Georgia Truck Accident Attorney Shane Smith Discusses Truck Driver Performance
In response to accidents between large trucks and other vehicles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has prioritized its research to determine why trucks of at least 10,000 pounds and other motor vehicles are likely to collide. Their study focuses specifically on the behaviors of truck drivers and car drivers alike.
According to the FMCSA, large trucks drove 7 percent of all miles driven in a calendar year, but were parties to 13 percent of all traffic-related deaths. Of the deaths, passenger car drivers and passengers were more likely to be killed in accidents with trucks. In fact, more than three-quarters (78) of deaths were suffered by car occupants and 76 percent of car occupants suffered severe injuries. Based on police statistics, 2 out of 3 of all truck accidents involve the truck with another passenger vehicle. 6 out of 10 all truck collisions elicit a death. Based on their findings, the FMCSA set out to lower the number of deaths from truck accidents by more than 40 percent.
If you or a family member has been involved in a truck accident, you need to contact a Gwinnett County truck accident lawyer at Shane Smith Law. When you call our law firm at (980) 246-2656 you will be able to schedule a free legal consultation with a Mountain Park truck accident lawyer and understand all of your legal rights.
According to research from the FMCSA, there are many factors related to a driver’s performance that goes into determining the likelihood of a collision. In fact, there are more than two dozen factors that can contribute to and increase the likelihood of a truck-car accident. Some factors include:
- Distracted driving (reading, talking on the phone, etc.)
- Improper merging
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Driving at dangerous speeds (too fast or too slow)
- No driving for weather conditions
- Unsafe traffic maneuvers (passing, turning, etc.)
- Entering traffic without getting up to speed properly
While these are just some of the factors, and not the only ones contributing to a truck accident, it is a good place to look when determining liability. There are many other possibilities that may accompany or cause exclusively truck accidents. In order to determine liability, a thorough investigation must be made and all records related to the truck accident (witness statements, police and accident records, types of injuries, etc.) must be reviewed by an experienced Georgia truck accident attorney. When you call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656 you will be able to have your circumstances evaluated by a Mountain Park truck accident lawyer who will give you an honest opinion of what your legal rights are!