How Common Are Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are less common compared to other accident types. However, they make up some of the worst crashes. When truck accidents do occur, they are often fatal.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):

• There were about 450,000 police-report large truck accidents in 2017.
• Out of the above crashes, 4,237 were fatal, and 344,000 caused injuries.

In comparison, highway safety facts show there were 6,453,000 total crashes in 2017. As you can see, truck accidents are a smaller portion of total accidents. But when a truck accident happens, the damages are often terrible.

When do Most Truck Accidents Happen?

Here are some facts to know about truck accidents:

• Fatal accidents involving trucks often happen on Interstate highways and in rural areas. About 27% occurred on Interstate highways. Around 57% occurred on rural roads. 13% of fatal truck accidents were in a combination of both areas.
• A large portion of truck accidents happen between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. That includes fatal accidents, injury crashes, and property-damage-only collisions.
• Most deadly and non-fatal truck accidents happen on weekdays. Trucks are more likely to be on the road every day of the week. Monday through Friday include regular work days for truckers.

What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

If a truck accident injured you, you have options. You might be entitled to compensation for your damages. Here are some things you can do to protect your rights.

Get Medical Attention

Truck accidents often cause life-threatening injuries. If you have severe injuries, don’t wait to get help — call 911 for an ambulance. Get medical attention before your injuries worsen.

If you don’t get medical help at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. Your medical records will be vital for your injury case. You will need to show proof that you got treatment.

Call the Police

According to Georgia Code Section 40-6-273, you should report any accident with:

• Physical injuries or deaths
• At least $500 in property damage

Truck accidents almost always meet the above criteria. The truck driver should call 911 to report the accident. But if the driver won’t or can’t report the accident, you can call.

The police should respond and create an accident report. You will need a copy of this report for your records.

Document the Scene

If you are well enough to do so, you can compile evidence at the scene. Here are some things you can do:

• Take pictures of your injuries and vehicle damage.
• Talk to any eyewitnesses, and get their contact information.
• Note any traffic cameras that might have captured the crash.
• Get the truck driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information.

Don’t worry about these steps if you have severe injuries. Your lawyer can go to the scene and gather information. Your well-being is the number one priority.

Don’t Admit Any Fault in the Crash

The truck driver might try to blame you for the accident. Be very careful not to accept any fault or blame.

Even if you think you were partially at fault, talk to a lawyer first. Otherwise, the other driver or insurer could use what you say against you.

Call a Truck Accident Lawyer

After a truck accident, you will need legal help. An experienced lawyer can help you seek compensation for your damages.

Insurance companies will fight hard to protect their money. When a truck driver causes your accident, you’ll have to file a claim with their insurance company. The insurer is usually the trucking company’s insurance company.

Large insurance companies use many tactics to reduce what they pay you. We urge you to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect yourself. Your lawyer will know how to handle the insurance company for you.

What If a Loved One Died in a Truck Accident?

If a truck accident killed a loved one, you might have a wrongful death claim. You might be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral or burial costs
• Loss of companionship

A truck accident lawyer can determine if you have a wrongful death case. Schedule a consultation today to go over the details.

Why do Truck Accidents Happen?

Truck driver errors often cause truck accidents. Unfortunately, trucking companies give drivers strict deadlines that force them to drive while fatigued. Some truckers might skip breaks to travel longer distances.

Lack of sleep and stress can lead to:

• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Poorly-loaded cargo
• Drug or alcohol abuse

All of the above can cause catastrophic accidents. Sadly, drivers and passengers in the other vehicles tend to suffer the most injuries and fatalities.

If a truck accident injured you or a loved one, you have legal rights. Talk to a truck accident lawyer today about seeking the compensation you deserve.

Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer for Free Today

At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping truck accident victims for over 20 years. Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win you compensation. You can get started on your case at no risk.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation. We’ll match you with the best lawyer for your needs. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.