4,229 Ameericans lost their lives in 18-wheeler accidents in 2008
In 2008, a total of 4,229 fatalities were reported to be caused by accidents involving 18-wheelers. Deaths related to trucking accidents are a common occurrence that we hear about on the news every day. In my line of work I have handled many trucking accident cases and the main observation I have made is that the vast majority of these accidents are preventable.
Contrary to the popular sentiment, trucking accidents are not always caused by truck drivers. In fact, many truck drivers die every year as a result of poor decisions made by regular motorists. Although an 18-wheeler is an incredibly massive vehicle and the truck driver usually fairs better than the occupants of a passenger car that collides with a big rig, the truck's mass can work against it in a single vehicle or rollover trucking accident, putting the truck driver in a perilous situation where his safety depends on the inadequate safety features found on most big rigs. Many truck drivers are at the mercy of those who maintain or load their vehicles as many trucking accidents are caused by mechanical failures and improperly balanced loads. It's a dangerous occupation.
Of course, the more common type of fatal trucking accident involves an 18-wheeler and a passenger car. These accidents are often caused by the negligent actions of the trucker or the shipping company they work for. It is very common for truck drivers to drive in excess of the number of hours limited by federal safety standards. It is also quite common for truck driver to drive too fast for the road conditions they are exposed to.
All of these scenarios together account for the tragic loss of life that occurred in 2008. Certainly there are trucking accidents that are simply a freak occurrence, but the overwhelming majority of these accidents are preventable.
If we all work a little harder and take the time to do things the proper way we just may see a lower number of needless deaths in 2009. And to the truckers and motorists out there that ARE playing it safe, thanks.
Posted by:
Dallas trucking accident attorney Michael Grossman
| Posted on:
7/29/2009
| Comments (0)
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