Oldsmar Truck Accident Lawyer
All vehicle collisions should be taken seriously, as they have the potential to result in severe injuries. Collisions between passenger cars and commercial vehicles, however, pose an especially high risk to the occupants of the smaller vehicle, who could sustain devastating injuries. Unfortunately, these types of accidents occur much more often than most people realize. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that approximately 475,000 truck accidents occur every year, 22 percent of which result in an injury.
The injuries sustained in truck accidents are often severe and leave victims to struggle with mounting medical expenses, a difficulty that is only compounded by the fact that many are unable to work while they recuperate. The reality of these financial difficulties makes it especially important for motorists who are injured in collisions with large commercial trucks, to speak with an experienced Oldsmar truck accident lawyer about seeking compensation for their losses.
How Common are Truck Accidents?
Collisions between commercial vehicles and passenger cars occur at a surprisingly high rate, with an estimated 55,633 large trucks involved in injury crashes every year, an additional 99,911 involved in property damage only crashes, and 4,213 involved in accidents resulting in at least one fatality. Of the various types of commercial vehicles, single trucks, or trucks pulling only a single semi-trailer, made up 62 percent of trucks involved in fatal crashes. Furthermore, of the approximately 475,000 police-reported truck accidents that occurred in one recent year, more than 104,000 involved an injury.
Why are Truck Accidents so Dangerous?
Tragically, collisions between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks often proves deadly for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. In fact, in 2016, 83 percent of the fatalities resulting from a collision with a truck were occupants of a passenger vehicle. The severity of the injuries sustained in truck accidents can be attributed not only to the much larger size of commercial vehicles, but also to the potential release of hazardous cargo at the time of the crash. According to the FMCSA, hazardous material was released from the cargo compartments of as many as 16 percent of trucks in collisions with other vehicles, with flammable liquids like gasoline and fuel oil accounting for 52 percent of the hazardous material released during non-fatal crashes and 60 percent of material released in fatal collisions.
Recovering Damages
Because the injuries sustained in truck accidents tend to be so severe, accident victims are often saddled with extremely expensive medical bills. Fortunately, these losses can be recovered by filing a claim against the at-fault party who caused the accident. Potentially recoverable damages also include compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Loss of income;
- Permanent disability;
- Property damage;
- Emotional distress; and
- Pain and suffering.
Please contact our legal team today to learn more about the types of damages to which you could be entitled after a crash.
Experienced Oldsmar Truck Accident Lawyers
For help with your own truck accident claim, please call one of the dedicated Oldsmar truck accident lawyers at Pawlowski // Mastrilli Law Group. A member of our team can be reached by phone or online message.
