“ One out of eight traffic fatalities in 2005 resulted from a collision involving a large truck.” Fatalities resulting from large trucks (over 10,000 lbs.) : 76 %  were occupants of another vehicle 9 % were non-occupants 15% were occupants of a large truck. Injuries that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 74 % were occupants of another vehicle, 2 % were non occupants, 24% were occupants of a large truck.

> Types of Accidents

The Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys at Murphy Law Firm handle cases involving 18 wheeler accidents.  Below is some information that may be helpful if you were involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler.

According to the NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis in 2005, 442,000 large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds) were involved in traffic crashes in the United States; 4,932 were involved in fatal crashes.

A total of 5,212 people died (12 percent of all the traffic fatalities reported in 2005) and an additional 114,000 were injured in those crashes.
 
 The general laws governing 18-wheeler accidents are the same for automobile accidents. For instance, the "No Pay, No Play" statute still applies (see Automobile Accidents section).

As the trucking industry climbs to become the leading transporter of American goods, 18 wheeler and big rig accidents have become a growing danger. Life-threatening trucking accidents are becoming a growing concern for all Americans on the road.
 
 Weighing over 10,000 pounds, a big rig involved in an accident at any speed is a recipe for disaster. Because of their size, a big rig at a high speed is catastrophic to anyone in their way.

Common reasons 18 wheelers are involved in accidents:

• Because of their size it’s very difficult to stop such a huge vehicle quickly. The tendency of these trucks is to jackknife, and the excessive space it takes to make a turn, leaving blind spots all around.
• Detectable blood concentrations of psychoactive drugs or alcohol
• Driver fatigue, boredom and cell phone
• Improper left turn
• Excessive speed
• Traveling into the rear end of other vehicles

If you or someone that you know has been hurt in a 18 wheeler, big rig, or trucking accident of any variety, the Baton Rouge personal injury lawyers at Murphy Law Firm can help. We’ll help you with any Legal resource so you can get back to normal as soon as possible. We know this is a trying time physically, financially, and emotionally for you and your family let us help. You could be entitled to compensation for your physical and emotional anguish, but time could run out.

Please do not hesitate to contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Murphy Law Firm or call us now at 225.928.8800.

Our Baton Rouge, Louisiana personal injury attorneys have one goal and one goal only; to make sure you were treated fairly after your accident and that you are satisfied with the results of Peyton Murphy and Scott Emonet.  We work on a contingency basis which means we do not get paid unless you get paid.  We handle cases dealing with personal injuries including but not limited to: auto accidents, 18 wheeler accidents, motorcycle accidents, boating accidents, offshore and maritime accidents, railroad accidents, medical malpractice, class action, defective drugs, defective products, chemical spill and toxic exposure, slip and fall, premises liability, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, and hearing loss. Our lawyers practice law in the greater Baton Rouge area and the surrounding areas including but not limited to: Baton Rouge, Gonzales, Denham Springs, Port Allen, Baker, Brusly, Walker, Zachary, Plaquemine, Prairieville, Dutch Town, and all the surrounding areas.