Truck Accidents-How Serious Can They Get?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a recent study showing 69% of victims from large-truck accidents are passenger vehicle occupants, while only 16% are truck occupants. If you were recently a victim in a truck accident, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer in Baton Rouge. You should know your legal rights.

Death Toll Caused By Truck Accidents

When it comes to truck accidents, the picture can't get any sadder. According to Fatality Facts of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, nearly 4,000 people died in large truck accidents in 2016. Among these, 66% were car occupants and other passenger vehicles. The fact that passengers in smaller vehicles are most at risk than in the other remains, especially for motorcycles. Some motorcycle injury lawsuits involve trucks.

Safe driving habits alone can't protect you if the truck driver is distracted in his driving. Compared to large trucks such as 18-wheelers, a much smaller SUV would mostly take much of the damage. It could mean harsh injury or even death for the passengers of the car. When that happens, it's best to talk to a Louisiana truck accident lawyer and ask for help.

Truckers Ignoring Road Safety Rules Can Be Fatal

Over 500,000 truck accidents happen on U.S. roads every year.  That results in almost 5,000 fatalities and 130,000 injuries. Most fatal truck accidents end up in car passenger deaths, not truck driver deaths. Around 90% of truck crashes are caused by human error which can be avoided. Several contributing factors would still play a role in creating the accident. If you know someone involved in a fatal truck accident, refer them to a Louisiana car accident attorney.

Truck drivers should be aware of significant safety concerns to avoid crashes and not ignore them. The following should raise their awareness:

• Driver's health should be of primary importance
• Is the driver experiencing fatigue or sleepiness?
• How does the weather condition affect driving?
• Roads should be clear of debris and obstacles
• How long will the driving take?
• Is the truck in top shape?
• Distracted driving (e.g., drunk, drugged, texting, eating, talking)
• Trauma, injuries, and medical expenses

In case you are fortunate enough to have survived a truck collision, chances are slim you will not get away with it without an injury, not to mention the mental and emotional trauma after such a devastating accident. Plus, the following common injuries caused by a truck collision will need medical care. You would need to pull your financial resources together to get over most of these. They could get expensive.

• Cuts, bruises, and severe burns
• Fractures and broken bones
• Head wounds and brain injury
• Internal hemorrhage
• Organ damage (especially abdominal)
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis

Even if it doesn't appear that you have any injuries, it’s best to seek medical attention. Internal injuries don't usually manifest right away, but the symptoms appear later. Also, seek the advice of a right Louisiana truck accident attorney to know your legal rights especially if you are a victim.