Trucks transport goods nationwide, but their massive size makes them dangerous on the roadways. When trucks are involved in accidents, the results can be catastrophic due to their immense weight and sheer force. Experienced truck accident attorneys will help you understand the most common causes of Accidents Caused by Trucks, which can help drivers be more aware of potential hazards and take steps to avoid these devastating collisions.
According to statistics, approximately 388,000 truck accidents occur annually in the United States alone, accounting for around 6.5% of all reported motor vehicle crashes. If you or a loved one is ever involved in a Accidents Caused by Trucks, contacting a knowledgeable attorney can help protect your rights and assist in seeking fair compensation for any damages or injuries sustained.
Truck Blind Spots and Merging Collisions
One of the most frequent truck crashes occurs when passenger vehicles merge into a truck’s expansive blind spots. Trucks have much larger blind spots than regular passenger cars and light trucks. A typical blind spot for a commercial semi-truck extends up to 20 feet directly in front of the cab, and a staggering 200 feet behind it. Merging into these blind zones accounts for nearly 15% of all trucking accidents annually. To help avoid this, drivers of smaller vehicles should avoid driving alongside semi-trucks when possible and take extra precautions when needing to pass them or change lanes in their vicinity.
Truck Rear-End Collisions
With approximately 70% of all passenger vehicle occupant fatalities involving a large truck, devastating rear-end collisions are particularly prevalent and deadly. Due to their sheer size and weight, trucks require much greater stopping distances than passenger vehicles. If a smaller car or truck makes an abrupt stop in front of an oncoming semi-truck, the truck may not be able to brake in time, often leading to a high-speed, full-force rear-end crash. These types of collisions frequently lead to serious injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the rear-ended vehicle. Defensive drivers near large trucks should maintain safe following distances of at least 5-6 seconds when driving in front of them.
Large Truck Wide Turning Radii
Large trucks require much wider turning radiuses compared to regular passenger vehicles. Attempting to turn alongside a truck making a turn, or darting across an intersection in front of a truck’s wide turn is an extremely dangerous and hazardous proposition. Right hand turns especially lead to collisions, as trucks must swing widely to the left in order to safely complete a right turn. To avoid an accident, drivers of smaller vehicles should wait until the truck fully completes its wide turn before trying to proceed through the intersection.
Truck Driver Fatigue
Driving and operating an 80,000 pound semi-truck is mentally taxing and physically draining work. Truck drivers face strict delivery schedules, long hauls, and tight timelines that greatly contribute to hazardous driver fatigue. Drowsy driving leads to 13-40% all truck-related crashes, usually involving lane drifting, weaving, or full rear-end collisions as fatigued truck drivers nod off behind the wheel. To help mitigate these types of accidents, trucking companies should emphasize and enforce policies encouraging adequate rest breaks, sufficient off-duty time, and strategic overnight stop locations for their drivers.
Dangerous Roads and Conditions
In addition to driver errors, inclement weather and hazardous road conditions contribute to around 14% of trucking accidents annually. Rain, snow, ice, sleet, and fog can reduce traction and visibility for all vehicles, but these conditions can prove especially treacherous for large trucks. Large trucks also struggle to navigate smaller side streets, tight curves, steep grades, and low overpasses or clearances. Smaller passenger vehicle drivers should be extra cautious, alert, and aware when driving near large trucks in poor weather or on narrow and tricky roads.
Truck Mechanical Failures
Brake issues alone are estimated to cause approximately 29% of all Accidents Caused by Trucks, demonstrating that mechanical problems and failures represent a major safety concern. Well-designed, properly installed, and routinely maintained braking systems are absolutely critical to safely operating and controlling an 80,000 pound tractor-trailer. Besides faulty brakes, other common mechanical deficiencies include blown tires, broken axles, detached trailer hitches, and power steering failures. Regulators and trucking operators need to prioritize thorough inspection, maintenance, and repair protocols to help identify and remove unsafe trucks with mechanical defects before they cause devastating accidents.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer for Legal Representation
While Accidents Caused by Trucks may seem random and unavoidable due to the extreme size disparity between passenger vehicles and semi-trucks, understanding and recognizing common accident causes and risk factors can help motorists stay safe on the roadways. Exercising additional caution around truck blind spots, allowing for greater following distance, and avoiding merges directly in front of trucks can help protect drivers of smaller vehicles. Trucking companies must also emphasize vehicle maintenance, ban distracted driving, and provide for adequate rest stops to keep truck drivers alert. Staying aware and vigilant when driving near large trucks can help reduce many preventable collisions and tragedies. However, if you have been injured in a truck accident, consulting an experienced attorney can provide invaluable help in pursuing compensation to assist with recovery.
While trucks provide a vital service, they also introduce serious road hazards. However, by understanding common truck accident factors, motorists can drive more defensively. Trucking companies also need to prioritize safety. If an accident still happens, seek legal help to protect your rights. Being cautious and informed on the roadways can reduce preventable trucking tragedies.