Car accidents are always dangerous with a risk for injury of the driver and/or passengers. Car accidents that take place on the highway are especially dangerous because of the high rate of speed at which vehicles travel on the highways. Furthermore, the risk of injury increases on the highway because of the large number of commercial truck that use the highways each and every day to deliver goods to businesses in cities around the country. Truck accidents are one of the most dangerous kind of accidents due to the sheer size and weight of the truck compared to passenger vehicles. Add the weight of the cargo to the weight of the truck itself, and a commercial truck has the ability to literally crush a passenger vehicle in a high-speed accident. This risk makes traveling the highways an inherently dangerous activity, though we Americans still do it every day and will continue to do so. If you are involved in a truck accident, make sure you call an experienced attorney in Fayette County to help assess your injuries and damage.
According to the United States Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 82,000 truck accidents happen each year, causing injury to an estimated 114,000 people. In addition, approximately 341,000 truck accidents cause property damage, but no injuries, each year. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving on the part of the truck driver
- Faulty brakes or overloaded cargo compartment
- Tired or fatigued driving after long hours on the road without proper rest
- Speeding, careless passing, or trucks not obeying traffic laws.
Little can be more terrifying than being involved in an accident with a large truck, simply because of the sheer difference in size between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Also because of the size and power of commercial trucks, accidents with a truck can often cause more serious injuries than an accident between two cars. If you are involved in a truck accident, do not hesitate to call Shane Smith Law at (980) 246-2656. As an experienced Fayette County truck accident attorney, Shane Smith can help you hold the trucking company and driver liable and help you receive the settlement you deserve.