According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were a total of 3,852 fatalities arising from truck accidents in 2015. Sixteen percent of the deaths reported were truck occupants, while 69 percent involved other car occupants. Truck accident fatalities involving motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists totaled 15 percent.
The sheer weight and size of trucks contribute greatly to the high fatality rate. If you have suffered injuries or a loved one died as a result of a truck accident, a truck accident lawyer Phoenix AZ trusts may be able to help you get compensation that is commensurate with your losses.
Truck Accident Injury Statistics
Statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal that about 130,000 people suffer injuries every year in truck accidents. Twenty-two percent of these accidents result in some form of injury. Seventy percent of truck collisions result in property damage. Further reports indicate that nearly 90 percent of all commercial truck collisions are made worse by human error. These errors can be made by truck drivers, pedestrians, passengers, cyclists or other drivers.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Driver Fatigue. Truck drivers, especially those driving commercial trucks, work for long hours without taking a break. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 30 percent of truck accidents are caused by fatigued drivers.
- In most cases, these drivers ignore the stipulated maximum hours of service and drive for longer than they should. Their main goal is to get to their destinations and make more money by handling more shifts.
- Based on the statistics, sleepy drivers are dangerous. In fact, most experts agree that a sleepy driver poses a hazard similar to that of a drunk driver. Driver fatigue is avoidable by following the set rules and guidelines.
- If you have suffered injuries due to a drowsy driver behind the wheel, this is considered negligent, and you are entitled to compensation. Our lawyers have helped many people secure compensation based on the merits of their case.
- Improper Truck Maintenance. Trucking companies bear the responsibility of maintaining their trucks. This should be done regularly and before any long trips. Maintenance schedules need to be well documented.
- Faulty equipment or equipment malfunction can lead to liability suits against the trucking companies.
- Trucks are particularly vulnerable to harsh weather such as snow or ice.
- Proper maintenance especially of the brakes can go a long way in preventing accidents.
- Trucks are also exposed to poorly constructed roads, and this is another major cause of trucking accidents.
- If it is established that a trucking company was responsible for an accident, then victims need to be reimbursed for their injuries.
- Speeding Truck Drivers. In an effort to beat strict deadlines, truck drivers tend to speed, especially at night. This is particularly dangerous because trucks weigh nearly 10 times more than most cars. When loaded, they can weigh 20 times more than passenger vehicles. The monotony of long driving hours is another reason why truck drivers speed.
Truck Accident Personal Injury Lawyers
Truck injuries can result in permanent disabilities and head injuries. The long term medical costs implications are huge. This is why you should consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer. He or she can review your case and advise you on your options for moving forward.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Kamper Estrada LLP for their insight into truck accident case.
