How Many Accidents are Caused by Semi Trucks?

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Millions of accidents take place in Canada every year. But, do you know how many accidents are caused by semi trucks? According to the most recent data, nearly 500,000 accidents occur annually, which are caused by semi-trucks.

Around 2000 Canadian died and 10000 injured severely every year in a collision involving heavy trucks or 18-wheelers. Along with severe injuries and death, these accidents also result in truck accident lawsuits.

Not to mention that these accidents cost billions of dollars in economic losses. So it’s high time we should take this seriously. This article will discuss what you should do if you or your loved ones are involved in truck accidents.

Why are Accidents Caused by Semi Trucks So Dangerous?

Semi-trucks are heavier and larger in size. The weight of a car maybe 2 tons, while a semi-truck can weigh around 40 tons. Primarily due to this, these tractor-trailers are challenging to maneuver and stop.

When the truck driver carries more weight than its capacity, severe accidents take place. It becomes more challenging for the vehicle to adapt to the quick movements in changing road conditions.

Controlling the size and weight of these trucks become a challenge for the drivers on the road. If the driver accidentally loses control of the vehicle, it tends to blow away whatever comes along the way.

Smaller vehicles are mostly the first prey of this. Because of this, accidents involving semi-trucks have high rates of severe injuries and death. Semi truck accident statistics state that nearly 11% of all traffic accident deaths occur due to semi-trucks.

Almost all accidents take place due to a clash with passenger vehicles, as per truck accident statistics. Unfortunately, but the truth, 97% of those who died were in passenger vehicles. The rest were pedestrians who were present at the scene of the accident.

Moreover, most truck accidents take place on highways and in rural areas. There you’ll find a large number of similar-sized tractor-trailers at a time. The clash between large trucks can be even more dangerous.

What Causes a Semi Truck Accident?

Truck accidents can be terrible because of the sheer size of tractor-trailers. These accidents often result in the most severe injuries and fatalities. Many people are taking highway road trips instead of flying during this current global pandemic.

Due to this, more and more vehicles are traveling on out-of-state roads. However, this is not the only reason why semi-truck accidents occur every 15 minutes in Canada.

There are evidently more factors that may cause a semi-truck accident. Some common causes of big crashes include;

  • Speeding

Most trucks include speed limiters or speed trackers provided by the company. Some truck companies still couldn’t have this technology.  Since trucks are larger than passenger vehicles, drivers can lose control due to speeding.

  • Distracted driving

Distracted driving is also dangerous, like speeding. It is considered an illegal and reckless action of the drivers of trucks. If the driver takes their eyes off the road, it can result in several fatalities and property damage.

  • Lack of training of the drivers

Truck drivers are trained before they hit the road for the first time. It takes proper training to drive such large vehicles. If the driver drives on the truck without adequate training, it can lead to fatal accidents.

  • Aggressive driving

Truck drivers may have the stress to make their deliveries on time. Besides, they need to travel long distances for more extended periods. All these can result in aggressive driving or road rage. While driving with an aggressive state of mind, they could hurt themselves or other drivers severely.

  • Inappropriate loading

If the truck carries more loads than its capacity, it is likely to experience tire blowouts. They are also expected to turn over after a lane change. When the truck has external loads, it can be too dangerous to the driver if they slip.

  • Fatigue driving

There is a rule for tired drivers to keep them off the road and help them stay alert. A driver must not drive more than 11 hours at a time. They need to take a break for 10 hours in the meantime. There are also other rules to protect the drivers on the road.

  • Severe weather

Stormy or snowy or icy weather can reduce the driver’s visibility. It also makes it challenging for the drivers to get control over the truck. Such weather can cause extensive injuries.

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Truck drives are not allowed to consume alcohol within 4 hours of driving a vehicle. It means they cannot take alcohol or drugs on duty. If the driver is caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they shall be punished. A drunk driver can be the reason for severe fatalities involving truck accidents.

Read More: Why Do You Need a Truck Crash Lawyer?

Possible Injuries from Accidents Caused by Semi Trucks

When accidents involving semi trucks occur, the passenger of other vehicles and the truck driver get mostly affected. Victims of these accidents suffer different types of injuries.

Some of these injuries include:

  • Neck or back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Brain/head injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Concussion
  • Damage to the ribs or torso
  • Punctured organs
  • Lacerations and bruising
  • Burns

Can I File a Semi Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Absolutely, you can. There are laws for the victim of big truck crashes to recover their injuries. The victim can get compensation from a semi-truck lawsuit. However, it is essential to consider a few factors for determining the amount of compensation you can get.

Liability is the first one to consider. If the injured person is less liable for the injuries, the more compensation he can get. Here a jury will decide how much the truck driver is responsible.

In some states, the defendant should be more than 50% liable to compensate the plaintiff. The next factor to consider is the severity of the injuries suffered by the victim. Here, the injuries decide how much compensation the victim will get.

If you or your loved one have experienced an accident recently, you should file a class-action lawsuit. This is the only way to pursue compensation. Filing a class action lawsuit may not reduce the pain and suffering.

It can at least minimize the financial burden that the victim had gone through. In most cases, truck accident lawsuit settlement can give the victim compensation of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Conclusion

So far, you’ve learned how many accidents are caused by semi-trucks. If you or your loved one were involved in such accidents, a lawyer might be able to help. The process of pursuing a lawsuit can be troublesome.

However, a lawyer can help you with the legal processes of pursuing damages. So you can concentrate on the recovery. The lawyer can help you get compensation for your financial losses, including last wages, medical bills, pain, and suffering.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What percentage of accidents are caused by semi trucks?

Around 6.5% of total accidents are caused by semi trucks. These accidents make up twice the percentage of deadly crashes.

2. What percentage of accidents involve trucks?

Approximately 11% of all traffic accidents across the world are caused by large trucks. Truck accident statistics state that out of 37,133 traffic fatalities, 4120 occurred due to big trucks.

3. What is the number one cause of truck accidents?

The most common cause of truck accidents is fatigued driving. Usually, truck drivers have to drive more than other vehicle drivers. They drive for many hours with very little rest in between. Because of this, they failed to concentrate on the road and accidents take place.

4. Are semi trucks dangerous?

Absolutely, accidents involving semi trucks are dangerous. It is dangerous because of the weight of the semi-trucks. A semi-truck can weigh around 40 tons which are 20 times heavier than a passenger vehicle.

5. Do semi trucks cause more accidents?

Yes. Semi-trucks are more likely to involve in deadly multiple-vehicle accidents.

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