Truck accidents are a severe problem in Montana. In one recent year, 1,094 truck accidents got reported in the state, resulting in 556 injuries and 23 fatalities. Unfortunately, these accidents represent a significant increase from the previous years, when 931 truck accidents occurred, resulting in 497 injuries and 19 deaths.
What makes truck accidents so deadly?
Truck accidents are deadly because of the size and weight discrepancy between them and the vehicles around them. A fully loaded big rig can easily weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The average passenger car weighs just 4,000.
Large commercial trucks are also bigger and taller than the other vehicles on the road. Their wheels are larger, and they have more substantial parts. This increase in size can also lead to fatal accidents when a truck hits another vehicle from the side or rear.
Because of their size and weight, trucks require a longer stopping distance than smaller vehicles. If a truck driver is not paying attention or cannot stop in time, a serious accident can occur.
Big rig trucks carrying heavy loads will require a much longer distance before they can come to a safe stop. Big trucks simply need more space to maneuver and come to a complete stop than passenger vehicles.
When traveling at 65 mph, a typical car usually needs 300 feet to come to a safe stop. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a fully loaded big rig would need twice that long to stop. The higher the speed, the longer semi-trucks need to safely stop. A fatal accident can occur if a commercial truck cannot stop in time.
Causes of Trucking Accidents in Montana
When a large commercial truck or semi-truck collides with a smaller car, the car and the occupants in the car suffer the brunt of the forces. The occupants of the car often suffer severe and life-changing injuries. Many lose their lives.
Truck drivers and trucking companies must follow all safety regulations. They must also properly maintain their vehicles. Yet, mistakes still occur, leading to deadly trucking accidents.
Some common causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Intoxication
- Aggressive driving
- Improper maintenance
- Inexperienced drivers
- Improperly loaded cargo
Truck drivers and trucking companies can prevent many truck accidents if they follow all safety regulations and drive carefully.
When a Fatal Truck Accident Occurs
After suffering the tragic loss of a loved one in a fatal truck accident, knowing what legal options may be available to you and your family is important. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, contact an experienced truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options. Your attorney can determine if you have a valid claim and can guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
No amount of compensation could ever make up for what you’ve lost. However, you and your family should not endure financial hardship during your time of grief.
An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
When a truck driver makes a mistake, the consequences can be devastating. If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident, you must seek legal help immediately. An experienced Helena truck accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
An experienced truck accident lawyer knows how to hold negligent parties responsible for the suffering and damages they’ve caused. After a truck accident, you and your loved ones have enough to worry about. Your time and energy are better spent on your family and rebuilding your life after a devastating fatal truck crash. Let us handle the legal burdens for you.
Your lawyer can fight to get the black box or electronic data saved for your case. They can also recreate the accident and interview eyewitnesses to build a case to collect maximum compensation. Without a lawyer on your side, insurance companies may not treat you or your family fairly.
The experienced truck accident attorneys at Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar will work with you to investigate the cause of the accident and hold all negligent parties responsible. We have a proven track record of success in these cases and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Helena Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on Montana roadways. If you or a loved one suffered harm in a truck accident, it is vital to seek experienced legal help as soon as possible. At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, our team of truck accident attorneys has extensive experience handling these complex cases. We will work tirelessly to obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
To learn more about your legal options, you can fill out a contact form on our website, and we can contact you, or you can call us now at 406-442-7830 and get your immediate questions answered.
Keif served as the Law Clerk and Special Master to the Honorable Kurt Krueger, Second Judicial District Court, Butte-Silver Bow County. Keif represents people who have been injured by the misconduct or negligence of others and seek justice in Montana’s courts. Keif is a member of the Montana State Bar and the Montana Trial Lawyers. Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, PLLP serves clients throughout Western Montana.
