Truck Accidents

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, each year, there are more than 500,000 truck accidents on U.S. roadways that result in approximately 133,000 injuries and 5,000 fatalities. Most trucking accidents occur on weekends and in rural areas and, according to statistical analysis, are caused by:

• Fatigue (Studies show that driver fatigue can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated)
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (DUI), including prescription and illicit drugs
• Failure to obey traffic laws, such as running red lights or failing to use signals
• Improper loading of cargo or driving with an unsecured load
• Lack of training
• Carelessness
• Negligence
• Reckless driving, such as unsafely passing, speeding or cutting off other drivers
• Vehicle equipment failure, including tire blowouts, and/or lack of adequate maintenance on the truck
• Weather conditions and/or poor road conditions
• Use of a cell phone, MP3 player or other portable electronic device

Statistics show that truck drivers are generally safer in their personal driving habits than passenger car drivers are. Due to the size and weight of trucks, however, truck crashes tend to cause more damage, greater injuries and higher repair costs than other types of auto accidents.

When a truck crash ends in the loss of life, it is most often the people in passenger cars who are the victims. Of the 5,300 fatalities in truck crash accidents in 2002, 77 percent of the fatalities were passenger car drivers of passengers. Twelve percent of these truck crash fatalities involved truck driver deaths (664 people). Over 300 pedestrians and 70 bicyclists also lost their lives in a truck crash in 2002. Statistics also show that the type of truck involved in the majority of cases are tractors carrying one semi trailer.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

While the exact type and severity of truck accident injuries will depend on the nature of the event, commonly, victims have reported sustaining:

• Bone fractures
• Burns
• Disfigurement
• Electrocutions
• Internal bleeding
• Internal organ damage
• Lacerations
• Loss of limb
• Loss of vision and/or hearing
• Puncture wounds
• Spinal cord injuries (or other permanent disabilities)
• Traumatic brain injury

Severe injuries will require emergency medical attention to save a victim’s life and ensure the best chances of recovery. In the most severe cases, truck crash injuries can be fatal.

Types of Truck Vehicles

Trucks are classified according to their weight, and the categories include:

• Mini trucks, such as Japanese mini trucks and microvans
• Light trucks, such as minivans, SUVs, pickup trucks, tow trucks and panel vans
• Medium trucks, such as box trucks, platform trucks, flatbed trucks, firetrucks and motorhomes
• Heavy trucks, such as dump trucks, garbage trucks, refrigerator trucks, tankers, crane trucks, tractor trailers and cement mixers
• Very heavy trucks and transporters, such as heavy haulers

The weight of the truck, as well as the speed of the truck (and any other involved vehicles), will affect the severity of a given trucking accident.

What to Do After a Truck Crash

If you or a loved one has been victim of a truck accident, it’s essential that you:

• Seek emergency medical attention to assess the state of your health
• Follow through with all prescribed treatments for the best chances of recovery
• Consult with an experienced attorney to find out if you are entitled to a settlement for your injuries and losses

For professional legal representation, contact us to schedule a free and private consultation with an experienced and qualified truck accident lawyer.