Top 10 Causes of Truck Accidents in the United States
Commercial truckers routinely drive for 11 hours, hauling an 80,000-pound vehicle through adverse weather, unfamiliar roads, and unpredictable driving conditions. That might not sound like the safest way to earn an income, but it is how 3.5 million people in the United States make a living. Although truck drivers usually have more experience behind the wheel than the average motorist, they are not immune to collisions.
A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that in 2014, at least 3,903 people died in truck accidents and approximately 111,000 were injured. These numbers, however, do not convey the emotional and financial turmoil caused by truck wrecks.
In addition to the emotional trauma, truck accident victims and their families often face overwhelming debt due to medical bills and lost income. Although no amount of compensation can undo the hardship of a serious collision, you may be able to restore financial stability by filing a personal injury claim.
A San Diego accident lawyer from Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Attorneys Jeffrey E. Estes and Alton J. Smith will help you navigate the claims process and fight for the highest possible payout.
If your case goes to trial, we have the knowledge, resources, and litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 855-290-8080 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
10 Most Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Tractor-trailers are up to 30 times heavier than passenger cars and light trucks, so in the event of a collision, the occupants of the smaller vehicle usually endure the worst of the impact. In 2014, about 73 percent of all injuries and fatalities in truck accidents affected passenger vehicle occupants.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a statistic. One of the most effective strategies is to learn how truck wrecks happen so you can predict and avoid them.
There are countless causes of 18-wheeler crashes – from poor weather to defective parts – but the following 10 factors contribute to the vast majority of these accidents:
- Travelling on unfamiliar routes;
- Congested traffic;
- Speeding;
- Truck driver failed to survey surrounding traffic properly;
- Not paying attention;
- Committing a moving violation;
- An unexpected injury or illness to the driver, such as a heart attack;
- Drowsiness;
- Distracted driving; and
- Failure to anticipate the actions of other drivers or pedestrians.
Human errors play a role in most truck wrecks. If you were injured by a drunk, distracted, or negligent truck driver in California, turn to Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates.
A San Diego accident lawyer will assess the police report, interview witnesses, try to obtain the truck’s black box data, and gather other evidence to support your claim. Call 855-290-8080 to schedule a free consultation. Visit http://truck-accident.usattorneys.com/california/ to learn more about car accident injury lawsuits in California.
