Truck accidents are a serious danger. During 2012 in the United States, 333,000 large trucks were involved in truck accidents. In addition, during 2012 in the United States, 3,921 victims were killed and 104,000 victims were injured in truck accidents. Truck accident fatalities increased 4 percent in 2012 from 3,781truck accident fatalities in 2011 to 3,921 truck accident fatalities in 2012. Of the truck accident fatalities in 2012, 73 percent were occupants of vehicles other than the truck.
The number of victims injured in truck accidents during 2012 was an 18 percent increase from 88,000 victims injured in truck accidents during 2011. Of the victims injured in truck accidents during 2012, 73 percent were in other vehicles. Truck accidents are unquestionably serious and cause serious injuries and harm to victims. Victims may struggle to cope with all the many challenges they may face following an unexpected truck accident.
Depending on the severity of their injuries, truck accident victims may require future medical care in addition to the medical care associated with the accident. They may also be unable to return to work and may suffer lost wages and lost earning capacity as a result. Families of loved ones lost in a truck accident may also suffer a number of financial and emotional damages. Compensation for the physical, financial and emotional harm associated with a truck accident may be available when a negligent truck driver or other negligent party is responsible for the truck accident.
Because of the devastation a truck accident can cause, it is important for truck accident victims to be familiar with the options that may be available to them following a truck accident. Victims may feel overwhelmed by all they have to handle following a truck accident but should understand that help may be available to them.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Traffic Safety Facts 2012 Data Large Trucks,” Accessed March 29, 2016
