Dangers of Motorcycle and Semi-Truck Accidents in Winter Haven

As motorcycle and semi truck accident attorneys serving the Winter Haven community, we at JustCallMoe have seen the devastating consequences that can result when a motorcycle collides with a large commercial truck. The size and weight difference between these two types of vehicles means motorcycle riders are at extreme risk of catastrophic injuries or death in a crash. This guide takes an in-depth look at the specific dangers posed by motorcycle and semi-truck accidents in Winter Haven and discusses the critical steps to take if you or a loved one is ever involved in this type of collision.

The Unique Risks of Motorcycle vs Semi-Truck Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are already more dangerous than car crashes due to the lack of protection for riders. However, when a motorcycle is involved in a collision with a massive 18-wheeler semi-truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds, the results are often tragic. Some of the reasons motorcycle and semi-truck accidents are so hazardous include the following:

• Severe size and weight disparity: A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 20 to 30 times more than a motorcycle. This extreme difference in mass means the force of impact is primarily absorbed by the motorcycle and rider.
• Visibility challenges: The height of a semi-truck cab can make it very difficult for the truck driver to see a lower-profile motorcycle, especially if the motorcycle is in a blind spot. Motorcycles can easily get lost in a trucker’s blind spots.
• Longer stopping distances: Loaded semi-trucks require 20-40% more distance to stop than cars. If a truck driver is distracted or fails to brake in time, a trailing motorcyclist may not be able to avoid a collision.
• Wide turns: Semi trucks make wide turns, often first swinging left before turning right. This places motorcycle riders at risk of getting squeezed or crushed if they are in the truck’s path.
• Hazardous cargo: Some semi-trucks carry dangerous or flammable materials. A spill or explosion during an accident can seriously injure nearby motorcyclists.
• Road debris: Tire blowouts are more common among semi trucks, and the rubber debris can strike motorcyclists, causing them to lose control.

As this list illustrates, motorcycle riders face a multitude of risks when sharing the road with semi trucks, which can place them at an extreme disadvantage in a collision. Motorcyclists must exercise heightened caution when riding near large trucks.

Prevalence of Semi vs Motorcycle Accidents in Winter Haven

Unfortunately, motorcycle and semi-truck crashes are not uncommon in Winter Haven and the surrounding areas of Polk County. The temperate climate means motorcycles are on the roads year-round. Meanwhile, several major trucking routes pass through the region, including by way of Highway 17, Highway 27, and Interstate 4.

As per the report published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 8,000 commercial vehicle crashes and 8,600 motorcycle accidents occurred statewide in 2020 alone. Polk County ranked in the top 10 counties for both crash types. When busy trucking corridors and popular motorcycle routes intersect, as they do in Winter Haven, the risk of dangerous semi vs motorcycle collisions increases substantially.

Common Causes of Winter Haven

Motorcycle and semi-truck accidents are often the result of negligence on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, other motorists, or a combination of factors. Some of the leading causes include the following.

Truck driver error

• Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting navigation)
• Fatigued driving from spending too many hours behind the wheel
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications
• Failing to check blind spots when changing lanes or merging
• Making turns without signaling or ensuring a clear path
• Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, speeding, or road rage

Trucking company negligence

• Negligent hiring of drivers with insufficient training or poor safety records
• Failing to properly maintain trucks, leading to equipment failures
• Imposing unrealistic delivery schedules that encourage drivers to speed
• Inadequately securing cargo that can shift and cause the truck to jackknife

Other motorists

• Cutting off trucks or motorcycles and causing a collision
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Opening a car door into a motorcyclist’s path
• Driving while distracted or impaired

Road hazards

• Potholes, uneven pavement, or road debris that causes motorists to lose control
• Insufficient lighting or signage at intersections
• Construction zones that create tight lanes and leave little room for error

The consequences of negligence in a motorcycle truck accident can be dire, often resulting in brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, crush injuries, and extensive road rash for motorcyclists.

Determining all contributing factors is key to holding the appropriate parties accountable.

What To Do After a Winter Haven Motorcycle Semi Truck Accident

In the aftermath of a motorcycle truck accident, the steps you take can have a significant impact on both your health and your legal rights. Here are the most important actions to take to protect yourself.

• Call 911 and report the accident. Request an ambulance if you or anyone else is injured.
• If possible, move your motorcycle to a safe place out of the flow of traffic.
• Exchange information with the truck driver, including name, contact info, employer, and insurance.
• Take pictures of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and your injuries.
• Talk to potential witnesses and get their names and contact information.
• Give a statement to the police explaining what happened, but do not apologize or admit fault.
• Even if you do not feel hurt or the injuries appear to be minor, seek medical attention. Some serious conditions may have delayed symptoms.
• Notify your insurance company that you were in an accident, but do not give a recorded statement.
• Contact an experienced Winter Haven motorcycle and semi-truck accident attorney before discussing the accident with the other party’s insurance company. The trucking company’s insurer may try to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement that does not fully account for your damages.

Contact a Winter Haven Motorcycle and Truck Accident Law Firm

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident with a semi-truck in Winter Haven, Lakeland, Bartow, or the greater Polk County area, JustCallMoe for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your legal options and will handle every aspect of your claim with dedication and care.

Our phones are answered 24/7 to assist you.