Serious truck accidents happen every day—both in California and across the country—and when they do, the driver and occupants of the involved passenger vehicle are particularly vulnerable to injury and death. As a result, large truck-related fatalities are not uncommon. In fact, more than 4,000 people were killed in truck crashes in 2018 alone, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Consider these other startling facts and statistics:
- Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is roughly 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle
- 67 percent of people killed in fatal truck accidents were passenger vehicle occupants, while 16 percent were truck drivers or occupants, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists
- Truck crash fatalities were 31 percent higher in 2018 than they were in 2009, the lowest point since fatal crash accident data collection began in the 1970s
- In 2018, 11 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths were attributed to large truck crashes
- Around 50 percent of truck accident fatalities occur from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- In crashes that killed passenger vehicle occupants, 31 percent were caused by a truck striking the front of a passenger vehicle, 24 percent were caused by a truck crashing into the side of a passenger vehicle, and 23 percent were caused by a passenger vehicle hitting the rear of a large truck
- Common causes of fatal truck accidents include truck driver failure to yield the right of way, reckless driving, not obeying traffic signs and signals, and improper turns and lane changes
If your loved one was killed in a commercial truck crash caused by another person or company's negligence, you may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit and be entitled to compensation.
Consult an Experienced Attorney About Your California Truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim
Losing someone you love due to someone else's negligence can be particularly heartbreaking and, if you were dependent on the victim's income or benefits, it can also be financially devastating. At the Inland Empire Law Group, our adept personal injury attorneys understand—and we're here to help. Contact us today at 888-694-3529 or 909-481-0100 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, your rights, and your options for compensation.
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