manslaughter charge, and the sentence can range from a few months to 10 years for a first offense.
But what happens next? It helps if the person faces justice and goes to prison. Yet, that doesn’t bring the loved one back or help out with the financial burden left to those close to the victim.
For example, in Florida, a 47-year-old man driving impaired turned left into the path of a motorcycle, killing the rider. He received a charge of driving while impaired and manslaughter. Under Florida law, the mandatory sentence if convicted is 10 years, 4 months in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. In Florida, a judge can order financial restitution as well.
So, if the impaired driver receives the maximum sentence in this case, the question of whether justice was served arises. Shouldn’t the person have to pay for the damages they’ve done? Many people feel that justice isn’t served until the person pays compensation to those he or she has affected.
Criminal Restitution from Impaired Driver
If a judge orders criminal restitution for the damages to the victim’s family, they will only pay if they are able to. Under Florida law, collecting on an order of criminal restitution is difficult. The law treats it like a civil judgment.
Florida law allows for the protection of certain assets like a primary home, a car, and a certain amount of cash and other personal property so that judgment won’t make them a paupers. This means that if the impaired driver is just a regular person without stocks, bonds, vacation property, or other assets, the victim’s family won’t see a penny of the criminal restitution order.
Civil Lawsuit
This leaves the family with no other option but to sue the driver in civil court for all the damages and losses he imposed on the family. The impaired driver’s insurance will have to pay for the damages when sued for wrongful death in civil court.
Can I Sue Someone Who’s in Prison?
However, many people wonder if you can sue someone who is in prison, or do you have to wait until they get out? Or, they worry the insurance company will refuse to pay for someone if their client committed a crime.
The truth is that you can sue someone while they are in prison. If they had an auto insurance policy at the time of the accident, the law requires that the insurance company pay for the damages. Even if the driver was committing a crime at the time of the offense.
An insurance policy will pay for all financial losses that come from the insured person’s negligence. This allows the family to collect compensation for all losses. These include:
- Medical bills: If the deceased had medical treatment before he or she died.
- Pain and Suffering: If they went through any pain or suffering before they died, pain and suffering can be claimed.
- Funeral Expenses: You can claim the costs associated with a funeral and burial.
- Loss of Financial Support: Those who were being supported by the deceased can claim loss of past and future financial support.
- Loss of Consortium/Championship: Loss of spousal companionship and loss of companionship based on other relationships like father, mother, brother, sister, etc. have financial value.
What if the Impaired Driver Didn’t have Insurance?
If the impaired driver didn’t have insurance, then the policy of the deceased might come into play. If the policy had an uninsured/underinsured UM/UIM provision, then the family could seek damages from the deceased’s estate.
Florida law does not require a motorist to have UM/UIM. But it can be purchased in Florida, and many drivers have that coverage. This will also help if the impaired driver’s insurance caps out before paying for all damages. Then the underinsured part of the provision will pay where the driver’s policy ended up to the cap on the UM/UIM coverage.
Getting Justice
For almost any survivor of a loved one who has suffered their loss at the hands of an impaired driver, it’s not just about the money, but it’s about justice. Money won’t bring their mom, dad, son or daughter back, but it can help relieve the stress and anxiety especially if those left behind were counting on financial support from the deceased. It also provides some sense that justice is served fully when the impaired driver is sued in civil court and has to pay monetarily for their deeds.
Do I Need an Attorney?
In many cases, an attorney might not be necessary to make a claim against someone’s insurance policy if they hit you. However, there are certain legal requirements, deadlines, and other possible pitfalls when it comes to making a wrongful death claim, so the best thing to do is to at least talk to one.
The personal injury team at RHINO Lawyers knows the law, and they have the experience to battle the insurance companies to get you the compensation you and your family deserve. Talk to them at a free consultation and take the first step necessary to begin getting justice for your loved one.
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Distracted Driving Causes Five-Car Crash Injuring Two
A driver allegedly spilled his coffee which caused him to hit another vehicle and then set off a chain reaction with three other vehicles. According to Police, the accident happened around 10:30 Tuesday, May 7, 2019, in the southbound lanes of I-75 between Fowler Avenue and I-4 in Tampa.
The driver of a Chevy Express told police that he spilled his coffee and looked down, and when he looked up, the cars in front of him had stopped. Police say that he then swerved into a center lane and hit a flatbed truck. Then a Chevrolet Camaro struck him The Express kept going across the lanes and hit a Dodge Durango before coming to a rest.
In all, the accident damaged five vehicles and sent two people to Tampa Bay General Hospital, one with serious injuries. It’s unknown at this time if the driver of the Express will be charged, and officers say that the accident is still under investigation.
Distracted Driving
When we think of distracted driving, we think of someone on their phone or texting while driving. While this is trending upward at an alarming rate, there are still “old school” ways to be distracted. According to a study by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, in 2017, there were almost 3,200 people killed by distracted driving, and almost another 500,000 were injured in 1.5 million crashes related to distracted driving.
That’s a lot of crashes and injuries that can be avoided by paying attention. Some of the ways other than cell phone use people are distracted are:
- Spilled food,
- Putting on makeup/combing hair
- Drowsy driving,
- Adjusting radio/CD player
- Talking/interacting with car occupants
Cell Phone Distracted Driving
Of course, the number one distracted driving cause is cell phone use. The NTHSA puts the number of distraction fatalities due to cell-phone use at 53 percent of all distraction fatalities. That means almost 1,800 of those deaths were caused by cell phones.
Why is cell phone use the culprit for such a high percentage? There are several reasons:
- Younger and less experienced drivers are more likely to text and drive.
- Looking at a text takes 5 seconds, the time it takes to travel the length of a football field if going 55.
- Drivers are more likely to use their cell phone multiple times on a trip.
- There are levels of distraction such as reading a text versus responding.
Types of Distracted Driving Injuries
When a driver is distracted, they are less likely to slow down, and thus speed becomes a factor in the crash. When this happens, there are some common injuries that happen in distracted driving crashes.
- Thoracic Spine Injury (Whiplash)
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Concussion/Other head injuries
- Broken arms/legs
- Compression injuries
- Deep Contusions/Lacerations
Do I need an Auto Accident Attorney?
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, the best thing to do is to talk to our personal injury team. Insurance companies have a job to do, and that is to pay you as little as they can so they can make money. Don’t talk to an insurance agent of one of their high-rise attorneys until you’ve spoken to an attorney you can trust to tell you the truth.
RHINO Lawyers are the Tampa Auto Accident Lawyers that take Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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Injured in a Stolen Car Accident in Clearwater, FL?
A man stole a BMW from a gas station and sped down the street and struck another car. As a result, he injured himself and both occupants of the second BMW. According to a Clearwater police officer at the scene, the man was with a friend at a gas station and had been drinking. Then he jumped in his friend’s vehicle and sped off before crashing. He fled the scene on foot and hid in a nearby hotel where police captured him. He is facing multiple charges including grand theft auto, DUI with serious bodily injury, and fleeing the scene of a crash with serious injuries. All these are felonies in the state of Florida.
Compensation for Injuries in a Criminal Act
When injured in a car accident by a person who is committing a crime you might wonder if he or she can get compensation from the person who committed the crime at the time of the accident.
Though most people understand you can sue the person who committed the acts that led to the injuries. They also know that if an insurance company isn’t footing the bill. Then there is a little chance that they are going to see any of the money awarded by the court.
Whose Insurance Pays for the Damages?
However, if there is an insurance policy that applies, then they will pay the damages. However, you are not responsible for the damages done by the thief who stole your car if an accident happens. Since your auto insurance is based on your actions, and you aren’t liable, then your insurance company isn’t liable either.
This might leave you wondering. C mages from an accident with a car thief? There is only one way an insurance company would have to pay and that is through your own policy. There are several provisions that might come into play.
- Medpay: This is a provision that drivers can get on their own policy that will pay for medical bills regardless of who is at fault or injured. So long as the insured or their vehicle is involved.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This works similar to Medpay, but it pays medical bills and other damages like pain and suffering and loss of wages. As long as the accident involves the insured or their vehicle it also pays regardless of the person injured or at fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM): Most insurance policies have uninsured/underinsured provisions. These will pay those covered by the policy for all personal injury damages; if the other driver is underinsured or has no insurance. This can include not finding a hit-and-run driver, so long as they were at fault in the accident.
The bottom line is that if you have an insurance policy with these provisions; your own insurance company will pay for your damages from an uninsured driver. If the person who stole the vehicle has insurance and his or her insurance company denied coverage. Then you can use your own UM/UIM because an uninsured driver hit you.
Medpay and PIP activate with any accident regardless of fault, so they would also pay for your damages. However, these policies usually have a much lower cap and don’t cover all damages.
Do I need an Attorney?
If you’ve been injured by someone who was driving a stolen car, you need to talk to our personal injury team. You could get compensated for your injuries. Don’t let the insurance company tell you that their policy doesn’t cover the damages; rather get advice from someone on your side.
RHINO Lawyers is a powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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Woman Cyclist Killed by SUV in Clearwater
The driver of an SUV struck and killed a cyclist riding her bike along Nursery Road. According to police, she was riding her bicycle south on a bike trail when she entered the road and the SUV struck her.
The accident happened around 8:30, Wednesday, May 8, 2019. The victim exited the Duke Energy Trail at the intersection of Nursery Road. The driver of the SUV wasn’t injured, and police say the accident is still under investigation.
Cyclists in Traffic
Bicycle use in on the increase in most of the major cities in the U.S. including Clearwater. City leaders are looking to bicycles as a way to get more cars off the road. This will help close the transportation gap in many areas underserved by other means of transportation.
With the increase of cyclists in and among the cars, bicycle accidents are on the increase too. Florida law treats bicycles as vehicles in many circumstances. In addition, cyclists have to obey the traffic and right-of-way rules the same as motor vehicles.
So does this mean that if a cyclist breaks a vehicle code and a car strikes them, that the injured or the deceased’s family can’t get compensation for their losses? While this seems logical, it isn’t the law.
Liability in Bicycle-Car Accidents
It’s possible to get a ticket for a vehicle code violation on a bicycle; yet prevail in civil court in a personal injury trial. Like most states, Florida law states you cannot use a violation of a traffic law to prove or disprove negligence in a personal injury case. Instead, a civil court will review the circumstances to see if the driver was operating their car with the care due to bicycle riders.
This is because like pedestrians, cyclists are especially vulnerable to injury or death from a car or truck. Even a simple bump can be deadly as the cyclist can easily be ejected from their bike. If the court determines the cyclist did something wrong as well as the motorist. Then under Florida’s comparative fault personal injury law, the cyclist could be awarded some compensation for their injuries.
Do I need an Attorney in a Bicycle Crash?
Although it’s not a requirement. You should talk to our personal injury team who can advise you of your rights and of the law. The attorneys at RHINO Lawyers understand how the law of both traffic and civil personal injury suits work when there has been an injury.
If you were injured as a cyclist, then you need someone who can stand up for you and get you the justice you deserve. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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Tractor Trailer Injuries Caused by Flying Debris in Florida
In a freak accident, a wheelchair liftgate came off of an 18-wheel truck and struck four bike riders as it drove by. According to the Port Richey Police, the liftgate was on a truck hauling medical equipment for Florida Cancer Specialists mobile PET/CT. But, as it was making a left turn onto Ridge Road from U.S. 19 when the lift broke free. The trucking accident happened Monday night before 8 p.m., April 29, 2019. The driver of the tractor trailer did not know the liftgate had come off the back. Some witnesses followed the driver to his stop and alerted him, and he is cooperating with authorities. All four cyclists were seriously injured with two undergoing emergency surgery. The Port Richey Police Chief says he’s never seen or heard of anything like it. His office will conduct a thorough investigation.
Flying Debris Accidents
Large commercial trucks are dangerous and put all motorists and others around them at risk. Most of this risk is because of their size and mass, but they also can cause injury by flying debris. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are almost 500 fatalities each year. As well as, thousands of incidents of damage and injuries each year from debris flying from tractor trailers. Much of this is loose debris on the road. While in other cases, objects fly off the truck after coming loose or breaking away from the truck. The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration has regulations for trucks traveling on interstate and federal highways. Each tractor trailer driver handles their load and must make sure the load is secure. This is so that nothing will come loose, leak, or come off the truck and put the public at risk. Also, there are rules and regulations about the maintenance of the rigs and the trailers. These ensure that incidents like the liftgate accident don’t happen. Yet, even with all the regulations and safety precautions, accidents happen.
Injuries from Flying Debris
While traveling on the road injuries occur in many ways. Just as there are common injuries that come from certain types of auto accidents; flying debris injuries follow a pattern as well. Some of the common injuries are:
- Head Injuries: Traumatic Brain Injury, concussions, and skull fractures are common injuries for most motorists and pedestrians. Because they don’t wear helmets.
- Broken Bones: The impact of objects flying at a high rate of speed causes different types of bone fractures.
- Deep Contusions/Lacerations: Debris that impacts the body can produce deep bruises and cuts, some of which can be serious if not treated quickly.
Commercial Tractor Trailer Liability
When an object comes off a truck, the driver/owner of the truck may be liable for all damages. In some cases, the truck kicks up the object. Then the law will require the injured to show how the truck driver was negligent and did something to cause the injuries. This usually means they must prove that certain safety requirements weren’t met or that the driver wasn’t properly operating the vehicle. For example, a truck operator has to have mud flaps that prevent debris from flying up. As well as, following the requirements to keep the truck free of dirt, rocks, and other objects that can fly off. Federal law requires that all commercial large trucks have $750,000 worth of liability for property and bodily injuries. However, most commercial companies carry at least one million to protect themselves against the financial losses caused by accidents.
Do I need a Trucking Accident Attorney?
Were you injured by objects or debris that flew off of another vehicle? Then you should talk to our personal injury team about your case. The insurance companies will try to claim that their driver wasn’t negligent and isn’t liable for any injuries. Don’t let them get away with it, call RHINO Lawyers today to get the compensation you deserve. RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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Tractor-trailer and SUV Crashed Killing One
An SUV and a tractor-trailer crashed Tuesday morning, April 30, 2019, killing the driver of the SUV. Both vehicles were traveling on U.S. 301, and it’s unknown what caused the tractor-trailer and SUV to crash at this time. When the Florida Highway Patrol arrived on the scene, they found the semi-truck seriously damaged and in a jack-knife position and parts of the SUV was scattered across the scene.
A Hillsborough County sheriff deputy tweeted a picture of the engine that appears to be several yards from the SUV. His tweet read, “We just want to take a moment to remind everyone that nothing, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, is worth ending up in an accident like this. We always want everyone to go home safely every single day. We want the same for you and your family. Please drive safely. Pay attention and arrive alive.”
There are no reports of other injuries, and police are still investigating the incident.
Tractor-Trailer Accidents
A fully loaded tractor-trailer weights 80,000 lbs., almost 20 times that of a passenger car. According to the Institute for Highway Safety, there were almost 4500 deaths in the U.S. involving large trucks. Out of those, only 17 percent of the deaths were the drivers of the truck, 68 percent were passenger vehicle occupants and 15 percent were pedestrians and motorcycle riders.
This shows the risks motorists and their occupants take when they venture onto the highways alongside semi-trucks and other large vehicles.
Big Rigs and Safety
Common sense tells us to be cautious when driving around larger vehicles. Yet, understanding what makes them dangerous can go a long way in avoiding accidents. Here are some safety tips:
- Stay out of the No Zones: Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots on all four sides. One rule of thumb is if you can’t see the driver in their mirror, they can’t see you.
- Pass Safely: Make sure the driver can see you and then pass quickly not riding next to the rig very long.
- Don’t Cut it Close: It’s especially dangerous to “cut off” a commercial bus or truck as they can’t stop as quickly as a car.
- Stay Back.
- Anticipate Wide Turns: Big rigs need a wide berth, and if you can learn to anticipate that, you can avoid injury.
- Be Patient: Frustration can make you do something rash. Slow down and save lives.
- Buckle up: Always wear your seat belt and require your passenger to do the same.
- Don’t Drink and Drive: This is good advice for any driving situation. Impairment puts you and anyone else on the road at risk.
Do I need an attorney?
If you’ve been injured by a semi-truck or other large vehicle, then you should talk to a Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer about your case before you speak to anyone from the insurance company. Call RHINO Lawyers today to talk to our personal injury team in a free consultation, where you can have your case evaluated by our auto injury professionals.
RHINO Lawyers is the powerful, results-driven law firm, that takes Insurance Companies and Bullies “head-on!” We describe our bold modern approach to “Accident & Personal Injury Law” and “Our Personal Mission” to empower Florida’s families to “Take Charge!”
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