You’re driving on a San Antonio highway when a tractor-trailer passes you and a large object falls out of the truck. Perhaps a truck on the roadway blows a tire in front of you. Maybe the truck driver is operating under the influence when an accident occurs. In this and a host of other scenarios, what legal recourse do you have when the activity of unsafe large trucks on roadways causes you to have an accident? Should you consider speaking with an attorney?
A new analysis of government data revealed that more than 28,000 motor carrier companies, representing more than 200,000 trucks, are currently operating in violation of federal safety laws. In an original analysis of data, not previously available to the public, it was found that persons on our nation’s highways are sharing roads with trucks that have incurred thousands of safety violations.
Data was obtained on the safety performance of the U.S trucking companies through the Motor Carrier Management Information System, which is maintained by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Over a million lines of data were analyzed in an effort to pinpoint just how many unsafe trucks might be on the road. West Virginia, North Dakota, Nebraska, Vermont and Iowa had the highest rate of companies in violation of federal safety requirements. The effects of these violations are deadly. In the last decade, while there has been a modest decrease in the number of deaths resulting from semi-truck accidents, there has been an alarming increase in the number of serious injuries resulting from such collisions. While truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons, many are preventable, and often a direct result of trucking companies violating safety standards to cut corners and maximize profits.
The population and number of roadways in San Antonio, and Texas at large, translates to a high number of semi truck / 18 wheeler accidents. In recent years, TxDOT reports well over 30,000 accidents involving some type of commercial vehicle. Each year, there are upwards of 300 accidents resulting in more than 2000 injuries and deaths as a direct result of unsafe large trucks on roadways. Common violations include defective brakes, bad tires, loads that dangerously exceeded weight limits and drivers with little or no training or drug and alcohol dependencies.
The increasing amount of construction in San Antonio means an increase in the number of unsafe large trucks on our roadways, and large companies own these imposing vehicles. Filing a claim after a semi-truck accident can be a headache without the help of an experienced attorney. Trucking companies have large firms representing their interests and this can result in a lengthy process especially if injuries are involved.
The aftermath of an accident with an unsafe large truck can be a complicated and stressful process, especially if injuries are involved. Large corporations own semi-trucks and may try to settle with you quickly, which could jeopardize any settlement to which you’re entitled. They will secure attorneys to protect their interests in such claims, so it’s important for you to have an experienced lawyer who will represent your interests. When you’re injured as the result of the negligence of a semi-truck operator, receiving the compensation you deserve is far too important to leave to chance. You need a San Antonio unsafe large truck accident lawyer on your side.
The attorneys of Carabin Shaw (in San Antonio and surrounding areas) can and will help you if you’ve been injured as the result of an accident with an 18-wheeler and will be able to make sure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, disability, medical bills, and pain and suffering. You can schedule a free consultation by calling 800-862-1260.