Semis, tractor trailers, and other trucks of a large size are on almost every road in the United States every day. They are responsible for getting gas to stations all across the country, transporting goods from one place to the next, gathering crops from a farm in Iowa and bringing them to stores in other states. They are necessary to this country, but with them, brings many accidents each and every day. They are often times much more severe due to the size of the vehicle.
Each year, vehicles travel billions of miles in across the United States. In 2015, the number was over 3,000 billion. Larger trucks account for a great portion of those miles each year, usually around 200 billion. With so many trucks traveling all day, every day, accidents can be very common. Especially during rain, sleet, and snow.
Truck Accident Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2014-2015, around 3500 of the almost 30,000 fatal vehicle accidents on roads in the United States were the result of large commercial trucks. Some statistics to remember:
- Around 98% of semi accidents are fatal.
- The average total cost is almost $60,000 for large truck accidents.
- Each year, for every 100 million miles driven by semis, 60.5 result in an accident or injury.
Proving Negligence
Trucking companies are used to accidents occurring, so they know how to work the system and cut corners to make it seem like the driver was not negligent, and that they are not at fault. You need to be ready for this to happen, and have the right information to prove the trucker was at fault. You will also want the right attorneys on your side who have seen this happen before. Information that may indicate the driver was at fault include:
- Driver was under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Failing to signal when switching lanes
- Failing to inspect vehicle and if all bolts were tightened and hatches shut
Results of a Trucking Accident
If you are the victim of a trucking accident, you may be experiencing several different kinds of damages. They may include damages to your car, or damages to yourself and others in the car with you. Results of an accident may include:
- Loss of job
- Loss of vehicle
- Enormous medical bills
- Short or long term care
- Rehabilitation
- Loss of life
If you have experienced any of these, you will need a skilled attorney, like a truck accident lawyer Fredericksburg VA relies on, to fight your case and help you earn the compensation you deserve. They will not be able to change the situation and go back in time, but hopefully your winnings will be able to provide relief to any money you may have lost going through this ordeal. Hire an attorney so you or your loved one does not have to deal with this alone.
Thanks to our friends MartinWren, P.C. for their insight into truck accident cases.
