Causes of Delaware Trucking Accidents
Understanding the Causes of Truck Accidents
According to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), there are more than half a million truck accidents every year, with approximately 5,000 fatalities. Unfortunately, about 98 percent of the people killed in truck accidents are pedestrians, cyclists or passengers in other vehicles. Though truck driver fatigue is one of the more frequent causes of a truck accident, there are other factors that lead to commercial truck crashes. The consequences, however, are often the same — serious injury and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you want an experienced lawyer to protect your interests.
At the law office of Michael J. Hood, we have zealously represented personal injury victims in Delaware for more than 31 years. We understand the immediate impact of a personal injury and won’t waste your time in pointless legal maneuvers. We’ll listen carefully and ask a lot of questions so that we have a thorough understanding of what happened in your case, as well as what you need to move forward with your life. We will analyze the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and give you a timely and realistic assessment of the value of your claim, as well as your chances of recovery.
For a free case evaluation, contact us online or call us at (302) 777-1000.
The Common Causes of Truck Accidents
According to USDOT, in truck accidents in which the trucker is at fault, nearly one-third of the crashes are caused at least in part by driver fatigue because the trucker has not taken adequate breaks or has put too many hours on the road in a given time period. Even though there are federal regulations governing how often drivers must take breaks and what percentage of their time can be spent behind the wheel, many drivers falsify records and put others at risk in their efforts to boost profit and income.
The other common causes of truck accidents include:
- Under-qualified or poorly trained drivers
- Inappropriate driving for weather or traffic conditions
- Excessive, unbalanced or improperly secured loads
- Mechanical breakdown, often the result of failure to perform routine or required maintenance
- Underinflated or old tires
- Driver distraction, either from a cell phone, stereo, passenger or other factor
- The use of drugs or alcohol by the driver
We handle all types of injury claims, including cases involving serious or catastrophic loss, as well as wrongful death. We will help you recover compensation for all your losses, from lost wages and income to physical pain and suffering, from medical expenses to loss of companionship or consortium.
Contact the Office of Michael J. Hood, LLC
We provide a free initial consultation to every client. To set up a private meeting, contact us online or call our office at (302) 777-1000. Our office is open Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., but we will meet with you evenings or weekends upon request. We will travel to your home or the hospital if necessary.
Michael J. Hood represents inury victims across Delaware including Wilmington, Newark, Middleton, Seaford, Laurel, Milford, Brookside, Claymont, Pike Creek, Wilmington Manor, Elsmere, Edgemoor, New Castle, Chester, Springfield, West Chester and Broomall. Also serving New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County in Delaware.
