In the United States, commercial big rig vehicles are involved in more than 330,000 accidents each year and, oftentimes, driver error is to blame. Some industry insiders have speculated that the frequency of such accidents is caused, in part, by a significant shortage of qualified commercial drivers, which has resulted in some companies hiring less capable—and sometimes outright lousy—truckers A Red Semi-Truck With the Words in order to fill vacancies and meet demand. What is behind this American Transportation Research Institute-reported capacity crisis, and what legal options exist for those who have been injured in accidents caused by poorly trained commercial drivers?

As online shopping has become more and more popular, the demand for truck drivers has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, the number of people completing the extensive and often-costly training to become a commercial trucker has not kept pace with that demand. One reason for this may be that the life of a long-haul truck driver is not for everyone. Despite the decent wages, not everyone is prepared to live in cramped conditions and spend long periods of time away from their home, family, and friends. Increased safety regulations may also play a role, as many drivers object to the implementation of mandated electronic log keeping, hours of service rules, speed limiters for semi-trucks, and a national database that stores drug and alcohol screenings.

Were You Injured in a Truck Accident?

Due to the massive size and significant weight of commercial vehicles, accidents involving big rigs tend to be particularly dangerous. If you sustained serious injuries in an accident caused by a negligent or poorly trained trucker, you may be able to obtain compensation for:

  • Past and future medical bills related to your accident and recovery
  • Damage to your vehicle
  • Lost wages if your injuries cause you to miss work
  • Loss of earning capacity if your injuries force you into a position that pays less
  • Pain and suffering

However, because commercial trucking companies are often unwilling to roll over, having the representation of a skilled injury attorney is essential to a successful outcome. Contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers today for a free case evaluation—our team has extensive experience working with injury victims and handling truck accident cases. We're eager to help you pursue any compensation to which you may be entitled.

 

Peter Steinberg
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Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Since 1982
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