The vast majority of fatalities in semi-truck accidents are the occupants of passenger vehicles involved in collisions with big rigs. Occupants of passenger cars are highly vulnerable when it comes to accidents involving semi-trucks. A semi typically weighs between 20 to 30 times more than a passenger automobile. If you have lost a loved one in a semi-truck accident, a semi-truck accident wrongful death lawyer from The Doan Law Firm stands ready to discuss your case with you. Our hotline at (800) 349-0000 is staffed around the clock, 24 hours a day.
Another shocking reality associated with a semi-truck accident wrongful death collision is the fact that many of these accidents caused by rig operators could have been avoided all together. A significant number of these accidents occur because a commercial truck driver is impaired in some manner.
Common Types of Semi-Truck Driver Impairment
Compiling truly accurate statistics regarding the problem of impaired semi-truck drivers on public roadways is a tremendous challenge. The reality is that big rig operators and trucking companies alike tend to be aggressive in attempting to conceal the true facts behind the impaired operation of commercial trucks. With that said, there is some data available that helps to underscore the severity of the problem of impaired semi drivers. Keep in mind that the statistics complied via various studies are universally deemed conservative estimates because of the concealment of impaired driving issues by big operators and trucking companies.
When you think of semi-truck driver impairment, your first though may be alcohol intoxication. In addition, you are also likely to think of impairment from some type if illegal drug. Drunk semi-truck driving is a significant problem in the trucking industry in the United States. The use of illicit drugs is also a serious problem among commercial truck drivers.
As mentioned previously, research on the extent of impaired semi-truck driving is unreliable due to the fact that rig operators and trucking companies alike conceal the real scope of the problem to protect their own self-interests at the expense of other motorists.
One study, which is considered by many to be the most reliable on the subject, estimates that upwards to 12-plus percent of semi-truck drivers have operated rigs while intoxicated. Another study indicates that between 5 to 8 percent of semi-truck drivers have driven while under the influence of some other type of illegal drug, including meth, heroin, or cocaine. There are also appears to be about 5 percent of commercial truck operators who drive while impaired by some type of prescription medication.
Finally, a perhaps upwards to 25 percent of big rig operators are impaired in their ability to operate a semi because they are suffering fatigue. The federal government has established specific regulations regarding the length of time a person can drive a semi-truck at one stretch. These regulations also delineate how much time a driver must be off the road between trips. Unfortunately, truck drivers and trucking companies routinely circumvent these rules and regulations to the detriment of other motorists.
A Semi-truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim
The laws in each state establish who may bring a wrongful death claim when a family member is killed in a semi-truck accident caused by a trucker's impairment or other negligence. Examples of family members who can bring a wrongful death claim include:
- spouse
- children
- parents
Hire a Fighter: Contact The Doan Law Firm Today
The Doan Law Firm semi-truck accident wrongful death hotline is live right now. You can call us at (800) 349-0000 any time, day or night, 365 days a year, including all major holidays. We can immediately schedule an initial consultation with you to discuss your legal rights. Because we are a nationwide law firm, we can schedule an initial consultation at any one of our offices, from coast to coast. We can also arrange a virtual appointment with you online.
There is no charge for an initial consultation with a member of our legal team. Indeed, at The Doan Law Firm, we never charge a fee unless we win a settlement or judgment in your case.