A Look at National and State Trucking Accident Statistics
Auto accidents of any kind can have devastating consequences. However, when the accident involves a truck, the results can be life altering or even fatal. Sadly, truck accidents are a serious problem here in Florida and the country as a whole. Thousands of accidents occur each year. Because these crashes involve large vehicles weighing thousands of pounds, there is a huge risk of injury or even death. If you or your loved one has been in a trucking accident, there may be a number of negligible parties involved. Our attorneys will work on your behalf. They will review every aspect of the accident to obtain your rightful compensation. Here, our attorneys provide some important trucking accident statistics. Contact our Daytona Beach practice to learn more.
Trucking Accidents in the United States
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal trucking accidents rose by 4 percent between 2011 and 2012. In many cases, these accidents had grave consequences. The statistics listed below refer to larger trucks, weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
- 333,000 trucks were involved in accidents in 2012.
- There were 3,921 truck accident fatalities in 2012.
- Of those deaths, 73 percent of victims were drivers or passengers in another vehicle, and 24 percent were occupants of the trucks, and 3 percent were non-occupants.
- 104,000 people were injured in trucking accidents in 2012. This is an increase of 18 percent since 2011.
- 81 percent of fatal truck accidents involve two or more vehicles.
Trucking Accidents in Florida
Trucking accidents are a problem for the whole country. However, truck accidents are a great local concern, as well. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), in 2010, there were 3,329 accidents involving heavy trucks, and 58 of these accidents involved fatalities. There were 1,821 injuries. In addition, there were 57,336 accidents involving light trucks (those with only two rear tires). 672 of these crashes were fatal. 38,429 resulted in injuries.
Many of these accidents took place here in Volusia County. The FLHSMV reports that in 2010 in this county, there were:
- 311 commercial motor vehicle crashes
- 6 commercial motor vehicle fatalities
- 212 commercial motor vehicle injuries
Although more recent data has not yet been released, these accident statistics have remained fairly constant for the last few years.
Were You Involved in a Trucking Accident?
If you have been in a truck accident, there is a good chance that you have suffered significant injury or property damage. You may even be mourning the loss of a loved one in a fatal crash. If so, you are likely entitled to compensation. We understand that financial considerations can be a huge burden following an accident. Though money will not replace your loved one or restore your physical health, financial compensation can ease your mental burden. In this way, you can focus on healing and regaining your quality of life. The attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau are dedicated to serving you, and they will work to get you the full amount of money you deserve.
Determining Liability for a Trucking Accident
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine who was at fault for a trucking accident. Although driver error is sometimes an obvious cause, there are often other factors at work. For example, trucking companies are responsible for maintaining a safe fleet. If mechanical error caused the accident, the company may be partially or fully to blame. Cargo can also have a huge bearing on an accident. Improper packing or weight can cause or compound an accident. In these cases, there may be several negligent parties. Our attorneys will not stop until they uncover the cause of your accident. Thanks to their tireless efforts and commitment to justice, you could receive significant financial compensation.
Contact Chanfrau & Chanfrau for More Information
To learn more about trucking accidents and to find out if you may be entitled to compensation, schedule an appointment with our firm today.