Truck Accident Fatalities
There are millions of large trucks hauling innumerable goods across the nation’s highways. Each year there are approximately 300 to 400 thousand motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks. There are approximately 5,000 truck accident fatalities every year. Because of the size of the vehicles involved and the cargoes they carry, truck accidents involve a higher percentage of fatalities that other types of motor vehicle accident. If you had a loved on killed in a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and the company for whom he or she works.
Common Types of Truck Accident
While every accident is different, there are common features used to classify the type of accident that occurs. Some accident types are more deadly than others. Types of truck accidents may include:
- Underride accidents
- Override accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Head on collisions
- Loose cargo
- Explosion
Unfortunately, due to the size discrepancies between tractor-trailer rigs and other vehicles, the people who suffer most in these types of accidents are riding in other vehicles that are involved in the crash.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
In order to determine who is responsible for the accident, it is important to identify all the underlying causes. Many causes can be attributed directly to the truck driver, such as:
- Speeding or going to fast for weather conditions
- Intoxication
- Driver distractions like cell phones or texting
Other underlying causes may be attributed to a third party, the trucking company for example, who may not be directly involved in the accident. These factors include:
- Unrealistic delivery schedules
- Failing to allow drivers the required time off
- Falsifying the log books
- Inadequate training
The biggest problem leading to truck accident fatalities is driver fatigue, the driver and the trucking company are usually both responsible for driving too long without adequate rests. The Department of Transportation tightly regulates driving times and break times. Failure to follow those guidelines rests with both the driver and the company that employs him or her.
Trucking accidents are typically more involved than other motor vehicle accidents. In order to find all the responsible parties, an experienced truck accident attorney should be retained in your wrongful death lawsuit.
If you had a loved one who was killed in an accident involving a truck, please contact us to help you find a truck accident attorney in your area today.
