Imagine driving your car alongside a large truck weighing over 10,000 pounds. You would not stand a chance against its size and weight alone. The statistics do not lie. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported their most recent analysis of the data they retrieved from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
According to the analysis, the number of injuries caused by large trucks increased by 5% to a total of 155,000 in the year 2021. Of the accounted injuries, 71% occurred to occupants of other vehicles and only 27% to truck occupants. In the same year, 5,788 people died in large-truck accidents and of the number of fatalities, 72% were occupants of other vehicles. Only 17% of the deaths were truck occupants. It is important to understand what causes truck accidents to prevent more from happening.
What are the causes of truck accidents?
Truck drivers often drive for long hours and lack adequate rest. However, they still have a duty to drive with reasonable care to avoid hurting other road users. Truck accidents happen due to the following reasons:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Alcohol and drug impairments
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Defective truck parts
- Incompetent truck drivers
- Improper cargo loading
The trucking company is also legally responsible for choosing drivers with proper training and providing safe conditions for their drivers. They should maintain their trucks. Truck parts manufacturers and cargo loaders should also fulfill their duties with due prudence. By understanding why truck accidents occur, you can determine the fault of each individual and entity connected to the truck. It can also help you find out whether you have a valid claim and who to file it against.
What happens when a truck accident causes injury or death?
Colorado is only one of the many states included in the nationwide analysis above. Trucking companies are liable for accidents involving trucks, mainly when their name or placard is on the vehicle. Truck drivers and trucking companies have a public duty to all road users, and when they breach that commitment, there are detrimental consequences.
If you have sustained injuries or lost a loved one because of a truck accident, you must ensure you receive a fair settlement at all costs. You may be able to hold multiple parties accountable.