Truck driving employs over 3.5 million people, and it is one of the largest industries in the US. Unfortunately, it is also a profession that can prove to be dangerous. Federal law dictates that these large vehicles can carry up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. It is no wonder that accidents involving a truck or tractor-trailer are especially serious and potentially life-threatening. Not only can trucking accidents cause extensive property damage, but they can also result in severe personal injury or tragic loss of life.
If you or someone you know has been injured after a Boston, Massachusetts, truck accident, the attorneys at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers can help. Call us today toll-free at (800) 577-5188 for a free consultation. We can arrange to speak to you over the phone, by video conference, or face-to-face, as you prefer. There’s No Obligation, Just Information.®
Truck Accident Statistics
The 2018 report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provided some key statistics about truck and bus crashes in the US:
- The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recorded 35 fatal truck crashes
- Nearly 500,000 truck accidents were reported by police during the year
- Collisions often occurred on: straight road, 4-way intersection, and T-intersections
- Rollover, collision with a fixed object, and collision with a pedestrian were common harmful events
While there have been many laws and regulations put in place to limit dangerous incidents involving large trucks, these crashes continue to happen in Boston each year. Massachusetts law ensures that you can be compensated for your injuries and financial losses after an accident.
Our truck accident attorneys can make sure you get the maximum compensation available. Contact us at your convenience by phone, email, or online message to start the process so you can recover and regain peace of mind.
Here are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Boston
After an accident, one of our main concerns is why it happened. When the accident involves a commercial vehicle, there are additional questions that must be answered as well. Who or what was at fault in the crash – the driver, the company, the conditions, or the vehicle itself?
Motor vehicle accidents can be extremely complex and chaotic, but cases involving commercial trucks even more so. Plus, there may be multiple factors that caused the truck accident.
Driver negligence
The fact that someone is a professional driver does not mean that he or she is perfect. Despite their training, truck drivers sometimes make poor decisions while driving, just like anyone else.
The problem is, when operating a large vehicle, mistakes can have costly results. Truck driver negligence can be one of the most common causes of truck accidents and may involve:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Engaging in dangerous driving
Long work hours
Truck drivers often work long days with tight deadlines. Trucking companies, like any other business, constantly look for ways to cut costs and increase profits. These companies may put pressure on their drivers to meet quotas that can be extremely demanding.
While truck drivers in Boston have a legal limit of working 11 hours continuously, they may at times exceed these limits. Working long hours has been the cause of a number of problems leading to a truck accident:
- Falling asleep behind the wheel
- Lack of sleep leading to slow reaction time
- Speeding to try and meet tight delivery deadlines
Improper vehicle maintenance
Like any vehicle, large trucks need regular maintenance to function properly. This essential maintenance goes far beyond your basic, run-of-the-mill oil change.
There are FMCSA regulations on required standards for electrical systems, brake mechanisms, fuel systems, and other truck components. The loads carried by trucks must be controlled and properly balanced as well.
When regular maintenance is not completed by the trucking company or the truck driver, this brings the risk of:
- Blown tire and loss of control
- Malfunctioning lights and decreased vision
- Inability to stop or slow down at a safe distance
Poor road or weather conditions
Goods must be transported and distributed year-round. This may call for driving on days or times where weather conditions can be dangerous, especially when operating a large vehicle.
For example, lighting or weather conditions can make it hard to see warnings or other important signage. The road may be in poor condition due to the elements or simply neglect.
Truck drivers may experience different challenging situations that can lead to an accident:
- Unmaintained roads
- Icy or slippery roads
- Unexpected wildlife crossing
- Fog or rain causing low visibility
Why You Need a Boston Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving trucks can be much more complex than those involving passenger vehicles. Investigations are launched to collect case evidence, witness statements, or expert testimony to determine liability. Strict time limits, including the statute of limitations, must also be followed when filing a claim.
The insurance company might contact you soon after the truck accident to talk about your accident claim. Insurance companies typically intend to come to an agreement as fast as possible for the lowest possible amount. Don’t let them bully you into accepting a settlement that will not meet your needs!
After an accident, you will need time to recover physically and emotionally. Trying to add the difficult legal steps to your plate can become overwhelming, and it is easy to get in over your head.
If you have been injured in a Boston truck accident, you Better Phone Stone® to receive timely and helpful legal advice.
How Jason Stone Injury Lawyers Can Help
Often, legal concerns are the last thing you want on your plate after you’ve been injured in a truck accident. Nevertheless, we are prepared to do what it takes to protect your rights – even to take your case to court if necessary.
Building a strong case takes time but is essential so you can receive the maximum compensation available. The Massachusetts truck accident lawyers at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers are aware of the most common causes of truck accidents and can investigate the details of your specific case, letting you focus on your recovery and your family. While the insurance companies work for their own interests, your lawyer will listen to you and your needs.
When you hire one of our lawyers with experience in personal injury law – and especially with truck accident cases – you can rest easy knowing your case is in good hands. Call us today for a free consultation to learn how our attorneys can use their 20+ years of experience for you – No Obligation, Just Information®.
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