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Truck Accident Lawyer – The Help You Need
A truck accident lawyer is a very important source of help for someone who has been involved in a truck accident. Truck accidents are far scarier than car accidents; they are also more likely to be fatal.
Truck Accidents: The Figures
The rates of truck accidents are far less frightening than the rates of car accidents but they are far more dangerous for the cars involved. Texas had the highest total of fatal truck accidents, at a record of over 500. Other states with large numbers of fatal truck accident incident rates include California and Florida.
Unfortunately, as car accident rates are experiencing declines in certain states, most states experience constantly increasing numbers of truck accidents. Also, most truck accidents are fatal; in fact, frighteningly so, only 4% of the truck accidents led to only injury and property damages.
Around 68% of the most fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas, mostly in the daytime and on weekdays. Also, 76% involved combination vehicles or trucks that collide with other vehicles. In total, truck accidents accounted for 9% of all traffic accidents that led to deaths. Further studies also showed that the majority of fatalities, at 65%, involved drivers, and 31% passengers, 3% pedestrians, and 2% bicyclists.
Fifty percent of truck accidents happened at the front portion of trucks; this percentage accounts for more than 2,300 accidents. Other accidents involved the left side at 382 times, the right side at 188 times, and the rear at 720 times. During the same year, 608 caused large truck rollovers.
As for the causes of truck accidents, the trends are very different from what is observed in car accidents. Driving under the influence is a leading cause of car accidents but accounts for only 1% of fatal truck accidents. When it comes to truck accidents, most are related to speeding, which accounts for about 27% of fatal truck crashes. More on this website
How Deals with Truck Accidents
Truck driving and truck accidents are governed by federal and state laws. Truck operators and owners should be aware of these laws. But if you get into a truck accident without an idea of the laws regarding truck accidents, you should seek the help of a truck accident lawyer. State laws differ per state, but federal laws apply to all states. These emphasize on the number of hours of required rest and sleep time for truck drivers as well as the insurance coverage.
Trucks are often operated by a driver but owned by a different party. This leads to some special considerations as to which party to sue when a truck accident occurs. A truck accident lawyer can help you determine your best move when making a claim. You can sue not just the operator or driver but also the owner regardless of whether he/she was present at the time of the accident.
There are, however, certain exceptions as to when this can be done. For example, laws exempt a long-term lessor of an automobile from lawsuits involving accidents. Thus, in such cases, you may sue the lessee of the truck whether or not he/she was driving during the crash.
Texas has laws that govern driver negligence cases. An anti-cell phone bill is in place following a truck accident that involved cell phone use of the driver of an 18-wheeler truck.
Finding a Good Truck Accident Lawyer
If you want to successfully claim damages following a truck accident, you should get help from a truck accident lawyer. It is important for you to look for a truck accident lawyer with knowledge and experience in personal injury claims. Truck accidents often lead to personal injury, so if the accident involves injury, you will be more successful in making claims if you work with a personal injury lawyer.
In choosing a good truck accident lawyer, it is also important to base your choice on the experience and the reputation of a lawyer. A lot of personal injury lawyers tend to use emotional appeals in advertising, but remember that these advertisements do not promote the skill and the success rates of the lawyers. If you want to make successful claims, work with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer who can protect your rights and fight for your compensation.
The Verdict
Truck accidents are more fatal than car accidents, so their effects can be especially difficult for victims to handle and overcome. Thus, enlisting the help of a truck accident lawyer can take a huge burden off your shoulders.
Texas has special laws regarding truck accidents in the state, and only a Texas-based lawyer can give you exactly the help you need.