From chaotic traffic to bad weather, you face many hazards on the road. However, large trucks are especially dangerous due to their sheer size and other risk factors, such as driver fatigue. Every year, these accidents claim many lives and leave even more victims with debilitating injuries. Furthermore, statistics show that the number of injuries and deaths attributed to large truck collisions has increased in recent years.
It is beneficial to take a look at statistics related to large truck crashes in order to recognize the scope of the problem.
The number of truck accident injuries and deaths
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that during 2018, bus and large truck crashes caused 121,000 injuries, an 8% increase in comparison to 2016. Between 2009 and 2015, the number of large truck and bus accident injuries went up by 62%.
Not only have the number of injuries increased in recent years, but the number of fatalities has gone up as well. During 2009, 3,432 deaths occurred as a result of large truck and bus accidents. These deaths increased by 48% between 2009 and 2018. In 2018, 5,096 people lost their lives as a result of large truck and bus collisions.
Risks associated with large truck crashes
When it comes to traffic collisions, large truck accidents are especially dangerous for different reasons. For starters, it often takes large truck drivers longer to slow down or bring their trucks to a stop. Visibility is another concern and some truck drivers have difficulty seeing motorcyclists, bicyclists and smaller vehicles. If you suffered an injury due to a negligent truck driver, you need to focus on your recovery, which may include taking your case to court.
