In response to the number of serious injury and fatalities caused by large truck accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other federal agencies have created various accident reporting systems and have collected a wealth of data over the past three decades on truck accident injuries, fatlities, and causes. The data shows that the number truck accidents and related injuries and fatalities may have declined slightly in recent years, perhaps due to new driver rules and technology. Nevertheless, large truck accidents still pose a major concern to the public and policy makers given the fact that they continue to contribute to a large number of very serious injuries or deaths, many of which could have been prevented.
Large truck accidents have always been an on going problem. In 1997 there were 444,000 large truck accidents. Of those 444,000 accidents, 4,871 were fatal crashes resulting in 5,355 deaths and 133,000 injured persons. In 1997, one in every eight traffic fatalities was the result of a large truck collision. Most often the individuals injured in these accidents were the occupants of another vehicle and rarely were they the truck drivers themselves. Studies also show that due to the size and mass of the truck, truck accidents usually involve multiple vehicles involved rather than a single vehicle crash. Although the amount of large trucks involved in crashes in 1998 slightly decreased, the 412,000 large trucks involved in collisions caused 4,935 fatal crashes. Those collisions caused the death of 5,374 people and left 127,000 injured.
A recent 2005 study of large truck accidents shows that truck accidents continue to be a serious problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,212 people died as a result of a large truck accident. In crashes involving a large truck and another passenger vehicle, over 90% of the fatalities reported were the driver or passengers of the passenger vehicle. The number of persons injured in large trucking accidents was 114,000. In crashes involving a large truck and a passenger vehicle, passenger vehicle drivers or passengers accounted for over 74% of the total reported injuries. The data clearly reflects the severity of large truck impacts on smaller passenger vehicle.
Even more disturbing, according to a 2006 large truck accident caustion study, drivers of large trucks and other vehicles involved in truck crashes are ten times more likely to be the cause of the crash than other factors, such as the weather or road conditions.
COMMON INJURIES CAUSED BY LARGE TRUCK ACCIDENTS
- Head Trauma and/or Brain Injury
- Back, Neck or Spinal Injury
- Broken Bones
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Cuts/lacerations
- Internal Injuries
- Death
Such injuries may require extremely costly medical care or rehabilitation.
OTHER LOSSES CAUSED BY LARGE TRUCK ACCIDENTS
- Loss of employment
- Loss of Future Earnings
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Distress
- Loss of Enjoyment
THE COST OF TRUCKING ACCIDENTS
- In 2005, there were 5,212 fatalities and 91,993 injuries from large truck crashes.
- The average cost of a large truck crash involving a fatality is $3.6 million per crash.
- A crash with injuries costs almost $200,000 per crash.
- The average cost of all large truck crashes is about $91,000 per crash.
TRUCK ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
In determining liability, fault or negligence in a particular truck accident case attorneys may utilize an accident reconstruction specialist to try to determine how the accident occurred. GPS or other vehicle tracking/recording device may also be used to determine liability. Additionally, lawyers may hire truck accident experts who can testify about truck driver's driving condition and expert truck mechanics to determine the condition of the truck's brakes, lights, trailer, and other equipment. Lawyers may also investigate the driver's records, history, and qualifications as well as the trucking companies hiring and training practices (government research has shown that there is a significant relationship between driver job change/turnover rate and crash involvement).
PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS
Every truck driver and trucking company is responsible for adhering to the laws, rules and regulations that were created for trucking and road safety. In many instances large truck accidents and injuries can be attributed to a truck driver's or truck company's carelessness, recklessness, or failure to adhere to laws and regulations. In such cases the truck driver or trucking company may be held legally responsible or liable for the injuries and damages they caused or contributed to in the accident.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages and future earning potential, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment. In wrongful death claims, family members may be entitled to damages for lost income, loss of companionship of the loved one, and emotional distress.
We work with experienced, knowledgeable truck accident lawyers and attorneys who have won numerous large truck accident settlements and millions of dollars for our clients. Our lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we win a judgment or settlement on your behalf.
CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR TRUCK ACCIDENT CLAIM
If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious large truck, big-rig, or tractor trailer accident, you may confidentially complete our online claim form. Laws known as Statutes of Limitations limit the time in which you must make a claim so do not delay. An truck accident attorney will review your information and respond to your inquiry at no cost or obligation.
CAUSES OF TRUCKING ACCIDENTS
