Fatal Big Rig Truck Accidents on the Rise
Big rigs criss-cross our rural and city roads and highways everyday as they transport goods from one location to another. Due to their enormous size and weight, big rig truck accidents involving a passenger vehicle can mean terrible injuries or even death to the people in the smaller vehicle.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 4,311 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in 2015, an eight percent increase over 2014. The lowest number of fatal crashes involving large trucks or buses since 2000 was 3,432 in 2009 and the peak was 5,231 in 2005. While progress was made between 2005 and 2009 with a 34 percent decrease in fatal big rig truck accidents, the 2015 statistic is an indication that we are heading in the wrong direction.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a big rig truck through no fault of your own, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer today.
What makes big rig truck accidents unique?
- The average fully-loaded big rig truck weighs at least 80,000 pounds compared to the average passenger vehicle that weighs in at 3,000 pounds. The disparity in the weight and size of the vehicles puts the passenger vehicle at tremendous disadvantage.
- The large size of big rigs places limitations on the driver’s ability to accelerate, brake and turn; their visibility may also be limited.
- Truck drivers and manufacturers are held to higher standards than most other drivers so there is a higher likelihood of reimbursement for your injuries.
Top 10 causes of big rig truck accidents
According to a study by the U.S Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 10 common causes of truck accidents.
- Traffic congestion
- Brake problems
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Roadway problems
- Inadequate surveillance
- Fatigue
- Unfamiliarity with the area
- Failure to stop in enough time
- Over-the-counter drug use
Other big rig accident causes include limited ability to maneuver, inadequate training, systems of compensation that encourage faster driving, and unrealistic driving schedules that cause drivers to be over-tired or rushed. CNBC conducted interviews with regulators, industry, lawyers and victims and found additional reasons for trucking accidents. They found that in some cases trucking companies don’t screen for problem drivers and government is too slow to force new safety technologies or restrictions onto truck manufacturers and drivers because of the trucking industry’s tremendous contribution to the U.S. economy.
In some cases, passenger vehicles carry blame for the accident by weaving dangerously in and out of the way of trucks, making abrupt lane changes, merging improperly, making a left turn in front of a truck with inadequate space or driving in the truck driver’s blind spots.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an accident or injury, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
