TRUCK ACCIDENTS
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted various aspects of life, particularly affecting supply chains and the distribution of goods and services. This transformation, often referred to as the “new normal,” has driven e-commerce sales to unprecedented levels. However, the surge in demand for swift shipping has led to an increase in large trucks on the roads, correlating with a rise in truck accidents.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck were up 13% compared to 2020; 5,601 fatalities were reported in crashes involving at least one large truck.
Alarmingly, seventy-one percent of these fatalities were occupants in other vehicles. Large trucks, categorized as such based on their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 10,000 pounds, often weigh at least twenty-five times more than an average car, contributing to the severity of accidents. The National Safety Council data cites large trucks account for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, 5% of all registered vehicles, and 10% of total vehicle miles traveled.
Various factors contribute to truck accidents, including the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, driver fatigue resulting from demanding schedules, heightened vehicle speed to meet delivery demands, adverse weather conditions, and distracted driving. Similar to motor vehicle crashes, determining the at-fault party in truck accidents is based on negligence—the failure to exercise reasonable care on the road, leading to physical or financial harm to another individual.
Examples of Accidents Caused by Commercial Trucks
Rollovers: Often attributed to trucks’ higher center of gravity, rollover accidents can occur during excessive speed, sharp turns, or when the front wheels turn more
Rear-end collisions: Result from poorly maintained or faulty brakes, inadequate lighting, and speeding through a traffic light.
Head-On Collisions: Occur when a truck drifts into oncoming traffic, runs a red light, or stop sign, or fails to observe the right-of-way.
Jackknife Accidents: Trucks with a cab and trailer fold at the separation, forming a 90-degree angle or “V” shape, often caused by sudden braking or steering maneuvers.
T-Bone Accidents: The front of the truck strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” at the point of impact, often happening at intersections.
Sideswipe Accidents: Occur when a truck traveling in the same direction collides with another vehicle on the left or right.
Wide Turn Accidents: Truck must occupy an additional lane to complete a turn, potentially leading to collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
