Truck Accidents

Shocking Statistic: One person is killed or injured in a truck accident every sixteen minutes

Americans depend on the trucking industry to provide the food and other goods they need daily. Odds are high that each item in your home was transported by a commercial truck at some point. The trucking industry makes it possible for us to get the goods we need for ourselves and for our families.

Large trucks represent nearly 5% of vehicles on U.S. highways and they transport millions of tons of freight every day. About 1 in 10 highway fatalities is due to a crash involving a large truck.

What types of trucks are involved in traffic accidents?

Many sizes and types of trucks are involved in traffic crashes every year in the U.S. The type of trucks that are reported most frequently in accidents involving an injury or death include:

• 18 Wheelers
• Tractor-Trailers
• Semi-trucks
• Moving trucks
• Dump trucks
• Fire trucks
• Garbage trucks
• Postal trucks
• UPS/FEDEX trucks

What are the most common causes for large truck accidents?

Each accident is unique and has its own set of circumstances but some of the most common causes and mistakes among truck drivers include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving—texting, talking on phone, eating etc.
• Failing to yield to other motorists
• Lack of truck operator training
• Improper lane changes and other types of reckless driving
• Poor and or irregular maintenance
• Drowsy driving
• Alcohol or drug intoxication
• Driving in impaired weather conditions—fog, ice, snow, rain

Truck Accident Statistics all Drivers Should Know

• Accidents are the leading cause of on-the-job death among truck drivers in the U.S. (Source—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Approximately 2.6 million truck drivers operate vehicles that weigh over 10,000 pounds. (Source—Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• The majority of fatalities in large truck crashes are occupants of passenger vehicles (car or small non-commercial truck/SUV). In 2015, approximately 4,000 people were killed in large truck accidents. 16% of these deaths were truck occupants, 69% were car or other passenger vehicle occupants and 15% were pedestrians, motorcyclists or bicyclists. (Source—Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute)
• In 2015, speeding was the most frequently reported driver-related accident factor for trucks and passenger vehicles. Distraction was the second most frequently reported driver-related accident factor for truck and passenger vehicle drivers. (Source—Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
• According to Trucks.com, truck driver is one of the most hazardous professions in the United States. In 2015 alone, 745 truck drivers were reported as losing their lives in work-related traffic accidents.

Act Fast: Crucial steps to take immediately after an accident with a large truck

An attorney should be called before you admit any kind of fault to authorities or other drivers.

Call the police immediately. It is never a good idea to forego contacting the police after an accident. Not calling will make it difficult for you to have car damages repaired.

Trade insurance and contact information with all drivers involved in the accident.

Find and document any evidence by taking pictures and making notes of key details from your point of view. It is recommended not to share any accident pictures or details on your social media accounts.

Act now and understand your rights. There are time limits to filing a case.

Seek medical attention immediately after an accident. It is up to you to understand your injuries and to follow your Doctor’s instructions. If you don’t, the insurance adjuster may question the validity of your injury claim.

Talking with insurance companies without your attorney is a bad idea. One of the key goals an insurance company has is to get you to sign medical and other releases. It is in their best interest for you to accept a settlement that is lower that what you should get. Don’t do it.

Are there time limits to filing a claim?

Yes, if an accident victim chooses to file a lawsuit, they must do so within one year of when any accident related expenses occurred. The truck accident team at 1-800-LAW-FIRM recommends that victims collect evidence and get contact information for potential witnesses as soon as possible. Gathering as much information as possible will help make the potential case as powerful as possible.

What are my legal options?

If you or someone you know was involved in a crash with a large truck, contact the experienced truck accidents team at 1-800-LAW-FIRM. We will analyze the details of your potential case and customize the best course of action for you. All consultations are free and completely confidential. There is no obligation.