Traffic accidents happen in Arizona, and unfortunately, they happen far too frequently. In fact, in 2015, 116,609 traffic crashes happened in our state which averages out to more than 300 collision each day of the year. Any of these incidents can be dangerous but some of the greatest harm comes when a truck accident takes place, especially if the crash involves a smaller vehicle as well or an unprotected victim like a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist.
Truck accidents are more likely than car accidents to result in fatalities in part due to the large size and weight of a truck. Trucks have a lot of inertia and are difficult to slow or stop, leading them to continue on their path of travel after an initial striking incident. If a smaller vehicle is in the path of a truck, that vehicle may be crushed or even run over by the truck, potentially leading to catastrophic results for anyone inside the car.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety monitors statistics related to truck accidents and concluded that 3,660 people were killed in truck crashes in the United States in 2014. But not all people involved in these incidents fared a similar risk of death. In fact, 83 percent of fatalities associated with large truck collisions befell those outside of a large truck whether they were inside another vehicle or not.
The majority of people who lost their lives, approximately 68 percent, were drivers or passengers inside vehicles other than large trucks. Another 15 percent of fatalities happened to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclist. Only 16 percent of large truck fatalities affected occupants of large trucks themselves.
Trucks are a frequent sight on Phoenix roadways as they bring products into and out of the Valley. Though they serve a vital function, trucks also pose a serious risk of harm if a trucker errs and causes a collision.
Victims of truck accidents often are left wondering what options they have to get help and whether they can recover financially for the harm they suffered. When in doubt, speaking with a personal injury attorney can help you learn about your legal rights in Arizona and any options you have for relief. When a loved one is killed in an accident, it is often possible for those family members left behind to make a claim though no amount of relief can ever be considered adequate in these cases.
Like any type of accident, truck accidents happen and often result because of a mistake or error on the part of one or more drivers involved. While it is best to avoid collisions whenever possible, know that if you have been the victim of a crash, you may be entitled to help if you act within a time period specified by law.
Prior Blog Entry:
Make School Travel Safe: Driving Tips for Phoenix Motorists, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published October 4, 2016.
Resources:
Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts 2015, Arizona Department of Transportation, published June 1, 2016.
Large Trucks 2014, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.