Overview: Truck Accidents

Nationally, over 900,000 trucking accidents occur every year with 9,000 resulting in fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration, many (about 130,000) resulted in serious injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in two-vehicle accidents involving an automobile and a big truck, 98% of the deaths were to occupants of the automobile.

Why are so many people killed or injured by trucks? Simply put, because trucks are bigger. An 18 wheeler can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds while the average passenger car weighs a little over 3,000 pounds. Trucks, being so much larger than passenger cars, are harder to control and take longer to stop or slow down.

While most professional truck drivers are skilled and careful, some take shortcuts that compromise highway safety. Drivers of big trucks are often cited for some or all of the following unsafe conditions:

• Driving trucks that are not properly maintained, particularly with brake defects.

• Driving trucks without adequate guards allowing cars to fit under the truck body.

• Driving longer than the permitted number of hours per day leading to driver fatigue.

• Driving trucks that are dangerously over loaded.

• Driving in a manner that is unsafe for the weather conditions.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets rules and regulations for commercial trucks involved in interstate commerce. These rules place restrictions on the number of hours a driver may operate a truck, require certain maintenance schedules, set minimum insurance requirements (at least $750,000) as well as other safety related rules and requirements. Violations of one or more of these regulations can serve to make a truck driver liable if they cause an accident.

Retaining the right attorney is an important step in obtaining compensation if you or a loved-one are a victim of a truck accident. In most situations a trucking company will perform its own investigation immediately after an accident, particularly if someone is killed or seriously injured. They will hire the best available engineers and accident reconstructionists so that they can defend themselves in a lawsuit.

This puts the accident victim at a severe disadvantage. While you are busy dealing with doctors, hospitals and your own insurance companies, the trucking company is preparing its defense. It is very important that you not give statements to the trucking company investigators or their insurance companies before you hire a lawyer to safeguard your interests. Above all, do not accept insurance company offers to settle before your claim is fully investigated by an experienced lawyer looking out for you.

The truck accident lawyers at Russo, Scamardella & D’Amato have over 100 years of combined legal experience in all kinds of complicated and serious legal matters. We help people just like you every day. Contact us for a free, no obligation, legal consultation. If we accept your case, there is no fee unless we are successful.

Click here for a free case review