Seeking Injury Compensation After a Truck Accident

Throughout the United States, thousands of Americans are injured in accidents involving commercial trucks each year. Due to the sheer size of most commercial vehicles, collisions involving standard cars are often devastating. In many cases, commercial trucking accidents are caused by the negligent actions of the trucking company or the truck driver. If you or a loved one are injured in a commercial trucking collision, seek experienced legal guidance immediately. 

Commercial Truck Accident Statistics 

With millions of commercial trucks on the road each day, trucking accidents are common and often horrific. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were nearly 3,900 fatal commercial trucking accidents in 2016. In all, more than 100,000 Americans suffered injuries that required hospitalization after being involved in a truck crash. While some trucking accidents are unavoidable, many are directly related to the reckless actions of an employee. 

Truck Driver and Trucking Company Negligence

The most common forms of trucking negligence involve the driver. Reckless truck driving can come in various forms, including excessive speed, driving too fast for conditions, texting while driving, improper lane changes, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Dangerous and negligent actions can also stem from the trucking company. If a company improperly loads a truck or fails to properly maintain it, the driver may lose control of the vehicle. According to federal law, truck drivers are now only allowed to drive for 11 consecutive hours. Going over the legal limit can lead to reduced reaction time and other dangerous symptoms of drowsy driving. To subvert these guidelines, truckers are sometimes encouraged to falsify their driving logs by their employer.

Contact a Waukegan Truck Accident Lawyer 

When a regular motor vehicle is struck by a commercial truck, the results are often catastrophic. Injuries suffered can result in chronic pain, permanent mental or physical damage, and even death. At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our legal team is dedicated to helping individuals and families get the financial award necessary to cover medical bills and pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation with a skilled Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-652-3303. 

Sources 

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Drivers%20Guide%20to%20HOS%202015_508.pdf

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2016