Trucking accidents have a significant impact on many aspects of our daily lives. For example, almost all products that American consumers purchase are delivered to stores via truck. However, with this indispensable service comes a significant concern: trucking accidents. These accidents, often resulting in devastating consequences, have raised alarming issues and questions that must be answered to promote future road safety. In this blog, we will explore why trucking accidents are a pressing issue and what to do if you are involved in a trucking accident.
Prevalence of Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents are more common than we might think. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in the United States alone, there were over 510,000 large truck accidents reported in 2019. These accidents led to approximately 5,000 fatalities and 114,000 injuries. The frequency and severity of these accidents underscore the alarming likelihood of these accidents for road users.
Factors Contributing to Trucking Accidents
Several factors contribute to the high rate of trucking accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road, tight schedules, and pressure to meet deadlines can lead to driver fatigue, diminishing the driver’s alertness and reaction time.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglected maintenance can result in mechanical failures that lead to accidents. Brake issues and tire problems are among the leading causes.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers, like all drivers, can become distracted by smartphones, GPS devices, or other in-cab technology, diverting their attention from the road. Drug use and other factors have also been attributed to trucking accidents.
- Inadequate Training: Not all trucking companies invest in comprehensive training for their drivers, potentially leading to a lack of necessary skills and knowledge.
Legal Implications
Trucking accidents often involve complex legal issues, as they may involve multiple parties like the driver, the trucking company, and the manufacturer. Many times, insurance companies, medical professionals, crash experts, and other key stakeholders will be required to be involved. For a person who is injured, it is also important to consider the statute of limitations for bringing a personal injury claim (for example, in Montana, the statute of limitations is three (3) years) or even a property damage claim (two (2) years in Montana), as this determines the time limit that a person has to bring claims against the responsible trucking company or driver.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident
If your accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney to assess your case. Your attorney will be able to assist you in the claims process for your damage, including guiding you on which documentation is required for your claim, communicating with all of the relevant professionals that will be involved in your claim on your behalf, and reaching an appropriate settlement with your best interests in mind. Taking action with an attorney will ensure that your legal interests are protected.
Contact AFJ Law Firm Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
It can be frustrating to not know where to turn after you suffer injuries during a truck accident. If you want to learn how you can seek monetary compensation for your injuries, then contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Attorney Anthony F. Jackson has years of experience representing clients in truck accident cases. We can identify the defendants who may be liable for your injuries, and we can prepare your case for trial if it is not resolved through settlement negotiation.