Investigating and pursuing truck accident claims involves both traditional methods of accident investigation and Legal Discovery with Federal Law and regulations that may affect the outcome of the lawsuit. Unfortunately, given the size and mass of Trucking rigs on our roads, resultant collisions with passenger cars are often tragic, yielding all manner of fatal injuries, Brain injuries, serious fractures and paralysis. Common experience and statistics detailed below bear this point out. What is not so commonly understood nor intuitively obvious is the impact that Federal law has on regulating the conduct of commercial Trucking operators and therefore, the Discovery needs of Plaintiff's lawyers litigating such claims on behalf of injured clients or the Estates of those who did not survive such accidents.
To begin with, a brief snapshot of Trucking Accident Statistics
The following trucking accident statistics were for the year 2006
* Non Fatal Trucking Accidents: 135,741 Large Trucks were involved in Non-Fatal Crashes resulted in 85,984 injuries
* Fatalities in Trucking Accidents: 4,732 Large Trucks involved in Fatal Trucking Accident Crashes in the United States resulting in almost 5,000 fatalities
Types of Trucking Accidents
* Roll Overs - account for about 55% of all fatalities. A number can be placed upon the tendency for a vehicle to roll over - the higher the number the better. Full size cards are about 1.3, pickup trucks are 1.1 which fully loaded semi's are about 0.4. However, a half empty tanker can be about 0.15.
* Fuel Oil Fires
* Battery Fires
* Sloshing - tankers less than three quarters full are more likely to roll over
Other Trucking Accident Statistics
* Increased weight increases the probability that a Trucking Accident will results in serious injury or death
* According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, automobile drivers are responsible 44% of the time and truck drivers 56% of the time in a Trucking Accident
* It takes 3X as much distance for a truck to stop than a passenger vehicle
Recently, many Trucking regulations changed. Federal regulations mandate the types of records which a Trucking company must retain, the number of hours which an operator may lawfully Drive before required suspension of driving, the preparation of trip logs. Beyond that, many commercial Trucking companies utilize technology which can pinpoint not only the route taken but speed and weight of the vehicle at critical moments prior to the collision, for example. These are some of the reasons why it makes sense to contact legal counsel familiar with this landscape so that prompt and appropriate action can be taken. Where accidents involving such issues occur outside the State of Connecticut where I practice, I unhesitatingly refer the matter to colleagues with experience in this area of law and maintain many such referral relationships throughout the United States with such Firms.
For those who have been affected by severe Truck accidents, including close Friends and Family members, there happen to be a varied assortment of Victims advocay groups whose goal it is to both support leglislative efforts to make the roads safer or in many instances to create a supportive community.Trucking Accident Victim Advocacy Groups
Online. Supportive community dedicated to recovering from, and dealing with, the long-term stress of accidents and unexpected events (bicycle accidents, car and motorcycle accidents, workplace accidents, etc.).
CRASH Foundation (Citizens for Reliable And Safe Highways)
Online. Dedicated to providing immediate compassionate support to truck crash survivors and families of truck crash victims. Referrals to grief counseling, medical services and truck crash experts. Phone support, conferences, advocacy, First Response Program and survivors network.
CRASH is dedicated to reducing the number of fatalities and injuries caused by truck-related crashes by:
* pressing for corporate and government responsibility in transportation;
* raising public awareness of truck-related safety issues;
* reducing truck driver fatigue;
* improving truck maintenance standards;
* enforcing hazardous material regulations;
* assuring clear and consistent truck placarding;
* improving driver training and qualifications;
* maintaining current truck size and weight limitations;
* providing compassionate support to survivors, and to families of truck crash victims.
