TruckAccidents

Of all U.S. traffic deaths occurring each year, approximately 12% are the result of truck accidents. More than 500,000 truck accidents take place on U.S. highways yearly, and 5,000 people lose their lives. Trucks are prone to “rollovers” and “jackknifes”, increasing the hazard for other motorists. Tractor-trailer accidents almost always result in death for the truck driver, or those in another vehicle. With the average commercial tractor trailer weighing in at about 80,000 pounds, it’s not difficult to understand why statistics show that automobile drivers involved in a truck accident are 80% more likely to die than in accidents involving another automobile.

Truly, our lives are at stake when we share the road with these big rigs.

Who Is At Fault?

Truck accidents may be the fault of the truck driver, or the fault of the drivers of other vehicles. Truck drivers who ignore speed limits, use drugs or alcohol while driving, drive long distances with no breaks or load their trucks beyond maximum capacity are an accident waiting to happen.

Other drivers contribute to the potential for truck accidents when they drink and drive, try to “beat” the truck, cut in front of trucks, or drive in blind spots where the trucker cannot see the car.

Truck accidents are also caused by:

• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Cutting across lanes
• Equipment failure
• Mechanical difficulties
• Inclement weather conditions
• Poorly maintained roads, poor visibility
• Road rage
• Driver Fatigue

The type of cargo being hauled can also be responsible for truck accidents. Heavy loads are dangerous and may also be hazardous or flammable. Chemical spills and oil spills add additional risk. Although truck driver fatigue is the number one cause of truck accidents, truck load issues, such as liquid sloshing in the tanker, may cause a weight shift, contributing to truck accidents.

For Columbia truck accident victims who are fortunate to survive a truck crash, and for the families of those unfortunate victims who do not survive, compensation may be available to cover the current and future costs of medical treatment, lost earnings and pain and suffering. However, retaining an Columbia attorney is essential when seeking recovery for damages, because trucking accidents are complex to litigate due to heavy trucking industry regulations.

Compassionately protecting your rights and aggressively securing justice on your behalf, The Yost Legal Group pursues your case to get the compensation you deserve. If you reside in the Columbia, Maryland area, The Yost Legal Group will make sure justice is served for you and your loved ones.

Please contact us today to schedule your FREE truck accident consultation.

Columbia Legal Resources