About Truck Accidents
Did you know that every 16 minutes a person is killed or injured in a truck accident? Did you know that big rig truck accidents continue to increase? Even with these frightening scenarios and statistics, powerful trucking industry lobbyists continue to call for the weakening of truck safety rules and regulations to reap a higher profit.
Trucking revenues totaled $610 billion last year and revenues are forecasted to nearly double by 2015. While commercial trucking growth is good news for the trucking companies and the national economy, it is bad news for the cars, vans and SUVs that share the road with these potentially lethal giants. In tractor trailer accidents, 98% of fatalities occur to the individuals in the passenger vehicles.
As the commercial truck population accelerates to meet anticipated economic demand, and the number of passenger vehicles continues to grow, how will the national motorists fare in competition for the road?
From 1992 to 2002, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has increased by up to 10% due to driver fatigue, unsafe vehicle operation, large, unstable loads or defective equipment. Accidents involving semi-truck, 18-wheeler, and large trucks present many unique issues including driver fatigue, intoxication, driver error, equipment failure, and failure to maintain current inspection standards.
When truck collisions do occur, trucking companies involved in the accident often send representatives to the accident scene. These agents work to handle everything at the scene of the accident so that they can limit or mitigate their company´s liability.
Many times trucking, hauling and leasing companies dispute whose insurance will provide for victim compensation. These company´s representatives know that the ideal time to confront an accident victim is immediately following the event. In the aftermath of a truck accident, the traumatized victim will need to make important decisions that will impact their future. Grieving, anxious and injured people are pressured by trucking and insurance company´s tactics. Too often the victims and their families struggle through the difficult after effects of truck collisions alone.
By working with experienced truck accident lawyers, victims can have some control and participation in ensuring that their rights and interests are protected.
There are no easy answers to providing a productive and safe environment for everyone who shares the road; however making the safety of motorists a priority over profit is an important step in the right direction. If shipping costs rise in order to ensure safer transportation of goods and services, it is a small price to pay to save lives.
