In the United States alone, there are around 500,000 trucking accidents that occur each year, and about 5,000 results to fatality. Approximately around every 15 minutes, a person is either injured or killed by an 18 wheeler truck, big rigs, or tractor trailers. Out of these census, over 25% of all tractor fatal accidents are caused by truck operators who had at least one incident of prior speeding conviction before the fatal truck accident happened. The number of these truck accidents continue to increase each year, that’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued caution to individuals who use 15 seat passenger vans, fully loading the vans with cargo and passengers, and the risks of having an inexperienced driver behind the wheel.

Truck Accident Law in Montana

Montana is known to be one of the states in the US that is considered to be a dangerous place for large commercial truck operators. One possible reason for this is its harsh winter weather which brings a lot of ice and snow, and the unusual landscapes specifically poor major road condition.

In 2017, there were 20 people killed from large truck collision in Montana. Out of these 20 fatalities, 90% were passengers of another vehicle and 10% coming from occupants of large trucks.

What vehicles are considered to be trucks?

Definition of a truck can range from an ordinary delivery vehicle to an 18 wheeler automobile that is maintained to transport property. It can also either be: Tow truck, Tractor Trailer, Semi-truck, Box Truck, Dump and Refrigerated Truck, and etc.

What happens if you get hit by a truck?

Knowing the size of a truck can weigh up to 40 tons, injuries resulting from it can be extremely fatal. These injuries can include:

• Deep Lacerations
• Internal Injuries (Hemorrhage)
• Broken Bones
• Traumatic Bone and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Back and Neck Whiplash Injuries
• and worse, Death.

What are the contributing factors in Commercial Trucking Accidents?

The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks makes trucking accidents more dangerous and the associated injuries more devastating than the typical fender bender. Trucking companies and their drivers need to assure that the drivers are qualified, not overworked, and that the cargo they are transporting is safe for the road. Unfortunately, the trucking companies and their drivers make mistake that put other drivers and passengers on the road at risk and cause significant injuries when an accident occurs.

If you were injured or someone you love was killed in a trucking accident in Montana, you may be entitled to a financial recovery. The following are all common causes of trucking accidents that can support victims’ claims for compensation:

• Distracted Driving

Although truck drivers should be paying attention to driving at all times, they often get distracted. A distraction may take the form of filling out paperwork, talking on the phone, texting, and even watching movies. At highway speeds, a truck can travel the length of a football field in a matter of seconds, and this is more than enough time for a distracted truck driver to miss the warning signs of an avoidable accident.

• Drowsy Driving (and Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel)

Truck drivers that do long hauls are especially susceptible to the risk of driving drowsy and falling asleep behind the wheel. Studies have shown that fatigue can cause impairments similar to those of alcohol consumption, and that truckers are most likely to cause accidents due to fatigue at the beginning and end of long shifts behind the wheel.

• Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol and drug use are prevalent issues in the trucking industry. Whether for recreational purposes or to try to stay awake on long hauls, many truckers turn to alcohol, prescription medications, and illicit controlled substances. It goes without saying that truck drivers who are drunk, high, or otherwise impaired are at significantly greater risk for causing a catastrophic accident.

• Logging Too Many Hours

Federal trucking regulations limit the time a driver can drive each day. However, whether they driver feels compelled to log more hours at the insistence of his or her employer, or just trying to get some overtime, drivers frequently exceed the maximum driving hours permitted. The regulations are in place to provide for safer road conditions. Truckers and trucking companies that break the rules can be held liable when logging too many hours leads to life-changing or life-threatening injuries.

• Lack of Driver Training or Experience

Other causes of trucking accidents include the following:

• Lack of Driver Training or Experience

• Inadequate Maintenance or Repair

• Truck Driving Errors

• Cargo Loading Errors

• Truck Design

Don’t forget that someone else may be responsible for causing the accident, as well. Maybe a negligent car driver cut off the truck without leaving the trucker enough space to avoid a collision. Or, maybe another vehicle’s brakes failed, triggering a multi-vehicle collision that ultimately led to your injuries.

How can Billings Truck Accident Attorney help?

The truck accident attorney at Billings Injury Lawyer provides aggressive representation to truck accident victims in Billings, the surrounding area, and throughout the State of Montana. We fight and help you get maximum compensation from the liable trucking companies and their insurance companies Trucking accident cases are often extremely complex, and at Billings Injury Lawyer we will work tirelessly to conduct a thorough investigation and identify all of the parties that are accountable for your losses. Schedule a free consultation today.