How Common Are 18-Wheeler Truck And Commercial Vehicle Accidents? Why Are They Significant?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2011 there were 29,757 fatalities involving commercial vehicles. There were an additional 1.5 million non-fatal injuries involving commercial vehicles. The estimated costs of the fatalities were $39 billion, and an additional $32 billion for the non-fatal injuries.
Most tractor-trailer drivers operate trucks that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. By comparison, the weight of a typical Ford F-150 is only approximately 5,000 pounds.
When a truck weighing 80,000 pounds shares the road with a vehicle weighing only 5,000 pounds, a dangerous and potentially fatal situation results if the truck driver is negligent.
These figures demonstrate just how serious and catastrophic trucking accidents are across the country. With so much at stake, the insurance companies fight very hard to pay as little as possible.
Whenever an accident occurs, the insurance adjusters and lawyers work quickly to build their defense by developing the evidence most favorable to them. You need to talk to someone who will make sure your side of the story can be told.
The 18 wheeler truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard have the skills and experience to help when you or a loved one is injured in an accident.
Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options. Your consultation will be kept secret, and it does not obligate you to hire our law firm or file a claim.
Common Questions
References
23 C.F.R. 658.17; see also U.S Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Freight Management and Operations, Commercial Vehicle Size and Weight Program.
