Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers
Injured in a Tractor Trailer Accident? Contact The Yost Legal Group Right Away
Tractor trailers play a crucial role in transporting goods across the country, but they also pose a significant risk on the roads. Accidents involving tractor trailers are alarmingly common.
The National Safety Council reports that in the year 2022 alone, large trucks (medium or heavy trucks with a gross vehicle rating greater than 10,000 lbs) were involved in 5,837 fatal crashes (accounting for 6% of all fatal crashes in the United States).[1]
[1] https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
Truck accidents can result in severe injuries and even fatalities. Understanding how and why these accidents happen is essential to raising awareness and promoting safer driving practices.
A car accident requires swift investigations with a keen attention to detail. However, semi-truck accidents are even more complicated and require the utmost care when conducting a thorough investigation. In the USA, thousands of motor vehicle accidents are caused by tractor trailers.
Injured in a Tractor Trailer Accident? Get the Legal Help You Deserve
Car accidents can be a traumatic and stressful experience, especially when they involve a tractor-trailer. These types of accidents can cause serious injuries and even fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved.
When you are injured in a car accident caused by a tractor-trailer, having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial. They will help navigate the complex legal process and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, don’t wait—call The Yost Legal Group today. Our dedicated personal injury lawyers are here to protect your rights and guide you through this difficult time.
Call 1-800-967-8529 for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain the claim process, and support you every step of the way.
Why do semi-truck accidents occur so frequently?
The statistics on motor vehicle accidents caused by tractor-trailers are staggering. According to data from the Institute for Safer Trucking, in 2021, there were 154,993 truck injury crashes, 378,589 property damage-only truck crashes, and 5,788 truck crash fatalities throughout the United States.[1]
Additionally, a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that tractor-trailers are involved in a disproportionate number of multi-vehicle crashes on highways.
[1] https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ea971b432e2ec4105a9a422/t/656f701076eb367e4f1dc949/1701802001190/2023+Safer+Trucking+Report+-+Final.pdf
Understanding the Catastrophic Impact of big truck Collisions
One reason tractor-trailer accidents are so prevalent is their sheer size and weight. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles.
This size disparity means that the consequences can be devastating when a semi-truck is involved in an accident with a smaller vehicle. A collision with a tractor-trailer can easily crush a smaller vehicle or cause it to spin out of control.
One known danger involved in tractor-trailer collisions is the geometrical mismatch between passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers, which can render safety features in a passenger vehicle, such as bumper energy absorbers, useless.[1]
Well recognized in the trucking industry is the “override truck accident,” where a truck strikes the passenger vehicle from behind with so much force that it either 1) runs over the passenger vehicle, 2) crushes the vehicle, or 3) shears off the top half of the passenger vehicle.
[1] https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/HAR1002.pdf
Speeding, Tailgating, and Fatigue: The Deadly Trio in Trucking Accidents
A significant factor contributing to commercial vehicle accidents is driver error. Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines and drive long hours without adequate rest. This can lead to fatigue, distraction, and reckless driving behavior such as speeding or tailgating.
Studies have shown that fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents on our roads. Additionally, some truck drivers may engage in risky behaviors such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. We want to acknowledge that many truck drivers on the roads drive safely and abide by the rules of the road, but many do not.
One major cause of driver fatigue is failing to take adequate breaks in their routes and violating their Hours of Service (HOS). Federal regulations limit the hours a commercial driver can operate a tractor-trailer.[1]
For example, a property-carrying driver may only drive a maximum of 11 hours after ten consecutive hours off duty. While some companies allow their drivers to manually log their hours of service, others utilize Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to ensure that their drivers do not violate federal regulations.
The HOS Regulations can be complicated depending on the nature of the driver’s activities and whether they are “on duty” or “off duty” while operating a vehicle.
It is critical to understand the HOS regulations and to know how to verify a driver’s driving time to prove driver fatigue that may have contributed to a catastrophic crash.
[1] https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations
Large Trucks Can Weigh up to 80,000 Pounds
Semi-trucks get their name from semi-trailers, which do not have front wheels and rely on tractors for transportation. There are nearly 2 million semi-trucks in operation in the U.S. and around 5.6 million semi-trailers. Semi-trucks and semi-trailers are also known as tractors and tractor-trailers, respectively.
Most semi-trailers are 53 feet long, though some semi-trucks pull multiple trailers at once. Some semi-truck engines weigh as much as 3,000 pounds and can tow tens of thousands of pounds. Federal regulations state that semi-trucks and trailers cannot weigh more than 80,00 pounds—anything heavier could potentially damage roads and bridges.
Trucking Companies Under Fire for Ignoring Critical Maintenance
Poor maintenance and mechanical issues also contribute to tractor-trailer accidents. Due to their frequent use and long travel distances, big trucks need regular maintenance to stay safe on the road.
Federal regulations mandate that all commercial vehicles must be periodically inspected by qualified inspectors at least once every 12 months.[1] Commercial motor vehicle drivers must also inspect their vehicles before and after every trip. They must be satisfied that the vehicle is in good working order before taking it out on the road.
[1] https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/passenger-safety/inspection-repair-and-maintenance-motor-carriers-passengers-part-396
However, some trucking companies may cut corners on maintenance or overlook critical repairs to save time and money. This can result in brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that increase the likelihood of an accident.
Truck drivers must prioritize safety over speed, and trucking companies should prioritize training programs and maintenance protocols. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone who shares them with these massive vehicles.
Common Injuries in Tractor Trailer Collisions
Unfortunately, a car accident with a big truck can cause much more severe injuries. Due to many factors, a truck accident can cause:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Paraplegia injury
- Wrongful death
- Long-term disabilities requiring a lifetime of care
Protect Your Rights with a Skilled Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer in Maryland
Hiring an experienced attorney is crucial when injured in a tractor-trailer accident in Maryland. These cases are typically more complex than regular car accidents. An attorney with experience in this area will be better equipped to handle the complexities of your case.
They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Tractor trailers are subject to specific regulations and laws that do not apply to regular cars, which can make determining liability more challenging.
An experienced attorney will have a thorough understanding of these regulations and how they apply to your case.
Furthermore, tractor-trailer accidents tend to result in more severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between the vehicles involved.
This means that victims may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, which can result in significant financial losses.
An experienced attorney will be able to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including:
– Medical expenses
– Lost wages
– Pain and suffering
– Future medical needs
A track accident lawyer will ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer: Why Experience Matters Most
A key reason why it is essential to hire an experienced lawyer for semi-truck accidents in Maryland is their ability to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether, especially in cases involving serious injuries.
A personal injury law attorney with experience handling these cases will know how to negotiate with insurance adjusters effectively. They will fight for your rights so that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Trucking companies in the USA have a lot of work to do to ensure better road safety. As drivers, we all need to stay vigilant and be aware of big trucks on the road. If you ever see a semi-truck swerving, making quick lane changes, or engaging in any unsafe driving, stay away.
Why Hiring an Experienced Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney in Maryland is Crucial
Only an experienced lawyer for personal injury should be involved with these kinds of cases. A semi-truck accident law firm like The Yost Legal Group knows the correct questions to ask and answers to provide.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys will help you with the following:
– Protect your rights
– Investigate the accident
– Obtain black box data
– Document the findings
– Use respected experts to prove your case
– Answer questions and guide you through the process
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury in an accident caused by a big truck, call The Yost Legal Group for help. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are here to help guide you and protect your rights.
We will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. We will gather evidence, assess your quality of life after the accident, and help you get the best medical care.
Call 1-800-967-8529 for a free consultation. An experienced truck collision attorney will review your case and explain the process of filing a claim on your behalf. We will support you and stand by you throughout the claims process.
Remember, hiring the best lawyers for truck accidents will give you the best opportunity for a successful outcome. Your personal injury case will be a top priority.
[1] https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
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