New reports show that between 2009 and 2019, fatal accidents involving commercial trucks increased by 48%. Roughly 5,000 people lost their lives in deadly truck crashes in 2020, which is the equivalent of 14 fatalities every single day. Truck accidents that resulted in only injuries rose by 115% in that same year.
Commercial truck accidents commonly result in life-changing or mortal injuries, such as brain damage and spinal cord damage. The financial, physical, and emotional cost of large truck accidents on victims and their families is severe, and those that cause them need to be held responsible.
The Virginia commercial truck accident lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have been handling truck accident cases for more than forty years. We know the most prudent methods of seeking maximum compensation on behalf of our clients. We work on a contingency fee schedule, which means that you pay nothing unless we win your case. Call our Virginia Beach offices today to schedule your free and confidential consultation.
Hampton Roads Truck Accident Statistics
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles crash report shows a worrying uptick in the number of fatalities caused by commercial truck collisions.
According to the most recent data, in 2022:
- 996 people were killed in accidents, 3% more than the previous year
- 38 pedestrians were fatally struck by commercial trucks, 36 more than the year before
- 28 people died in commercial truck accidents, representing a 75% increase from the 16 fatalities that occurred in 2021
Crashes involving oversized trucks are much more prone to causing serious injuries when compared to accidents involving standard passenger vehicles. These statistics cover the Portsmouth area, which includes the cities of Norfolk, Newport News, and Hampton.
The injuries that are sustained most frequently during commercial truck crashes are damage to the spinal cord, traumatic brain injuries, and death. If you were injured in a Virginia commercial truck collision, it is essential that you speak with a reputable local personal injury attorney.
What Can I Do to Avoid a Truck Accident?
Additional data published by the Virginia DMV data also stated that the majority of these accidents were determined to be the fault of the other driver, and not the truck operator as so many people assume.
According to the DMV, some safety tips for preventing a catastrophic truck accident are:
- Oversized trucks cannot stop on a dime. They require a significant amount of braking distance to come to a full stop. They also have large blind spots on all sides which other vehicles should avoid occupying
- Never cut a truck off in traffic or pull in front of one if it disrupts the driver’s safe following distance
- Be sure to use your turn indicators early on so that the truck operator is aware of your intentions to turn or merge
Of course, following these safety tips and obeying the rules of the road will only keep you so safe since you cannot control other people’s actions. A percentage of commercial truck crashes are in fact caused by truck operator negligence. Common forms of this negligence include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and driving while fatigued.
It is also possible for the dangerous or unlawful actions of a third party to force you into the path of an oncoming truck or force a truck into your path. If you have been injured in a Virginia truck accident, reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney who is capable of fully investigating the cause of your accident and determining who can be held liable for your damages.
Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
An increase in large truck crashes comes with an increase in the amount serious injuries and fatalities. In the wake of these catastrophic accidents, victims deserve the compensation they need to move on with their lives, and those responsible deserve to face serious consequences.
To speak with an experienced Virginia commercial truck accident attorney regarding your potential claim, call the Hampton Roads-area law firm of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at (833) 997-1774.