Trucks, big or small, are vital to the American economy. They transport thousands of dollars worth of goods every day. As lucrative as it seems, trucks have a gloomy side.
Trucks are bigger than the average vehicle. As a result, truck accidents are rarely minor. They tend to cause serious damage, especially to the driver of the smaller vehicle. A National Safety Council report states that 117,300 large trucks were involved in accidents. The report also mentions that 5,788 people lost their lives in large-truck crashes. Both of these statistics are for 2021.
Accidents, let alone truck accidents, can have devastating effects on all parties involved. This is why it is essential to speak to truck accident lawyers as soon as possible. Whether you’re injured, lost a loved one, or know someone who has, a truck accident lawyer will guide you toward the right path to fair compensation.
When speaking about accidents, it is important to consider the factors that cause them. Some of the common reasons for accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless/aggressive driving
- Inclement weather
- Defective truck parts
- Improperly-loaded cargo
- Fatigue
- Speeding
The common reasons aside, a truck’s category and the cargo it carries also contribute to accidents. They are discussed below.
Tanker Trucks
Accidents involving tanker trucks tend to be extremely dangerous. Ignoring the size, these trucks usually carry flammable or toxic substances. A particularly severe collision with a truck carrying flammable liquids tends to cause fires and explosions. Sometimes, the victim will have little to no time to react, often resulting in death.
Though the chances of an explosion or fire are low, tankers carrying toxic substances have an equally destructive effect. Chemical spills can cause irreparable damage to the soil and groundwater, along with the local flora and fauna.
Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks get their name from the long, flat trailers that they have. Flatbed trucks are great for carrying cargo of different shapes and sizes.
Their cargo is one of the major reasons why flatbed trucks are involved in accidents. Poorly secured cargo tends to move around when the vehicle is in motion. This increases the possibility of the truck losing control due to the cargo moving around. Cargo falling on other vehicles is another way that flatbed trucks can cause accidents.
Construction Trucks
These trucks usually operate near construction sites, which are places with heavy footfall. Not to forget the pedestrians near the area. Construction trucks sometimes collide with workers or pedestrians who happen to be in the truck’s blind spot. This is one of the most common types of construction truck accidents.
Garbage Trucks
There are two ways garbage trucks can cause accidents.
- Garbage trucks often go on runs in the early hours of the morning. Drivers who haven’t had a proper night’s sleep or are working multiple jobs may feel drowsy while driving. This reduces their reaction times and focus, increasing the chances of an accident.
- Garbage trucks have to make frequent stops around the city. This may cause impatient or inexperienced drivers to collide with them.
Tow Trucks
Accidents that involve tow trucks are often due to improper securing of the disabled vehicle. This means that when a tow vehicle is in motion, the disabled vehicle may snap off, colliding with other vehicles on the road.
Ambulances and Fire Trucks
A good chunk of traffic rules are waived for emergency vehicles like ambulances and firetrucks. These vehicles are huge, heavy, and travel at high speeds most of the time. This makes them extremely vulnerable to accidents involving other motorists.
Delivery Trucks
Delivery truck drivers make hundreds of stops each day. The frequent stopping and starting increases the probability of rear-end collisions.
Then there’s distracted driving. Delivery truck drivers are often busy on the GPS to check the route for their next drop. This makes them vulnerable to distracted driving accidents.
Final Thoughts
The risk of suffering severe, life-altering injuries in truck accidents is frighteningly high. This makes trucks one of the scariest vehicles on the road.
Regardless of the type, you must get in touch with an experienced truck accident lawyer to seek compensation for your losses and injuries.
