Truck accidents involving an 18 wheeler and a smaller passenger vehicle are well-known as some of the most catastrophic and dangerous accidents that a person can be involved in. By understanding some of the main causes of these large truck accidents, you may be able to identify a dangerous situation and avoid an accident altogether.
Large truck accidents that result in fatalities, personal injury, or property damage account for approximately six percent of all traffic collisions, according to the most recent data provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. During this same year of reporting, it was determined that one out of nine traffic fatalities was the result of an accident involving a large truck. Why are these types of traffic accidents so dangerous? Aside from the obvious large size of these vehicles, there are many other reasons that cause these commercial trucks to pose a threat to other smaller vehicles on the roads. A large truck is defined as one that is greater than 10,000 pounds in gross vehicle weight (GVW), and over 380,000 of these vehicles were involved in traffic accidents in the year of 2008 alone. Other studies have shown that those traveling in a passenger vehicle are more likely to become seriously injured when involved in an accident with a large truck.
Some of the main causes of trucking accidents are caused due to truck driver negligence and employer negligence, among other unavoidable circumstances such as poor weather or road conditions. Even then, however, a truck driver’s decision to drive through the poor weather can be tied to truck driver negligence. Large trucks can cause a traffic collision due to the truck driver’s actions in situations of a jackknife accident, underride accident, driving while texting, talking on the phone or otherwise while distracted, hitting a vehicle in a blind spot, unsecure cargo, and generally unsafe truck driving. If a driver commits any action that can be considered negligent and causes an accident as a result, he or she may be held accountable for any damages that were caused at the time.
Proving truck driver negligence can be a difficult challenge, especially if an injury victim waits too long before bringing the case to light. With large trucking regulations only requiring employers and drivers to keep log books for a short period of time, any evidence of the accident may be discarded after this period expires. Additionally, any information recorded by an Electronic On-Board Recorder, or the device on board of the truck that records relevant information, may be wiped clean before an attorney is able to evaluate the evidence available. Acting quickly is the key to proving that a truck driver performed negligent and careless actions which ultimately led to your accident.
Employer negligence in trucking accident cases may be even more difficult to prove. These types of accidents stem from a much deeper problem than just having a lapse in judgment by a driver or unsafe driving techniques. The root of the problem may be the employer, and it will be extremely challenging to prove this. Employer-caused accidents can include allowing a known alcoholic or drug user to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, permitting or requiring drivers to drive past the hours of operation set by the FMCSA, allowing an unlicensed driver to be employed, or failing to provide proper training and knowledge to the truck drivers before getting on the road.
These large trucks are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road, and knowing the signs of a negligent truck driver can help you to avoid an accident. If a truck driver appears fatigued or is drinking while driving, it is important to report this action before this driver seriously injures or kills another person on the road. If you should be involved in this type of accident, you can take legal action and pursue a settlement by contacting your local attorney. Don’t wait, though – you may have a short window in which you can pursue just compensation.
