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Why Tractor Trailer Crashes Are So Devastating

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All automotive or vehicle collisions are terrifying, but when a tractor-trailer is involved, the damage is often intensified. The average tractor trailer is more than three times the size and weight of a typical four door vehicle. When a vehicle and a tractor trailer collide, there’s a greater chance for lives to be lost, cars to be totaled and survivors to have terrible injuries. These trucks are a staple of American roadways, and the interstates and roads of Florida are no exception. Most accidents involving these big rigs are due to driver fatigue, intoxication or general distraction behind the wheel such as texting. Should you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident with a semi-truck, we encourage you to reach out to a personal injury lawyer right away.

Some eye-opening statistics on tractor trailer accidents in the US…

  • Over 80,000 people were injured in crashes with tractor trailers in 2010 alone. Of those injured, 3,675 individuals lost their lives. The majority of the fatalities were of those who were in the other vehicle.
  • In the same year, 2010, 2% of truck drivers involved in an accident were found to have a BAC level above the legal limit, implying that they were intoxicated while operating the truck.
  • Most of these drivers are no saints either. 21% of the drivers involved in the fatal accidents of 2010 had at least one prior speeding ticket on their record.
  • Unfortunately, Florida roads were home to 179 of these trucking accidents in 2010.

Tractor trailers are clearly bigger than the average vehicle on the road. They’re responsible for hauling goods across the US to stock the shelves of our grocery stores, clothing stores and others with things we use every day in our homes. The US Department of Transportation classifies these vehicles of having a weight greater than 10,000 lbs. (the average midsize car weighs about 3,500 lbs). Naturally these vehicles do need to be larger to move goods in an efficient manner, but with size comes greater risks for driver safety. In addition to the above mentioned causes for accidents, a truck that hasn’t been maintained properly could also be a cause for concern on the roadways. Even a truck that hasn’t been loaded correctly could mean disaster should the driver have to step on the brakes quickly or make a sharp turn.

Because accidents with large trucks are so serious, you need equally as serious representation on your side. A personal injury lawyer who has experience with serious collisions knows how these cases play out with insurance and trucking companies and can work on your side. Very frequently, the driver is part of a larger corporation itself. This is unlike traditional motor vehicle accidents in which an individual is dealing with another individual. Those companies have resources put aside and excellent lawyers on their team to ensure that the company keeps the fault as low as possible also while keeping as much money in the bank as well. Don’t risk getting bullied by a big company… You deserve the white glove lawyer treatment too! Injuries, daily inconveniences, loss of income at work or the cost of a new vehicle aren’t things that you’ll need to deal with on your own.