Have you been in an automotive accident with a large truck or another type of commercial vehicle?
In 202 there were 126 accidents in Muskegon County involving commercial trucks or busses. Out of those 126 accidents, there were 22 injuries and 1 fatality.
According to a 33-month study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, it was found that there were approximately 450,000 commercial automotive accidents reported to police in 2017. Each case involved at least one commercial truck with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or more.
Accidents with commercial vehicles can be caused by a number of factors.
A few example factors include a lack of driver training and experience, vehicle manufacturer, road conditions, and weather conditions. Other common reasons for vehicle accidents with large trucks and other commercial vehicles include a tire blowout, distracted driving, speeding, neglected vehicle maintenance, driver fatigue, and other factors.
There are three major types of causes that are most commonly reported in accidents with large trucks. Causes included, 32% of cases reported were a result of the truck driver running out of travel lane, 29% of cases were related to the commercial vehicle losing control, and 22% were the result of a rear-end crash with another vehicle.
Based on the commercial vehicle accident sampling outlined in the report, the major vehicle risk factors documented after an accident with a large commercial vehicle include,
- Vehicle brake problems
- A driver traveling too fast for conditions
- Driver unfamiliar with the roadway
- Environment and roadway problems
- Over the counter drug use
- Inadequate surveillance
- Driver fatigue
- Pressure from carrier
- Illegal maneuvers
- Inattention
- External distractions
- Tire problems
- Following too close
- Jackknife
- Cargo Shift
- Driver Illness
- Internal distraction
- Illegal drug use
- Alcohol use
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019 approximately 5,500 people were killed in large-truck crashes. This is an increase of 26% since 2019, with 3,658 deaths being reported.
When involved in an accident with a large truck or another commercial vehicle, the odds of a driver or passenger injury or fatality increase substantially. According to the National Institute of Traffic and Highway Safety reports, more than half of all injuries reported were from passengers whose vehicle was hit by the commercial driver.
Common injuries reported by victims of commercial vehicle accidents include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, burns, seatbelt and airbag injuries, amputations, neck/back and spinal cord injuries, internal injuries, and lacerations.
If you were involved in an accident with a large truck or another commercial vehicle, you should contact the experienced personal injury attorneys of Shafer Swartz PLC.
Shafer Swartz PLC is located in Muskegon, Michigan. We have helped commercial vehicle accident victims across the state of Michigan. We have helped to collect more money for their clients than any other firm in Muskegon County.