Being involved in any type of vehicle accident can result in a victim suffering serious injury, however, accidents involving tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries, usually for the occupants in the other vehicle. The size and massive weight of commercial trucks can do significant damage to a passenger vehicle in a truck accident, leaving the vehicle’s occupants vulnerable to severe injury and death.
Truck Accident Statistics
It is estimated that about 70 percent of all goods transported in the United States get to their destinations by truck. The considerable number of large trucks on the nation’s roads appear to confirm this statistic. That number also means that there is a high potential for truck accidents.
According to data collected by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 75 percent of all fatal passenger vehicle accidents involve a large truck. In 70 percent of all fatal truck accidents, the victims are the passenger vehicle occupants. More than 5,000 people are killed in truck accidents each year.
Victims who do survive truck accidents often face long and painful recoveries because of the severity of the injuries they suffer. Some of the more common truck accident injuries include:
- Head or brain trauma
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Crush injuries
- Back injuries
- Burns
In addition to the physical injuries, it is not uncommon for a truck accident victim to have emotional trauma following a crash. Having a huge tractor-trailer slam into your vehicle or hit and run your vehicle off the road can be a terrifying experience. These crashes can profoundly impact a victim’s mental state and when, or even if, they are confident enough to get back behind the wheel of a vehicle again. It is not uncommon for victims to be afraid to drive a vehicle or even be a passenger because of the fear they will be hit by a truck again.
Victims who suffer these types of injuries may be able to collect financial compensation from the party or parties who were liable for the truck accident. They may also be entitled to damages for the emotional trauma they suffer, as well.
Contact a Will County Personal Injury Attorney for Legal Help
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident, you could be entitled to damages you have suffered because of your injuries. Because there may be more than one liable party, as well as potential violations of federal or state trucking regulations, truck accident cases can be complex and benefit from the skill and legal expertise of an experienced truck accident attorney. Michael J. Lichner has the experience and legal knowledge to help. Contact us or call 815-258-7877Â to schedule a free consultation and learn what legal options you may have.
Source:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2017