The actions of a serial killer are generally considered as taking multiple lives over a period of time and not in one incident. After reviewing the statistics regarding highway fatalities throughout the U.S., you could almost consider eighteen wheelers and the like to be the serial killers of the nation’s roads. So why is this continuing and why are the killers still allowed to operate among us, sharing the roads and often our lanes?
Looking at statistics from 2014, out of all truck accidents where a passenger vehicle was involved and resulted in a fatality, the majority of deaths were those in the passenger vehicles. Some reasons that commercial trucks are behind so many fatalities are prolific and include:
- Poor braking ability. While properly maintained trucks should brake well, trucks still require greater distance and more time to come to a complete stop.
- Driver fatigue. Some drivers violate requirements and drive beyond the required amount of 11 hours a day for a maximum of 77 hours a week.
- Truck size. The weight and height of trucks leave passenger cars vulnerable, and they have been known to be overridden by higher clearance levels on these massive trucks.
Out of nearly 4,000 deaths in 2014 from accidents involving these trucks, less than 60 deaths were those of the truck driver or its occupants. The remaining deaths were those of passenger vehicle occupants, motorcycle riders and operators or pedestrians and cyclists.
Until distribution by truck is obsolete or trucks are required to navigate different routes than those of the general public, we will continue to see truck accidents happen and grieve the deaths of our loved ones. If you have lost a loved one, or if you were injured in an accident involving a truck, you are not alone. Not only do you have potential grounds for serious remuneration, but you are not the first person to take on trucking companies, insurance companies and truck drivers in court. The ground has been paved, and a Texas truck accident attorney may be your greatest resource in physical, emotional and financial recovery.