Traffic fatalities increased by 10 percent during the first half of 2016, according to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHSTA). While many blame the emergence of smartphone technology, others are convinced that highway fatalities have increased due to U.S. drivers’ addiction to speed. Prior to the administration led by former president Bill Clinton, the federal government controlled the speed limits for the nation’s highways. Since then, however, the previous federal cap of 55 miles per hour (mph) has been raised to 80mph in some states. Safety advocates and government organizations are concerned that traveling at such high speeds could be the cause of car accident prevalence.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident of any kind, contact Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 236-2900 to see how we can help. Our car accident lawyers have a tremendous amount of experience helping people file lawsuits for damages. We will fight tirelessly t so that you are awarded the compensation you deserve.
Due to their massive size, semi-trucks carry a tremendous amount of energy when they are in motion. The faster a semi moves, the more energy it has. This is why speeding trucks are so dangerous on the roads. If a truck collides with a vehicle while speeding, the truck will transfer all of its energy to the vehicle. Since the truck is not following speed laws, the amount of energy transferred is higher than it would be if the semi were traveling at, say, 55 mph.
The American Trucking Association (ATA) has expressed their willingness to limit truck speeds, but truckers have expressed concerned. Many semi-truck drivers say that forcing trucks to travel at a lower speed would create a hazard when other vehicles are flying by at 85 or 90 mph.
On August 26th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) brought forward a proposal that would require all trucks, buses, and other vehicles over 26,000 pounds to be retrofitted with speed-controlling devices. Three-speed limit options were suggested: 60, 65, and 68 mph. In addition to saving countless lives, the FMCSA believes that this proposal would save over $1 billion dollars in fuel costs each year.
The ATA, among other trucking groups, is in favor of the latter speed options of 65 and 68 mph. They say forcing trucks to move any slower would cause serious safety concerns. It is a well-known fact that larger vehicles moving at slower speeds are forced to interact with faster vehicles. This increased interaction makes highway collisions far more likely.
At Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C., we understand how devastating a car accident can be. You may have been forced to quit your job because of an injury, or perhaps your medical bills are astronomical. Whatever the circumstances, you deserve to be compensated for your damages.
Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. Call (312) 236-2900 to speak with our lawyers. We will listen to your side of the story and do everything in our power to get you the funds you need. Let us help you put your life back on track.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
