No one wants to be in an accident involving a large truck. They have the weight advantage and the momentum to do serious damage. More often than not, passenger vehicles involved in such crashes are decimated, leaving the occupants either seriously injured or dead. If you have been involved in a large truck crash, do not wait to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer.
At the Jason M. Hatfield Law Office, we’ve got your back. We’ve handled hundreds of cases like this and know how to navigate an incredibly complex and difficult situation that is quite different than a car accident. There are multiple tricky issues in play with large truck accidents, not to mention jurisdiction issues, insurance issues, and liability issues.
A heavy truck, including commercial and non-commercial vehicles, typically weighs over 10,000 pounds, often referred to as the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). In 2021, 71 percent of such fatal crashes involved trucks with a GVWR of greater than 26,000 pounds. And in 2021, 5,788 people died in accidents involving large trucks – a 17-percent hike over the 4,925 killed in 2020.
A staggering number of large trucks were involved in crashes across the nation in 2021, with police reporting responding to wrecks involving 523,796 trucks. For further information on the number of truck accidents across the nation, by state, including Arkansas, visit HERE.
Furthermore, in 2021, 72 percent of those killed in large-truck collisions were in other vehicles, with 78 percent of the fatalities occurring on weekdays between the hours of 6 a.m. To 5:59 p.m. Three percent of large truck drivers involved in deadly wrecks had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.
In 2021, the total number of vehicles in a fatal truck accident in Arkansas was 960. The total number of large trucks involved was 117. For further information detailing the statistics revealing the number of fatal truck crashes in Arkansas visit page 8, HERE.
How does Arkansas rank in U.S. fatal truck accidents? Arkansas ranks Number 3 in the nation for total fatal collisions at 847 wrecks, with 9.9 percent involving a large truck. And, fatal crashes involving a large truck sat at 84. This is not a track record to be proud of, indicating there is a lot of work ahead to address the dangers of traveling the same highways and byways as heavy trucks. They are not just like any other vehicles. They are far more deadly and cannot stop on a dime.
For those who drive to work, go on holidays, take a trip to another town, or go visit relatives in another city, be on the lookout for heavy trucks and give them the space they need. Be alert and aware that they cannot see you from their side mirror, and have several other blind spots. We need to share the road and respect one another.
If you are involved in a large truck accident and survive with serious injuries or if you lost a loved one in a deadly wreck, we’re here for you.
Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield Today
If you were involved in a fatal truck crash, reach out to the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield by calling (479) 361-3575. Our dedicated team of truck accident lawyers is here to help.
Call us today for a free initial consultation and to find out what you can expect should you file a personal injury lawsuit. We know you have questions, and we can answer them for you. The Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield is just one quick call away: (479) 361-3575.