According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were over 4,100 fatalities in the US in 2018. The large majority, or 82% of the fatalities in truck crashes were occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcycle operators, pedestrians, or bicyclists[1]. Nearly half of the large truck crashes occurred on major roads, while 1/3 occurred on interstate highways or freeways, and 14% took place on minor roads.[2]
Why are truck accidents so deadly?
Large trucks such as semi-trucks, big rigs or eighteen-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and tanker trucks weigh anywhere from 25,000 without cargo to 80,000 pounds or 40 tons. Most passenger vehicles including SUVs and trucks weigh 1,500-6,000 pounds. Consequently, a crash involving a vehicle that weighs 2,000 pounds and a vehicle that weighs 30 times that amount can result in a devastating result for the passengers in the smaller and lighter passenger vehicle. Hence, accidents involving large trucks can be devastating.
Additionally, because of the heavy load trucks typically carry, these large trucks require 20-40% more distance to stop than do cars. The stopping distance is exacerbated with slick roads and inclement weather.
Truck driver fatigue and distraction as well as poor truck maintenance are other key contributors to truck collisions. Poor road conditions, speeding, and improperly loaded cargo are also cited as crucial contributors to truck crashes.
Trucks are much taller than passenger vehicles. The additional clearance of these large trucks can cause smaller vehicles to underride the truck in a collision, resulting in more serious injuries and fatalities.
What if I was in an Accident with a Large Truck?
When someone is involved in an accident with a truck, it is critical that they understand their legal rights. Cases involving truck cases can be complicated because there may be several parties involved in the lawsuit: the truck driver, the commercial trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the company responsible for shipping or loading cargo, or others. Moreover, laws and regulations designed to maintain truck safety such as maximum cargo loads and maximum driving time may have been violated. A reputable, experienced attorney can help truck accident victims by investigating the crash, ascertaining liability, preserving evidence, and fighting aggressively for compensation to which the victims and families are entitled.
Can we Look on the Bright Side?
Fortunately, newer trucks have automatic braking systems, visible brake indicators, and antilock brakes that all help truck drivers maintain safer distances from other vehicles on the road. In addition, underride guards can also be installed on large trucks to prevent cars from sliding underneath in an accident. These technology innovations help improve truck safety on the road.
ECanter Lawyers
When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language. ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options.
For over two decades, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers. Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements. ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.
With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need to maximize your compensation.
ECanter Lawyers
561-447-4500
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[1] https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks#where-and-when-large-truck-crashes-occurred
[2] https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks#where-and-when-large-truck-crashes-occurred
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Our South Florida personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. We have offices conveniently located throughout South Florida in Boca Raton, Coral Springs, West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami, Florida, so we're never too far away from where you are. Our firm operates on a contingency-fee basis, which means that you pay us nothing unless we make a recovery for you.
We’re available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our firm operates on a contingency-fee basis, which means that you pay us nothing unless we make a recovery for you!
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Disclaimer: The information throughout this south Florida personal injury lawyer website is not intended to be taken as legal advice. The information provided by ECanter Lawyers is intended to provide general information regarding injury and accident claims including car & truck accidents, medical malpractice lawsuits, premises liability claims, product liability, and workers’ compensation claims for South Florida residents. If you are interested in a free case review please contact our injury attorney, Eric Canter. We now serve the following locations: Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, and West Palm Beach; Broward County including but not limited to Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Margate, and Pompano Beach; and Miami-Dade County including Miami. © 2024 Copyright ECanter Lawyers. All Rights Reserved. We now serve the following locations: Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, and West Palm Beach; Broward County including but not limited to Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lighthouse Point, Margate, and Pompano Beach; and Miami-Dade County including Miami. Web Development by IWD Marketing
