Getting to the Bottom of Truck Accidents and Their Causes

If you think about it in the most logical way possible, truck accidents (and other vehicle crashes) are simply bound to happen. Roadways here in Pennsylvania and the rest of the country are clogged with motor vehicles of all kinds, including massive tractor-trailers. Chances are you or someone you know will eventually experience a vehicle accident. If the vehicle is a large and heavy commercial truck, serious injuries are very likely to occur.

Many people wonder how it is possible that so many truck accidents still occur despite widespread awareness about trucking safety. A group of participants in a nationwide study has some answers. The group looked at truck accidents that occurred from 2015 through 2017 and came up with some disturbing results.

• Fatal tractor-trailer involving truck accidents in 2017 increased by 5.8% from 2016.
• The number of passengers killed in truck crashes ranged from two in the least-affected state (DC) to more than 1,300 in the most-affected state (Texas).
• Most fatal truck crashes occur during the hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• The top cause of truck accidents is the truck operators’ “failure to yield the right of way” to other drivers.
• Additional trucking accident causes include careless driving, erratic truck operation, improper turns or lane changes and failure to obey traffic signals and signs.

One way the nation can make a difference in the volume of truck accidents that occur is by holding all responsible parties to account. Often, this means pursuing a personal injury claim, which hits negligent truckers and trucking companies where it hurts the most–their wallets and bank accounts. Such a legal solution can also make sure you or your severely injured loved one acquires enough financial compensation to ensure recovery.