Media post: How Many Accidents Are Caused by Semi-Trucks?

There are millions of big rigs sharing the road with cars and other vehicles, so it is not surprising that they are involved in a great number of accidents. Yet, not all accidents caused by semi-trucks occur on main roads in large cities. On the contrary, almost 70% of them happen in rural regions and on smaller roads. Also, more than half happen during the day and plenty during weekends. Weather also doesn’t seem to be an important factor when it comes to semi-trucks causing accidents since the great majority of crashes involving trucks occur on days where the weather is clear.

Consequences of Truck Accidents

Large trucks are much more likely to be a part of fatal multi-vehicle collisions than passenger vehicles. It has been estimated by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety that 98% of fatalities related to semi-truck crashes happen to people in smaller vehicles.

The number of crashes involving semi-trucks seems to always be on the rise, and the causes are many. Among them:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Careless or unsafe operation the vehicles
• Improper cargo loading leading to instability
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Defective brakes
• Problems with tires
• Transmission and engine problems
• Inexperienced drivers

It is not surprising that tired drivers are unable to react quickly to situations around them. Some drivers might also be under the influence of alcohol, making their reaction times even slower.

As a result of the above, some 700 truck drivers lose their lives every year. About 3,700 drivers of smaller cars and their passengers are killed every year when involved in wrecks with large trucks.

Work With an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a large truck, you need to reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you prove liability. Your lawyer will also know who to name as parties to your lawsuit.

Your accident attorney will start by investigating the accident and will carefully research the driver, the trucking company that employs the driver, whoever is responsible for servicing the rig, and anybody else who might have played a role in the way the truck functioned.

If necessary, your lawyer will call upon accident reconstruction specialists to prove how the accident developed, determine who was at fault, and how the specific circumstances of this accident caused injuries or wrongful death of a loved one. Once that has been done, your lawyer will work to pursue the maximum compensation for all the damages you suffered.

Truck accident attorneys Goldstein & Goldstein recommend you schedule a no-obligation initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer to talk about your case. You need someone who will not only deal with opposing counsel but with all other interested parties as well. Someone who will act on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve every step of the way. There is no need for you to handle this on your own when there is help available to protect your rights.