National Truck Accident Attorney

National Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are more common than many people realize and often come with severe consequences. Many victims are severely injured, and many find themselves permanently disabled or disfigured. Tragically, many of these accidents result in death. Truck accident victims and their families deserve compensation for their injuries and other losses when the accident is caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, a national truck accident attorney from Merritt & Merritt Law Firm can help you start moving forward. You can reach us at 1-800-738-93946.

Truck Accident Statistics Paint a Troubling Picture

The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration compiles statistics every year regarding truck accidents. While their most recent statistics for 2020 show an overall decrease of 1% for large truck accidents, almost 5,000 people died in truck accidents that year. The report also includes the following:

• 71% of the fatalities resulting from truck accidents were occupants of other vehicles
• 13% of the fatalities resulting from truck accidents were cyclists, pedestrians, or other nonoccupants
• 3% of truck drivers involved in fatal accidents had BACs of .08% or higher
• 21.3% of truck drivers involved in fatal accidents had prior accidents on their driving records
• Truck accidents accounted for 9% of all fatal motor vehicle accidents
• 80% of truck accidents involved multiple vehicles
• 27% of fatal truck accidents occurred on interstate highways
• 55% of fatal truck accidents occurred in rural areas
• 76% of fatal truck accidents occurred on weekdays
• Texas had the highest number of fatalities with 116, followed by 45 in Florida
• Wyoming had the largest percentage of fatal truck accidents with 19% of all motor vehicle accidents

These statistics demonstrate the hazards that large trucks present to other drivers on our nation’s roadways. While these statistics focus on fatal accidents, you can assume that the number of serious injuries is even more troubling.

Ultimately, victims of traffic accidents aren’t just statistics – they are people with lives and families who must now find a way to move forward. A national truck accident attorney from our firm can help you rebuild your life if you have been injured in a truck accident.

Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies Are Subject to Federal Regulations

One of the reasons you should consider hiring a national truck accident attorney is that they will know the federal trucking regulations and how they apply to your case. Evidence that the driver or the trucking company violated federal regulations can be powerful evidence of the negligence that caused your accident.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) promulgates regulations regarding a variety of matters within the trucking industry, including hours of service, maintenance, vehicle weight, and other matters.

Hours of Service Limitation

Under FMCSA regulations, drivers are limited to driving 11 hours during any 14-hour period, if they were off duty for 10 hours prior to the 14-hour period. The 14-hour period begins whenever the driver does any work related to their job, even if it doesn’t involve driving. Drivers are also limited to 60 hours of on-duty time during a 7-day period or 70 hours during an 8-day period.

Hours of service limitation are important because it decreases the likelihood of truck drivers becoming tired behind the wheel while driving. Drivers should get off the road if they are too tired to remain alert, regardless of whether or not they have exceeded their hours of service limitations.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

FMCSA also mandates drug and alcohol testing for drivers. This includes both random testing as well as testing in certain scenarios such as after an accident, hiring of a new driver, and various other events. Truck companies must test for drug use including marijuana and opiates and may also require blood tests for alcohol.

Truck Maintenance

Federal regulations require truck drivers and trucking companies to routinely inspect trucks to ensure that they are in good working order and to spot any imminent mechanical failures. Trucking companies are obligated by these regulations to conduct routine maintenance and replace any worn-out parts. Inspections must be conducted annually and at other set periods of time. Failure to abide by these regulations may be evidence that your accident may have been at least partially caused by a mechanical failure.

Fatal Trucking Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one has been killed in a truck accident caused by negligence, you may have a wrongful death claim. While nothing can truly replace your loss, a wrongful death claim allows you to receive financial compensation for your loss.

Wrongful death claims are controlled by the laws of the state where the accident occurred. They are usually limited to surviving members of the victim’s immediate family. This typically includes the following:

• The victim’s spouse
• The victim’s children
• The victim’s parents if they were unmarried with no children

A national truck accident attorney can determine whether you have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident. If so, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:

• Loss of support
• Loss of future income including investment and retirement income
• Loss of companionship
• Burial and funeral costs
• Medical bills if the victim received treatment prior to death
• Loss of consortium

Compensation awarded in a wrongful death case can protect your family’s future against financial uncertainty and help ease your loss. An experienced truck accident attorney can provide an estimate of what compensation you can expect to receive from your wrongful death claim.

Reach Out to a National Truck Accident Attorney at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need someone on your side who can help you not only get the compensation you deserve but also help you put your accident behind you. Call us today at 1-800-738-93946 to schedule a free consultation – the sooner you call us, the sooner we can help.