Accidents involving large trucks and big rigs are devastating and can lead to serious injuries or death. In truck accidents, passenger vehicles are at a significant disadvantage because of the difference in weight and size between them and large trucks. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, know that you may have the right to seek legal compensation.
Some Statistics
Despite being overseen and regulated by authorities such as The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck accidents are unfortunately still very common. They lead to serious injuries and claim many lives every year.
Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts (LTBCF) contains statistics relating to truck accident injuries. According to their annual reports and other similar statistics, 4,842 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents in 2020. They accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents.
Based on statistics, most of the large truck accidents involved injuries to other vehicle occupants (68%). Truck occupants accounted for 30% injuries while non-occupants accounted for 2% injuries in 2020. Overall, truck accidents resulting in an injury decreased 10% as compared to 2019.
Truck Accident Causes
There are several common causes of truck accidents. These include the following:
- Fatigue
- Speeding
- Poorly looked after trucks
- Distracted driving
- Maintenance oversights
- Hazardous weather
- Reckless driving
- Overloaded trucks
- Failure to check blind spots
- Passing unsafely
- Drug or alcohol use
According to statistics, 60% of truck accidents happened during daylight hours in 2020. 5% of these accidents occurred in construction zones. October being the peak month for fatal truck crashes.
Types of Injuries Sustained
Truck accidents can cause various severe injuries. They include the following:
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Head and brain injuries
- Burns
- Serious bruising and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Back and neck injuries
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Accidents involving large trucks can leave victims confused regarding what steps to take afterwards. In case of such an accident, consider taking these actions:
- Report the Accident: You can do that by calling local police or the state highway patrol.
- Exchange Information: Once you have reported the accident, talk to the truck driver and exchange key details and information, including insurance information.
- Take Photos: Take several photos of your car, the surrounding area, the truck, and your injuries.
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is highly recommended that you seek a thorough medical evaluation.
- Hire a Truck Accident Attorney: Hiring a truck accident attorney will allow you to view the crash from a legal perspective and determine the type of compensation you could potentially pursue.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are typically very devastating and handling a truck accident claim is not an easy task. So, whether you are coping with diminished quality of life, lost wages, medical costs, or serious injuries after a truck accident, be sure to seek help from a reputed legal professional. At Hilton & Somer, LLC, our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys are ready to fight for you. We have the expertise and skills to take the necessary steps to help you obtain maximum compensation. Give us a call at 703-560-0700 for a free consultation.
References
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts
