Most Americans think of driving as a mundane activity. But statistics show that getting behind the wheel of a car is actually the riskiest thing most people do in any given day. In fact, someone dies in a highway crash every thirteen minutes, on average. And the most dangerous vehicles on the road by a longshot are commercial trucks, which weigh 20 to 30 times as much as passenger cars. But despite the dangers that big rigs pose to drivers, many Americans remain unaware of the statistics surrounding commercial vehicles. That’s why our Alamogordo truck accident attorneys serving Alamogordo, New Mexico have compiled an overview of what all drivers need to know about commercial trucking accidents. Whether you’re suffering from an 18 wheeler accident in New Mexico or are simply hoping to learn about the risks these trucks pose to drivers, read on to learn more, courtesy of an expert 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Alamogordo.
The Dangers of Commercial VehiclesCommercial trucks can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds and are involved in a staggering 500,000 crashes nationwide every year. Because of these trucks’ massive size, it’s unsurprising that 18 wheeler crashes injure 100,000 people and cause 5,000 crash fatalities annually. And it’s also unsurprising that the victims of big rig crashes are usually the drivers or passengers of the smaller vehicles.
What is Being Done About the Rise in 18 Wheeler Crashes?Recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a major new study into the underlying causes behind fatal accidents involving commercial trucks. This new study—the Large Truck Crash Causal Factors Study—will attempt to understand why fatal crashes involving large trucks have increased by 5.7% between 2016 and 2018.
How Can You Stay Safe? Tips for Avoiding CollisionsSome crashes are unavoidable. However, there are several things you can do to stay as safe as possible while on the road. According to our expert 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Alamogordo, you should always do the following:
Even if you have done everything right, it’s possible to be involved in a serious wreck. And if you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is to contact an attorney as soon as possible. But you should know that not just any attorney will do after a trucking accident—you need a Alamogordo injury attorney who has extensive experience handling commercial vehicle claims and who specializes in trucking accidents. This is because trucking accidents involve both state and federal trucking regulations, and because trucking companies employ massive legal teams whose main goal is to prevent the company from paying out costly settlements. A lawyer at a small general practice firm will simply not have the resources to take on a multimillion dollar trucking corporation.
Fortunately, the Alamogordo injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have more than 200 years of combined legal experience, as well as two decades of experience handling trucking accident claims. We are passionate about defending the legal rights of trucking accident victims, and we’ve helped hundreds of clients win the settlements they deserve.
So call our Carabin Shaw office serving Alamogordo, New Mexico today for a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers at 915-779-2301. Don’t wait—find out what a talented 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Alamogordo can do for your case today.