Client Review by Trucker Injured in 3 Semi CrashDeadly Truck Crashes. We Can Help.
In 2017 4,761 people died in the U.S. in fatal truck accidents involving large trucks like according to federal data. This represents a 9% increase from 2016. 113 of these fatal truck crashes happened in Missouri. 77 of them occurred in Kansas. Most fatal truck wrecks happen on during daytime on weekdays and in rural areas. More than 1 out or 4 happen on interstate highways About three quarters of the people who die are occupants of other vehicles.
While some fatal truck crashes involve only one vehicle (like a single vehicle rollover truck crash where the truck driver looses control), most involve at least two vehicles. The typical 18 wheeler-semi truck configuration involved in a fatal truck crash is a tractor pulling one trailer. In 2016 more than 60% of the large trucks involved in fatal crashes were of this type as opposed to a tractor pulling more than one trailer or straight trucks like ordinary dump trucks, cement mixers or delivery trucks.
The biggest percentage of fatal truck crashes happen when the front of the semi or other big truck crashes with another vehicle. Head on truck accidents are one example and represent the highest percentage (about 30%) of fatal truck crashes. Rear end truck collisions, where the truck collides with the back end of another vehicle, and left turn crashes, where the front of the truck can strike the front or side of another vehicle are other examples.
Crashes involving the rear of the semi or other large truck and the front of with another vehicle, person or object can be particularly tragic. Fatal crashes involving two vehicles where the initial point of impact was the back of the semi or other big truck represented 21% of large truck crashes in 2017.
In some of these crashes, often called underride collisions, the vehicle crashing into the semi can end up partially under the truck with the top roof, windshields and top part of the passenger compartment torn off causing fatal or horrific injuries to the occupants of the vehicle rear-ending the semi. There are steps which can be taken to reduce the risk and severity of underride crashes. Trucking companies can be held liable for these crashes even though it was the other vehicle which crashed into the large truck.
Semis and other large trucks have limited visibility to the rear especially directly behind the truck. Even though backup cameras have been readily available for a number of years and are relatively inexpensive many large trucks are not equipped with them. There have been tragic accidents backed into or over another vehicle or person.
Federal and state regulations like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), state traffic laws, safety campaigns and technologies like collision avoidance systems, exist to reduce and prevent these tragedies. Despite all this, tragically, the carnage continues. Still, negligent trucking companies and truck drivers put lives at risk. Thousands continue to die each year in truck crashes.
If you lost a loved one because of a truck crash please accept our sympathy and know that we are here to help. If you lost a loved one due to a trucker’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. While money can never replace a lost life, it can help ease the financial burden of your family member’s death and give you a sense of justice. To help prevent future tragedies it is important to hold the negligent driver and trucking company accountable.
Kansas and Missouri law both permit claims or lawsuits for death caused by another’s negligence. Wrongful death claims against a trucking company or trucker can be much more complicated and time consuming than a similar fatal car accident case. A skilled and experienced lawyer can help you can get the compensation and justice you need and deserve.
Compensation in A Truck Wrongful Death Case
When a family member is killed in an accident, you lose not just an individual, but someone who had a great role in your life and who may have been there to care for you in the future. Thus, reimbursement in a wrongful death case includes not only your financial expenses but also other related damages.
In legal terms, there are economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a specific dollar value. Medical bills arising from the accident, like ambulance and hospital bills, funeral and burial expenses and future lost income of the decedent are examples of economic damages. Non-economic damages refer to losses that are less quantifiable but recognized by the law.
Many families ask how much they could receive for the wrongful death of their loved one. There is no set amount for this. Each case is unique requires an analysis of factors specific to the case like the truck driver and trucking company’s fault, aggravating factors and damages caused by the death. To fully value your wrongful death case, you’ll want to discuss all of your possible losses with an lawyer. It takes a lawyer’s familiarity with the law and experience in accident cases to determine your best legal avenues.
Call Flick Law Firm For Your Truck Accident Case
When you bring a lawsuit against a truck driver or a trucking company, you can expect them to be well-equipped to defend your case. Hire an attorney with a track record of success in truck accident cases.
At Flick Law Firm, we have aggressively fought powerful companies and insurers to obtain the maximum compensation for our clients. Let’s talk about your loved one’s truck accident. Call today Flick Law Firm for a free consultation about your fatal truck crash case.
