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In the wake of a truck accident, the initial blame often falls squarely on the truck driver’s shoulders. News headlines scream about “out-of-control” trucks and “reckless truckers,” perpetuating a public perception that truck drivers are solely responsible for these devastating incidents.
While it’s easy to assume that truck drivers are responsible for most truck accidents, research suggests this is not always true. Many truck accidents are actually caused by car drivers, not truckers.
How Many Truck Accidents Are Caused By Cars?
In crashes between trucks and passenger vehicles, drivers of passenger cars are more frequently at fault than truck drivers. According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 44% of trucks and 56% of passenger cars were at fault in two-vehicle accidents involving trucks and cars.
Most of these accidents occurred because of driver errors. These include failing to recognize dangerous situations and reacting accordingly, or recognizing them but responding incorrectly. The study also revealed that fatigue and intoxication were more common in passenger vehicle drivers than in truckers.
Another study from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) analyzed over 8,300 fatal car-truck crashes to determine who was at fault. Car drivers were found to be responsible for 81% of the crashes, compared to only 27% for truck drivers.
Since these figures suggest that truck drivers are not always the cause of truck accidents, determining who is responsible for crashes involving semi-trucks and the resulting financial burden can be challenging for accident victims. In fact, the figures above can sometimes be used by trucking companies to support their claims that car drivers may share in the responsibility for collisions.
The Main Causes Of Truck Accidents
Although numerous factors can lead to a commercial truck accident, here are some of the most common causes:
Driving In Blind Spots
Many accidents happen because passenger vehicles travel in the “no zone,” a portion of the truck where the driver cannot see anything. Compared to passenger cars, trucks have larger blind spots. These spots, located on the truck’s front, back, and sides, can hide vehicles from the driver’s view.
Motorists who remain in these blind spots make it much harder for truck drivers to see them. No zones also limit the trucker’s maneuverability and might lead them to crash into a vehicle they did not even know was there.
Turning Left In Front Of Trucks
Making a left-hand turn is generally more dangerous and complicated. Rather than making a right-hand turn, drivers must be aware of oncoming traffic from three directions. These include vehicles from the opposite lane and both lanes of a road that intersect at a crossing.
The average truck needs a lot more space than a smaller, lighter automobile to come to a complete stop. Those who are unaware of this go ahead and turn in front of a truck, not recognizing just how dangerous it is. Drivers usually get into accidents when they try to cut off such a massive vehicle at an intersection.
Unsafe Merging Or Lane Changing
Some drivers fail to use their signal lights when changing lanes or merging, which creates a hazard for other motorists and road users. Sudden lane changes often lead to sideswipe accidents, especially when merging vehicles run out of space and scramble to get back in the right lane to avoid oncoming vehicles.
Passenger car drivers frequently get into accidents when they merge right in front of a truck after passing it on the highway or approaching an intersection. Aside from being in the truck’s blind spot, such a situation doesn’t allow the trucker enough time and space to hit the brakes at a sudden stop, thereby rear-ending the car.
Distracted Driving
Anything that takes a driver’s full focus away from the road is considered a distraction. These include phones, GPS, stereos, food and drinks, pets, and conversations with other passengers.
Distracted driving can lead to accidents because drivers lose sight of their surroundings. They tend to miss signals from other drivers or fail to watch out for road hazards, making them more likely to get into a crash.
Both truckers and car drivers have their fair share of these distractions that render them unable to react and adjust to vehicles that make sudden lane changes or come to a full stop in front of them.
Driving Under The Influence (DUI)
Alcohol and drugs can significantly impair a driver’s senses and alertness on the road. Intoxication can increase the likelihood of drivers engaging in reckless behaviors and endangering other road users. Drunk or drugged drivers may exceed the speed limit, run a red light, swerve lanes carelessly, or fail to yield the right-of-way. Our experienced car accident lawyers have handled various cases involving these negligent drivers, and we can help you assess their potential liability.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is more common for passenger car drivers, and part of the reason is that there are strict truck laws on intoxicated driving. However, this doesn’t mean that truck drivers don’t cause DUI accidents anymore.
Driver Fatigue
When it comes to driver fatigue, truck drivers typically come to mind. This is because they work long shifts and drive continuously for several hours. Even though there are trucking regulations to combat fatigued driving, some companies violate these rules and allow (or force) truck drivers to work beyond these hours.
Any driver on the road can become drowsy when they’re too tired to drive. It’s even more risky if a driver, while already fatigued, then takes certain drugs to help them stay awake. As with driving under the influence, driving when exhausted can impair a driver’s capacity for proper situational awareness and prompt response to other vehicles or road hazards.
Reckless Driving
Many passenger vehicles drive recklessly around commercial trucks. This impatience can cause them to tailgate trucks or speed past them. Accidents often result from trucks being unable to react to these reckless driving behaviors in time.
Trucks are heavy and require significant stopping distances, a factor some drivers may overlook. If a driver suddenly slams on the brakes because another vehicle cuts in front of a truck, it can cause the truck to jackknife. This situation can lead to a serious accident, potentially injuring the drivers of both vehicles and other road users nearby.
Common Injuries In Truck Accidents
The victims of a truck accident, whether the occupants of the truck or the passenger vehicle, can suffer catastrophic injuries, including the following:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Whiplash
- Broken or fractured bones
- Loss of limbs or amputation
- Spinal cord injuries that may result in paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
If you get injured in a truck accident, even if it’s a minor one, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. After receiving first aid from emergency responders and being cleared by police officers to leave the scene, opt for a thorough medical examination. Doing so will help identify symptoms that may have gone unnoticed and untreated.
In unfortunate cases, serious physical injuries from a truck accident may lead to death. In these situations, the victim’s family may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their losses.
Why Do Truck Accidents Lead To Serious Injuries?
Due to their size and weight, truck collisions can have tragic consequences. Smaller cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to injury even in low-impact collisions.
Compared to accidents between two smaller cars, accidents involving trucks can be much more dangerous. In 2021, 5,788 people died in truck accidents, a 17% increase in fatalities from 2020. Of these casualties, 72% were occupants of other vehicles, 17% were large truck occupants, and 11% were pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcycle riders.
Truck accidents are dangerous for everyone involved. For the truck driver, the potential injuries can be just as devastating, as highway collisions are the main reason they get hurt. In the event of an accident, it is not unusual for 18-wheelers to jackknife, overturn, or drive off the road and down steep barriers, resulting in severe, occasionally fatal, injuries.
Types Of Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents come in different forms, and it is essential to be familiar with them, as they affect the value of your potential claim. Among the most common truck collisions are:
Rollover Crashes
A rollover can happen when a driver suddenly swerves or turns to avoid a crash. It can also result from improper cargo loading, brake failure, and hazardous road conditions. An accident may happen if the freight moves around in transit and causes an imbalance in the truck, causing it to flip over.
Head-On Collisions
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles crash into each other from opposing lanes. Drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, or reckless may end up directly in an 18-wheeler’s path and get into a high-impact collision, which could lead to serious injuries or even death.
Rear-End Collisions
Driving too closely behind another vehicle can lead to rear-end collisions. These usually happen when a driver is speeding, intoxicated, or distracted. In truck accidents, it could be the tractor-trailer bumping into the back of the car or vice versa. Meanwhile, high-speed and high-impact crashes may lead to underride accidents, where the car goes under the truck. These accidents are often fatal.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknifing incidents happen when a semi’s trailer and cab fold in to form a V-shape. Trucks may jackknife when their tires lose grip on the road while they’re speeding or when it’s slippery. These accidents also happen when other cars try to cut off a big rig, causing the trucker to brake as hard as they can to avoid a crash.
T-Bone Accidents
Also called side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents commonly happen at intersections. The involved vehicles crash into each other at a perpendicular angle, forming a T-shape. These accidents happen when truck and car drivers make improper turns, fail to yield, or run red lights.
Safety Tips For Driving Near Large Trucks
Sharing the road with a truck is not the same as sharing it with another smaller vehicle. When driving with these road giants, taking precautions and driving defensively is vital.
To avoid truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) advises drivers to follow these guidelines:
Stay Visible
It is vital for drivers to know where a truck’s blind spots are and to avoid them at all costs. A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck driver in their side mirror, they most likely cannot see you either. Move away from the blind spot as soon as possible, whether it means driving a little faster or slowing down.
Pass With Care
Before passing a truck, make sure the driver can see you and your signal lights in their side mirror. Then, accelerate in the left lane. Check that you can see the truck in your rearview mirror before merging.
Many car drivers are unaware that air turbulence or crosswinds can blow them out of place as they attempt to pass commercial trucks. It is a good practice to avoid driving between two massive trucks and to never leave a car in the middle of a travel lane.
Also, take extra caution on downgrades, as trucks tend to pick up speed. To be safe, avoid passing them in these areas. Instead, stay in the right lane, reduce your speed, and give them enough room to pass.
Maintain A Safe Distance
If you drive too fast or cut in front of a truck, you risk getting into an accident. Maintain a safe distance when driving in front of, beside, or behind them. Furthermore, if you’re driving behind a truck, focus solely on the road. These large vehicles may roll backward when stopped in traffic, especially on an upgrade. Lastly, leave enough space between your car and the truck to avoid underride accidents.
Anticipate Wide Turns
Trucks require more room to maneuver and may swing wide. If you’re not turning left, always remain on the right side of the road at intersections. Also, don’t squeeze in between a turning truck and a curb.
Be Patient
Big rigs require longer acceleration times than cars. They also follow certain speed restrictions. When traffic is at a standstill, repeatedly honking your horn won’t help you reach your destination faster. Avoid driving aggressively or weaving through traffic, as these actions can lead to an accident.
Prioritize Your Safety
Always wear your seatbelt when driving. If you get into an accident, this will help keep you safely secured in your seat and minimize the risk of serious injury. Also, stay away from distractions and be alert while driving. Never drive when you’re exhausted, sleepy, or intoxicated. Remember that if you do so, you’re putting not only your life but also the lives of other road users in danger.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you can do if you get involved in a truck accident:
- If possible, pull your car over to the side of the road to prevent further accidents or avoid obstructing traffic. Turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers can see you.
- Call 911 immediately if you or anyone else needs assistance or is hurt.
- Stay at the scene until aid arrives. A hit-and-run offense could be brought against anyone involved who leaves the scene after a crash.
- Obtain the names and insurance information of the parties involved. Essential data to gather following an accident includes:
- The truck’s license plate and any further identifying information (make/model)
- The company name and the truck driver’s license number
- Names and addresses of the drivers and passengers, their insurance provider, and the policy number
- Any witnesses’ names, contact information, and addresses
- Use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident site and the damage. Also note the accident’s location and the surrounding circumstances, such as the weather and time of day.
- Do not admit or take responsibility for the crash, but record an audio description of what happened. When the accident report becomes available, obtain a copy.
- Get legal counsel as soon as possible. Keep in mind that there are specific deadlines for filing compensation claims. Our personal injury lawyers, who focus on truck accident cases, can assist you and promptly work on your case.
Truck accidents are more complex than other types of car accidents, so it is recommended to seek knowledgeable legal support if you’re involved in one. When you file a truck accident claim, you could be going against big companies that may offer settlements that do not reflect the full extent of your losses. A commercial truck accident lawyer can advocate for your rights and pursue appropriate compensation on your behalf.
Seeking Compensation After A Truck Accident
You can seek compensation for your injuries and losses if another driver or party is at fault for your truck accident. The circumstances of the crash and the severity of your injuries will ultimately determine the compensation you may be entitled to under the law. However, victims of truck crashes often experience the following damages:
- Past and ongoing medical expenses.
- Costs for future medical care.
- Rehabilitation, including physical therapy.
- Lost wages and future earnings.
- Property damage, including replacement and repair expenses from auto body shops.
- Pain and suffering.
- Mental anguish.
- Emotional trauma.
- Disability.
- Disfigurement.
- Loss of enjoyment.
- Wrongful death damages (if you lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident).
Our lawyers handling truck accident claims can assess the value of your injuries and losses. We can also help you gather crucial evidence that details the extent of your damages. Additionally, our skilled truck accident lawyers can assist you in pursuing compensation from the party who may be responsible for your accident.
Potential Liable Parties In Truck Accidents
Multiple parties are potentially involved in the collision besides the motorists themselves, including:
- Truck owners
- Trucking companies
- Truck mechanics
- Cargo loaders
- Shipping companies
- Designers and manufacturers of trucks and truck components
Various factors can contribute to a truck accident. Working with our truck accident attorneys can help you determine what caused the crash and who may be at fault. During an investigation, we assemble a team of expert witnesses to support victims’ truck accident claims. This team comprises a private investigator, a mechanical expert, a specialist skilled in extracting data from a commercial truck’s “black box” or event data recorder, and an accident reconstructionist. The insights from these experts help us assess liability and the proportion of fault each party bears for the accident.
We Offer Tailored Legal Assistance For California Truck Accident Victims
At Arash Law, we understand the uncertainty that follows a truck crash, which is why we provide victims with comprehensive legal representation and personalized attention to their case. We believe every truck accident claim is unique, and we tailor our legal strategies specifically to the circumstances of your case and your individual needs.
Our team assists injured victims in filing claims, conducting thorough investigations, gathering crucial evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing them in court. We work diligently to help them pursue compensation for property damage, medical costs, lost earnings, emotional suffering, and other losses you might have incurred.
Our personal injury law firm handles a wide range of injury cases involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles. Our truck crash lawyers help pursue claims against semi-truck drivers, trucking corporations, and their insurance providers.
We serve injured victims throughout California and are available to answer any questions they have about their case. We can also meet with clients in person or remotely by scheduling a consultation at a time that works best for them.
Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys In California
After a serious truck crash, the trucking company that owns the truck and employs the driver will typically act quickly to manage the scene. Some trucking companies will act swiftly to secure damaged trucks and direct communication with the truck driver through legal representation. They may also attempt to negotiate a settlement.
A thorough investigation is necessary to determine who may be responsible for the accident and your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses if you or a loved one were hurt in a truck accident in California. Arash Law’s experienced truck accident attorneys can help you with this legal matter.
Our team of skilled personal injury attorneys can help safeguard your legal rights after an accident. We gather facts and documentation to determine the cause of your truck accident. We aim to assist you in pursuing compensation for your losses and provide support that can help you return to a normal life.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation with our truck collision lawyers. We’re here to help you understand your legal options.
