According to the Lousiana State University’s Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), 106 people died on Louisiana roadways in large truck and bus accidents in 2019. When it comes to light trucks and vans, they account for a much higher percentage of deaths at 43.1% of all fatalities, compared to only 9.1% of large trucks like semi-trucks and tankers. Around the country, large trucks accounted for 4,136 deaths in 2018 – according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
While the percentage of total roadway deaths caused by large trucks is comparatively smaller than regular vehicles, a large portion of the accidents they are involved in result in serious injury. This is due to the sheer size and power of trucks. When truck drivers do not do their part to keep roadways safe and act negligently in the process, it is very easy for an innocent motorist to become a victim in an instant. When a person asks how many people die from truck accidents, they should also be asking how many deaths could have been prevented if the truck driver was acting safely.
What Causes the Majority of Truck Accidents?
When it comes to large trucks, most accidents are either caused by distracted driving, driving while fatigued, reckless driving, or inexperienced driving. As these semi-trucks and tanker trucks can carry many tons of weight at a time, the drivers need to exercise extreme caution when they are doing even the simplest of roadway maneuvers. If that same driver takes their eyes or mind off the road for even a second, the results can be devastating for anyone else on the road.
Other common causes of truck accidents can include, but may not be limited to:
- Texting and driving or otherwise using their cellphone behind the wheel, including checking emails, making calls, or scrolling through social media
- Intoxicated driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Speeding or driving too fast for the present conditions
- Failing to slow down or failing to yield for oncoming traffic. As the trucks carry so much weight, the average truck driver needs to begin slowing much sooner than a typical vehicle
- Drowsy driving is a major problem for truckers who work long hours hauling across the country
- Attempting to make illegal passes
- And more
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientCan You Receive Compensation After a Truck Accident Injury or Wrongful Death?
Yes, any motor vehicle accident resulting in injury or death may be cause for legal action against the parties responsible. In many cases, the driver will work for a company that may attempt to disprove your claims, so they do not need to pay out through their insurance company in the event they are found responsible for the accident. Some victims choose to turn to personal injury lawyers who will then investigate their case and attempt to prove who was truly at fault in a court of law. Personal injury lawyers also have the ability to call upon industry experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, who can approach the accident from a scientific perspective in the hopes of proving who was responsible for the accident.
In cases of injury, the party responsible will generally be held accountable for damages related to physical, financial, and mental suffering. These forms of compensation can be related to many different aspects of the victim’s life, virtually anywhere they faced hardship from the accident. Examples of areas where damages may be awarded can include, but may not be limited to:
- Damaged property
- Medical bills
- Mental anguish, including a loss of personal relationships with loved ones and stresses brought on by the accident, such as anxiety and depression
- Lost wages while the victim was injured and a loss of future employment opportunities
- Transportation needs
- And more
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientTruck Accident Lawyers Fighting for Damages
Every year, many people die from truck accidents. Here at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we have worked alongside many truck accident victims during our time in the field of personal injury law. Unfortunately, we have seen time and time again how traumatic these accidents can be, and we know all too well what kind of effect they can have on a victim’s life. That is why our firm continues to fight for our clients’ right to compensation when they have been injured by another person’s negligence. No matter how big or small the truck company may be, we will work to build a strong case and pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
To learn more about our services, speak to a member of our team today at (337) 777-7777 for your free consultation. We will be happy to answer any legal questions you may have.
