Truck accidents are different than car accidents

A traffic accident involving a commercial truck, such as an eighteen-wheeler or other large freight carrier (Semi, Semi-truck, Tractor-trailer rig, Box truck, Bus, etc.), can be much more catastrophic than an ordinary car accident. A typical fully-loaded large commercial truck can weigh well over 80,000 pounds, while an average passenger automobile weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. Because of the size and weight disparities and the laws of physics, any collision between a commercial truck and another vehicle is likely to result in serious, even fatal, injuries.

While statistics show that truck drivers are generally much more careful on the road than automobile drivers, large truck crashes still accounted for 5027 fatalities representing 13% of all traffic fatalities across USA in 2007. An additional 123,000 people were injured in these cars versus trucks crashes in the USA in 2007. Truck drivers log more miles on the road than the average driver making them more likely to be involved in a serious accident. People in passenger vehicles are especially vulnerable in collisions with large trucks because of the great difference in weight. Over 90% of fatalities in two-vehicle crashes involving cars versus trucks were occupants of the passenger vehicle.

The unique danger posed by commercial truck accidents can be made worse depending on the nature of the freight the truck is carrying. For example, if hazardous or flammable materials are on board, secondary injuries attributable to such dangerous cargo can result, including burns and respiratory injuries.

Truck driver fatigue is one of the largest contributions to truck accidents. Federal regulations allow drivers of large trucks to drive up to 16 hours a day. However, drivers under the regulations can compile 60 hours in less than five days by alternating 10 hours of maximum permitted continuous driving with the minimum 8 hours off duty interval. Studies also show that driver fatigue plays a role in large truck crashes and that drivers are more likely to crash after many hours of driving.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents:
Operating unreasonably fast; Cargo shifting or loss of cargo while driving; Trucks with badly worn tires or other vehicle defects; Improper lane change failing to observe vehicles in established lane; Stalled or stopped trucks without proper warning devices; Driver fatigue; Failure to negotiate curves or turns due to speed and load shift; Following too close or tailgating; Aggressive Driving. Of the trucks with out-of-service violation more than one-third of them have problems with brakes. 

IN THE EVENT THAT YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A COMMERCIAL TRUCK, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER COMPENSATION FOR YOUR INJURIES BY BRINGING A LEGAL CLAIM AGAINST THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES.

Truck Accident Inquiries
If you have been injured in a truck accident, or are a lawyer seeking co-counsel, or even a truck driver injured in an accident with a car or truck, we welcome your inquires! Fill out our contact form, send us an email info@truckaccidentcounsel.com or phone us at 1-877-3 SEMI TRK.