According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are over 11 million semi-trucks registered to operate in the United States. According to this same report, at any one-given-time there are 3.5 million big rigs operating on the highways. With such a significant amount of trucks on the highways, it is easy to understand why there are so many accidents involving large trucks.
The Most Common Types Of Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents can happen at any time or in any manner. However, there are some very common forms of trucking accidents that occur.
- Right Turn Accidents. When a semi-truck makes a right turn, they have a very large blind spot on the right side of their truck. Many accidents occur when the driver of the truck cannot see that there is a car or pedestrian next to them when turning in this direction.
- Rear End Collisions. A large majority of trucking accidents involve another vehicle running into the rear end of the truck. This is generally from the driver being unable to see the car behind them and braking quickly. Many people place themselves in danger by riding to close to the back of a semi-truck trying to catch their back draft and reduce their own gas consumption.
- Jackknife Accidents. A driver of a big rig may lose control of the truck causing the trailer to move sideways and forward (jackknife). This causes additional loss of control and in many cases, the truck will also roll over.
- Mechanical Failure. Trucks which are not properly maintained can easily suffer mechanical failure. Brake failure and tire issues are the most common mechanical failures that trucks experience.
- Tired Drivers. Drivers that have been on the road for extended periods of time will have slower reflexes, make poor judgement calls, and may even doze off at the wheel. There are very strict laws in place that try to prevent drivers from being overtired when driving, but sadly they are sometimes not followed.
Of course, there are many other things that can cause a trucking accident.
Trucking Accidents Are Almost Always Catastrophic
The sheer size and weight of a semi-truck guarantees that when it is involved in an accident the passengers in the smaller vehicle will succumb to serious injuries. The average tractor trailer rig is 80 foot long and weights up to 80,000 pounds. On the opposite end, your average passenger vehicle is between 15 and 18 feet long and weighs about 3,500 pounds.
The most common injuries sustained in a tractor trailer accident include:
- Blunt trauma injuries to the skull, including Traumatic Brain Injury, facial fractures, and damage to the neck.
- Severe fractures and breaks of bones throughout the body.
- Internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Spine injury sometimes leading to paralysis.
- Contusions, cuts, and swelling.
- Death
Many trucking accidents result in the death of one or more of the people involved in the event.
Your Rights To Seek Compensation
If you or your loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you may have specific rights to seek compensation for your losses. You are encouraged to speak with an experienced truck accident attorney.
Truck accidents are governed by both state and federal laws. You will need to work with an attorney that has the knowledge and experience to use these laws to the benefit of your case.
