Being in a truck accident cannot be compared to a car accident; it’s a lot more complicated. If you were in a truck accident, you probably have questions: “Who is responsible? Who do I collect damages from? Could it have been the truck driver’s fault?” By their nature, truck accidents involve more players than car accidents. From the truck driver to the truck’s owner to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), it takes industry know-how to properly navigate a truck accident claim.
Do you have a valid claim? By better understanding the common causes of truck accidents and the laws that govern the commercial trucking industry, you’ll be in a better position to determine if you have a valid personal injury claim.
Let's start by examining the FMCSA, the organization in charge of regulating the transportation sector. According to their website, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) states that its main goal is to "reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and busses". In their "Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2020" report, we see that 4,998 trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in the year 2020. While that is a decrease of 5% from the year prior, it is up more than 1,000 crashes in the 2017 report.
In light of these stats, here's the top 5 driver-related factors and violations that led to these accidents in 2020:
- Speeding (351)
- Impairment (Fatigue, Alcohol, Illness, etc.) (250)
- Distracted driving (248)
- Careless driving (231)
- Failure to yield right of way (203)
The above statistics only represent the “top” truck driver violations; there are many more. Like drunk drivers, we can only assume that many more truck drivers are “breaking the rules.” This 2020 data only represents the drivers who were caught.
Top Causes of Trucking Accidents
While drivers of passenger vehicles cause their fair share accidents that involve semi-trucks, the focus of this post is truck driver negligence. Here are the top causes of truck accidents involving truck driver negligence:
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Texting while driving
- Taking a turn too fast
- Driving an overloaded truck
- Driving a poorly-maintained truck
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Costs of Truck Accidents for Survivors
A truck accident in New Jersey can result in extensive costs that go beyond just property damage. These losses can range depending on medical expenses, lost wages and earning potential due to disabilities or death, and property damage.
Aside from the immediate costs, there are also long-term economic effects on society. For instance, increased insurance premiums for trucking companies may eventually lead to higher prices for goods transported by trucks. Also, traffic delays caused by truck accidents can have ripple effects on productivity and commerce in affected areas.
The social and emotional costs of truck accidents also weigh in significantly. The aftermath of a truck accident can be devastating for those involved. Victims may suffer serious physical injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, requiring ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.
The survivors may also experience emotional distress and financial hardship due to mounting medical bills or lost wages from time off work following the accident.
What to Do if You've Been in a Truck Accident
Don't wait to get legal help if you or a loved one is injured in an accident involving a truck, commercial vehicle or construction equipment.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we first work to ensure that your health and well-being are restored, and then get to work beginning the process of getting you reimbursed for your losses. We handle the communications and negotiations with insurance companies and build your case to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t be left on the hook for medical bills and expenses that are not your fault.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to assisting clients throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area with their truck accident and personal injury cases. We have decades of experience and the extensive resources you need to secure a fair case result. Our compassionate truck accident attorneys put client care and your needs first. Contact us immediately for a free legal review.
Need a New Jersey truck accident attorney? Contact Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law