Motor vehicle fatalities increase after 6 consecutive years of decline
According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the overall rate of motor vehicle crashes and fatalities increased in 2012 for the first time in six years. The increases in fatal accidents involving large trucks were particularly worrisome. The number of truck occupants who were killed in multivehicle crashes rose 18 percent, while the number of other motorists killed in truck accidents rose nearly 5 percent.
Trucking Accidents in Southern California
Trucking accidents are of special concern to southern California residents who must travel on the heavily congested freeways of the greater LA area. These roads see a lot of traffic from truckers carrying cargo unloaded from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and considering that cargo volume at Long Beach hit a six-year high this past August, truck traffic on local roads is not likely to decline anytime soon.
In fact, just recently a fatal truck crash made the news in Long Beach CA. The driver evidently lost control of his big rig around 8 pm on November 22 and crashed into a pillar in the median of Harbor Scenic Drive. The trailer came loose from the truck, overturned, and stopped traffic in the westbound lanes, while the cab of the truck remained in the median and exploded into flames due to a ruptured fuel tank. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. In this case, no other parties were injured. But the story could easily have been different.
Seeking Compensation
According to the American Association for Justice, in fatal crashes involving a truck and another vehicle, the fatality occurred in the other vehicle 97 percent of the time. If you have been injured in an accident involving a truck or lost a loved one in such an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Expert truck accident attorney Fernando D. Vargas can help. All you have to do is a request a free consultation. Mr. Vargas will go over the details of the accident and help you understand your legal rights and options. If you choose to hire him, you will receive help securing the evidence and documentation needed to build a strong case proving that the driver of the truck was at fault for the accident and that you suffered damages as a result of their negligent actions. You may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost income, reduced earning potential, or lost companionship if you have lost a loved one in a trucking accident. Please do not hesitate to contact us to start building your case today.
