Semi-trucks were involved in 4,136 road deaths out of a total of 36,560 in 2019, accounting for 11% of all deaths in traffic accidents in the U.S. While semis have been getting safer in recent years, with deaths down from an all-time high in 1999, they remain a danger.
Protecting yourself on the road and learning what factors are involved in accidents with semi-trucks is vital to protecting your safety and that of your passengers. Find out how to stay safe on the roads and what you can do should you be in an accident involving a semi-truck.
How Dangerous are Semi-Truck Accidents?
Semi-truck accidents are extremely dangerous for drivers of passenger vehicles who may be involved in the accident, who account for 97% of road fatalities in truck accidents. The survivability rate is so low because the passenger vehicles are much smaller than the semi-trucks. Semi-trucks often weigh 40 tons and potentially more, while passenger vehicles can be a slight as one ton or even less in the case of motorcycles or bikes.
What Causes Semi-Truck Accidents?
It may sound surprising, but around 70% of accidents involving semi-trucks occur in ideal weather conditions and with sober drivers. Fewer weather-related vehicle accidents occur on rainy days because fewer drivers tend to be on the road and drivers are more careful. Additionally, most accidents involving semis are due to mechanical failures with the truck itself, while driver error is a lesser factor. This means that accidents are more spread out and can occur at any time without depending on weather conditions.
Human Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
While mechanical failure is responsible for a large number of semi-truck accidents, human factors also play a role in many crashes. Here are some of them:
- Controlled substance use
- Lack of training
- Breaking local laws
- Drive fatigue
- Speeding
- Improper maintenance
What Happens if I’m in an Accident with a Semi-Truck?
If you’re involved in an accident with a semi-truck, it’s likely you’ll have substantial medical bills and will have lost your vehicle. You can file a lawsuit against the trucker who was involved in your accident, their company, as well as their insurance provider. Doing this can ensure that you can obtain the compensation you’re entitled to.
Are you wondering if you have a case? To make sure your claim is valid, visit the link. In many cases, the trucking company will settle your claim without the need for a court trial. A car accident lawyer has the best chance of getting you enough compensation to cover your medical costs and other expenses.
How are Semi-Truck Accident Cases Decided?
Semi-truck cases will typically be brought before a jury, which will decide how much fault to assign each driver from the accident. A jury may award you part of the blame or may lay it all on one party. This can affect how much companestion you’re able to obtain from your case. The severity of your injuries will also impact how your case is ultimately decided.
How Big Are Settlements in Semi-Truck Accident Cases?
Given the damage semi-truck accidents typically cause, it’s common for these settlements to reach into the millions of dollars. Many other cases involve settlements in the high six-figures. The specifics of your case will vary depending on the factors surrounding it.
If you’ve been in a semi-truck accident, it can take years to put the pieces of your life back together. You could face enormous medical bills and your ability to work could be severely impacted. It’s vital to obtain the maximum amount of a settlement from the parties that are responsible for the accident. Doing so can’t undo the damage of the accident, but the amount you are awarded can assist in your personal and financial recovery.
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