According to the Department of Transportation, there was an average of 868 big rig crashes per day in 2012. This resulted in an average of 11 fatalities and 200 injuries every day. A 2006 Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle drivers were found to be fatigued at the time of a serious crash..
Marissa Padilla, director of communications for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation, has stated “driver fatigue is a leading factor in large truck crashes.” The Department of Transportation has revised its truck driving rules, and now limits commercial drivers to 14-hour workdays. This is projected to prevent around 1,400 crashes and 560 injuries annually and save 19 lives.
The American Automobile Association remains concerned with the annual upwards trend of truck related fatalities. Citing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the American Automobile Association states that fatalities involving large trucks increased by 4 percent between 2011 and 2012. Further, of the trucking deaths in 2012, 73 percent were occupants of other vehicles, 10 percent were non-occupants, and 18 percent were occupants of commercial trucks.
When someone is injured or dies in a collision, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.
Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for such injuries or fatalities.