Trucking plays a very important role in our nation’s economy, but the massive commercial trucks required to transport cargo from coast to coast can cause serious accidents. Statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reveal that there are around 4,000 truck crashes in Maryland every year, leading to 50 fatalities and almost 1,875 injured victims. Not surprisingly, truck accidents tend to occur most frequently on the highways running through and around Baltimore, including I-95, I-70, and I-83.
However, there are some additional figures that might shock you about the severity and devastation caused by truck collisions. Semis, 18-wheelers, and other big rigs outweigh passenger vehicles by thousands of pounds, and they haul heavy, sometimes hazardous materials. Legal representation is crucial if you were hurt or lost a loved one, and a Baltimore County truck accident attorney will handle the process. You can also review more information that reveals how dangerous these tragic incidents can be.
Disturbing Data on Maryland Truck Collisions
Nationwide, almost 4,600 fatal truck crashes and 108,000 accidents cause injuries to at least one victim. Additional statistics include:
- A total of 5,125 people are killed in truck accidents annually. However, just 850 of them are occupants in the truck. The remaining 83 percent of all victims who die in truck crashes are drivers and passengers in the other vehicle.
- Around 160,000 victims suffer injuries in truck collisions every year.
- A commercial vehicle carrying an average load takes approximately 600 feet to stop when traveling at 65 miles per hour.
- The most common violations among holders of commercial driver’s licenses are speeding and failure to obey traffic signals, with a total of more than 133,600 citations issued by FMCSA.
Why Truck Accidents are So Dangerous
The most obvious reason is the size of the truck because they are longer, heavier, and taller than passenger vehicles. Visibility can be a challenge for the truck operator, though drivers are trained and have tools to aid in maneuvering around traffic. Trucks are also more affected by weather conditions, so their stopping distance is even longer in snow, sleet, and slippery surfaces. Heavy winds can impact safety around commercial vehicles as well when the trailer sways.
Damages for Truck Crash Victims
Because so much of the devastation affects the passenger vehicle in a Maryland truck collision, victims suffer serious injuries and tremendous losses. The point of compensation is to make the victim whole, so you may qualify to recover the following:
- Costs for medical treatment, including emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and additional treatment;
- Lost wages if your injuries caused you to miss work;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress; and,
- Other losses that affect your quality of life.
A Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer Will Help Overcome Challenges
Besides the unimaginable physical pain, the financial and emotional implications of a truck accident can be life-changing. Attorney Michael A. Freedman has extensive experience representing injured victims, so please call 410.363.6848 or go online for additional details. We can schedule a free case review at our offices in Owings Mills or Glen Burnie, MD.
