By their very nature, accidents involving passenger vehicles and tractor trailers may result in very serious injuries, usually to the driver of a car or other smaller vehicle. In 2002, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 130,000 injuries and nearly 5,000 deaths related to large truck accidents. One in every eight traffic fatalities is attributed to collisions with tractor trailers, also known as 18-wheelers. Nationwide, there are an estimated 500,000 tractor trailer accidents each year.

When the average passenger vehicle weighing 3,596 pounds confronts a commercial tractor trailer weighing as much as 80,000 pounds, a serious injury to the driver of the vehicle is inevitable. The truck driver usually escapes with minor injuries, while the occupants of the passenger vehicle are seldom as fortunate. They may be seriously injured or die.

Truck accidents are so dangerous because of the size of the truck, the speed the truck may be traveling, and in some cases, the driver is fatigued from long hours on the road. Tractor trailers are heavy, large pieces of machinery that routinely travel at speeds topping 60-70 miles per hour. Driver fatigue continues to be a growing problem. Truck drivers are under constant pressure to move cargo -- so much so, that 16-hour days are not uncommon. A recent study revealed that 20 percent of long-haul truck drivers reported they had fallen asleep at the wheel during the last 30-day period. It’s no wonder that people are killed when one in five drivers admits to falling asleep, leaving these giants with no one at the wheel. Other causes of tractor trailer accidents may include:

• Driver negligence
• Improper maintenance
• Tire blowouts
• Improper loading
• Sudden braking
• Drug and alcohol use

Neck and back injuries, quadriplegia, paraplegia, loss of limb, and brain injuries are only some of the serious injuries commonly associated with tractor trailer and passenger vehicle accidents. Insurance companies begin investigating the cause of accidents almost immediately after the accident occurs. They promptly hire investigators and experts in an effort to limit their liability. When Marks & Harrison attorneys are hired quickly, we can give you the same advantage as the insurance company by acting quickly on your behalf.

While insurance is designed to cover some costs, it cannot address all the economic damage that a vehicle related accident may cause. Sometimes in truck collisions the insurance company will deny a claim to protect the driving record of the truck driver, who may not have followed specific state and federal regulations. It is important to retain a law firm that understands these regulations. Whether it’s your insurance company or the guilty party’s, insurance is a business whose goal is to minimize costs.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer and need a skilled trucking accident lawyer, please contact Marks & Harrison. Your initial consultation with us is free and confidential. Our lawyers will analyze your case and advise whether you are entitled to compensation. If we don't think you need an attorney, we will tell you right away.