Every year, thousands of injuries and fatalities are caused by truck accidents. Due to their sheer size and weight, these massive vehicles pose major dangers on the highway. There are many important steps to take after a truck accident, but one of the most important is retaining a skilled truck accident lawyer.
Truck Accident Statistics
- 1.1 million interstate trucks were operating by the end of 2010
- 11 billion tons of freight are moved every year
- $8.3 trillion worth of goods were hauled by trucks in 2007
- 500,000 truck accidents occur every year
- 14% of fatal truck accident victims were truck occupants in 2010
- 72% of fatal truck accident victims were occupants of other vehicles in 2010
- 13% of fatal truck accident victims were pedestrians, motorcyclists, or bicyclists in 2010
As you can see from these numbers, truck occupants are more likely to be uninjured in an accident. There is a disproportion to these statistics due to the fact that truck drivers are more protected by these larger vehicles. Occupants of smaller cars are much more likely to get hurt or even killed in a collision with a big truck.
Examples of Truck Driver / Truck Company Negligence
There are many different types of negligence or misconduct that can lead to truck accidents, including:
- Failure to maintain – If a driver / company does not properly maintain a vehicle, dangers such as malfunctioning brakes or a tire blowout can lead to a serious accident.
- Driving under the influence – Truck drivers are never allowed to drink or use drugs on the job.
- Driving too fast – If a truck driver operates over the posted speed limit or too fast for weather conditions, he or she puts other drivers in harm’s way.
- Fatigued driving – Truckers are required to stay awake and alert on the road. That’s why truck drivers must not drive for too many hours without taking a required rest break. If a truck driver fails to adhere to these requirements, he or she could be held responsible for an accident.
- Improper loading – It’s important to adhere to proper guidelines for loading vehicles. Improperly balanced or secured loads can cause accidents.
Do I Have a Case?
Victims of truck accidents don't always realize the potential legal ramifications of their cases, but trucking companies almost always do. You deserve to know what your rights are, too. If the trucking company or the truck driver did something wrong, something that put you and your loved ones in harm’s way, you deserve to know about it.
Our firm can get to the bottom of what happened. We have the skill, knowledge, and resources to stand toe-to-toe with the most powerful, deep-pocketed companies—and come out victorious. We’re here to stand with you in your time of need. Sico, Hoelscher, Harris & Braugh L.L.P. is the right team to call if you or a loved one has a question about a potential truck accident claim.
Contact Sico, Hoelscher, Harris & Braugh L.L.P. for a Free Case Evaluation
The more you learn about your rights, the better prepared you will be to defend them. Our firm can help fight for you aggressively and attentively. We encourage you to call us for a free initial evaluation of your case.