Truck accidents are often caused by distracted or exhausted drivers. Truck drivers are usually on a very strict schedule and drive very long hours where they get little to no sleep. It’s important for truck drivers to exercise a great deal of caution and alertness and there are many rules and regulations trucking companies must follow to ensure the safety of those on the road.

When a driver or company fails to comply with these regulations, serious accidents with deadly consequences are inevitable. Poor training and overloading are often the cause of catastrophic collisions.

Truck Accident Overview

Truck accidents can be especially deadly due to the size of the vehicle. Large commercial trucks can weigh between 10,000 to 80,000 pounds. If one crashes into a car, the victim can easily suffer severe or fatal injuries.

When companies fail to follow regulations, they can be held liable for injuries they cause in a commercial vehicle or truck accident. Victims must realize their right to sue for financial compensation to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, future lost wages, and pain and suffering. Calling an experienced Philadelphia truck accident lawyer ensures fair and just legal representation.

Commercial Vehicle Collision Statistics

Every year, about 500,000 trucking accidents occur in the United States. Around 5,000 of these collisions result in fatalities. Other noteworthy collision statistics include:

  • 68 percent of all fatal truck accidents happened in rural areas, rather than cities.
  • In 2008, 49,084 large trucks and 7,123 buses were involved in injury crashes.
  • About 66 percent of all fatal truck accidents occurred during the daytime rather than nighttime.
  • In 2003, 78 percent of all fatal trucking accidents occurred on the weekend.
  • The record high for truck accidents in one day was 13.
  • In 2009, 29 large trucks were involved in Hazmat (HM) Placard crashes.

Federal Rules and Regulations

Commercial vehicles must comply with rules and regulations. Trucks are considered commercial motor vehicles if they weigh over 10,000 pounds, are part of a business, and are involved in interstate commerce. They are also considered a commercial motor vehicle if they are transporting hazardous materials in a large quantity.

These rules and regulations state that truckers and trucking companies must follow proper loading and transporting. Trucks must be inspected before they are ready to travel. Many crashes involve a violation, which leaves the company or driver liable for damages.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Philadelphia Law Firm

It is important for victims of truck accidents in Philadelphia to realize their right to sue for financial compensation. Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries and death. We understand how overwhelming it can be to have to deal with the pain and suffering associated with an accident. On top of that, worrying about medical bills, lost wages, and other financial concerns makes matters worse.

Hiring a skilled truck accident attorney at The Heslin Law Firm means all aspects of your case is handled with care and honesty. Contact us for a free consultation today.