There is something uniquely unsettling about a large truck or tractortrailer driving near you on the highway. The shear size and weight of a semi-truck versus the size and weight of an average automobile is enough to make most people realize that in an accident between these two vehicles, the outcome can be gruesome. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2007, 413,000 large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds) were involved in traffic crashes in the United States; and 4,584 were involved in fatal crashes. A total of 4,808 people died (12% of all the traffic fatalities reported in 2007) and an additional 101,000 were injured in those crashes. In 2006, large trucks accounted for four percent of all registered vehicles and seven percent of total vehicle miles traveled. (2007 registered vehicle and vehicle miles traveled data not available). In 2007, large trucks accounted for eight percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes and four percent of all vehicles involved in injury and property-damage-only crashes. One out of nine traffic fatalities in 2007 resulted from a collision involving a large truck.
From 1997 to 2007, of the fatalities that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 75 percent were occupants of another vehicle, 8 percent were non-occupants, and 17 percent were occupants of a large truck. Of the injuries that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 75 percent were occupants of another vehicle, 2 percent were non-occupants, and 23 percent were occupants of a large truck.
In half (51%) of the two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a large truck and another type of vehicle, both vehicles were proceeding straight at the time of the crash. In 11 percent of the crashes, the other vehicle was turning. In 9 percent, either the truck or the other vehicle was negotiating a curve. In 7 percent, either the truck or the other vehicle was stopped or parked in a traffic lane (5% and 2%, respectively). Most of the fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas (62%), during the daytime (66%), and on weekdays (78%). During the week, 74 percent of the crashes occurred during the daytime (6 a.m. to 5:59 p.m.). On weekends, 62 percent occurred at night (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.). The percentage of large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher was one percent in 2007.
For drivers of other types of vehicles involved in fatal crashes in 2007, the percentages of drivers with BAC levels .08 g/dL or higher were 23 percent for passenger cars, 23 percent for light trucks, and 27 percent for motorcycles. Drivers of large trucks were less likely to have a previous license suspension or revocation than were passenger car drivers (8% and 15%, respectively). See NFTSA report DOT HS 810 989.
The instant you heard the screeching of tires or the crunching of glass, your world dramatically changed - and not for the better. If you are injured, incurred medical bills or have a car that needs repair as a result of a motor vehicle accident, the questions are mounting at a staggering pace. The attorneys at Michles & Booth have over 75 years of combined experience in this area of the law.
Having achieved numerous jury verdicts (see Motor Vehicle Accident articles) and countless settlements totaling millions of dollars, Michles & Booth fully understands the value of these complicated cases and can ensure you and your family receive full compensation for your injuries either through a jury trial verdict or a negotiated settlement.
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