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Despite representing only 9 percent of all vehicles on the road, large trucks were involved in 10 percent of all fatal crashes, and 4 percent of all injury crashes in 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Unfortunately, these large trucks can cause severe damage and injuries because of their size and weight – which is why it is important to know who is really at fault when an accident occurs.
Who is More Responsible?
A study by the University of Michigan found that trucking accidents may be caused by passenger car drivers more often than truckers. There are many ways that passenger cars can put themselves at risk of causing an accident with a large truck. Some of the most common include:
- Distracted Driving - While distracted driving can be a cause of an accident from any type of vehicle, the probability of a passenger car driver being at-fault is much higher.
- Cutting off a Truck - Drivers that cut trucks off often force the truck driver to brake suddenly or swerve to avoid a collision.
- Staying in a No-Zone - Frequently, drivers forget, or simply do not care, about the immense size of a truck’s blind spot.
- Tailgating - Driving too close behind a truck is extremely dangerous because, if the truck has to stop suddenly, the car behind it may not have enough time to stop as well, leading to a rear-end collision. These can often be fatal.
- Passing on the Right Side - While each blind spot poses a hazard for drivers, the blind spot on the truck driver’s passenger side is the one they can see the least of.
Common Instances When a Trucker May At Fault
While passenger cars make up the majority of vehicles on the road, accidents involving trucks tend to be far more serious in terms of injuries and damages. Some of the most common scenarios where a truck driver may be responsible for an accident include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Dangerous driving in weather conditions
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a study where it compiled the causes of 120,000 trucking accidents that occurred between 2001 and 2003. While the common causes above are listed in the study, it is important to note that one of the leading causes among all were brake problems (29 percent).
Trucking Accident Attorneys in Durham, NC
At Wallace Pierce Law, our attorneys know the damage that trucking accidents can cause far too well. We have represented many people who have been seriously injured or killed in these accidents, and we understand the devastation that these crashes can cause for families. We also know that fault can go either way when trucking accidents happen. Regardless, our firm is dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.
If you were involved in a trucking accident, call us today at (919) 887-7892 or fill out our form online for a free consultation!