Big trucks cause injuries on Los Angeles Freeways
A few months back I read about how dangerous big rig trucks are on our freeways. In Los Angeles lots of big trucks leave the ports in San Pedro and Long Beach and head out across the freeways through the San Fernando Valley, Valencia, Palmdale, Lancaster, Riverside ...
These trucks pose serous threats to the safety of our population. When a truck accident happens the results are often serious injury or death. That is because of the sheer force and weight of these vehicles.
On often overlooked area of injury in a truck accident is brain injury. The victim may be dazed or confused at the scene but not mention these symptoms to the initial medical providers, only later they develop confusion, dizziness memory problems and changes in their personality. Every intake of any accident should include questions about possible brain injury - this is important so that the victim of a brain injury can be directed to the appropriate medical providers.
Here are some staggering statistics.
According to Motor Carrier Management Information System
In 2007 in California alone there were 5,315 Injuries in Crashes Involving Large Trucks and in every year since 2003 there have been between 300 and 400 fatalities as a result of large truck accidents. These statistics are derived from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) Crash and Census data, and the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) Highway Statistic Series.
The federal government mandated that a study be performed to determine the cause of large truck accidents. This study was authored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In a press release the US Department of Transportation claims that "This study makes it clear that we need to spend more time addressing driver behavior, as well as making sure trucks and buses are fit for the road," FMCSA Administrator Annette M. Sandberg said. "The multitude of data now available will allow us to analyze specific areas of behavior and work with our industry and safety partners to develop an agenda on driver safety that will improve commercial motor vehicle driver performance."
This study demonstrates what we all know. Big trucks are dangerous, they speed tail gate and cant slow down with the sudden changes we experience on our freeways. And the results of these dangers is death and destruction of lives.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident. It is important to speak with an attorney with experience in these matters and one who can listen to you to make sure you not only get the best legal representation but also that none of your potential injuries go overlooked. Contact The Halpern Law Firm to speak to a knowledgeable and carrying attorney.
