Baron and Budd Investigating Trucking Accident Lawsuits

Thousands Killed, Many More Injured in Serious Truck Accidents Each Year

DALLAS (October 16, 2014) – The truck accident lawyers at Baron and Budd are now investigating commercial trucking accidents that result in serious injuries or fatalities. According to a news report that cited statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2012, nearly 4,000 people were killed in accidents involving commercial semi-trucks and buses – a 4 percent increase from the previous year. In many instances, these accidents are caused by overworked truck drivers and poorly maintained vehicles.

Truck drivers typically work under extremely tight deadlines, often transporting freight great distances with very little rest. A combination of lack of sleep, insufficient breaks and excess speed can lead to deadly consequences. There have been many times where drivers were expected to operate their big rigs in inclement weather or had to transport loads that were dangerously overweight.

“The real tragedy surrounding accidents involving commercial trucks is that so many of them could have been prevented if regulations had been properly followed,” said Kirsten Soto, truck accident lawyer at Baron and Budd. “Therefore, we are stepping up to help people who have needlessly suffered due to negligence in the trucking industry.”

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), one of the leading causes of semi-truck crashes is truck driver fatigue. Studies show that someone who drives without enough sleep operates his or her vehicle in a similar manner to driving while drunk. Trucking regulations stipulate that drivers are required to take a 34-hour break each week, including two rest periods from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Unfortunately, these requirements are often ignored.

Another leading cause of crashes is unsafe vehicles. Trucking companies have a duty of care to make sure their vehicles are safe to drive. According to federal regulations, truckers must inspect their rigs before each trip to ensure proper operation. However, accidents involving worn tires, faulty brakes and mechanical issues commonly occur.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured or killed in a major truck accident, you may have legal options. Please contact the lawyers at Baron and Budd at 866-236-9479 or visit our website to learn more: //baronandbudd.com/serious-accidents/truck-accident-lawyer/.

About Baron & Budd, P.C.

The law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C., with offices in Dallas, Baton Rouge, Austin and Los Angeles, is a nationally recognized law firm with almost four decades of experience "Protecting What’s Right" for people, communities and businesses harmed by negligence. Baron & Budd’s size and resources enable the firm to take on large and complex cases. The firm represents individuals, governmental and business entities in areas as diverse as PCB contamination in schools, FLSA (overtime) violations, pharmaceutical and medical implant injuries, water contamination, GM ignition problems, California Proposition 65 violations, mortgage and credit card fraud and asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma.