Truckers are more likely to crash because they spend more time on the road than other motorists. Also, some factors, like health problems, fatigue, and drug use, can increase individual truckers’ risks.
When truck accidents happen, they can cause grievous injuries and extensive damage. If you suffered harm in a collision caused by a negligent trucker, you could seek compensation from both them and their employer.
What To Know About Trucking Accidents in the U.S.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, there were 159,000 collisions involving large trucks nationwide. Of these collisions, 5,005 people lost their lives. That is much lower than the number of passenger vehicle accidents and fatalities the NHTSA reported that same year.
Truck accidents do not account for a large number of traffic accidents. However, individual risk factors could put truckers at risk of causing collisions. Engaging in certain behaviors or having specific jobs can increase a person’s risk of getting into an accident.
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These Factors Contribute to Truck Accidents Throughout the Country
Truckers spend long hours on the road, increasing their risk of causing accidents. They may experience driver fatigue or be more prone to distractions if they are on the road for long periods. They may also rush to meet certain deadlines.
Thus, truckers may speed or engage in other risky driving practices to keep up with their workload. In addition, sometimes truck companies are at fault for accidents. For example, truck companies might not adequately train their employees or give their truck drivers appropriate rest breaks and hours.
Driver health can also contribute to accident risk. Truckers can have health problems that can impair their driving or make it riskier for them to drive. For example, truckers with diabetes could drive impaired if their blood sugar becomes excessively low or high.
Truckers Must Abide by the Rules of the Road
Truckers, like other drivers, must take preventative steps to limit their risk of being in accidents. For example, they should get adequate rest and avoid using drugs or alcohol while driving. They should also make sure they feel comfortable operating their vehicles and get appropriate training before driving alone on the road.
Like other drivers, they should also make sure to wear seatbelts and follow speed limits and other road rules.
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Truck-on-Car Accidents Can Cause Grievous Injuries
Although truck accidents don’t happen as frequently as car accidents, when they do happen, they can cause life-altering injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Cognitive impairments, such as memory loss
Passenger vehicles are no match for semi-trucks and 18-wheelers in collisions, often resulting in life-threatening conditions.
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You Should Consider Partnering with a Lawyer After Your Truck Accident
If you were involved in a truck accident, it can be helpful to get legal counsel early on in the claims process. An attorney specializing in truck accidents will be aware of the laws and regulations that apply to your case.
When you consult with an attorney, they will review what happened at the time of the accident and who was at fault. This will let your lawyer determine who should pay for your losses. From there, they can estimate the value of your damages and implement a plan of action moving forward.
If you work with a truck accident lawyer, they’ll manage everything your truck accident case requires from beginning to end. Their goal is to recover compensation that accounts for your past, present, and future injury-related losses.
Consider Your Legal Options Within the Statutory Deadline
If you want to take legal action following a truck accident, you must do so within your state’s statute of limitations. This time limit restricts how long you have to file a lawsuit. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this period, you could lose the right to seek damages through litigation.
Here are some examples of statutory deadlines:
- In Indiana, you generally have two years to file your injury lawsuit, per IC § 34-11-2-4.
- In Kentucky, you generally have two years to file your car accident lawsuit, per Ky. Rev. Stat. § 304-39-230.
- In Ohio, you typically have a two-year period to file your case, per Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10.
When you consult a lawyer, they can explain more about these deadlines and how they pertain to your truck accident case.
Get Legal Help from “the Hammer” Today
Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers focuses on helping personal injury claimants recover compensation. If you suffered harm in a truck accident, you can trust that our team will go the extra mile in pursuing the damages you need. We serve injured claimants in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.
To begin your free case review with our team, call us now. We can discuss your injury claim’s potential and whether truckers are more likely to cause crashes.
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