Commercial truck accidents occur when large trucks collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. These accidents can cause terrible injuries and damage due to the trucks’ size and weight. Dangerous situations can arise when trucks are on the road with regular traffic, leading to life-changing injuries and significant property damage. This makes truck accidents an essential concern for road safety.
The Missouri Department of Transportation says that deaths involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) decreased from 1.27 to 1.13 for every 100 million miles driven from 2019 to 2023. While this is a good sign, it’s still worrying, and road risks remain problematic.
Knowing the causes of commercial truck accidents is crucial, as these incidents impact those directly involved and their families, friends, and communities. We are committed to helping those affected by commercial truck accidents at Hurt Trucker Attorneys.
Based in Missouri, we understand how these accidents can disrupt lives, and we work so that victims receive the support they need. We guide our clients through the legal process, ensuring accountability and pursuing fair compensation for injuries or losses caused by truck accidents.
Understanding Commercial Truck Accidents
Every year, several people suffer serious injuries or lose their lives in these accidents. According to recent statistics, 2022 and 2023 saw concerning trends in truck-related accidents in the United States. Factors such as fatigue and challenging weather conditions can exacerbate the risk, underscoring the importance of rigorous traffic safety measures.
Furthermore, size and regulations are critical to understanding how truck accidents differ from standard vehicle crashes. Commercial trucks have unique safety considerations and federal guidelines that set them apart.
Because of this complexity, victims of truck accidents often need the guidance of a dedicated personal injury attorney to navigate the aftermath. At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we have experience helping accident victims recover compensation for their injuries.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
Traffic accidents involving commercial trucks are often severe due to their size. Various factors contribute to these incidents, impacting the safety of everyone on the road.
- Driver Error: Driver error is a major cause in many large truck crashes. Common issues include speeding, fatigue, and distracted driving. These behaviors dramatically increase the risk of motor vehicle crashes. According to the IIHS, driver-related causes are a recurring theme in highway statistics.
- Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues are another major contributor. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions are hazardous. For example, the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) found that 29% of significant truck accidents were caused by brake problems, and tire problems caused 6%. By checking the comprehensive list of failures that can lead to accidents, operators can better prepare themselves to eliminate or reduce the risk of mechanical breakdowns.
- Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as inclement weather and road construction, can exacerbate large trucks’ dangers. These conditions make it difficult for drivers to maintain control, contributing to fatal crashes.
- Unmaintained Roads: Unmaintained roads also play a role in crash causation. Research by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has found that bad road conditions—like potholes, bumpy surfaces, and lack of signs—significantly raise the chances of accidents with large trucks. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) says that more than 40% of roads in the U.S. are in bad or average shape, leading to more crashes.
These factors highlight the need for truck drivers and companies to follow safety rules, keep their equipment in good shape, and use best practices to avoid accidents. Neglecting these legal duties can result in serious consequences..
Types of Commercial Truck Accidents
Some of the most common types of commercial truck accidents include:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are particularly hazardous with large trucks. Their enormous weight, often exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), makes stopping on short notice challenging. This can lead to severe injuries in passenger vehicles due to the significant force of impact.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a V-shape with the cab, often resulting from sudden braking. These incidents increase the risk of multi-vehicle collisions as the swinging trailer can obstruct multiple lanes.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents are typically caused by taking sharp turns too quickly or having improperly loaded cargo. Such accidents can cause immense damage to other vehicles and pose severe threats to pedestrians. Trucks with higher centers of gravity are especially prone to rollovers.
Underride Accidents
These accidents occur when a smaller cars slide under a truck, often leading to fatal outcomes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates underride guards to be installed on certain trailers, as stated in 49 CFR § 393.86. This rule mandates that trailers and semi-trailers weighing 10,000 pounds or more must have rear impact guards to improve safety. However, even with this rule, accidents still occur, and these guards often do not provide sufficient protection.
Bus Crashes
In the context of bus crashes, similar dangers apply. Large buses, with their significant mass and size, can cause catastrophic damage in collisions. Light pickup trucks, while more minor, can also be involved in severe accidents due to their weight and typical use in transport.
These accident types highlight the inherent risks involved with commercial vehicles on the road. Understanding these can aid in prevention and enhance safety for everyone sharing the road.
Liability in Commercial Truck Accidents
Who is responsible when a commercial truck accident happens? The answer can be complicated. Liability can often be shared between various parties, making these cases complex. Typically, the driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturer might share the blame.
Here is a breakdown of potential parties that may be held liable in truck accidents:
Trucking Company Responsibilities
Trucking companies bear significant legal responsibilities. They must maintain their vehicles properly and ensure compliance with hours-of-service regulations. Failure to do so can lead to severe accidents.
Trucking companies can be held liable if they neglect their responsibilities. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and state laws determine liability in Missouri. Some of the avenues for holding a trucking company liable include:
- Vehicle Maintenance Requirements: Under 49 CFR § 396, trucking companies must perform regular maintenance and inspections on commercial vehicles. Failure to maintain vehicles, leading to accidents from mechanical failures, can result in negligence claims.
- Hours of Service (HOS) Violations: Under 49 CFR § 395, these regulations limit driving hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Companies must ensure drivers follow HOS limits. If a company allows drivers to exceed these limits, it may face vicarious liability for resulting accidents.
- Missouri-Specific Legal Considerations: The Missouri Comparative Fault Statute (RSMo § 537.765) allows injured parties to seek compensation even if partially at fault. Negligence related to vehicle maintenance or HOS compliance can lead to liability. Companies must also maintain specific insurance coverage levels.
Trucking companies risk liability under federal and Missouri state laws if they fail to adhere to safety regulations.
Third-Party Liability
Sometimes, others are at fault, too. Manufacturers might be responsible if faulty parts contributed to the crash. Similarly, cargo loaders must secure loads safely. If their negligence leads to an accident, they might face liability. Maintenance providers who fail to perform necessary checks and repairs can also share in the blame.
Dealing with these issues can be challenging, and that’s where we can help. At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, our experience allows us to sort out these complicated situations, ensuring our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve.
How Hurt Trucker Attorneys Can Help With Commercial Truck Accident Claims
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we understand the complexities of commercial truck accidents. Our experienced lawyers know the federal and state laws about trucking, which helps us handle these cases well. We provide legal help in these ways:
Investigating the Accident
We meticulously investigate every aspect of the accident. This involves collecting crucial evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records. Each data point helps us fully understand what occurred, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Our focus is to uncover any lapses in compliance or safety standards that may have contributed to the accident.
Building a Strong Legal Case
Building a solid legal case is vital. Our team works to hold the responsible parties accountable by using the evidence gathered during our investigation. We leverage our extensive experience to construct compelling arguments and meet the legal standards necessary to pursue justice for our clients. It’s about making sure our clients receive due compensation for their losses.
Maximizing Compensation
Maximizing compensation involves understanding the array of damages victims might be eligible for. This typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. Our goal is to recover our clients moderately, reflecting the damages endured.
Book a Consultation to Discuss Your Case with Our Experienced Attorneys
Navigating the complexities of a commercial truck accident can be daunting. Our Missouri-based firm offers consultations to help you understand your potential case. This initial meeting allows us to evaluate the specifics and offer guidance on the steps forward.
This consultation is a chance for you to share your story with us. Whether it’s about pain, suffering, or financial hardship caused by the accident, we’re here to listen and advocate for you.
By meeting with our team, you gain legal insights and peace of mind. The consultation is risk-free; you only commit to us if you feel confident in our dedication and knowledge. Don’t hesitate to reach out and find out how we can assist with your case. Let’s work together to navigate this challenging time.
