The ramifications of a truck accident can be catastrophic. Trucks weigh far more than passenger cars and drivers face unique driving challenges — wide turns, blinds spots and long braking distances, just to name a few — that can make things complicated.
To better understand the situation, take a look at a few key statistics about crashes:
- The statistics from 2016 show that a total of 3,986 people passed away in semi-truck accidents.
- Most of those people (66 percent) were in other vehicles.
- Another 16 percent of the fatalities involved motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Another 17 percent of fatalities involved drivers and passengers in the trucks themselves.
- When stopping, a truck needs about 20 to 40 percent more distance than a standard passenger car.
- The above is largely due to weight, which can be 20 to 30 times higher than sedans and other passenger vehicles.
- Between 2009 and 2016, the number of fatalities in these wrecks jumped by 27 percent.
As you can see, truck drivers need to be aware of these very real risks and the trends in the industry. Getting involved in an accident can put a driver’s career in jeopardy, it can be very costly for a self-insured driver and it can cost insurance companies astonishing amounts.
When facing these types of allegations and potential outcomes, it is critical to have a high-level defense that puts your interests first. Truck drivers have to follow special rules and regulations, so the cases can get complex, but a dedicated legal team can help navigate these complexities and fight for a proper outcome.
