According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 380,000 large trucks were involved in car accidents in the United States; 4066 were involved in fatal traffic collisions, resulting in 4229 deaths. An additional 90,000 people were injured in traffic accidents involving large trucks.
Truck accidents frequently result in catastrophic injury and death because of the sheer size and weight of trucks. Additionally, because trucks often carry hazardous and flammable materials, truck accidents tend to result in more catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
The Role of Negligence in Truck Accidents
One of the major causes of truck accidents is driver error. Among the most common mistakes truck drivers make which may result in accidents are:
- Aggressive driving;
- Speeding;
- Illegal or unsafe lane changes;
- Tailgating;
- Careless driving in poor weather conditions;
- Using cell phones while driving.
Other factors which may contribute to truck accidents are poor maintenance, overloading, improperly securing loads, driver fatigue, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, inadequate driver training, and tire blowouts.
Many truck accidents happen as a result of the negligence of passenger car drivers. Among the most dangerous behavior of passenger car drivers which may result in truck vs. car accidents are:
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Using a cell phone while driving;
- Driving in a truck’s blind sports;
- Illegal or unsafe lane changes;
- Improper merging; and
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Maneuvering to the right of a truck as it begins to make a right turn.
Liability for Truck Accidents
When a car driver or passenger or a pedestrian is injured or killed in a truck accident, proving liability is critical. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, one or more of the following parties/entities may be liable to the accident victims:
- The driver;
- The trucking company;
- The owner of the trailer;
- The manufacturer of the tractor or trailer;
- The manufacturer of the tires or other parts which contributed to the accident; or
- The shipper or loader of the cargo on the truck.
Moreover, if it is determined that accident occurred as a result of poor road maintenance, faulty road design and/or construction, or hazardous road conditions caused by construction, vegetation, or other conditions under the control of a governmental entity, that entity may be liable for a car accident injury claim.
Getting Legal Help
If you have been injured in an accident with a truck or have had a loved die in a truck accident, you should speak with a qualified personal injury attorney who has experience handling truck accident cases. An experienced personal injury attorney will review the facts of your case to determine whether you have a viable claim and will advise you of your legal options.
