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Every year, thousands of people are seriously hurt or lose their lives in accidents with large commercial trucks. These wrecks leave a lasting impact on the victims and their families, often in the form of large hospital bills and emotional trauma.
A truck accident lawyer can help you understand the scope of these accidents and what legal options might be available to you.
How Common Are Truck Wrecks in Virginia and Nationwide?
Truck accidents are a major safety concern, both in Virginia and across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s estimated that nearly 524,000 commercial trucks were involved in crashes nationwide in 2021.
In those accidents, over 5,700 people were killed, and about 155,000 are estimated to have been hurt. From 2020 to 2021, there was a 23% increase in the number of occupants killed in trucks and a 19% increase in people killed in other vehicles.
On its own, Virginia has a significant number of truck accidents. In a 2020 report from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, more than 2,300 crashes involved a large truck, many of which involved injuries and fatalities.
Stats on Truck Accident Fatalities and Injuries
Because of their sheer size and weight, large trucks tend to cause catastrophic damage when they’re involved in a crash. Some troubling stats show just how dangerous these accidents can be:
- About 74% of all fatal crashes involving a large truck involve another vehicle
- 68% of truck accident fatalities are people who were passengers
- Injuries from truck wrecks increased by 5% year-over-year, with around 147,000 people estimated to be hurt in a single year
- Around 30% of all truck crashes cause life-threatening or serious injuries
With injuries and fatalities on the rise, the need for legal help from a truck accident attorney for victims and their families becomes equally important.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents
Crashes involving large trucks can happen for a number of reasons, but certain causes come up more often than others.
Driver Error
Truck drivers are trained professionals, but they make mistakes just like everyone else. The overwhelming majority of crashes involve at least some form of driver error, such as speeding, aggressive driving, or distractions like cell phones and eating on the go.
Driver Fatigue
A study in 2006 found that around 13% of truck drivers who were involved in a crash were tired or fatigued at the time of the accident. Despite federal regulations that limit the number of hours a trucker can be on the road, pressure from their bosses and unrealistic deadlines often lead to accidents.
Mechanical Failures
All too often, trucking companies simply don’t keep up with vehicle maintenance, and it causes a startling number of wrecks. Tire blowouts are common, as are failures in the steering system. Disturbingly, 29% of crashes involve brake issues on the trucks, but brakes are only a problem with only 5% of passenger vehicles in such accidents.
Truck Accidents Compared to Passenger Vehicle Crashes
Truck accidents tend to be far more destructive than passenger vehicle crashes. Large trucks take longer to stop, have larger blind spots, and are more prone to rollovers. While passenger vehicles are involved in more crashes overall, truck wrecks are more likely to cause major injuries or fatalities.
The Hidden Economic Cost of Truck Wrecks
The financial impact of truck wrecks is staggering, costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars every year. Those costs stem from:
- Hospital bills for injury victims
- Lost wages and productivity
- Vehicle repairs and property damage
- Insurance costs and legal fees
For the people caught up in these crashes, their injuries can rack up hundreds of thousands (even millions) of dollars. This is why it’s necessary to pursue compensation with the help of a truck accident lawyer.
How These Stats Influence Legal Cases
The severity of truck accidents impacts legal claims in several ways. Higher medical costs and the need for long-term care mean larger settlements or verdicts. Liability is more complicated, which makes having a truck accident attorney vital in securing fair compensation.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You With Your Case
Truck accident claims are more complicated than typical car crash cases. A skilled truck accident lawyer can help you:
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident and collect the evidence you need to build a strong case
- Identify who can be held liable
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement payout
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Strong legal counsel can make all the difference in the outcome of a truck accident claim.
FAQ
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Virginia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the day of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you may not be able to recover compensation for your losses.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability can fall on a number of people and entities. Most people assume the truck driver is the likely culprit, but the trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers could also be responsible.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect From a Truck Accident Case?
The exact amount will depend on the circumstances of your case. However, most victims can collect for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, settlements can reach six or seven figures — but it’s not a guarantee.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve
Truck accidents leave victims with serious physical trauma, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck wreck, you don’t have to face the challenge alone.
Contact Commonwealth Law Group today for a free consultation of your case. Our legal team will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured at work or through the negligence of another individual or entity, contact us at (804) 999-9999 or or use the form below to connect with our legal team. We will fight to get you the justice you deserve.