February 12, 2012
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Jaws of Life Used to Remove Four Minnesotans from Semi-Truck Crash Scene
Over 74,000 traffic accidents were reported to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in 2010, which cost Minnesotans an estimated $1.477 billion. Additionally, the Office of Traffic Safety reports that an average day on Minnesota's roads saw 203 crashes, 1.1 deaths and nearly 85 injuries.
These are troubling numbers, but they actually represent an improvement over recent years. For example, in 1990 over 550 people died on Minnesota's roads, with subsequent years ranging from 400 to 500 people annually.
In response to these statistics, Minnesota developed a plan called Towards Zero Deaths, which set a goal of achieving 350 or fewer traffic related fatalities by 2014. According to preliminary numbers, the OTS reports that this goal was achieved in 2010 when 349 people died in car, truck and motorcycle accidents.
Catastrophic Accidents Involving Trucks on the Rise
Although Minnesota roads have been safer in recent years, accidents involving commercial vehicles -- primarily semitrailers -- have steadily increased. The OTS states that there were 4,181 truck-involved accidents in 2010, which represented a 14 percent increase from the previous year.
Unfortunately, these numbers do not include Minnesotans involved in accidents beyond state lines.
In December of 2011, ABC reports that four St. Paul residents were driving along Highway 63 in New Hampton, IA when their SUV crossed the center line at about 5:30 in the morning. Their vehicle collided with a Mack truck going in the opposite direction, resulting in severe and life threatening injuries to the vehicles passengers. One passenger had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital, while the driver and remaining two passengers were taken by ambulance.
Safe Driving Habits and What Happens After a Truck Accident
Drivers can take care to mitigate the risks of getting into a truck accident. For example, drivers should not follow too closely behind a commercial vehicle, avoid sleep-deprived driving, ensure all of their headlights work and stay out of a truck's blind spot. However, safe drivers can never fully eliminate the dangers of the road.
A person injured in a truck accident should first seek proper medical attention. Once treated, victims may want to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss their rights and legal options. People injured due to another driver's negligence might be entitled to compensation for their injuries, and a qualified lawyer can help you get the money you deserve.
Article provided by Walsh & Gaertner, P.A.
Visit us at http://www.walsh-gaertner.com
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