Large Truck Accidents

Traffic Collisions involving Large Trucks

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) defines a large truck as a vehicle with a gross weight of 10,000 pounds or more. A fully loaded big rig or semi truck may weigh up to 80,000 pounds or far more with a special permit. When you consider the immense size and weight of a commercial truck, it is easy to see why traffic collisions involving these vehicles are often catastrophic. As the larger vehicle, the truck often sustains far less damage than any passenger cars or other vehicles involved in a collision. The smaller vehicles will sustain the most damage, and that includes the people inside.

According to NHTSA statistics from 2008, one out of nine traffic-related fatalities resulted from a collision that involved a large truck. Of the 3,799 people that lost their lives in multi-vehicle truck accidents, only 247 (approximately 6.5%) were occupants of the large truck. A large truck accident may leave occupants of another vehicle, pedestrians, motorcyclists or bicyclists severely injured and requiring extensive medical care. In addition to the common injuries sustained in auto accidents, such as whiplash, a victim may sustain crush injuries from the immense force of impact. This can cause amputation or dismemberment, damaged internal organs, spinal cord injury, brain injury and much more.

A traffic accident with a large truck has more than just the potential to cause serious injury. Insurance claims and lawsuits arising from these collisions are typically more complex than other auto accident claims, due to the fact that the truck driver's and/or the trucking company's liability may be brought into question. Bringing a claim against a large company can also be much harder for a victim. These factors make it all the more important to consider involving an attorney to help with your case.

To find out how you can get the legal help you need after an accident with a large truck in the Minneapolis area, feel free to contact the Brown Law Offices. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and can offer you the insight and information to help you make the right choices about your case.

Contact a Minneapolis Personal Injury Attorney at our firm today.