Horrific Large Truck Accidents May Involve Comparative Negligence

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Horrific Large Truck Accidents May Involve Comparative Negligence

by: adviatech
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Word Count: 526

Statistically speaking, the number of crashes involving larger trucks seems to be taking a turn for the better. Nonetheless,\ the number of crashes is high enough that you'll understand why this area of law is a particular specialty for many attorneys.

The numbers provided by the Department of Transportation say that in 2006 there were at least 1.93 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles. While that may be down some from 2005, there are even more registered vehicles hitting the roads in Texas. That means things get evened out in the long run, numbers wise.

Let's look at 2007 for the nationwide stats on large trucks involved in crashes. Fatal crashes logged in at 4,368, while non-fatal crashes were a staggering 136,438. Those numbers are scary, especially when you think of the personal and property injuries involved.

Total injury crashes came in at 54,961. Injuries that happened in crashes of large trucks were 80,752 and large trucks in accidents sever enough to necessitate towing numbered at 81,477. It boggles the mind to think of those kinds of numbers when it comes to vehicle accidents, begging the question of why these numbers are so high.

It's well known that Texas doesn't have an enviable record for traffic accidents in the first place. Take another look at those accident stats, and you'll understand why hiring a fully qualified large truck accident attorney makes sense. Crashes involving large trucks are the most dangerous and deadly on the road today.

Hiring a qualified lawyer in this area isn't just hiring an attorney who knows the law. You're hiring an attorney who understands the trucking industry and its rules and regulations. Insider knowledge like this can make or break a large truck accident case.

The other aspect of dealing with this type of case is the doctrine of comparative negligence. What this means is that usually people involved in accidents like this are both to blame for the incident. The parties can't call it even and have it done with. The law doesn't work like that.

Comparative negligence is pretty straightforward. You may still be awarded compensation, but the Judge may say it is reduced by 40 percent – the portion of the accident that you were responsible for. You will get 60 percent compensation for your damages less the 40 percent of the damages that you are responsible for in causing the accident. If you happen to be found more at fault than the other party, you may not get compensation at all.

This is a tricky area of the law, and hiring an attorney that knows what they are doing will stand you in good stead for winning your case.

Lance Sharp of The Sharp Firm is an Austin personal injury lawyer specializing in personal injury and accident law in Austin Texas. The lawyers at The Sharp Firm have a collective 40 years experience in being Austin injury lawyers. To learn more visit http://www.sharpfirm.com.

Lance Sharp of The Sharp Firm is an Austin personal injury lawyer specializing in personal injury and accident law in Austin Texas. The lawyers at The Sharp Firm have a collective 40 years experience in being Austin injury lawyers. To learn more visit http://www.sharpfirm.com.

About the Author

Lance Sharp of The Sharp Firm is an Austin personal injury lawyer specializing in personal injury and accident law in Austin Texas. The lawyers at The Sharp Firm have a collective 40 years experience in being Austin injury lawyers. To learn more visit http://www.sharpfirm.com.

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