A serious accident in Texas involving a dump truck, three passenger cars, and an 18-wheeler left multiple people injured. It happened after the driver of the dump truck lost control of the vehicle and had to jump out of the truck just before it crashed into three other vehicles. One of the vehicles involved in the crash attempted to swerve out of the way and ended up colliding with the 18-wheeler.
Those who were injured were taken to the hospital immediately for treatment. In the wake of the crash, it was discovered that the owner of the dump truck had been cited on numerous occasions for safety violations, including carrying excessive loads and issues with the truck’s brakes and power steering system. While it is unknown what exactly caused the accident, any of these conditions can set the stage for a trucking accident. If you are involved in a trucking accident, it is important to contact an experienced Rhode Island trucking accident lawyer who knows how to handle a Rhode Island trucking accident lawsuit.
Are Trucking Accidents Common?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number of trucking accidents has increased recently. The FMCSA released a detailed report on trucking crash statistics in May of 2018 entitled Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2016.
The report includes trends in trucking accidents from 1975 all the way through 2016. Recent trends highlighted in the report showed a 3% increase in the number of fatal trucking accidents in 2016 and an increase in the total number of trucking accidents that caused injury. There were an estimated 119,000 trucking crashes that caused injury in 2016 based on the data collected. With these accidents on the rise, it is important for truck owners and drivers to make sure that their trucks meet all the required safety guidelines and do not present a hazard on the road.
What if I am Injured While Driving a Truck for Work?
Another issue that can present itself in the context of a trucking accident involves injury to the truck driver. If you drive a truck for work and are injured in an accident while working, you may be entitled to file a Rhode Island workers’ compensation lawsuit for your injuries.
Employers are supposed to maintain commercial vehicles in a safe, operable manner. If these rules are not followed, the truck drivers and other drivers on the road are being put in danger. Furthermore, if the truck has been repaired with defective parts, those injured as a result may have a defective product claim against the manufacturer of the parts or the mechanic who installed them. An experienced Rhode Island trucking accident lawyer can assess the facts of your case and can help you decide what the best course of action is to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Rhode Island Trucking Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Rhode Island trucking accident, contact one of our experienced Rhode Island trucking accident lawyers today. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. If you were injured on the job while driving a truck, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your injuries. There are no legal fees unless you get an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us anytime toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out our contact form online.
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