Commercial trucks are the most dangerous vehicles on the road and trucking accidents are not simply large scale motor vehicle accidents. This article discusses the reasons for trucking accidents and truck accident statistics in Oregon.
Each year pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicle drivers are fatally injured due to the negligent operation of trucks and trucking companies. Trucking companies, as well as the drivers they employ, are legally required to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible way. Unsafe driving, over-sized loads and other hazardous conditions created by these companies can put both the public and the truck drivers at risk for serious injury.
Currently, commercial trucks are the most dangerous vehicles on the road, and as the need for shipping goods around the United States increases, so does the number of large commercial trucks on the roadways. This puts motor vehicle drivers, motor vehicle passengers and even pedestrians at a greater risk each time they are in the vicinity of large commercial vehicles. According to ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation), there were over 1,200 trucking accidents in Oregon in 2007 that resulted in injury or death.
The vast majority of trucking accidents have something to do with the specific design and characteristics of commercial trucks. Most commercial trucks have difficulty accelerating, difficulty braking and poor visibility for the truck driver. Commercial trucks were not designed to stop quickly. This is a fact that many car drivers would be wise to remember when they cut in front of a truck on the road especially when the road is wet or icy.
Unfortunately, most trucking accidents are due to human error and could be avoided. In many trucking accidents, the driver has been driving all night in order to complete a delivery and is sleep deprived. In other cases, the truck driver was not given the proper training needed to operate big rigs and tractor trailers. Another common cause of trucking accidents is poor truck maintenance. This problem only increases in tough economic times when companies are looking for ways to cut costs.
Trucking accidents are not simply large scale motor vehicle accidents. Not only are the vehicles themselves different, but the laws regarding commercial trucks on the roadways are quite specific. In the State of Oregon for example, intrastate drivers must be at least 18 years old and interstate drivers must be at least 21 years old. The Oregon Department of Transportation also has separate regulations regarding private trucking companies and trucks that weigh under 26,000 pounds. These complex regulations are part of why you need a personal injury lawyer who is knowledgeable about Oregon state commercial trucking law.
Trucking accidents are terrifying and devastating for both the accident victim and their family members. Even a relatively small truck has the potential to cause serious injury or death to other people on the road. In the majority of cases, truck accident survivors cannot afford to pay for their medical bills and the damage inflicted to their property, especially when there is loss of income and intense mental and physical suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident contact a Susak and Powell personal injury lawyerto discuss your case. You may be eligible for substantial compensation.
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