Common Causes and Consequences of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents have increased in the last few years, with recent official numbers showing over 5000 crashes in 2019 in the US. It is vital not only for truck drivers but also for other participants in traffic to acknowledge the daily risk to which they are exposed. Experts try to raise awareness by addressing the causes and consequences.

General Truck Accidents Statistics

Recent statistics have shown that trucks were involved in over 5,000 fatal traffic accidents, a 43% increase from 2010. Large trucks accounted for 10% of all fatal crashes in 2019. Also, 118,000 traffic accidents resulted in serious injury.

In general, most crashes were fatal or resulted in injuries for the occupants of the other vehicle. This is because a standard car is more vulnerable and exposed in front of a large truck. Furthermore, most crashes happened in rural and interstate zones of the US.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Out of all truck accidents, almost one-third of them were caused by a truck driver error. In addition, vehicle-related issues such as break or tire problems made up approximately 5 percent of fatal truck crashes. Other common causes for accidents include, but are not limited to:

• Speeding
• Careless driving
• Distraction
• Failure of giving right of way
• Impaired driving
• Blind spots
• Truck maintenance

It is essential to bring awareness to the hours of service for a truck driver. Regulations have been made in the driving legislation for truck drivers to not exceed 11 hours of driving, with a 30-minute break after the first 8 hours. This has proven to be making things worse, as it can delay the drivers’ timing and make them speed in an attempt to reach their destination.

Common Consequences of Truck Accidents

All consequences of a truck collision can have serious repercussions. The vehicle usually carries a large number of transportable goods. The weight of it can be fatal for all the parties involved in the crash.

Some of the most common consequences can be psychological trauma, minor or urgent care injuries, and sometimes even fatalities. Whilst both the psychological and physical traumas can heal after a recovery period. However, they will both create a financial burden.

Should you ever become involved in a truck accident in Pennsylvania or Ohio states, where the laws and regulations vary considerably, we advise you to get a Berger and Green truck accident attorney to guide you through the legal proceedings of the case.

How to Avoid and Prevent a Truck Collision

It is, first and foremost, crucial for truck drivers to ensure their vehicles are adhering to strict maintenance schedules. This is to certify that the truck is in good enough condition to be on the road and does not pose an imminent danger.

An honorable mention goes towards the driver’s health, as they are the most important component in this equation. An excellent psychological and physical form is recommended to ensure safety on the road.

As a participant in traffic, it is essential to be seen by the truck driver. This is to ensure that you are not in one of their blind spots, which is a way of both helping them and preventing a possible collision.

Knowing the Legal Procedure

As a traffic participant, one must ensure that they hold the necessary knowledge needed in case of an unfortunate event of this magnitude. Filing for a lawsuit in case of a truck collision can be extremely difficult and time-consuming, which is why it is highly recommended that you contact a legal expert in this particular case.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a truck driver or a regular traffic participant, it is always good to have basic knowledge of the causes and consequences of truck accidents. These have proven to be a lot more dangerous than a normal collision, and constantly bringing awareness of the importance of road safety is essential. If you’re ever in doubt of something related to traffic collisions or how to prevent those, check with your local authority.