As you cruise down America’s highways, you’ll encounter the familiar sight and sound of semi-trucks chugging along, hauling goods and keeping our economy moving.
But behind this facade of commerce lies a troubling reality: the rise of truck accidents. It’s like a shadow creeping over our highways, leaving behind a trail of shattered lives and broken families struggling to make sense of the chaos.
The numbers don’t lie. Having combed through the data from NHTSA, FMCSA, and DoT, Forbes Advisor found that the US recorded 523,796 large truck accidents in 2021 alone. Out of these, 4,444 accidents led to fatalities, 101,000 accidents caused minor injuries, and 310,000 resulted in property damage.
Among the fifty states, Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois were marked as high-risk states for truck accidents, while Washington D.C. was the safest.
Today’s article will shed light on the impact of speeding among truckers and holding them accountable when things go south.
Understanding the Impact of Speeding
Speeding isn’t just about zooming down the highway a few miles over the limit. It’s a serious issue with dire consequences, especially when it comes to truck accidents.
Speeding is about driving too fast for the conditions – whether that’s the weather, traffic, or road layout. But why does speeding matter so much in truck accidents?
Well, think about a truck weighing tens of thousands of pounds barreling down the road at high speeds. It’s like a giant metal projectile hurtling toward anything in its path. The impact of a collision involving a speeding truck is catastrophic, causing severe injuries, fatalities, and widespread destruction.
Take the Georgia trailer crash incident that occurred in February, for instance. An 18-wheeler tractor-trailer was speeding towards the Georgia Welcome Center and slammed into another truck, further crashing into four more trucks.
The chain reaction between the trucks led to a fire, which resulted in all six trucks turning into scrap metals. Two of the truckers died on the spot, while the other four were able to escape the fire narrowly.
This isn’t the first truck accident in Georgia; the Peach State has been referred to as a high-risk state for these incidents for a good reason. And Atlanta, its bustling capital, happens to be the hotspot for truck accidents.
If you ever find yourself a victim in a truck accident here, consider consulting a personal injury law firm. They will walk you through the legal landscape of how a personal injury lawsuit works and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
What To Do After a Speeding-related Truck Accident?
Did you find yourself in an accident involving a truck? The aftermath can be terrifying, but if you think it was caused due to the driver’s overspeeding, it’s a potential lawsuit. It might appear chaotic and stressful at first, but knowing what to do next can help you protect yourself and your rights. Let’s break it down for you:
Your safety comes first. If you’re able to move, try to get off the road and to a safer location where there’s no threat of traffic. Do you have a flare? Can you reach your vehicle’s hazard light? Turn it on to alert other drivers.
Having ensured everyone’s safety, it’s time to preserve evidence. Start by snapping pictures of the accident scene – look for skid marks, road conditions, and any other signs of vehicular damage.
If there are any witnesses, get in touch with them and see if they’re willing to testify to your account of events. If the truck driver is still around, ask him for his insurance details.
Next up – your health. Even if you might not see any serious injuries, you must still see a doctor as soon as possible. Be sure to document any injuries you’ve sustained, including cuts, bruises, and soreness. It’s also smart to keep track of all your medical records, treatment-related bills, and receipts.
Now, onto the legal stuff. Get in touch with law enforcement and file a police report sharing the details of the accident. It will serve as an official record of the incident, coming in handy when you file a compensation claim.
And while it’s important to be honest about the account of events, avoid making any statements that could be used against you later on.
Dealing with the aftermath of a speeding-related truck accident is an overwhelming experience. When you’re already trying to recover from injuries, you can’t be expected to work out the legal aspects on your own.
This is why we recommend consulting a personal injury attorney or law firm. They’ll assist you with negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Holding Trucking Companies Accountable
When it comes to truck accidents caused by speeding, holding trucking companies accountable is a crucial step in seeking justice and preventing future tragedies. Here’s what you need to know:
Understanding Legal Responsibilities
Trucking companies have a legal obligation to prioritize safety and prevent speeding among their drivers. This includes implementing policies and procedures to discourage speeding, conducting regular vehicle inspections and maintenance, and providing ongoing training on safe driving practices.
By failing to fulfill these responsibilities, trucking companies put the lives of their drivers and others on the road at risk.
Pursuing Claims for Negligence
When a speeding-related accident is caused by a trucking company’s negligence, you are eligible to pursue compensation. Filing a personal injury claim against the company is one way to do it. But how will you prove their negligence in the trial? Here’s an example:
Suppose a trucking company hires drivers with a history of speeding violations or fails to adequately train them on safe driving practices. If any accidents occur as a consequence of that, the companies will be held responsible.
Accountability for the Promotion or Tolerance of Speeding Practices
In some cases, trucking companies may actively promote or tolerate speeding practices among their drivers to meet tight deadlines or increase profits. It is this reckless behavior that puts everyone on the road in danger.
As a victim in an accident caused by speeding trucks, you have the right to hold these companies accountable. However, you would need legal help to determine and substantiate the role they’ve played in the court.
Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm notes that the trucking industry is subject to numerous federal and state regulations. Three US states have recently passed new laws that make it more difficult for victims to sue trucking companies after a crash.
Texas passed a law in 2021 stating that one could only sue the trucking company if the truck driver was found liable in a bifurcated trial. A 2023 Florida law made several changes in civil litigation related to trucking. An Iowa law capped the amount of non-economic damages.
In light of these recent changes, it has become even tougher for victims of truck accidents to receive a justified settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of truck accidents are the most common in the USA?
Truck rollovers are the most common types of accidents recorded in the country, and also the most catastrophic. These accidents often lead to higher collateral damage and road closures for days. Other types of accidents that follow include head-on and rear-end collisions.
What payout amount can I expect in a truck accident in Georgia?
While the exact amount of payout varies depending on factors like the extent of damage to life and vehicle, it can range anywhere between $755,000 to $2,750,000. Other states like Texas and Florida pay a significantly higher amount in truck accident settlements.
Do all truck accidents lead to personal injury lawsuits?
No, they don’t. Only accidents where the truck driver is at fault lead to personal injury claims. This is to prevent a blameless victim from paying for the damages caused by another party, in addition to incurring them.
Let’s conclude by admitting that truck accidents are lethal and their aftermaths horrifying. Even more so if you end up being a victim in one.
While we can’t help you deal with the health consequences of the accident, we’ve tried our best to guide you through the legal maze that follows it.
