Large commercial trucks were involved in 4,237 fatal crashes across the U.S. in the most recent three-year period. They were also involved in 102,000 crashes nationwide that caused injury during that time. But unfortunately, some states had much higher rates of truck accidents than others.
The Most Dangerous States for Truck Accidents
Fifty-two West Virginians died in truck crashes in one year – an average of one per week. But the Mountain State is not alone in having many more truck accidents than the U.S. average. The most dangerous states for truck accidents, measured by deaths per vehicle miles traveled each year, are:
- Oklahoma – 138 fatalities
- Louisiana – 103 fatalities
- Kansas – 88 fatalities
- West Virginia – 52 fatalities
- Idaho – 46 fatalities
- North Dakota – 26 fatalities
Why are these states the most dangerous? There likely isn’t any single factor – but the states do illustrate the number of potentially dangerous that can cause truck accidents. West Virginia’s truck accidents are estimated to stem from the mountainous roads trucks must traverse. Trucks need to navigate turns at high altitudes.
Yet Oklahoma is the deadliest state for truck accidents, and Oklahoma is not mountainous like West Virginia. The trouble in Oklahoma, Kansas, and North Dakota may be the opposite – miles of flat land that may tempt truck drivers to speed. In Louisiana, some roads are not kept in good repair. And in Idaho, again, mountain roads could be to blame.
Compensation for People Injured in Truck Accidents
Whatever the reasons for the high number of accidents, the story for people injured in truck accidents is the same. Truck accident injuries can be severe. Injuries can include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Scarring
- Coma
- Death
Folks injured in truck accidents can, therefore, face a pile of medical bills. The accident and its recovery may cause them to lose time off work as well, making their financial situation even more stressful. Some people may be disabled and become permanently unable to work.
Plus, pain and suffering from accidents can be extreme. Being hit by a truck means that 80,000 pounds impacted you and your vehicle. You can be affected physically, mentally, and emotionally.
How to Obtain Justice
Fortunately, if the truck accident you or a loved one were in was caused by someone else, you can obtain justice. At-fault parties are responsible for financially compensating injured folks whose injuries stem directly from the accident.
If you are injured, you can receive payment from the at-fault party in the following categories.
Medical bills, including emergency room care, ambulance, doctor’s office visits, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, canes, crutches and other assistive devices, prescription medication, and more
- Wages lost from work if the accident forced you to lose time from work
- Property damage, if your car or other personal property was damaged
- Pain and suffering related to the injuries – physical, mental, and emotional
If someone you cared about died, you can file a wrongful death suit for financial compensation in the following categories:
- Medical services for injuries to the deceased person
- Memorial and burial expenses
- Lost wages the deceased could have been expected to earn
- Injury to the deceased person’s family
- Companionship and solace
In both cases, you can start the process of receiving this compensation through filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, filing claims with your own insurance company (who will turn to the at-fault party’s insurance), or filing a personal injury suit in court. If a loved one died, a wrongful death suit must be brought by a representative of the deceased person’s estate.
Experienced West Virginia Truck Accident Attorneys Here to Help You
Obtaining financial compensation in a truck accident can be challenging. Many different parties can bear responsibilities: truck drivers, companies, manufacturers, and subcontracting companies. Each often carries a different insurance policy.
It’s a good idea to talk to the seasoned West Virginia truck accident lawyers at Johnstone & Gabhart, LLP. We provide a free first consultation to discuss your case. We have offices in Charleston, or we can come to your home or to the hospital. Contact us today.
