Accidents with large trucks are as common on the roads of West Virginia as they are in the rest of America. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records statistics on the number of fatalities that occur every year as a result of accidents involving large commercial vehicles, and they indicate that the danger is real and increasing.
According to studies, 3,921 people lost their lives in road accidents involving large trucks in 2012. The incidence of fatal accidents reportedly increased 4 percent from 2011. While the report did not cite a specific reason for this increase, authorities on transportation issues point out that passenger cars are responsible for a large number of the accidents that occur with large trucks.
Experts indicate that passenger car drivers sometimes lack extensive driver training and can be unaware of the capabilities of trucks. Passenger cars are known to maneuver around trucks in such a way as to make accidents inevitable.
A truck and auto accident has the potential to seriously injure any of the people involved. If someone is hurt in such a collision and feels that the incident was not completely their fault, they could have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against anyone responsible for the harm that came to them. If an individual’s vehicle is struck by a fatigued truck driver, for instance, a personal injury suit may be brought against that truck driver and their employer. In a successful suit, compensation may be awarded to assist with medical costs and any losses related to the accident.
