Trucks are an integral part of the transportation industry. They transport goods all over the country and keep the economy moving. Trucks are dangerous because of their size and weight. Truck accidents can cause serious injuries or even death and can lead to catastrophic results. We will be sharing some shocking facts about truck accidents in this blog.
Truck accidents are increasing
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, (FMCSA) reported that the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has increased by 3% between 2018 and 2019. The number of large trucks involved in fatal accidents was 5,005 in 2019, which is the highest number of such accidents in the last 30 years.
Truck accidents are more likely than other types of accidents to result in death
Truck accidents are more likely than accidents involving passenger vehicles to cause fatalities due to their size, weight and complexity. Large truck accidents accounted for 16% of vehicle occupant deaths in 2019, while 67% of the fatalities involved occupants of other vehicles.
Truck accidents are often caused by driver fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours because they are under constant pressure to meet deadlines. FMCSA reports that truck accidents are largely driven by driver fatigue, which accounts for as high as 13% of all truck accidents involving large trucks.
Truck accidents are often caused by speeding.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a significant contributor to truck accidents. Speeding was a contributing factor in 17% of fatal truck accidents in 2019.
Truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles
Truck accidents can involve multiple vehicles, which makes them more dangerous. Large trucks were responsible for 73% of all fatal accidents in 2019.
Truck accidents most often occur on weekdays
Truck accidents are more common on weekdays than they are on weekends. The FMCSA reports that 83% of large truck fatalities occurred during the week in 2019.
Truck accidents can be caused by bad weather conditions
Truck accidents can be increased by adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog. According to FMCSA, 22% of large truck accidents occurred in adverse weather conditions in 2019.
What to do in case of a truck accident
It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible if you are involved in a truck accident. Even if you feel fine, injuries can still develop later. You should also contact a truck accident lawyer right away. Truck accidents can be complicated, and contacting a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible is important.
Truck accidents pose a serious problem and pose a danger to all who use the roads. Understanding the facts surrounding truck accidents will help you to take precautions and stay safe in the event of an incident. Shrum Law Office has experienced lawyers in Austin, TX who can help you if you have been in a truck accident. We are here to help you receive the compensation that you deserve.
