|
Truck & Tractor Trailer Accidents
When an automobile or motorcycle collides with a tractor trailer, the results are simply devastating. In 2006, large trucks accounted for 7% of all vehicle miles traveled and 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States. Yet, in terms of motor vehicle crashes, large trucks represented:
- 8% of vehicles in fatal crashes
- 3% of vehicles in injury crashes
- 4% of vehicles in property-damage-only crashes.
Large truck tractors pulling semi-trailers accounted for 63% of the large trucks involved in fatal crashes and 47% of the large trucks involved in nonfatal crashes.
FATAL TRUCK ACCIDENTS
In fatal crashes involving large trucks, driver- related factors were cited for 39% of the large truck drivers. In comparison, driver-related factors were noted for 66% of passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes. Some of the most common factors cited for drivers of large trucks and drivers of passenger vehicles were the same: driving too fast, failure to keep in proper lane, inattention, and failure to yield the right of way.
TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT CAUSES
- Speeding (exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions) was a factor in 23% of the fatal crashes involving a large truck, compared with 33% of all fatal crashes.
- No adverse weather conditions were reported for 87% of the fatal crashes and for 89% of the nonfatal crashes involving large trucks. Rain was the most common adverse weather condition.
- In 76% of the fatal crashes and 70% of the nonfatal crashes involving large trucks, the first harmful event was a collision with another vehicle in transport.
- In two-vehicle fatal rear-end crashes, passenger vehicles struck large trucks in the rear approximately three times more often than large trucks struck passenger vehicles in the rear—17% versus 6% (Figure 3).
One out of nine traffic fatalities result from an involving a truck, semi truck or tractor trailer.
- Of the truck accident deaths, 79 percent were occupants of another vehicle, 7 percent were nonoccupants, and 14 percent were occupants of a large truck. Of the injuries that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 77 percent were occupants of another vehicle, 3 percent were nonoccupants, and 20 percent were occupants of a large truck.
- Large trucks are much more likely to be involved in a fatal multiple-vehicle crash — as opposed to a fatal single-vehicle crash — than are passenger vehicles (84 percent of all large trucks involved in fatal crashes, compared with 61 percent of all passenger vehicles).
- In 29 percent of the two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a large truck and another type of vehicle, both vehicles were impacted in the front. The truck was struck in the rear nearly 2.5 times as often as the other vehicle (17 percent and 7 percent, respectively).
Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers
Tractor trailer accidents result in extensive damage, and often end in fatalities, or serious and permanent injuries. Tractor trailer companies and their insurance companies usually offer little help to the victims of a truck accident. Truck accident lawsuits are very expensive for both the victim and the company involved and often the truck company will attempt to settle the case for "pennies on the dollar".
An experienced lawyer can help "level the playing field". Sheff Law Offices, P.C. handles, Automobile, Motorcycle, Truck and Tractor Trailer Accident Cases resulting in serious injuries, such as quadriplegia, traumatic brain injury and death. For a free case evaluation, fill out the form provided below. An attorney will review your claim and may contact you to discuss your rights.
Injured Person Information:
Accident / Injury Information:
Case Description*
Please explain exactly what happened, trying to state
as thoroughly as possible who you believe was responsible
and why you believe that person was negligent:
|
Please explain the full extent of the victims injuries:
|
Comments / Additional Information
Is there anything else that would assist us in
understanding the facts of your case?
|
| 
