How Common Are Trucking Accidents?
Today’s blog is about trucking accidents – why they’re so deadly, the most common types of accidents, and tips for preventing them when you’re behind the wheel.
What Percentage of Accidents Are Caused by Trucks
Accidents happen, but what percentage of accidents are caused by trucks? We’ve all experienced a traffic slowdown where multiple lanes are closed while police and emergency medical services work to clear an accident scene. Often, big rigs are involved in those accidents, whether they caused it or were hit by another vehicle. It can be hard to tell what’s happened while driving by. But did you know that accident statistics are available? Multiple, reliable sources provide information, including the percentage of accidents caused by trucks and how many deaths there were. The National Safety Council, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration track these accidents. Large Trucks Involved in Accidents It might surprise you just how many big rigs are involved in accidents. In recent years, trucks have accounted for 10% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, and that number is increasing every year. That number doesn’t include accidents where no one was killed, either. These accidents happen in urban neighborhoods, rural roads, and interstate and non-interstate highways. Over 64% of accidents happen during daylight hours, and about 5% occur in work zones. Why Do Trucks Cause Accidents? Several factors can lead to a truck causing an accident. Two leading factors include truck braking capability and driver fatigue. Trucks need far more time to come to a complete stop than the average four-door sedan. On average, a truck will travel 20% to 40% farther than a car before coming to a complete stop. Wet, slippery roads make that gap even wider. Driver fatigue is also a problem, even when drivers stay within the time frames allotted by the federal government. Truck drivers are allowed to drive for up to 11 hours before stopping. But many drivers violate these regulations to get to their destinations faster. They risk not staying alert or falling asleep behind the wheel, both of which can have disastrous consequences. Deaths Involving Large Trucks We see the percentage of accidents involving trucks, but what about deaths? It’s most often smaller vehicles, and that’s because they weigh 20 to 30 times less than the trucks involved in these accidents. The impact alone from a crash of that caliber could easily kill someone. But it’s not impossible for a truck driver to die in an accident they caused. In recent years, at least 16% of fatalities have been truck drivers or their passengers. Unfortunately, that percentage is rising every year. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton The percentage of accidents doesn’t look good, and they’re getting even worse. Have you or someone you loved been involved in an accident caused by a truck driver? Was your car totaled? Were you injured? If so, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries as well as your pain and suffering. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has over 25 years of experience representing car accident victims just like you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us today for your free case evaluation. We’re here for you!
Main Differences Between a Truck Accident and a Car Accident
You might assume that a truck accident and a car accident are quite similar; however, truck accidents pose a much greater threat to U.S. roads. A variety of factors distinguish a truck and a car accident from common causes to liability. Today, we’re taking a closer look at these differences and how they play into truck accidents. Causes of Truck Accidents The causes of truck accidents often parallel that of car accidents; however, some factors differentiate the two: Truck braking capability – According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Loaded tractor-trailers take 20-40 percent farther than cars to stop, and the discrepancy is greater on wet and slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes. This can be a factor in truck crashes. Truck driver fatigue – Driver fatigue can affect any automobile operator, but truckers are among the highest group of individuals at risk. This is because they typically drive the maximum amount of time possible mandated by the government, 11 hours per day. The nature of commercial driving is exhausting, and most operators work 60+ hours per week. Improper cargo loading – Each truck carrying load must adhere to specific weight, size, height, width, and length limits. If mistakes happen during the loading process, the truck might be too heavy to operate properly. This could cause the truck to tip over or a load to fall onto the road causing a catastrophic accident. Truck Accidents Are More Likely to Cause Injury Since a large truck weighs more than 10,000 pounds, crashes involving them are more likely to result in serious injuries and wrongful death. The vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles makes them more at risk. In 2009, 67 percent of all deaths involving large trucks came from passenger vehicle occupants; conversely, only 16 percent came from truck operators. Truck Accidents Have More Liable Parties Another key difference between a truck and a car accident lies within liability. It is not uncommon for other parties to be held liable for the accident. These additional parties might include: The trucking company The broker The shipper The truck manufacturer Distributors or retailers supplying defective parts There Is More Evidence to Refer to in a Truck Accident Trucking companies are required by law to keep detailed records of cargo volumes, vehicle weights, truck repairs, driver trip times, and more, so there is often more evidence to refer to in a truck accident. This evidence can help determine causation and liability. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here to Help If you or a loved one has been a victim of a truck accident, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here for you. Our accident attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve and help you handle the aftermath of your accident. We have offices in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Get in touch with us today for your free case evaluation.
Where Do Most Truck Accidents Occur?
You may assume accidents involving large commercial vehicles only occur on city interstates; however, most truck accidents occur on rural roads. Though the fast speeds and traffic congestion on highways might suggest a greater risk of a mishap, only 33% of large truck crashes in 2018 happened on interstates and freeways. Why Do Most Truck Accidents Occur on Rural Roads? In 2018, 52% of deaths in truck accidents occurred on roads other than interstates and freeways. Why is this so? Drivers Are More Attentive in Highly Populated Areas While inside city limits, truck drivers generally reduce their speeds and pay more attention to their surroundings. Speed limits are usually lower within cities than they are on major roads in rural areas. Some cities even have speed limits specific to truck drivers that are generally about 10 miles per hour slower than personal vehicles. Rural Areas Promote Lax Driving Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States. In rural areas, there are usually not many vehicles sharing the road at the same time. The roads seem to stretch for an endless number of miles and it can be easy to become distracted or even doze off accidentally. There is a higher likelihood of being overly lax while driving when the surroundings are comfortable. What Time of Day Do Most Truck Crashes Occur? The time of day you are driving can also contribute to the likelihood of being involved in a truck accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 19% of large truck accidents in 2018 occurred between noon and 3:00 p.m. Consequently, this resulted in 790 deaths. The least hazardous time to drive was between 9:00 p.m. and midnight, which resulted in 7% of deaths. Tips on Avoiding a Truck Accident Pay attention to the road at all times. Avoid looking down at a cell phone, eating, or other inattentive behaviors while driving. If you are driving near a truck, avoid driving in their blind spots. Don’t assume that they can see you. If you can’t see the truck driver in their side mirror, you are following too closely. Use clear signals and allow plenty of room when changing lanes in front of a truck. Loaded tractor-trailers take 20-40 percent farther than cars to stop, so they probably won’t be able to stop fast enough if you are too close. If possible, you should not change lanes in front of a truck when going uphill or downhill. Maintain a safe distance from trucks in order to prevent getting hit by any flying debris. If you are far enough away, it will be easier for you to steer clear of flying objects. You also want to have some space between you and the truck in the event of a blown out tire or high winds. Get Help After an Accident with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Our team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has spent over 25 years assisting Utah citizens after truck accidents. We are here to help you handle the aftermath and receive the compensation you deserve. We have offices throughout Utah County and West Jordan, Utah. Schedule your free case evaluation today.
How Many Accidents Involve Trucks
Road crashes are expected to become the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. by 2030. Among road-related deaths in 2017, 4,657 of them were caused by trucks, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Small cars don’t stand a chance against 18-wheelers, coal trucks, cement trucks, and other large trucks. Continue reading to learn more about truck accidents. General Truck Accident Statistics Two-vehicle accidents accounted for 63 percent of all truck accidents, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Although most truck collisions have more than one contributing factor, vehicle failure, overcompensating while steering, tailgating, physical impairments, falling asleep behind the wheel were all significant factors. Here’s a breakdown: Speeding was the most commonly reported factor in truck-related fatalities. Impairment, which includes fatigue, alcohol use, and illness, was the second most frequently reported factor. Distracted driving was the third most commonly reported cause. Sixty truck drivers died due to fatigue in 2017. Twenty-seven percent of trucks had brake problems. Nineteen percent of drivers were unfamiliar with their route. Ten percent felt too much pressure. Three percent experienced tire problems. Five percent drove aggressively. One percent were ill. Approximately 0.5 percent were under the influence of illegal substances. Approximately 0.3 percent were consuming alcohol. It’s also important to factor in a truck’s weight and stopping distance. On average, a small car weighs about 2.5 tons, while a large truck can weigh at least 50 tons. It takes longer for a truck to come to a complete stop. For instance, if a small car and a large truck are both driving at 40 mph and brake at the same moment, then the truck will travel approximately 45 feet forward before entirely stopping. Tanker Truck Accident Statistics A tanker truck, also known as a fuel truck, is a large truck that carries gas; it’s considered a hazardous vehicle. In 2017, over 5,000 accidents involved tankers. Of these accidents, 372 resulted in fatalities. Hazardous substances were present in 3 percent of large trucks involved in fatal accidents. Hazardous substances were released from the cargo compartment of 16 percent of trucks. Flammable liquids, such as fuel, oil, and gasoline, accounted for 63 percent of hazardous materials released from cargo compartments in fatal crashes, and 45 percent of the hazardous materials released in nonfatal crashes. Garbage Truck Accident Statistics Being a garbage truck driver is considered one of the most dangerous jobs, and for every 100,000 workers, 33 of them will die. The following are statistics from 2018: There were 2,430 crashes involving garbage trucks. Of those accidents, 1,427 of them resulted in injury. There were 107 fatalities. Fire Truck Accident Statistics The United States Fire Administration claims fire truck crashes are the second leading cause of firefighter fatalities. Between 2000 to 2009, there were approximately 31,600 crashes involving fire trucks, 49 of which resulted in the death of at least one occupant inside the truck. Sixty-six percent of all fire truck accidents are rollover accidents. Seventy percent of accidents occur while the fire truck is in emergency use. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Unfortunately, no one is entirely safe on the road. Even if you’re a responsible driver, you can’t manage someone else’s driving skills. If you were recently involved in a truck accident that resulted in injury, you need to work with a personal injury attorney to receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free case evaluation with Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today.
4 Causes of Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks, such as delivery trucks and big rigs, present tremendous dangers on the road to smaller cars and their passengers. Truck drivers must be aware of the potential harm their unwieldy vehicles can cause, and other drivers need to be hyper-vigilant around their presence. Car accidents that are minor when they relate to small cars can result in severe injury or even death when an 18-wheeler is involved. Keep on reading to learn more about the most common causes of truck accidents. 1. Fatigue The most common cause of truck accidents is fatigue because most truck drivers are behind the wheel for several hours, with little to no rest in between. People who are truck drivers for a living are under heaps of pressure by companies that demand goods be delivered within a short period. They seldom get quality sleep within the course of their journeys. A combination of fatigue and stress from the job causes them to lose concentration and coordination, to the point where some of them fall asleep while driving. 2. Drug and Alcohol Use Many truck drivers have been arrested for drinking alcohol or using drugs while on the job. Some of them only take these substances at stops in towns across the country, but others take it a step further and carry drugs and alcohol with them on their deliveries. Regardless of how they use these substances, their driving abilities become impaired, making them more prone to causing accidents. Drivers who take prescription drugs may also experience lousy judgment and drowsiness behind the wheel. 3. Lack of Training and Poor Truck Maintenance Before a driver can legally drive a large commercial vehicle, they’re required to meet a threshold of training hours to prove they’re responsible and skilled enough. Moreover, they must attain their Commercial Driver’s License or CDL for short. Unfortunately, some people who are only interested in driving trucks for fun lie about their credentials; as a result, the roads are subjected to an inexperienced truck driver with no certifications. Additionally, the law requires them to check if their trucks are in top condition before hitting the road. Some drivers cut corners and don’t perform routine truck maintenance to save time and money. An untrained driver with a poorly maintained truck is a recipe for disaster. 4. Distracted Driving After driving long distances for several hours, some drivers grow bored and resort to distracted driving. They pull out their phones and text their friends, call their loved ones, and scroll through social media with only one hand on the wheel. Some of them have even caused accidents by shifting their glance from the road to their radio to change the station. A driver should never take their eyes off the road, even if it’s for a fraction of a second. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton A truck accident can cause significant physical injury and emotional trauma. Hold negligent truck drivers accountable by working with an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today for your free case evaluation.
The Legal Complexities of Brake Problems and Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can be caused by any number of factors. Pinpointing the cause of the accident can help establish liability and give a victim legal grounds for making a claim for reimbursement. When brake problems contribute to truck accidents, we will work with an accident reconstruction expert that can determine how brake failure or any other type of problem with brakes played a role in causing the accident. At Flickinger, Sutterfield & Boulton in Provo, UT, we frequently rely upon expert testimony when developing personal injury claims. We are also familiar with the rules of civil procedure that must be followed when introducing this type of testimony, and we know how to anticipate legal challenges to claims that brake problems are the cause of a truck accident. A Quick Overview of the Braking System of a Truck A large truck does not have the same type of braking system as a passenger vehicle. Due to the size and weight of a truck, the brakes operate on a higher level, providing the truck driver with the ability to stop quickly and safely. While this is true in passenger cars as well, the mechanics used in a truck are different from those used in cars. The key difference is that a truck is outfitted with air brakes, which involves many moving pieces. If any of the components fail, it may take longer to brake, or in the worst-case scenario, total brake failure can occur. A truck that is operating with faulty brakes puts other drivers at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries in the event of an accident. What Type of Accidents Are Possible When Trucking Brakes Fail? When a large truck is unable to come to a safe stop, there is a great likelihood the truck will roll over, jackknife, or rear end vehicles at a great speed and with a large amount of force. Any time a truck comes into contact with a smaller vehicle, the driver and passengers inside the car can suffer life-changing injuries. Among the most common injuries are: Broken bones Burns and lacerations Damage to internal organs Severe spinal cord and neck injuries Traumatic brain injury Reports have shown that brake problems contribute to truck accidents in 30 percent of cases. To show that faulty brakes caused a truck accident, we will investigate the accident and have an expert witness explain how the brakes failed. Some brake problems include improper alignment of brake linings, improper adjustments, contamination, and improperly maintained fluids. Once the cause of the failure is identified, the responsible party can be held liable for any injuries or damages that occured. Our team has experience gathering the evidence you need to make a claim for compensation that fully reimburses you for your losses. Help with Brake Problems and Trucking Accidents The legal team at Flickinger, Sutterfield & Boulton has the experience you need to make a full demand for compensation after an accident. Contact us online or call our office at (801) 370-0505.
The Dangers of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
All auto accidents have the capacity to be dangerous and claim innocent lives; however, none are as inherently dangerous as accidents involving 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks. When passengers of cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs, not to mention motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, collide with large trucks, the trucker is far less likely to be killed. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 2,485 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in collisions with large trucks in 2014, accounting for 68 percent of the overall deaths in these collisions, while 531 motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians were killed, accounting for another 15 percent. By contrast, 587 large truck occupants were killed, accounting for just 16 percent of the overall deaths. Even more telling, 72 percent of the large truck accidents that resulted in deaths in 2014 involved 18-wheelers and other tractor-trailer big rigs, while only 28 percent involved single-unit large trucks. Tragically, many of these accidents could have been prevented if not for the negligence of the truck drivers or the trucking companies that simply pushed their employees past the limits of the law in the name of making a profit. When it comes to handling claims arising from 18-wheeler truck accidents, the Provo, UT personal injury attorneys of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton have the resources, skills, and experience to win even the most complex cases. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a collision with a large commercial truck, or if you have tragically lost a member of your family in such an accident, we urge you to arrange for an evaluation of your trucking accident case today. Proving Negligence in 18-wheeler Truck Accident Cases In order to obtain compensation for the losses and expenses you have sustained due to your trucking accident-related injuries, it is necessary for our attorneys to provide evidence showing that the truck driver, the trucking company, or both caused the accident through their negligence and therefore are financially liable. To prove negligence, our attorneys must demonstrate that the trucker, trucking company, or both: Owed you a duty of care; Through their actions or inactions, failed to fulfill that duty; As a result of this failure, were either wholly or mostly at fault for the accident in which you were injured, and your injuries were indeed caused by this accident; Should therefore be held financially liable, to the degree that they were at fault for the accident, for the losses and expenses resulting from your injuries. Properly identifying which party or parties are responsible for the truck accident is essential to a successful personal injury lawsuit. In some cases, neither the trucker or trucking company is responsible, but rather the designer or manufacturer – or both – of a defective automotive part. Our personal injury attorneys will take definitive action against the liable party only after making absolutely certain that we have explored every angle of the case. Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm Today To arrange an evaluation of your 18-wheeler truck accident case, please contact the law firm of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton today.
Sleepy Driving Causes Risk and Potential Injury to Drivers
Driving fatigue is a psychological and physiological event that can affect any driver. The impact of fatigue can cause strain on the vehicle’s driver and creates a potential for a motor vehicle accident, which can cause injury to the driver and other vehicles on the road. The risks associated with driver fatigue have a large impact on motor vehicle accidents in the United States. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims fatigue or sleep related collisions cause 56,000 accidents per year, which cause 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths. Fatigue can also increase the likeliness of a driver engaging in risk-taking behavior, increasing the chances of a motor vehicle accident. In addition, sleepy drivers also risk personal and economic costs. Motor vehicle accidents can result in financial settlements against the driver for the victims of the accident. Driver Fatigue Symptoms can be Identified and Prevented The symptoms of driver fatigue are: Sleepy or exhausted feeling Frequently yawning Irritability or feeling impatient Difficultly concentrating or daydreaming Eye strain, sore or tired eyes Driving over the center line or over the edge of the road Avoiding Driver Fatigue If you are experiencing warning signs of driver fatigue, there are several actions that can help reduce the symptoms and help prevent a motor vehicle accident. The main treatments for fatigue are sleep or rest. It is important for any motor vehicle operator to plan ahead for travel by getting an adequate amount of sleep prior to driving. Planning ahead also includes taking breaks every two hours and sharing the driving responsibilities. It is also helpful to make sure the driver has ergonomically correct positioning in the vehicle, necessary eyewear including sunglasses to reduce eyestrain, adequate hydration and appropriate environmental stimuli like music or conversation. Fatigue can affect any anyone. Drivers should be aware of the symptoms of fatigue and take the necessary steps to prevent motor vehicle accidents. If you have been injured in a car collision due to another driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Please contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and help you hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries.
Hazards Overlooked In Federal Bus Safety Audits
Commercial vehicles such as buses and large trucks are regulated by the federal government to ensure the safety of those who travel in them and those who share the road with them. However, a new report revealed that the federal agency charged with the task of inspecting commercial carriers is not meeting its duties. On November 7, 2013, the National Transportation Safety Board announced the results of its investigation into the effectiveness of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s oversight of motor carrier operations in the U.S. and called for improvements. Missed Warning Signs The NTSB launched its investigation after four commercial vehicle accidents, which killed 25 people and injured 83 more, occurred within a six-month span in 2012-13. The NTSB found that the FMCSA had awareness of safety issues with each commercial carrier company prior to the auto accidents, but failed to put the carriers out of commission until the safety violations were remedied as they should have done. In some cases, the FMCSA had failed to notice some safety hazards in its inspections of commercial carriers. In one of the accidents that the NTSB investigated, the FMCSA had conducted a compliance review of a bus company one month prior to the bus accident and had rated the company “satisfactory” — the highest safety rating possible. However, the FMCSA never examined any of the company’s busses during the review and failed to inspect many of the company’s records because they were not onsite. Lax Oversight NTSB officials said that their investigation into the FMCSA reinforced the common perception that the FMCSA is too slack in enforcing safety standards prior to accidents occurring, and that the agency only reacts after major accidents happen. Many in the commercial carrier industry view FMCSA safety citations and temporary orders to ground vehicles as merely the cost of doing business, cheaper than actually maintaining vehicles to meet safety standards consistently. The NTSB report of its investigation results recommended a complete audit of the FMCSA’s oversight process in order to discover why inspectors are not catching all safety violations. Additionally, the NTSB recommended that the FMSCA stop using “focused compliance reviews” so often, where only a portion of a commercial carrier’s business is reviewed. Speak with an Attorney Commercial carriers have a duty to keep their fleets in good working order, but some choose to place profits over safety and skimp on maintenance of their vehicles. When a commercial carrier’s negligence causes an accident, the carrier needs to be held accountable. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, talk to a seasoned motor vehicle accident attorney with a history of recovering compensation for those injured by commercial vehicles.