From 1997 to 2007 statistics have shown a 27% increase in the number of large trucks registered in United States and that has meant a stronger presence of these mammoth vehicles on the roads and major highways shared with other drivers. Not only has the number of registered large trucks increased, their mileage has gone up by 19% as well. These increases have led the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and safety regulators in the United States to create laws and higher standards governing the number of hours commercial truck drivers are required to rest, how long large commercial trucks can operate continuously and the amount of training the truck drivers must undergo.

These regulations have decreased the numbers of truck accidents and fatalities caused by large trucks and decrease the likelihood that commercial truck drivers will drive without a seat belt or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Further legislation enacted after numerous studies showed the dangers of cell phone usage and texting while driving has prompted many states to ban texting or all cell phone use by commercial truck operators.

While these regulations and restrictions have reduced the dangers posed by large commercial trucks, and accident involving a large truck is one in any passenger vehicle driver should work to avoid. Commercial vehicles cannot maneuver in the same way that automobiles can so it is important not to stop quickly or pull out in front of large trucks to avoid a collision.

Any time an accident involving a large truck occurs the driver and passengers of the smaller vehicles involved are likely to sustain serious injuries or death, due to the weight and size of the truck. The most common causes of truck accidents are driver fatigue, tailgating, speeding, passing trucks or cars too closely; inadequate room left for turns, blind spots, unevenly loaded or overloaded trucks and runaway tractor trailers.

After an accident involving a large truck it is essential to meet with an accident lawyer experienced in large truck accidents for legal advice and counsel on moving forward with any claims. Frequently the liability of a large truck accident falls on several parties that may include the truck driver, the trucking company that employed him or her and the truck manufacturing and repair companies who supplied the vehicle in question. Truck manufacturers and trucking companies are frequently vast institutions with the financial and legal resources readily available to effectively halt legal actions taken against them by individuals inexperienced in law. The only way to match these companies is to retain the legal services from a lawyer or law firm that is more than capable of meeting each legal obstacle thrown up with grace, agility and most importantly effectiveness.