Vehicles are an iconic and essential part of American culture. For goods to be shipped between states, commercial truck drivers must have vehicles that can carry massive amounts of products. Unfortunately, these trucks are not always held to the same safety standards as personal vehicles. Weak federal regulations and profit-driven manufacturers often put profits over safety, placing truck drivers and the public at risk. As a result, commercial vehicles may lack the safety requirements applied to personal vehicles.
A large commercial truck can easily weigh 20 times as much as a passenger car. If a commercial truck crashes into a smaller passenger vehicle, the smaller vehicle can be completely crushed. This danger increases when drivers are fatigued and rushing to meet deadlines. Trucking companies often pressure drivers to maximize profits, turning a blind eye when truckers ignore safety regulations. If someone in the passenger vehicle is hit, the injuries can be devastating, including amputations, brain trauma, spinal injuries, or even death.
Drivers of commercial trucks must undergo specialized training to earn their license. While truckers are taught the rules and regulations, they do not always follow them. Some may feel pressured to stay awake throughout the night or may rely on drugs to remain alert. At the same time, trucking companies may delay critical repairs to lights, brakes, or other safety equipment to save money. According to federal statistics, large trucks account for 12 percent of traffic fatalities in the United States, even though they make up only 3 percent of all vehicles on the road.
While smaller trucks do not weigh 80,000 pounds, they still share many of the same risks as larger commercial vehicles. Statistics show that small trucks are twice as likely to be involved in an accident compared to passenger cars. They are also more likely to roll over in a fatal crash and can cause significant damage in a collision. Although modern pickup trucks now feature improved safety systems, they have still faced numerous recalls in recent years. Product defects and recall issues can place vehicle occupants at serious risk of injury.
If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, contact a Houston truck accident attorney at Joel A. Gordon & Associates today. We are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.