Rear End Truck Accidents: What You Need to Know
When a rear-end collision happens it usually causes damage to vehicles and it can endanger the passengers inside of them. The damage and chance for serious injuries are even more likely to skyrocket when the rear-ending vehicle is a large truck that can weigh several tons. When a person is the victim of an accident caused by a rear-ending large truck, the medical costs, vehicle repair, and other expenses can grow enormously. Often the victim is left to fight against the trucking company to be fairly compensated and that as well can be financially draining.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2016, there were 4,440 large trucks and buses that were involved in fatal crashes. That was a 2-percent increase over the previous year. In 2009, the number of large trucks and buses involved in fatal crashes was 3,432. That number has grown by 29 percent but even that is lower than the highest amount from back in 2005 when there were over 5,231 large truck and bus fatalities.
The FMCSA found that the following were contributing factors to rear-end truck crashes:
- Alcohol or drug use
- Malfunctioning truck brakes
- Improperly functioning headlights or turn signals
- Poorly lit roads
The FMCSA study found that about 22% of large trucks that were in accidents were involved in rear-end collisions with another vehicle. This totals about 96,360 rear-end truck accidents every year in the United States.
Injuries Cause by Rear-End Truck Accidents
There are a number of factors at play in a large truck or bus rear-end collision that can cause the crash to cause serious injuries or fatalities include the speed of the truck at the time of the rear-end collision, as well as whether or not the vehicle it struck was moving or stationary.
The other types of injuries that are common in this type of accident include:
- Back injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Cuts and Lacerations
Are rear-end truck collisions always the fault of the trucker?
In most cases, the vehicle that strikes the rear-end of another is usually considered to be at fault. If the vehicle is a large, commercial type truck, it is possible the driver may be cited for causing the accident. The company the truck driver works for will also be financially responsible to the victims.
Most large trucks are owned by commercial companies that are efficient in fighting legal battles over accident damages. They will work to pay out as little as possible.
Commercial truck accidents can be complicated. All too often there are multiple companies that may be held liable in a truck injury case. For an example, there could be a transport company that owns the truck and who also employs the driver. The transport company could be contracted by another company to haul a load. Because of the complexities of these cases and the fact that often these companies are legally well-represented, it is so important that victims of these types of accidents have a lawyer that will represent them and someone who has there interest in mind.
Who Will Pay for My Truck Accident Injuries?
Anyone involved in a large truck or bus accident can find themselves facing serious and catastrophic injuries or death. When a client comes to us, their main concern is who is responsible for the accident, who is going to pay for their injuries, and how will they continue to support their families as they recover.
Often they may have concerns about whether they should accept a settlement that the insurance company has offered them. Because of the complexities of these accidents and the questions you as a victim will undoubtedly have, you should always have experienced legal representation by a law firm with an established record of handling large truck rear-end collision cases who can guide you and advise you as to the best course of action to insure that you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve.
If you are injured in a truck accident, and would like to talk to a Syracuse truck accident lawyer about your potential case, please call us toll free at (800) 638-2998. All consultations are FREE, and you never have to pay a fee unless your case is successful. Contact our office today and learn what we can do for you to help you receive the compensation you deserve.
