The Truck Accident Law Firm Blog

Semi truck accidents, which are already complex legal matters, are going to get a whole lot more complicated now that there’s a possibility a driver may not even physically be behind the wheel.  The general public may still be largely unaware of the uptick in autonomous vehicle (AV) development, especially when it comes to self-driving trucks, but they are a lot closer to hitting Florida highways than you might expect. Here’s what you need to know.  What Is an Autonomous Truck? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies driver-assist technologies into six levels, ranging from Level 0 to Level 5. Level 0 technologies are those that provide drivers with momentary assistance, such as automatic emergency braking or lane departure warnings.  Each level involves progressively more assistance and less human intervention. Level 3 tech, also known as conditional automation, is what’s become available in today’s cutting-edge vehicles. These include systems like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capabilities. The goal with autonomous trucks

In May 2025, driverless semi trucks hit the road in North Texas. Proponents of these driverless trucks (and other fully automated commercial vehicles) are pushing the idea that these will ultimately reduce or even eliminate the risk of serious motor vehicle crashes.  Despite being an idea everyone can support, we are still a long way from achieving such a feat. Several tech companies have already received approval to test automated trucks on public highways. Here’s why that could prove to be a bad idea.  What Is an Automated Semi Truck? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) groups vehicle automation tools into six categories, ranging from Level 0 to Level 5. Level 0 mechanisms provide momentary driver assistance, such as lane departure warnings. By Level 4, the onboard system is fully responsible for driving tasks, meaning a human driver is usually no longer needed.  Level 5 automation is the goal that driverless vehicle technology companies strive for. It is the

A truck’s no-zone refers to the dangerous blind spots around large commercial vehicles, where passenger cars disappear from the truck driver’s view. Understanding what a truck’s no-zone is can be the difference between a safe trip and a serious truck accident on Jacksonville’s busy highways. These blind spots are much larger than those found on regular cars. They create hidden dangers for drivers who share the road with 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks. Understanding Blind Spots Around Large Trucks Commercial trucks have four main no-zones that create serious safety hazards for other motorists. These areas exist because of the truck’s size, height, and mirror placement on the cab. Several factors create these blind spots: Unlike passenger vehicles, trucks cannot get rid of these blind spots entirely. Even with properly adjusted mirrors, the physics of large vehicles makes these blind spots unavoidable. Front No-Zone Dangers The area directly in front of a truck creates a significant blind spot many drivers underestimate.

We’ve all been there. You are driving along the left interstate lane and get stuck behind a big truck. These large trucks can have trouble maintaining their speed going up hills, and it can cause a long line of traffic congestion when they stay in the left lane. For this reason, trucks are not permitted to drive in the left-hand, or innermost, lane of traffic in many situations. However, there are a few locations in Florida where trucks are allowed to drive in the left lane. Dive into all the details below to learn more about Florida’s truck lane restrictions, especially those around Jacksonville. History of Florida Truck Lane Restrictions Florida has had truck lane restrictions in some areas for 30 years. The current limitations in Florida apply mainly to 6-lane interstate highways in rural sections of the state. In these areas, trucks are not permitted to travel in the left lane because that lane is reserved for automobile traffic.

Commercial trucks play a critical role in transporting goods and people around the country. To accomplish this, they frequently travel on major highways and interstates. After all, the goal is to arrive at their destinations as quickly as possible. Drivers are often paid by the load or by the mile, which incentivizes them to work efficiently. However, adjusting speed based on highway conditions can help reduce the risk of truck accidents. The question is, how fast can commercial trucks safely travel on highways? Here’s everything you need to know.  Are Commercial Trucks Subject to the Same Speed Limit? Yes — at least for now. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been working on implementing a national speed limit for all commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,000 lbs or higher.  Several different speed limits have been proposed, including 60 MPH, 65 MPH, and 68 MPH. The latter seems to have gained the most

Online shopping now dominates retail in many areas, and Amazon deliveries have become routine. With this growth, Amazon’s delivery network now places more trucks on the road. More trucks mean more risk. When those trucks crash, you face the consequences. How Delivery Deadlines Create Road Hazards Amazon pushes fast delivery for nearly every order. These strict delivery times pressure drivers and delivery companies. Tight schedules force drivers to rush, speed, take sharp turns, or look away from the road. Some run stop signs, while others ignore weather or traffic delays. You face danger when these trucks cut corners to meet quotas. Pressure from Amazon often pushes safety aside. Many delivery contractors skip regular repairs to save time. Worn brakes and bald tires cause crashes, and a faulty vehicle on a tight deadline becomes a weapon on wheels. This risk affects everyone on the road, not just the driver. Liability Issues With Third-Party Amazon Drivers Amazon outsources many deliveries, so its

As Amazon’s delivery network expands, its vans and drivers have become a familiar sight on the road. Unfortunately, this increased presence has also led to more accidents involving Amazon delivery drivers. If you have been injured in a crash with one of these vehicles, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about who is legally responsible.  Fortunately, there are many ways a lawyer can help after an accident with an Amazon truck or van. How a Lawyer Can Assist You After an Accident With an Amazon Truck or Van in Florida Navigating the aftermath of an accident with an Amazon delivery truck or van can be overwhelming. A personal injury lawyer can guide you on what to do after a truck accident and provide crucial support. Some ways a lawyer may assist include: 1. Identifying the Liable Parties A major challenge in Amazon delivery accidents is determining who is legally responsible. The driver may be employed by

Accidents that involve Amazon delivery trucks happen more frequently than you might think. With Amazon’s massive fleet constantly rushing to meet tight deadlines, it’s no surprise that things sometimes go wrong. If you’ve been hurt in a crash with one of these trucks in Jacksonville, what you do afterward can have a huge impact on your recovery and legal case. Call 911 Immediately Even if the crash seems minor or you feel “mostly fine,” it’s important to call for help. The police will make an official accident report of what they see at the scene, and that document can make or break your case later. Also, some injuries don’t show up right away. You might feel okay for a few hours (or even days), only to have serious pain or life-threatening complications kick in later. The police report also locks in the important facts before memories start to fade. If the Amazon driver was distracted, speeding, or breaking traffic laws,