Large Truck Accidents More Common Than Previously Thought

You’re probably at more risk to be in an accident with a large truck than you may think. According to the 2016 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics released by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the registered number of large trucks in America increased 3 percent year-over-year in 2014, to nearly 11 million large trucks. They’re also involved in more accidents, as the report found 476,000 vehicle crashes in 2014 involved large trucks or buses, a 22 percent year-over-year increase.

In any type of motor vehicle accident, you’re in, factors such as injuries and damage warrant getting in touch with a lawyer so you can secure the compensation and justice you deserve. When you’re dealing with a large truck or 18-wheeler it is much larger, and far more dangerous, than a small car or even SUV, hiring a trucking accident attorney is essential in any type of accident. Not only is there another driver to deal with, but handling the case against the trucking company, or truck manufacturer, or even the company that hired the truck driver involves complicated legal actions that only an experienced lawyer will be able to navigate.

With factors such as the exponential rise of e-commerce increasing the demand for delivered goods, expect shipping truck presence on the road to also increase. Business Insider reports freight revenue is expected to grow 75 percent by 2026. Be aware of what to do if you’re in an accident with a large truck now, so you can be better prepared in the unfortunate circumstance that it happens to you or a loved one.

Causes of Large Truck Accidents

One of the reasons why seeking help from an attorney in a large truck accident is so vital is because there are detailed nuances related to causation that may affect your case. While the National Center for Statistics and Analysis 2017 Traffic Safety Facts report found 2 percent of large-truck drivers in fatal accidents had high blood alcohol concentrations, often the size of the vehicle contributes to a crash, as well as factors like improper sleep or poor driving.Large truck accident factors include:

• Poor braking or maneuverability: The size of the truck requires more distance in-between it and another vehicle in order to properly brake or turn to avoid hazards or collisions. Driving too close to another car or not paying attention to road conditions can lead to an accident.

• Driver fatigue and distracted driving: Truck drivers who are not fully alert of road conditions at all times put themselves and other drivers in danger. Federal driver regulations set a standard for how much sleep a driver needs before getting back on the road. Like distracted driving in other vehicles, use of a smartphone while driving poses a threat to reaction time.

• Equipment failure: Large trucks require regular documented maintenance for optimal driving. The truck should be able to perform perfectly in a variety of conditions to protect other motor vehicle operators as well as the truck’s driver.
• Improper responses to other drivers: Truck drivers are supposed to be professional drivers.  For this reason, they should be among the most experienced drivers on the road.  However, for a variety of reasons (impairments, distractions, lack of proper training), large truck drivers do not always appropriately respond to the routine actions of other drivers.  

In addition to these causes, a truck that is carrying or pulling along heavy cargo also poses a threat to other drivers who may be impacted by it. Combustible cargo may cause an explosion in an accident. Cargo that is hazardous in other ways (such as chemical cargo) may also pose a threat, while a trailer that is being pulled may be the force that impacts the driver.

As you can see, many factors may be present at the same time in an accident. For someone who is a victim, hiring an experienced lawyer to help deal with a traumatic situation like this will give peace of mind that all factors are examined thoroughly and taken into account.

Actions to Take Immediately After an Accident with an 18 Wheeler.

Because of the magnitude of the impact, a large truck has in an accident, calling emergency services immediately is the crucial first step. You will also want to make sure the accident scene is documented with photographs of the scene, yourself, other passengers, the vehicles in the accident and the driver's license and license plate of the truck driver. Also, be sure to notate anything that sticks out or could pertain to the accident including what the truck driver says to you (and a license plate number in case the driver abandons the scene), as well as obtain contact information from all witnesses.  If you cannot take photographs, ask someone to do so for you.  

Secure medical assistance from emergency services. Getting thoroughly evaluated at the emergency room by a medical professional is wise in any accident, because you may experience injuries that may not be immediately apparent, but that require treatment. Usually, radiographs, such as CT-scans, x-rays and MRIs, are vital to diagnose any head, brain, neck, or back trauma. Additionally, proper diagnosis of injuries provides for the proper treatment which helps determine whether these injuries are permanent or lasting in nature, or may require surgical intervention.

You’ll want to contact your insurance company immediately. We recommend you contact an attorney, who can obtain appropriate evidence and who will be instrumental in securing information to determine possible negligence and cause, including violations of driving and log regulations.

Being in an accident with a large truck is stressful and scary. A professional with expertise in this area will alleviate the burden of building a strong case for you and will help you to get the compensation you deserve.