A van ran under a FedEx truck injuring seven people in Horsham Township early Saturday morning, February 9. According to police at the scene, the van got wedged under the truck trapping people inside. One of the injured had to be airlifted to Jefferson Hospital.
The FedEx truck had broken down earlier, and police were already on the scene directing traffic when the wreck happened. The accident happened at the intersection of Route 309 and Welsh Road and portions of route 309 were shut down in both directions.
FedEx Trucks and Crashes
FedEx and other delivery trucks are in every city and on just about every road in the country. These big trucks have a size and mass advantage over the average passenger car as a fully loaded FedEx delivery truck can weigh as much as 80,000 lbs. The average car is around 3,500 lbs.
Trucks of this size create hazards for those driving, cycling and walking around the city. They have significant blind spots that make it hard for the driver to see all the cars and people around it. When negotiating corners and narrow roads, trucks often have to swing out wide catching many motorists off guard.
Most Likely places to be in a Big Truck Wreck
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that almost 60 percent of all large truck accidents occurred on U.S. Highways similar to Route 309 in Philadelphia. The rest occur on divided interstates, urban highways and city streets.
Causes of Big Truck Accidents
- Speeding: Speed of both the big trucks and the other vehicle can significantly contribute to a collision.
- Reckless/Aggressive Driving: Trucks do not have the maneuverability or the stopping ability of smaller vehicles, and when cars follow too close or cut off large trucks, they often can’t recover in time to avoid an accident.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, talking on a cell phone or inputting data into a GPS while driving are becoming a significant factor in all sorts of crashes. With a big truck, a moment’s distraction can be deadly.
- Equipment Problems: Worn tires, bad brakes, broken lights and mirrors can contribute to a big truck wreck.
- Drowsy or Sleepy Driving: The Federal Motor Carrier Administration puts limits on the amount of time a truck driver can be on the road without a break. One head nod and be fatal.
- Improper Loading: Load shifts can cause even the most experienced driver to jackknife or careen off the road.
Common Injuries With a Big Rig Accident
The difference in size and mass compounded by the speed of the truck can mean severe damage and injury to the vehicles and drivers that share the roads with trucks. Some of the more common injuries in truck accidents are:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Concussions, skull fractures and brain damage can occur especially in high impact crashes common to truck accidents
- Spinal cord injuries: Spine injuries are common and can significantly alter the quality of the victim’s life.
- Multiple fractures: Some bone fracture require surgery and a long rehabilitation process.
- Burns: Especially when fuel or other flammables are being hauled, there is a risk of burns when a crash leads to a fire.
- Wrongful Death: When someone passes from an accident, the surviving family members can sue for wrongful death.
Delivery Truck Liability
The bottom line in all personal injury cases is that the plaintiff (person suing) has to prove that the other person was negligent. If this happens, then the plaintiff can seek damages. Determining liability is ultimately a matter for the jury.
If liability is found in the truck driver, typically there is an insurance policy that will cover most of the damages. Since delivery trucks cross state lines, the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration has set a minimum policy on a truck with a gross weight of 10,000 lbs or over to have a minimum policy of $750,000. However, most private commercial carriers have a minimum of $1 million with some as high as $5 million.
Do I Need an Attorney?
If you are injured by a commercial deliver truck, chances are you need an attorney. Big companies spend a lot of money to prevent successful lawsuits and personal injury claims. Don’t let that effort keep you from getting the compensation you deserve.
Call an attorney to get a free consultation where you can get unbiased legal advice and have your specific case evaluated. Call the Pearce Law Firm, P.C. at (215) 557-8686 or text at (215) 880 6164. You can also send them a message online by clicking here. They have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you.
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