At any given time, there are approximately 11 million commercial trucks on the road in the United States. Transporting construction materials to farming equipment and even food, there is a significant number of large trucks traversing our highways. Sadly, however, for all of those trucks hauling freight, there are also quite a few accidents that involve these commercial vehicles.
Every year, there are around a half-million accidents involving trucks, and of these crashes, and over 5,000 of them are fatal. That is over 5,000 families that were torn apart by a sudden and unexpected tragedy — and this does not even begin to touch on the serious harm that befell the survivors of these accidents.
The fact is, a crash involving a large truck is vastly different from any other type of automobile accident. Semi-trucks are heavier, larger, and more powerful than the other types of vehicles on the road. This means that when you get into an accident with one of them, you could find yourself facing quite severe and lasting injuries to your person. In a blink of an eye, your life can be changed forever.
Common Injuries After a Truck Accident
If you were in a truck accident, it is extremely important that you speak to your doctor afterward. Not only can your doctor help document the extent of your injuries, but they can also help you prove the extent of these injuries when you decide to pursue financial compensation after your accident.
Furthermore, while most accidents will be relatively evident following your accident, some can be much more subtle. They might not even manifest until days or weeks after your injury. Following up with your healthcare provider after your accident can help make the difference in proving the extent of your injuries.
Nearly one in four truck accidents result in injuries, which means that if you were in a truck accident, then there is a high likelihood that you did not walk away from it unscathed. Common injuries that can occur after a truck accident may include:
For some victims, the extent of their injuries may not even be visible to the naked eye. Not only can you sustain severe internal damage, but you may also find yourself struggling with PTSD following your accident. Emotional trauma is also quite valid and should be treated with the same level of compassion and care as any physical injuries.
What are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
When it comes to truck accidents, there are quite a few different factors that can be to blame for it. Tragically, many of these accidents could have easily been prevented had the driver of the truck been more responsible and attentive to the road conditions ahead of them.
Going above the posted speed accounts for up to 23% of all truck accidents each year. Had the driver been going slower and been more careful, then the accident could have been avoided altogether.
It is no secret that truckers work long hours, often foregoing sleep to get to their destination on time. 13% of truck accidents were caused by overly tired drivers who failed to take adequate rest periods while on the clock.
Drugs and alcohol. Driving impaired accounted for a devastating 21% of all truck accidents. One should never operate a motor vehicle while under the influence, and in the case of truck accidents, nearly 1 in 5 could be traced back to it.
Inadequate surveillance: Navigating a 40-ton truck requires extreme caution, especially when navigating or maneuvering. Inadequate surveillance means that the driver did not properly check before making a maneuver, and this led to 14% of all truck accidents.
Inattention or external distraction. Defensive driving should always be the goal of any driver, and this is especially true for truck drivers. 17% of truck accidents were due to the driver being distracted or not paying attention.
Other leading causes of truck accidents included brake failure (29%), unfamiliarity with the roadways (22%), and even illness of the driver (3%). Rarely does anyone actually want to get into an accident — hence the term “accident” — but when they do, it can be devastating for the victims.
Were You in a Truck Accident in Preble County, Ohio?
If you were in a truck accident, your first step should be to consult with a doctor. Your next step should be to speak with us. Recovering from a truck accident can be a long and arduous process, and the last thing you need to is to have to worry about paying your bills and making ends meet. We here at Kruger & Hodges can help fight for you to get the much-needed financial compensation you deserve after a truck accident. If you were in a truck accident and you are not sure what your next steps should be, then please reach out to our team of personal injury attorneys today for a free, no-risk case evaluation. We are ready to help you.
