December 13, 2016 | truck accident
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were an estimated 12,000,000 commercial vehicles registered for use in the United States in 2014, 11 million of which were large trucks. The number of trucks needed to transport goods across Indiana and across the country always increases toward the end of the year, as stores prepare to stock their shelves with holiday-specific inventory. This means that drivers should be extra aware of the risks of truck accidents when they are on the road.
The following are some of the primary causes of truck accidents in and around Indianapolis:
-Distracted driving – Distracted driving is dangerous for everyone and every driver in Indiana has restrictions on text-based messaging while they are behind the wheel. Commercial drivers are not only prohibited from texting but also from dialing or answering a phone when it requires more than one touch. Talking on a cell phone must be hands-free, as well. Unfortunately, many commercial drivers fail to comply with these laws.
-Impaired driving – Commercial drivers can also make the highly dangerous decision to get behind the wheel when they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This can cause them to lose concentration, be unable to stay in a lane and cause them to swerve, reduce their reflexes and decision-making, and other highly dangerous effects that can often cause severe crashes.
-Fatigued driving – Truck drivers may want to work longer hours during busier times to make additional money, especially around the holidays. However, violating the hours of service regulations can lead to fatigued driving, which can have similar effects as drunk driving. Some drivers have even fallen completely asleep behind the wheel and crashed.
-Violating traffic laws – All truck drivers should comply with Indiana traffic laws and FMCSA regulations at all times. These laws have specific safety purposes and violations put everyone at risk of injury.
At the Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we have successfully helped many truck accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related losses. To make sure that you receive all of the compensation to which you are entitled, it is important to have an experienced truck accident attorney handling your case. Attorney Merry Fountain can help you today by meeting in her office or in your home. Call Merry Fountain anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.
[1] http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/59000/59100/59189/2016_Pocket_Guide_to_Large_Truck_and_Bus_Statistics.pdf
[2] http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/cellular-phone-use-and-texting-while-driving-laws.aspx