Truck Accidents
Truck Accident Personal Injury Attorney
Every year, an estimated 4,000 people die in trucking accidents in the United States. Although those numbers have declined over the past few years as federal regulators have tightened trucking safety regulations, the fact is that too many people are killed every year in accidents that involve tractor trailers, 18-wheelers and semi rigs.
Commercial drivers have a much bigger responsibility to drive safely than passenger vehicle drivers. That’s because of the devastating impact of commercial trucking accidents, and the high risk for injuries and multiple fatalities when these vehicles are involved in a collision. It’s also the reason why the federal government has much stricter regulations governing truck drivers than for passenger vehicle drivers.
One of those regulations concerns alcohol use while driving. Commercial truck drivers are subjected to a much lower blood-alcohol concentration limit of .04% while driving, compared to the general limit of .08% for passenger vehicle drivers. The heavy potential for catastrophic injuries and fatalities involving trucking accidents is the reason for these higher standards.
Truck drivers are also subjected to random drug and alcohol tests, in order to reduce the risks involving a driver who is operating a large 80,000-pound vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.
Despite these numerous trucking safety regulations, every year many trucks are involved in devastating accidents that lead to life-altering injuries. Many accidents are caused by:
- Driver fatigue
- Driver inattention
- Lack of training
- Driver speeding
- Intoxicated driving
- Malfunctioning truck parts
- Overloading
Involved in a truck accident? Here's what to do.
- First, get prompt medical care for your injuries. Don’t neglect seemingly minor injuries like neck pain or back pain – they may be signs of more serious spinal injuries that must be checked out immediately.
- Collection of evidence is extremely important after a truck accident. Speak to witnesses at the scene, and take down their contact information. Remember that the trucking company will immediately dispatch its legal team to the scene of the accident to limit its liability.
- Don’t get your damaged vehicle repaired until after the trucking investigation is complete.
- Speak with a truck accident attorney, before you speak to insurers, or to representatives of the trucking company.
- Do not sign any legal paperwork or documentation that your insurance agent may provide, without consulting a lawyer.
- Do not provide a written statement to your insurer.
- Do not sign a release form provided by your insurer, or by the insurer of the other driver.
- Do not begin assigning blame for the accident when you speak with your insurer.
Every situation is unique. If you have questions about an accident you’ve been involved in, Contact Us.