Tampa Has Higher Than Average Rate Of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Recent data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) show a disturbing trend affecting Hillsborough County drivers: namely, that the area has a higher-than-average rate of commercial vehicle and large truck accidents than nearby counties. If you drive often in the Tampa area, it is important to be aware of these trends so that you can act appropriately when you are behind the wheel.

More Injuries In Hillsborough County

This data from FLHSMV was just released in late November 2025, in time for the holiday travel season, where more vehicles than ever are on the road. It shows that per 100,000 residents, Hillsborough County registered 59 commercial vehicle accident injuries, while the next highest, Miami-Dade County, only registered 47. While this is not an enormous difference, it is still a trend to be aware of, given how many commercial vehicles are on Florida roads.

In general, commercial vehicle accidents lead to a disproportionately high number of injuries and fatalities every year, simply because they weigh several times more than the average private car or truck, and because they require much more stopping distance than the average vehicle. However, for the numbers to vary between counties implies different factors may also be in play – for example, Miami-Dade County may have better infrastructure in place, or more drivers may use Hillsborough County roads.

Drive Defensively

While this increase in injury numbers cannot be laid at the feet of drivers entirely, it is a good idea to drive defensively when sharing the road with these vehicles. For example, many Florida drivers may not be aware of just how many blind spots a large commercial vehicle may have; staying in one for too long may mean that the commercial driver cannot see that vehicle at all. In general, if a driver cannot see the commercial vehicle’s mirrors, the commercial driver cannot see the other driver.

If you are involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it is important to keep calm; enlisting the right attorney can make a difference between receiving the compensation you deserve and being denied. Whether in Hillsborough County, Miami-Dade, or somewhere in between, injuries sustained in this type of accident can be particularly severe. You need help that can present your case effectively.

Contact A Tampa Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it can feel too overwhelming to file suit against the (allegedly) negligent driver – but a Tampa commercial vehicle accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group is here to help. Call our office today at (813) 831-9999 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

fox13news.com/news/tampa-drives-higher-risk-big-rig-injuries-what-drivers-need-know