With increased demand and traffic, commercial trucks are more likely to be involved in wrecks the holiday season.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered December is the most dangerous month for drivers. When they studied traffic-related fatalities during the Christmas season, they determined an average of 45 people died each day - - compared to an average of 36 fatalities per day the rest of the year.

As we’re already in the midst of the holiday season, it is important to understand the dangers of being on the road alongside 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, big rigs, and other commercial trucks that move various items during the holiday season.

If you are involved in a trucking collision this holiday season, our truck wreck attorneys at Ferrell & Brown can help you pursue compensation for your damages. Let our experienced 18-wheeler lawyers handle your legal case while you focus on recovering and spending quality time with your family. Don’t let a truck accident ruin the holiday season for you and your loved ones.

Why do more trucking accidents occur during the holidays?

With tighter delivery deadlines during the holidays, trucking companies will push their drivers to the limit, leading to increased risk of truck accidents.

There are several reasons why commercial truck crashes are more likely to occur during the holiday season. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents during the holidays include:

Driver fatigue

Tight schedules

Increased traffic on the road

Bad weather

Lack of truck drivers & comprehensive training

 

Regardless of what caused or contributed to your trucking accident, it is vital to retain a skilled truck wreck attorney to help you investigate your case and determine liable parties. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you may be able to hold the profit-minded trucking company responsible for your injuries.

How to stay safe and navigate the risks of truck wrecks

It is critical to exercise due care and take all reasonable precautions when operating a vehicle this time of year. You can take steps to avoid a commercial truck wreck by following these safety tips:

• Practice defensive driving at all times
• Install a reliable dash cam to capture important video evidence in the event of an accident
• Wear a seat belt when driving
• Avoid lingering in a commercial vehicle’s blind spots
• Increase your distance (keep in mind that trucks require greater stopping distance)
• Avoid driving in bad weather conditions
• Leave earlier and plan your route so that you are not tempted to exceed the speed limit and violate traffic rules to reach your destination

How Companies Contribute to the fault

When the holiday season hits, big rigs are often fully loaded with a lot of miles to cover. Trucking companies have a lot of cargo to move during the holidays and they sometimes cut corners to meet important deadlines. This risky behavior can lead to dangerous accidents and fatalities.

Trucking companies owe a duty of care not only to their employees, but to all motorists on the road. This means trucking companies are responsible for:

• Hiring experienced professional drivers
• Adequately training new drivers
• Ensuring that their drivers have reasonable hours and schedules with adequate rest periods
• Ensuring all cargo is properly secured
• Inspecting rigs for safety
• Keeping up with regular truck maintenance
• Ensuring that truckers don’t have to drive in unsafe weather conditions

Trucking companies are harried by the holiday bustle — when their rigs are in high demand — but they still share responsibility for keeping the roads safe for everyone.  When the cut corners, their actions can run contrary to their duties and cause devastating consequences.

SERIOUS INJURIES – REQUIRE SERIOUS ATTORNEYS

Our firm understands the repercussions of a serious accident. If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you should not have to fight the uphill battle for compensation on your own. When you hire Ferrell & Brown, you are hiring a devoted, caring, and aggressive team who will tenaciously fight for you. If you or someone you know was injured in a wreck and wishes to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact Ferrell & Brown.