Areas of Concern in Large Truck Accidents
Large truck accidents, including those that involve tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, have long been known as particularly serious crashes in which pedestrians and occupants of smaller passenger vehicles are often severely injured or killed. Indeed, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 80 percent of people seriously injured or killed in large trucking collisions are pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific rules in place that are designed to prevent truck accidents caused by drowsy driving and other dangerous behaviors behind the wheel, but accidents continue to occur.
FMCSA researchers recently analyzed studies and data on truck crashes, and they discussed some of the still-pressing “areas of concern” that should be addressed to reduce truck accident rates. Our Richmond truck accident lawyers can tell you more.
FMCSA Analysis of Truck Crashes and Remaining “Areas of Concern”
At the annual FMCSA Analysis, Research, and Technology Forum, officials and researchers discussed recent data related to truck crashes across the country and specifically identified the following issues as the most immediate “areas of concern” that should be addressed to reduce the rate of collisions:
- Increasing rate of fatal large truck accidents (a rate that has been rising for several years now);
- Increasing rate of truck crashes involving fatal pedestrian injuries;
- Significant number of fatal truck crashes in work zones;
- Rising rate of truck occupant deaths;
- Truck drivers testing positive for drugs and intoxicating substances; and
- “Widespread” lack of seatbelt use.
Liability for Truck Crashes in Virginia
When large trucks are involved in collisions in Virginia, it is important to know that one or more parties may be liable for injuries that occur. To determine liability, it will be critical to determine the cause of the crash. Often, a truck driver’s negligence will cause a collision. Yet even in these circumstances, more parties than just the truck driver may be liable. Other liable parties could include the trucking company that employs the truck driver or the owner of the truck.
In other circumstances, issues like defective brakes or an improperly loaded trailer can be the primary causes of truck crashes. When trucking collisions have causes other than the trucker’s negligence, your lawyer can help you determine which party or parties may be liable based on the facts of the case.
Contact a Richmond Tractor Accident Attorney Today
Anyone who has been seriously injured, or who has lost a loved one, in a tractor-trailer or other trucking crash should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Truck collisions are known to be particularly serious, and truck companies often are liable for injuries that occur in collisions. Since truck companies have deeper pockets than truck drivers or other parties who may be some liability, it may be possible to file a claim against the truck company in order to seek full compensation for the losses you have experienced. Contact one of the experienced Richmond truck accident attorneys at Latham & Martin today to find out more about how we can assist you with a tractor-trailer accident lawsuit in Virginia.
Sources:
iihs.org/topics/large-trucks
ttnews.com/articles/fmcsa-research-technology-forum
