Late in 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its 2018 Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes report, and the results are a mixed bag. The good news is that total motor vehicle crash-related deaths dropped by 2.4 percent in 2018. But a closer look reveals that fatalities were not down across the board.
Continuing a disturbing trend, 2018 was the fourth consecutive year in which large truck-related fatalities increased. Deaths of occupants of large trucks increased about 1 percent in 2018, but deaths among pedestrians and bicyclists hit by large trucks increased 9.7 percent.
NHTSA data for 2018 also showed that the vast majority of people killed in truck accidents — almost 87 percent — were in another vehicle. This makes intuitive sense, since a loaded commercial truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds: 20 times more than the average passenger car.
These findings should serve as strong reminders to all of us to be vigilant whenever we’re sharing the road with 18-wheelers, whether as drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians. If a truck accident has caused you injury or claimed the life of a family member, you may be able to recover financial compensation for medical costs, lost wages and other expenses. There is, of course, no amount of money that can truly compensate for your loss, but a successful wrongful death lawsuit can provide you and your family with the financial means to move forward.
Morgan Law Firm represents victims of truck accident cases throughout Utah and Idaho. We understand the federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry and we know what to look for in truck accident scenarios. We will fully investigate to determine who was responsible, whether it was the driver, the trucking company or a third party. We have five offices for your convenience. In Idaho you can find us in Boise, Meridian, or Middleton, and in Utah we are located in Lehi and Ogden. You can schedule a free initial consultation at any location by calling 208-999-1717 or by contacting us online.