Large truck accidents can occur in similar ways as passenger car accidents, but the end result tends to be far more horrific. Unfortunately, tractor-trailer accidents happen every day, and the vast majority are caused by passenger car drivers.
Keep reading to learn more facts about truck accidents.
#1 – One person is injured or killed every 15 minutes in the U.S. because of tractor-trailer accidents.
Annually, about half a million truck accidents occur, causing approximately 5,000 fatalities each year.
#2 – About 81% of truck accidents are caused by passenger car drivers.
On the flip side, truck drivers only cause about 27% of the accidents they’re involved in. According to the study by the University of Michigan Transportation Institute, this statistic totals over 100% due to 10% of crashes being assigned to both parties.
#3 – When truck drivers cause accidents, it’s usually because of a technical difficulty with the rig.
Most of the time, when truckers cause accidents, it’s due to mechanical issues, typically those related to tires or brakes. Otherwise, tractor-trailer drivers cause accidents as a result of:
- Fatigue
- Lack of route-related information
- The pressure of the job
- Aggressive driving
However, it’s important to keep in mind that truckers drive for a living. It’s how they put food on the table and a roof over their heads. It’s how they care for themselves and their families. Most truck drivers understand and follow the rules of the road in order to keep themselves and everyone around them safe.
#4 – More than half of fatal tractor-trailer crashes occur in rural areas.
In 2019, 56.65% of all truck accidents that occurred in the U.S. happened in rural regions.
#5 – Nearly two-thirds of truck accidents happen during the day.
During 2019, 64.12% of big rig crashes happened during the day. That means just 35.88% of truck accidents occurred at night.
As you probably know, truck accidents have the potential to cause severe harm. If you’ve been injured as a result of a tractor-trailer accident, you may be owed compensation. Let our team see if we can help you recover it.
