Each year, more than 500,000 tractor-trailers or "semis" are involved in traffic accidents in the United States. Approximately 5,000 of these accidents involve semi trailer trucks and result in fatalities. In fact, one of every eight traffic fatalities is caused by a collision with a large truck. Most deaths that occur in these accidents are the passengers of the automobiles. Drivers of trucks typically remain uninjured.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sponsored a study that concluded approximately twice as many car drivers would die in collisions with light trucks than in similar collisions involving cars of the same weight as the light truck. For the same reasons, occupants of passenger cars and light trucks have much higher fatality rates than occupants of large trucks and buses.

The difficulty of these cases is largely due to the following factors:

• Trucking companies and insurance adjusters realize the potential for major lawsuits when a truck accident is involved, so immediately following an accident, they quickly gather evidence and experts so that they can start preparing their case.
   
• Determining who the defendant is can be extremely difficult and complex, as a result of the following possible reasons for an accident:
  
      - Driver Fatigue - this would likely be the driver's fault.
      - Overloaded Freight - this would likely cause the company the driver works for to be involved in the lawsuit.
      - Excessive Speed - this could cause the driver and the company to be listed as co-defendants, if strict and unreasonable deadlines were set on the driver.
      - Equipment Malfunction - this could cause the manufacturers to be defendants.
      - Defective Tires - this could also cause a tire manufacturer or distributor to be named as a defendant.
      - Failure to Follow State and Federal Regulations - this would normally name the company and driver to be co-defendants.

Truck accident lawsuits tend to be far more complex than other vehicle accidents for several reasons, so it is best to consult with an attorney at Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. immediately who will look out for your best interests. Whether we’re gathering evidence by preserving driver and truck records, consulting with you on legal strategies, or representing you in negotiations with insurance agents, our lawyers are always working to protect your rights.

If you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident, please contact the law offices of Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., for assistance and advice. Our firm works for injured people and their families. The law firm you choose does make a difference. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case, and we will always give you our honest opinion about your case in light of the facts, case law, and our experience with similar truck accident cases. Call us today at 1-888-268-4200, or use our online contact form.

TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT FAQS

What are some of the most common tractor trailer accidents?

Is there a difference between a tractor trailer accident and a car accident?

Are there additional laws that apply to truckers to keep the roads safer?

Are there any federal regulations governing truck drivers?

How do I recover compensation for damages in a tractor trailer case?

How soon do I need to bring a case in a tractor trailer collision?

Who will pay my medical bills in a tractor trailer accident?

What are the common causes of truck accidents?

Who can sue in a personal injury case involving a truck accident injury?

What damages can be recovered in a personal injury claim involving a tractor-trailer truck?

What are the "hours of service" rules?

Do I need an attorney to litigate my truck accident case?