Trucks play a significant role in bolstering the economy. According to a report, there are approximately 13 million trucks in the United States which manufacturers and businesses use to reduce delivery times. In addition, the report suggests that they are worth close to 800 billion. This further denotes their increased role in the economy.

However, just like other automobiles, trucking comes with an increased risk of crashes. Their large size coupled with a lot of weight packed within significantly contributes to devastating injuries.

Recent statistics have indicated a worrying trend in trucking. Here’s an insight into the worrying situation in the trucking business and how a qualified lawyer can assist in the event of an accident.

Approximately 130,000 Injuries Occur Annually Due to Truck Accidents

Driver distractions, the weight of the trucks, poor truck braking, among others, are some of the factors deemed to contribute to the increased number of truck accidents annually. Research suggests that these factors have contributed to approximately 130,000 people being injured due to truck accidents.

The injuries that arise due to accidents include:

Head trauma
Broken bones
Internal bleeding

Over 4000 people Due Annually due to Truck Accidents

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggests that truck accidents heighten the risk of death. Data from the Institute indicates a significant rise in death : 1900 deaths in 2019 to 4119 deaths in 2021. Such figures indicate a 31% increase in truck accident fatalities.

18- Wheeler Accidents are on the Rise

Over the past couple of decades, motor vehicles have been a cause for concern due to the significant number of accidents on our roads. Although various efforts have been undertaken to increase awareness, the number of motor vehicle accidents has not been reduced.

Research suggests that the endless number of accidents on the roads is due to 18 wheeler crashes. A 5.8% rise in the death rate indicates the risk posed by these trucks.

How can a lawyer help?

In the event of a truck accident, it is imperative to take the necessary steps to ensure that you are safe. One of the critical steps is to hire an attorney to help you file a legal claim if you incur injuries in a truck accident.

Some of the benefits of hiring an attorney include:

1. Handling communications with insurance companies

Insurance companies try to minimize the payout in order to maximize their profit. Therefore, they don’t always have your best interest at heart after a truck accident.

However, with the help of a lawyer, you can ensure that your claim isn’t denied. This is because a lawyer is able to examine the circumstances and identify the approximate value of your claim.

2. Understanding and applying the applicable laws

The legal process is often complicated. Therefore, if a truck accident occurs due to another person’s negligence, you may face difficulty when you proceed with a lawsuit on your own.

To overcome this hurdle, your lawyer will advise you on the applicable laws and establish a robust claim that often ends up in a reward in the form of damages.

3. Documentation and Evidence collection

To succeed in a lawsuit, you’ll need to have sufficient evidence to support your claim. A lawyer can help you identify evidence that is relevant to your case. Also, they may help with the evidence collection and presenting the evidence in court.

4. Determining Liability

Determining the liable party is never easy, especially in truck accidents. This is because multiple parties-truck drivers, truck manufacturers, truck companies, and insurance companies are involved. Therefore, you’ll need the help of an attorney to file a claim against the right entity.

Bottom Line

Trucks heighten the risk of accidents on the road. If you are injured in a truck accident, it is imperative to take steps to understand the rights and remedies you have against the other party. A trusted and qualified truck accident lawyer can help you file a successful claim in court so that you can recover any losses.