Truck Accidents
Nearly 130,000 individuals are injured every year in a truck accident. Of the 15.5 million trucks in the U.S., nearly 13 percent are semis, big rigs, 18 wheelers and tractor trailers. About 98 percent of all accidents with these type of trucks result in at least one fatality. In 2014, 3,978 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes. In 2013, there were an estimated 5,657,000 nonfatal crashes.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has enacted strict trucking guidelines and regulations for truck drivers. The regulations were adopted to prevent driver fatigue, unsafe vehicle operation, driver impairment, and defective equipment. If the regulations are not followed, the driver and/or his employer can be held liable. For example, truck drivers are required to keep trip logs. Although the rules limit the number of hours they are allowed to drive, the rules are not always followed, which can result in driver fatigue leading to delayed reaction time, poor judgment and drivers falling asleep at the wheel!
Most tractor trailers and commercial vehicles are equipped with electronic information and "black boxes," which are capable of providing insight into the behavior of the vehicle and the vehicle’s operator just before or at the time of the accident. Since it is necessary to make sure that this information is timely preserved, it is important to hire an attorney as soon as possible.
Our firm is experienced in handling truck accidents.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a truck accident, contact us today for your free consultation.