Semi truck crashes happen far too often in the Chicago area. Victims of these accidents can be seriously injured, and many die as a result of injuries suffered. Those who are fortunate enough to survive, and the family members of those who are killed, often have a difficult physical, emotional, and financial road ahead of them.
But just how common are truck accidents in the United States? According to statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2014 411,000 large truck accidents were reported to police across the U.S.. Of these crashes, approximately 3,500 resulted in at least one fatality, and about 82,000 resulted in injuries. Sixty-one percent of fatal truck accidents occurred on rural roadways, and 26 percent occurred on Interstate highways.
Truck accidents can occur at any time. Though more than 80 percent occur during the traditional work week, a significant number of fatal and injurious truck crashes take place at night and on the weekends.
Those who are driving on the road near big rigs should try to do everything they can to keep themselves safe. Yet even a careful driver can be injured or killed in a semi truck accident. Those who suffer harm in one of these wrecks have the right to take legal action to recover compensation for their losses. If the accident was caused by truck driver negligence or negligent truck maintenance the victim has the right to bring a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver and the trucking company. A local attorney may be able to help these individuals recover the damages they deserve.
Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, “Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2014,” accessed on July 9, 2016
