A study that suggests various habits and lifestyle factors that are common among truck drivers are also correlated with a higher risk of truck accidents. Many of the risk factors that were identified in the study, including cell phone use and fatigue, represent preventable conditions rather than uncontrollable variables, semi truck accident lawyers note.
If you were injured, or a loved one killed, in a semi truck accident, 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 truck accident lawyer.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
Researchers: Likelihood Of Crashes Increases When Drivers Suffer From Health Problems
According to healthcare.utah.edu, a study published in the Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine suggests that many common trucker habits and health issues may play a contributing role in truck accidents. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 797 drivers and accompanying physical measurements of various health indicators, including weight and blood pressure. After gathering this data, the researchers looked for factors that were associated more frequently with accidents.
The study found that the likelihood of crashes increased when drivers suffered from various health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, low back pain and alcohol use. Furthermore, more than half of the surveyed drivers were obese, which could put them at greater risk for experiencing some of these health-related risk factors. Truckers who reported feeling fatigued after work or who used cell phones while driving were also more likely to experience crashes.
The study concluded that many of these risk factors could be mitigated through intervention, suggesting that many truck accidents are occurring due to preventable issues or deliberate habits, and that these risk factors could be reduced resulting in a reduced number of truck accidents on American roads, the website reported.
Injured Drivers or Passengers May Be Entitled to Compensation
Truck 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.
