A New York Times report states that big rig safety technology is vital to reduce the number of semi truck accidents on American highways. The death toll in truck-involved crashes in the U.S. rose 17 percent from 2009 to 2013, trucking accident lawyers note.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a semi truck, contact Attorney Group today to learn more about your options. We can answer your questions in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated trucking accident lawyer.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
One-Quarter of Deadly Accidents that Occur in Construction Zones Involve Large Trucks
According to The New York Times, existing big rig safety technology can lower the risk of many types of truck accidents. Work zone collisions, for example, frequently occur when traffic slows but trucks fail to do the same. Overall, one-quarter of deadly accidents that occur in construction zones involve large trucks. Yet, only three percent of trucks that belong to the heaviest weight class employ technology that could help detect and mitigate these crashes.
From 2009 to 2013, passenger vehicle deaths decreased about three percent, a gain that was partly attributed to technological advances. Tragically, over the same interval, truck accident fatalities jumped 17 percent. In 2013, a reported 3,964 lives were lost in large truck accidents. That same year, one in eight fatal accidents involved trucks, even though these vehicles traveled less than one-tenth of all miles driven.
Federal lawmakers are now considering various measures that would reduce the safety requirements truck drivers and companies must satisfy. The proposed changes include establishing more lenient age criteria and relaxing driver rest period rules. These changes, combined with the industry’s relative lack of safety technology, could promote an ongoing increase in accidents, the website reported.
Injured Drivers or Passengers May Be Entitled to Compensation
Trucking drivers and trucking companies have a duty to make sure that they operate and maintain their vehicles in a safe manner. If this duty is not fulfilled, fatal accidents may occur, and the truck driver or trucking company can be held liable for injuries that may result.
Drivers or passengers who are injured in semi truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from an injury
If a driver or passenger is killed in a semi truck accident, his or her family members may be able to pursue compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one. Wrongful death damages can include:
- Mental anguish, and pain and suffering from the loss of a loved one
- Loss of relationship or financial support of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
- Conscious pain and suffering or a loved one prior to death
People who have been injured in a trucking accident are advised to seek a qualified semi truck accident attorney to help them protect their legal rights.
Contact Us For More Information
If you have been injured, or a loved one killed in a semi truck accident, contact Attorney Group to learn more about your options. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
