Personal Injury Attorneys Archives -

Nearly 6,000 People Killed in Truck Accidents Annually

Posted on October 31, 2024 by Loni Liss

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Sees Rise in Accidents, Fatalities

In their Spring 2024 report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that accidents involving large trucks saw a rise in fatalities and injuries in 2022 compared to the previous year. When seriously injured in an accident caused by a commercial vehicle, make sure you hire an experienced truck accident lawyer.

With almost 3 million semi-trucks registered in the United States, more operators are on the road than ever. This increase has led to more injuries and deaths caused by tractor trailer accidents.

Dealing with a regular car accident involving a standard passenger vehicle is already challenging for the not-at-fault driver. You may have severe injuries that require medical treatment. You have insurance to deal with and lost time from work. There is a lot to manage.

Now, picture the at-fault driver in an accident with a large commercial vehicle weighing 10,000 and 80,000 pounds. Even if you’re in a pickup truck, it’s lucky if you only face minor physical, medical, and financial effects.

Truck drivers have large trucking companies behind them. This includes a team of lawyers and insurance professionals.

Contact Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys Now

After a semi-truck or tractor-trailer accident, it is vital to contact a law firm. Look for lawyers who have experience with truck accidents. Not all personal injury lawyers are the same. Not all accident and injury attorneys can maximize a truck accident insurance claim.

If you are injured in a truck accident, call the personal injury lawyers at The Yost Legal Group. Our personal injury attorneys will listen to what happened and immediately investigate your case.

When seriously injured in a car accident with a large truck, and the accident was not your fault, do not delay. The Yost Legal Group is available via call or text at 410-659-6800. All consultations are free.

Hire experienced truck crash lawyers.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Study and Findings

In “Traffic Safety Facts Research Note: Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes in 2022,” the NHTSA found a decrease in most motor vehicle accidents involving passenger cars: “The estimated number of police-reported traffic crashes decreased from 6.10 million in 2021 to 5.93 million in 2022, a 2.8% decrease.”

As a result of the decrease in the total number of accidents, injuries and fatalities also fell across the board when accidents involved standard passenger vehicles.

However, when large trucks were involved, fatalities increased by 2.0% in 2022, a statistic that did not go unnoticed by Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) Board President Tami Friedrich, who called the data “unacceptable.”

According to the NHTSA’s report, 5,936 people lost their lives in accidents with medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Friedrich continued, “I call on Secretary Buttigieg to take action and urgently proceed with rulemaking to require the use of speed limiters and automatic emergency braking in large trucks as soon as possible.”

The Truck Safety Coalition was even more worried by the fact that 5,936 people died in large-truck crashes in 2022. This number shows a 75% increase in truck crash deaths since 2009.

Fatalities may be the most extreme outcome of a large truck accident, but they are not the only adverse effects. As noted, injuries from large truck accidents rose by 3.7% in 2022, from 154,813 to 160,608 reported injuries.

Non-fatal injuries when in a big-truck accident

Tractor trailer accidents happen more often than we realize. They are also much more dangerous than regular car crashes.

Tractor trailers dwarf regular passenger vehicles in both size and weight. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to an average passenger car’s around 3,000 pounds.

This disparity means that in a collision, the forces involved are significantly greater when a truck is involved.

The massive momentum carried by these trucks can result in devastating damage upon impact, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities for those in smaller vehicles.

This stark reality highlights the importance of increased vigilance and caution when driving near these giants. Due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability, tractor trailers can cause severe damage.

TBI accidents caused by truck accidents

One of the most common injuries sustained in these types of accidents is traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBIs occur when a powerful force jolts or strikes the head during impact, potentially leading to long-term cognitive impairments or even death.

Victims suffering from TBIs may face months or years of rehabilitation with uncertain outcomes.

Spinal cord injuries from big truck accidents

Another prevalent injury resulting from truck accident collisions is spinal cord damage. A sudden blow or trauma can dislocate vertebrae or compress nerve pathways within the spinal column.

This type of injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering an individual’s quality of life both personally and professionally.

The recovery process is often lengthy and costly, requiring extensive medical treatment and therapy sessions.

In truck-related accidents, people commonly report broken bones and fractures along with brain and spinal injuries.

Due to their strong impact, it’s common for victims to suffer fractures in different body parts. These include arms, legs, ribs, and pelvises.

Such injuries usually necessitate surgical intervention followed by a prolonged period of immobilization as well as physical therapy.

Internal injuries from truck accidents

Internal injuries represent another serious concern when involved in a crash with a large truck. These types of injuries can include damage to organs such as:

lungs (from rib punctures)
liver lacerations from seatbelt pressure during high-speed impacts
kidney ruptures due to blunt force trauma against seats/steering wheels

These all require immediate medical attention, without which they could prove fatal.

Last but crucially important are psychological impacts stemming from involvement in a big truck crash. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe consequence where survivors relive horrific experiences through flashbacks and nightmares.

This affects daily functioning capabilities unless addressed therapeutically over time under professional guidance.

Severe, non-fatal injuries as a result of a truck accident include, but are not limited to:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injury
Paraplegia injury
Fractures and broken bones
Internal injuries
PTSD

Many of these types of injuries will not heal with time. They cannot be cured with modern medicine. These are the kinds of significant injuries that can lead to long-term disabilities, requiring a lifetime of care.

They are emotionally, mentally, and financially draining.

Why are there so many accidents with semi trucks?

Difficulty maneuvering a semi truck on the road

One critical factor contributing to the danger posed by tractor trailers is their limited maneuverability. Due to their length and structure, these vehicles require much more space and time to come to a complete stop or execute evasive maneuvers like swerving or changing lanes quickly.

In emergency situations where sudden stops are necessary—whether due to traffic jams or unforeseen obstacles—a truck’s inability to halt abruptly can lead directly to catastrophic pile-ups involving multiple vehicles.

Numerous blind spots when driving a big truck

Numerous blind spots surround large trucks—areas known colloquially as “No Zones.” These blind spots exist on all four sides of a truck but are particularly pronounced on its right side and directly behind it.

Cars lingering in these zones risk going unnoticed by truck drivers who might inadvertently change lanes or make turns without realizing another vehicle’s proximity.

Avoiding prolonged periods within these blind spots significantly reduces accident risk.

Weather conditions play a major role in causing serious accidents.

Weather conditions further compound the dangers associated with large trucks on roads. Rainy weather makes it harder for all vehicles to stop. This effect is even more significant for tractor trailers.

They are heavier, which means they need more time to brake. This is true even in normal conditions. In bad weather, like rain or snow, the risk increases.

If not driven carefully, these trucks can skid off the road. Experienced drivers are needed to handle these challenges safely. This helps keep everyone on the road safe too!

Driver fatigue causes many semi-truck crashes

Lastly—and perhaps most alarmingly—is driver fatigue. Long-haul operators can spend countless hours traversing miles of road daily.

They become susceptible to:

exhaustion-induced errors
slower reaction times
impaired judgment from drinking and driving

Navigate Complex Claims with Experienced Accident Lawyers

Receiving maximum compensation after a motor vehicle accident can take a long time and be challenging. Hiring the best personal injury lawyer for the job is critical.

A top personal injury law attorney will work with insurance adjusters, handle the entire claims process, and work on a contingency fee basis. All truck accident claims and car accident claims are handled by our top-rated injury accident attorneys.

We will explain the process of building your case and filing a claim as we fight to seek the best result. Truck accident cases are more complex than regular car accident cases. They require a knowledgeable legal team to recover the compensation you deserve.

Our experienced truck accident lawyers understand the law and will immediately start investigating your accident claim.

An experienced tractor-trailer accident lawyer can calculate the extent of your damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical needs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a big truck, semi-truck, or tractor trailer, there is no time to delay. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer.

The Yost Legal Group will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 410-659-6800 today for a free consultation.

Vehicle Collision Attorney – Lawyer for Personal Injury – Lawyer for Semi Truck Accidents

18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers – Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers – Car Accident Claims

Turning the Tide Against Child Abuse

Posted on November 4, 2014November 12, 2024 by YostLaw

Every year, Child Protective Services receives over 3 million reports of child abuse, and approximately 5 children lose their lives every day due to abuse or neglect.

The United States is currently dealing with an epidemic when it comes to cases of child abuse and neglect, but many Americans still remain unaware of the extent of this crisis. To make matters worse, some studies estimate that 2 out of every 3 incidents of child abuse and neglect are not even reported.

Many children are abused and neglected in trusted environments such as licensed Day Care Centers, Religious Programs for Kids, After School Programs and more. When you pay to place your child in a reputable, licensed childcare facility, you are doing so under the notion that this is a safe place. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. So you must always be aware and ask lots of questions.

Understanding the warning signs of child abuse and neglect are the best ways for all of us to help minimize this senseless epidemic.

The US Department of Health & Human Services defines Child Abuse as “any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.” Within this broad definition, most cases of abuse can be categorized in one of four camps:

Neglect: Denying a child access to their most basic needs, either physical (ie: food & water), educational or emotional.
Physical: Physically injuring a child with an act of violence.
Sexual: May include indecent exposure, inappropriate or unwanted touching, and/or illicit photographic materials.
Emotional: Impairing the development of a child through excessive criticism, threats, rejection or personal attack.

In a vast majority of cases, close to 90% by some estimates, child abuse and neglect is perpetrated by an authority figure that the child knows well. The immediate consequences of child abuse, including physical injuries and intense mental anguish, are disturbing enough on their own.

However, the real damage of abuse often does not appear until years after the incident occurs. Individuals that experience some form of abuse or neglect as children are far more likely than their peers to struggle with substance abuse, psychological disorders, criminal behavior and serious health issues including heart disease, liver disease, obesity and cancer.

Familiarizing yourself with the signs of child abuse is one of the best tools at your disposal to help end this epidemic. You can view a checklist of warning signs here, and learn more about the proper way to report incidents of child abuse here.

If a loved one is a victim of abuse or neglect from a trusted establishment, contact The Yost Legal Group today for a free confidential consultation. We’re here to help you through this difficult time.

If we take your case it will be on a no fee or expense basis unless you recover.

Call The Yost Legal Group today and speak to an attorney for a free initial consultation about your case at 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529).

The Yost Legal Group, Helping Fight Clergy Abuse & Other Abuses Against Children.

LEAD PAINT: The Hidden Threat to America’s Cities

Posted on September 19, 2014August 2, 2024 by YostLaw

In 2013, the Center for Disease Control estimated that over 500,000 American children between the ages of 1 and 5 years old faced the severe medical dangers associated with lead poisoning. Despite the fact that federal law banned the use of lead-based paints in 1978, the lingering effects of this underrepresented health crisis are still prevalent today in many of America’s inner city neighborhoods.

Knowing the facts about lead paint can help you keep your children and loved ones safe from this public health hazard.

Research released by Colombia University’s David Rosner and CUNY’s Gerald Markowitz in their 2013 book Lead Wars estimates that some 30 million American homes still contain toxic lead-based paint. Homes built prior to 1978 pose the highest risk of containing lead paint. But even newer homes could contain undercoats of lead-based paint that remain a health threat years or even decades after their installation.

Children can become exposed to unsafe levels of lead after walls containing lead-based paint are damaged through normal wear and tear, renovation, leaks, sanding, and even drilling or nailing.

Possible signs of lead poisoning in children are:

Tiredness or loss of energy
Hyperactivity
Irritability or crankiness
Reduced attention span
Poor appetite and weight loss
Reduced attention span
Trouble sleeping
Constipation
Aches or pains in stomach

Before you begin any type of home renovation, be sure to contact your landlord, real estate agent or contractor to ensure that you take the necessary precautions. Even as walls containing lead-based paint are being removed, clouds of lead flakes can remain behind on floors, carpets, or window sills. In fact, Rosner and Markowitz’s maintain that many children are often exposed to lead poisoning during the removal process itself.

One study conducted in the 1990s by an affiliate research institution of Johns Hopkins University found that Baltimore city had the highest lead poisoning rates for children in the country. Baltimore residents should consult their medical professional as well as the Center for Disease Control’s Lead Prevention Program for advice and steps to take.

If you feel you or your child has been exposed to unsafe levels of lead due to negligence or poor building upkeep, contact The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-YOST-LAW (967-8529). The Yost Legal Group is experienced in aggressively litigating lead paint exposure claims.

The Yost Legal Group has successfully protected the rights of many families exposed to this serious health risk. If you feel you are at risk, don’t hesitate to call today for a free consultation.

Tag: Personal Injury Attorneys