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How to Report an Unsafe Truck Driver in Miami, FL

How to Report an Unsafe Truck Driver in Miami, FL

Due to their large size and weight, commercial trucks are often the most dangerous vehicles on Florida roadways. Despite state and federal regulations that require truckers to engage in safe driving, trucks continue to cause thousands of truck accidents and fatalities yearly.

If you commute around Miami, you’ll understand the city’s traffic. Whenever you see a truck driving recklessly or violating traffic laws, you must know how to report their actions and hold these drivers accountable.

Reporting an unsafe truck driver could save lives. 

Truck Accident Statistics in the United States

Trucking accidents are a severe problem in Florida and across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were roughly 5,601 people killed and thousands more injured by accidents involving large trucks in 2021.

In 2020, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 41 fatalities and more than 250 serious injuries involving semi-trucks and large commercial vehicles. Many of these truck-related injuries are largely preventable.

What to Do If You See a Trucker Who Is Driving Recklessly

If you see a truck driver driving recklessly in Miami, it’s essential to report them as soon as possible.

Call 911

If you suspect a driver is operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you should call 911. The Miami Police Department can respond quickly to track down the driver and determine whether they’ve broken any laws. 

Reporting intoxicated drivers can save lives, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone. You should be prepared to provide a visual description, license plate number, direction of travel, and other details to help police officers track down the vehicle.

Federal Reporting

In non-emergency cases, you can report unsafe driving to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Federal authorities regulate commercial truckers. When you report a driver’s license and truck registration number to the FMCSA, they may be disciplined and held accountable. 

To report unsafe truck driving, call the Department of Transportation’s hotline at 1-888-DOT-SAFT or file a complaint online on the FMCSA website.

Laws Against Dangerous Truck Drivers

Florida’s laws against reckless driving are designed to protect everyone on the road, including other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Commercial truck drivers, in particular, are subject to strict state and federal regulations aimed at ensuring their safety and the safety of others.

In Florida, reckless driving is a criminal offense that can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time. According to Florida law, reckless driving can include any of the following behaviors:

Truck drivers are subject to additional regulations to keep themselves and others safe. For example, the FMCSA has established hours-of-service rules that limit the time truck drivers can spend on the road each day and week. These regulations are intended to reduce the risk of accidents by preventing driver fatigue.

In addition to hours-of-service regulations, the FMCSA regulates the weight and size of commercial trucks and the maintenance and inspection requirements for these vehicles. 

Truck drivers who violate state or federal regulations can face serious consequences. In addition to fines and other penalties, they may lose their commercial driver’s license, making them unable to find work in the trucking industry.

Get Help After Your Miami Truck Accident

Truck drivers are held to high standards due to their large size and heavy cargo. As such, these vehicles must comply with special laws to keep motorists and others safe.

If you suspect a truck is engaging in erratic or illegal behavior, you should report it as soon as possible to the local authorities. If you were in a truck accident, contact an experienced Miami truck accident lawyer to understand your rights and options.

Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami truck accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191