Anderson Law Firm

by Mark Anderson mark@maafirm.com

1/5/2012
Mark Anderson
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Truckers Losing Weight To Prevent Fatal Wrecks

Vowing to lose weight is a common New Year’s resolution for many of us, but for some it is quite literally a matter of life or death. I’m talking about commercial truck drivers – and the lives at risk are not just their own, but other motorists who travel the same roads as them.

As a Dallas-Fort Worth personal injury lawyer, I have helped thousands of people who have suffered terrible injuries as a result of being in a wreck involving an 18 wheeler. As you might imagine, whenever a semi-truck crashes into a car or motorcycle, the injuries caused are usually going to be incredibly significant – and often result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses alone.

So why is weight loss a public safety issue? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), approximately 12 percent of tractor trailer collisions are the result of the trucker’s health. Heart attacks and diabetic shocks which occur behind the wheel are worryingly common considering that the average CDL driver travels up to 4,000 miles a week. The Journal of the American Dietetic Association estimates that 86 percent of professional motor carrier drivers in the US are overweight or obese, which presents a significant risk of accident-causing health problems while in the driving seat. One of the conditions most closely associated with obesity is sleep apnea which is a major concern considering truck drivers permitted to spend up to 11 consecutive hours driving under current US law.

Fortunately, the trucking industry recognizes this is a growing problem and some companies are now taking steps to improve the health of their drivers in an effort to both retain experienced drivers while lowering insurance costs. This January, 60 drivers and 60 trucking company office workers divided between ten individual fleets will take part in a New Year weight loss challenge by following a low-carb, low-fat diet and increasing their exercise. The contest is the result of a dual effort by the Truckload Carriers Association and the Lindora Clinic, a company which operates weight-loss centers throughout the US.

I would like to wish all those truck drivers taking part in this challenge the best of luck. Like millions of other people, I too am hoping to eat better, exercise more and ultimately lose weight in 2012.

As a board certified truck accident attorney, I know how high the stakes are if you or a loved one has been injured in a big rig crash. It is important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible to make sure your rights are protected. Since you are likely entitled to significant compensation, it is important you don’t make any mistakes which might wreck your case as the financial implication could cost you dearly. For a free, no obligation consultation with a lawyer today, please call me toll free at 800-354-6275 or locally in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900.

Category: Truck and Bus Accidents

Labels: Accident attorney fort worth injuries lawyer truck wreck

The Anderson Law Firm offers free no obligation consultations to people injured in accidents or who have suffered physical harm as a result of someone else's actions. We do not charge you to initially discuss your situation and establish whether you have a claim to pursue. You can call us and discuss your case over the phone, we can set up an appointment for you to come into our office, or we can visit you in your home anywhere in the metroplex.

If after meeting with us you decide that we are the best personal injury lawyer for you, then we will enter into a contingent fee agreement. This means that we only get paid when we win a settlement or jury verdict in your favor. You don't pay us anything up front. We will cover all expenses spent working on your case. Only when we win for you will you need to pay us. If we don't win, then you owe us nothing.

Contact us online now or call us 24 hours a day toll free on 1-800-354-MARK (1-800-345-6-275). You can also call us locally in Fort Worth on 817-294-1900 or in Dallas on 214-327-8000.

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