When a large semi truck collides with an automobile, a pickup truck or an SUV, the outcome is often tragic. The smaller vehicle does not stand much of a chance against the overwhelming size and weight of the semi. Not surprisingly, these accidents often result in serious injuries and death. Data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows the toll in Montana and in Yellowstone County.
The NHTSA’s statistics show that in 2014 there were 12 deaths in Montana in accidents involving a large truck. This was an improvement over 2013, when there were 20 semi-truck accident deaths in the state, and a big improvement over 2011’s toll of 31 truck accident fatalities. The NHTSA web site does not yet include data from 2015.
Yellowstone County was fortunate when it came to semi truck accidents in 2014: out of 18 traffic deaths in the county, none were in crashes involving a large truck. There were two semi-truck accident deaths in Yellowstone County in 2013, none in 2012 and five in 2011.
When a loved one is killed in a semi truck accident, surviving family members often look for answers as to who was at fault and whether the accident could have been prevented. If the accident was caused by truck driver fatigue, an inattentive truck driver or negligent truck maintenance, the victim’s next of kin have important legal rights under Montana law. Through a wrongful death action family members can recover compensation for loss of support, loss of companionship, funeral and medical expenses and other losses.
Source: DoT.gov, “Traffic Safety Performance (Core Outcome) Measures For Montana,” accessed on Feb. 14, 2016
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