Semi-truck collisions are particularly devastating, due to a truck’s sheer size. Since they weigh tens of thousands of pounds, drivers of smaller vehicles are lucky to escape collisions alive.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 5,096 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in 2018 (the most recent year data was available). Fatal crashes increased 45 percent between 2009 and 2018.
Truck driver error is a common cause of semi-truck collisions. If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, talk to an attorney as soon as possible. If the truck driver committed any of these common errors, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Truck driver fatigue: Truck driver fatigue causes about 13 percent of all commercial motor vehicle accidents. Both federal and state governments have very strict rules about when truck drivers can be “on the clock,” when they must take breaks and when they have to sleep. However, some truck drivers feel pressured to finish their runs by a certain time, and may take unnecessary risks.
- Truck rollovers: Rollovers can occur for several reasons. They may be caused by unevenly loaded trailers, taking a curve too quickly, speeding or simply being too inexperienced.
- Neglecting blind spots: Semi-trucks use multiple mirrors to account for large driver blind spots. If a truck driver isn’t paying attention to all of their mirrors before turning or changing lanes, it can cause collisions with cars in the blind spot.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a common driver error across the board. Whether texting, talking on the phone, talking to passengers, managing unruly pets or fiddling with the radio, there are dozens of reasons a truck driver may take their eyes off the road.
- Speeding: Speeding is deadly in a semi-truck. All truck drivers are trained to allow enough time between them and the cars ahead, to allow for sudden braking. When a truck driver speeds, they’re less likely to be able to react and stop in time.
- Drug or alcohol use: Like noncommercial drivers, drug and alcohol use is strictly forbidden for truck drivers on the road. Unfortunately, some drivers take deadly risks. In addition to alcohol abuse, some drivers may use certain drugs to stay awake for longer periods of time.
Many common truck driver errors can happen to anyone—they’re simply deadlier when an 80,000 pound vehicle is involved.
Contact an Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer Today
When you’re involved in a semi-truck collision, you shouldn’t have to bear the costs alone. If truck driver error or other types of negligence are to blame, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.944.4373 for a consultation.