Large truck crashes are more likely to result in fatalities than typical car accidents. They’re involved in 10% of all fatal crashes. That number is alarming considering the fact that only 4% of registered vehicles are large trucks.

Increase in Fatal Truck Accidents

In 2019, fatal large truck accidents exceeded those of the year before. The increase was slight, though still concerning. In 2018, there were 4,461 such crashes. 2019 brought that number up to 4,479.

The total amount of deaths, however, was lower in 2019 — barely. The number dropped from 5,006 to 5,005. In contrast, occupant fatalities rose from 890 to 891. Drivers made up the vast majority of those fatalities.

Though the small increase in accidents and occupant fatalities might not sound like much, it is part of a notable trend. 2019 saw the highest amount of fatal truck crashes since 2005.

Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents

The most common issues involved in truck crashes are brake problems, speeding, and roadway problems. Many crashes resulted from multiple simultaneous issues. The following factors are also common:

• Drugs and alcohol
• Driver mistakes
• Driver fatigue or illness
• External distractions
• Driver stress

Even though fatal truck crashes are increasing, you don’t have to join the fatality statistics. Prevent truck accidents, being fully alert by keeping a lot of space between yourself and any trucks behind you.

Driving Under the Influence

One of the top reasons why truck and motor vehicle accidents happen is driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs. If you have been drinking or doing drugs, you should not get behind the wheel of your car for a number of reasons. One reason is that you may be way too impaired to drive safely. Remember that getting into an accident due to intoxication can lead to grave consequences, such as a ”nuclear verdict.”

Exhaustion

Truck drivers have one of the most physically demanding jobs you can do. You spend long hours behind the wheel, and you need to be alert at all times so that you are able to avoid an accident when on the road.

If you become exhausted, then you are not going to be able to drive your truck properly. You will start having a hard time concentrating on the road ahead and you may fall asleep at the wheel or have trouble focusing when you are behind it, both of which can lead to an accident.

Drive safely by getting enough sleep before you leave for work each day so that you are well-rested and you can avoid the possibility of being part of the truck accident statistics.

Not Following Traffic Laws

If you do not follow traffic laws, then you are putting yourself and others at risk of being in a serious accident. You need to always obey the speed limit, for instance, when you are driving because it allows you more time to stop if you see something coming towards your truck or if you need to make a sudden turn.

How High Are the Jury Awards?

According to an American Transportation Research Institute study, jury verdicts above $1 million have seen a 1000% increase from 2010 to 2018, which is from $2.3 million to $22.3 million. This means that today, if you’re in the trucking business, it can be very difficult for you to finance an award to the victim. It’s no wonder many companies across the nation are filing for bankruptcy following trucking accidents.

You Can Avoid a Nuclear Verdict

There are many recommended ways to reduce chances of avoiding a nuclear verdict if you’re in the trucking industry. One of the most important ways is to reduce your chances of getting involved in an accident in the first place. According to experts, you can avoid that by optimizing your hiring process.

Firstly, don’t let your applicants to provide their own abstracts as that can encourage them to falsify information. Utilize the current tools that allow applicants to order abstracts through your website, which ensure the document goes straight to you.

Secondly, try to conduct a monthly driver’s license check as well as an annual criminal check. This can help you avoid trouble if you’re like the many fleets that only do a criminal check when they’re hiring.

Third, adopt the latest technology. It can be difficult to experience trucking accidents if you automate even if you’re driving at dangerous times. Technology reduces the human element, which is usually the reason behind most truck accidents.

Lastly, get good legal representation. A qualified truck accident attorney can increase your chances of getting the best outcome in your case if one of your trucks causes an accident.

The nuclear verdicts are clearly bad news for truck owners, who now have to keep watching their backs to stay on the right side of the law. With technology, proper hiring practices and a good attorney, you may not have to worry about these verdicts.

Mistakes that involve 80,000 pounds moving at highway speeds can be catastrophic, and even fatal.  At best, this incident will involve some specialized paperwork and intensive negotiation involving insurance carriers, employers, freight brokers, and electronic logbook maintainers.  At worst, someone’s family must pick up the pieces after losing a loved one.

Therefore, it is important that anyone affected by an accident involving a semi-truck immediately seek counsel from an attorney.  An accident with an 18-wheeler may not be the same as the accident with any other motor vehicle.  These sorts of heavy over-the-road transports are commercial vehicles driven by trained, highly regulated operators.  The person driving the semi may be the owner, an operator, an employee, or a combination thereof.  Sorting the layers of complexity around who handles the costs associated with an accident requires considerable understanding and may be best left to a trained attorney.

If you or someone you know if involved in an accident with a commercial truck, call Baddour, Parker, Hine, and Hale in Goldsboro, NC for a free consultation.  Remember, insurance companies want to settle for as little as possible.  Our job is to protect your interests and secure you and your family the compensation that you need to put the pieces back together.