Serious Injury Attorneys Here to Help You Recover Physically and Financially

Although any vehicle accident can result in serious injury or death, when a large commercial truck—or another large commercial vehicle—collides with a passenger vehicle or a motorcycle, the odds are that those in the smaller vehicle will suffer severe or even fatal injuries. The average large commercial truck and trailer are as long as 75 feet. When fully loaded, a large truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Since the average passenger vehicle weighs around 3,000 pounds (and a motorcycle considerably less), sheer physics dictates that those in the smaller vehicles will likely receive life-altering injuries. 

At Joe Frick Law, we offer aggressive and experienced legal assistance after a serious trucking accident in Montana. We know that truck accident survivors need extensive compensation and help after an accident. That is why we work around-the-clock to help them get the money they need. We can help you review your options, so you can determine your next step. We offer free initial consultations to help serve you better. Call us today or fill out our confidential contact form for more information. 

Types of Commercial Trucks in Montana

There are many vehicles that are considered large commercial vehicles; these vehicles generally require special licensing and specific training. Some of these large commercial vehicles include:

• Delivery trucks, including UPS, FedEx, and other package delivery services
• 18-wheeler trucks
• Oil and gas delivery trucks
• Tractor-trailers
• Box trucks
• Dump trucks
• Tow trucks
• Refrigerated trucks

Because these vehicles are very large and can cause so much damage to other motorists, the drivers of these vehicles are held to a higher standard than your “average” passenger vehicle driver. 

Truck Accident Statistics

According to the NHTSA, the number of people killed in crashes involving large trucks increased from 4,369 in 2016 to 4,761 in 2017. Of the fatalities in 2017, 72 percent were occupants of other vehicles, 18 percent were occupants of the large commercial truck or vehicle, and 10 percent were pedestrians or bicyclists. 

In the state of Montana in 2017, 20 people lost their lives in crashes involving a large truck or another type of large commercial vehicle. Of those 20 fatalities, 90 percent were occupants of other vehicles, while 10 percent were occupants of the large commercial vehicle.  

Drowsy Driving a Serious Problem Among Truck Drivers

In 2012, truck driving regulations changed, allowing truck drivers to drive a maximum of eleven hours, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. The truck driver is not allowed to drive after 60/70 hours on duty within 7/8 consecutive days. If you have ever driven for eleven hours in one stretch, you know how grueling it can be, yet truck drivers do this on a daily basis. In fact, many truck drivers exceed those hours by keeping two sets of logbooks. 

This is such a widespread problem that logbooks are even called “comic books” among those in the industry. Since the truck driver only gets paid for the hours behind the wheel—and the trucking company only makes money when the driver is on the road, there is little incentive to follow the rules. Because of this, fatigued or drowsy driving is a widespread problem among truck drivers and often leads to accidents. 

Other Causes of Large Truck and Large Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Like all drivers, truck drivers can fall prey to distracted driving, whether from texting, talking on a cell phone, eating entire meals, changing radio stations, searching for an item in the truck, talking to a passenger in the truck, or even daydreaming. Truck drivers are probably even more prone to distractions behind the wheel because of the number of hours spent on the roadways. Other causes of truck accidents include:

• Poorly maintained brakes
• Poorly secured cargo
• Under-ride accidents
• Inexperienced drivers
• Impaired drivers
• Blind spots on the part of the truck driver
• Tire problems

How Are Truck Accidents Different from Other Types of Auto Accidents?

Trucking accidents differ from two-passenger car collisions in many ways, not only due to the severity of the injuries but also because there is often more than one defendant. 

Truck driver. The truck driver could have been at fault because of reckless or careless driving, distracted driving, fatigued driving, or impaired driving. 

Trucking company. The trucking company may not have done a thorough background check or could have allowed an inexperienced driver on the road. 

Maintenance company. The maintenance company may be responsible if it failed to properly maintain brakes and tires, or the loading company could be responsible if poorly loaded cargo caused the accident. 

Trucking company. There may have been a defect in the design of the truck or truck part, and if this defect was responsible for the accident, then a product liability claim could be filed.  

Contact Our Experienced Billings Truck Accident Attorneys

After thoroughly evaluating your case, your Billings, Montana attorney can determine who should be held accountable for your accident. At Joe Frick Law, our attorney will work hard on your behalf to ensure you receive an equitable settlement to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important that you hire an experienced truck accident attorney who is used to handling lawsuits with multiple defendants and will know who to target in your specific case. 

Contact a Billings, Montana truck accident attorney today at Joe Frick Law to guide you through the legal process. Call us at (406) 551-5761 or fill out our confidential contact form. We offer free initial consultations so you can explore all your legal options. We also work on a contingency basis so you don’t owe us anything unless we can collect money for you. Call today to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.