Carmichael Truck Accident Lawyer
In 2014, the world was stunned when Tracy Morgan, known for his regular appearances on Saturday Night Live and his leading role on the TV show “30 Rock”, was severely injured when a tractor trailer slammed head-on into his limo bus. The truck driver, who was speeding, had been driving his Walmart delivery truck for more than 24 hours without rest when the accident occurred, according to Rolling Stone.
When a Tractor Trailer Hits Another Vehicle, the Damage is Devastating
Commercial tractor trailers and 18-wheelers are massive vehicles weighing an average of 80,000 pounds, according to the Federal Highway Administration. This means when a freight truck collides with another vehicle like a sedan, an SUV, or even a limo, the damage is devastating. The aforementioned accident involving Tracy Morgan is a prime example. The collision resulted in the death of a passenger inside Morgan's limo and injuries to several others. Morgan was forced to devote over a year of his life to rehab and recovery since he suffered multiple broken bones and a brain injury.
Truck Accident Statistics
In 2010, of almost 3,000 fatal traffic accidents, over 200 of those accidents involved a large commercial truck. On the national level, approximately 1-in-10 fatal traffic accidents involves a large semi truck. Even more startling, of deaths arising out of accidents with large trucks, in almost all of the wrecks, the individual, or individuals, occupying the smaller vehicle died or suffered catastrophic injuries.
These statistics tell us two things: first, large tractor trailer accidents happen more often than most people may think. Second, accidents with 18-wheelers and semi trucks routinely involve untimely deaths or serious injuries.
How Large Trucking Accidents Can Occur
The truck accident involving Tracy Morgan is also an instructive example to describe how accidents with these large vehicles often occur. Like most truck drivers, the driver of the commercial truck that injured Tracy Morgan was overworked and held to a strict schedule. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that the negligent truck driver was awake for more than 28 hours when the crash occurred and was driving over 20 miles above the posted speed limit, according to ABC News.
Negligent Truck Driver Behavior
You may be surprised to discover that many truck drivers engage in similar behavior and push themselves to be on the road for long hours to make timely deliveries. This makes large trucks especially dangerous to drive near, because the driver of the truck may be less alert than he or she should be.
Unrealistic Truck Driver Delivery Schedules
The nature of a truck driver’s delivery schedule also makes it likely that the truck driver will exceed the recommended speed limit for large trucks. Many trucks drive at or slightly below the speed limit, but for drivers on a schedule, they may believe that speeding is necessary to make timely delivery. Speeding truck drivers in effect turn their vehicles into high speed missiles, barreling down the highway just waiting for an accident to occur.
Improper Truck Maintenance and Cross-Country Trucking
The nature of cross-country trucking also results in regular vehicle maintenance problems. Trucks are designed to be sturdy and reliable vehicles, but accidents do happen. Improper truck maintenance can result in tire blowouts, brake failures, and engine trouble. These maintenance defects create a very dangerous roadway hazard.
Carmichael Truck Accident Lawyer - Getting the Financial Compensation You are Owed
If a freight truck collided with your vehicle due to the truck operator's negligence, you have the right to seek financial restitution for the bodily injuries you suffered as a result of the collision. You can seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A truck accident injury claim could be filed against both the truck driver and the trucker's employer, along with other third parties. Because of the large number of potential defendants, including insurance companies, lawsuits involving trucking accidents tend to be complex cases. That is why it makes sense to have a seasoned Carmichael truck accident lawyer on your side.
Waiting to Take Legal Action Carries Significant Consequences
There is no benefit to delaying taking legal action against the negligent truck driver and their employer. In fact, waiting only hinders your claim. Why? Because California law requires that a personal injury lawsuit be filed within two years from the date of the accident. If you try to file suit after two years, your case will probably get thrown out of court.
Carmichael Truck Accident LawyerI’m Ed Smith, a Carmichael Truck Accident Lawyer. If you have been injured or someone you love has been injured or killed in a truck accident, please reach out to me for free, friendly and compassionate legal advice. I can be reached at 916.921.6400.
I have been practicing personal injury and wrongful death law for 3 decades.
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