Did
you know that every 16 minutes a person is
killed or injured in a truck accident? Did
you know that big rig truck accidents continue
to increase? There are over 170 truck carriers
headquartered in Philadelphia - and countless
others traveling through I 95, US 1, I476 and
our Pennsylvania highways. Even with these
frightening scenarios and statistics, powerful
trucking industry lobbyists continue to call for
the weakening of truck safety rules and
regulations to reap a higher profit.
Trucking revenues totaled $610 billion last year
and revenues are forecasted to nearly double by
2015. While commercial trucking growth is good
news for the trucking companies and the
nation’s economy, it is bad news for the cars,
vans and SUVs that share the road with these
potentially lethal giants. In tractor trailer
accidents, 98% of fatalities occur to the
individuals in the passenger vehicles.
As the commercial truck population accelerates
to meet anticipated economic demand, and the
number of passenger vehicles continues to grow,
how will the nation’s motorists fare in
competition for the road?
From 1992 to 2002, the number of large trucks
involved in fatal crashes has increased by up to
10% due to driver fatigue, unsafe vehicle
operation, large, unstable loads or defective
equipment. Accidents involving semi-truck,
18-wheeler, and large trucks present many unique
issues including driver fatigue, intoxication,
driver error, equipment failure, and failure to
maintain current inspection standards.
Large trucks create a unique series of
dangers that pose a risk to other motorists,
these include:
- No-Zones -
Large trucks have no-zones, or blind spots,
that are located around the front, back, and
sides of the truck. When a car is in the
No-Zone, the truck driver is usually unable
to see it. At these times, a large truck
could turn into a passing car and a serious
accident could result.
- Squeeze Play
– Tractor-trailer trucks need to swing
wide to the left in order to negotiate a
right turn. When truck drivers make wide
right turns; they are often unable to see
smaller vehicles directly behind or beside
them. When a car cuts between the truck and
a curb, the car can be caught in a squeeze,
and a serious accident can occur.
- Stopping
Distance – Big rig trucks need a greater
stopping distance than other vehicles. If
there is not enough stopping distance
between a car and a large truck, the car
risks being involved in a rear-end
collision.
- “Off-track”
- Occurs when
a truck turns at high speed and swings into
an adjacent lane unexpectedly. Unlike
passenger vehicles, transport trucks require
up to 40 percent more space to stop.
Following too closely results in inadequate
stopping distance between large trucks which
then rear-end vehicles in front. It is
not difficult to imagine the devastating
results that occur when a car, van or SUV is
hit from behind with over 10,000 lbs. of
moving metal.
There are
many different causes for accidents involving
large trucks, including negligence on the
part of the truck driver or the other vehicles
involved. Others include:
- Aggressive
drivers
- Unrealistic
schedules
- Failure to
inspect tires, brakes and lights
- Tailgating
- Long
work-shifts
- Driver
fatigue
- Cell phone
use
- Failure to
install blind spot mirrors
- Jackknifing
- Speeding and
ignoring reduced truck speed limit
When truck
collisions do occur, trucking companies involved
in the accident often send representatives to
the accident scene. These agents work to
handle everything at the scene of the accident
so that they can limit or mitigate their
company’s liability.
Many times trucking, hauling and leasing
companies dispute whose insurance will provide
for victim compensation. These companies’
representatives know that the ideal time to
confront an accident victim is immediately
following the event. In the aftermath of a truck
accident, the traumatized victim will need to
make important decisions that will impact their
future. Grieving, anxious and injured people are
pressured by trucking and insurance companies’
tactics. Too often the victims and their
families struggle through the difficult after
effects of truck collisions alone.
By working with experienced Philadelphia
Truck Accident Lawyers, victims can have
some control and participation in ensuring that
their rights and interests are protected.
There are no easy answers to providing a
productive and safe environment for everyone who
shares the road; however making the safety of
motorists a priority over profit is an important
step in the right direction. If shipping costs
rise in order to ensure safer transportation of
goods and services, it is a small price to pay
to save lives.
Has an
accident occurred?
If you or a loved one have been injured in a
commercial trucking accident, you need the
experienced lawyers of Munley, Munley &
Cartwright to protect your rights. Large
trucking companies have their own investigators
and attorneys fighting for them, you need
someone on your side.
Munley, Munley & Cartwright is a law firm
experienced at handling tractor trailer accident
claims.
Munley,
Munley & Cartwright
charges clients of personal injury claims on a
contingency basis. What that means is the
attorney is only paid if he or she wins money
damages for you – the client. This makes it
possible for anyone to hire only the best
lawyer. It gives everyone access to the justice
system and representation that is equal to the
best that insurance companies, doctors and other
defendants can hire. You can contact the lawyers
of Munley, Munley & Cartwright for a free
consultation by completing our
online
accident evaluation form
-or- calling toll-free at 1-800-346-7401. |
Article: Sharing the Road
