Truck accidents come with tragic results. The damage from these accidents can be extensive, and the motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists hit by large trucks typically bear the brunt of the losses from these crashes. Over 120,000 people hit by semi-trucks are injured or killed annually.
Take a closer look at why these crashes tend to be so dangerous and what you can do if you’ve suffered one.
The Size and Weight Disparity Between Passenger Vehicles and 18-Wheelers
The dangers posed by large truck crashes come from the size and weight of these vehicles. The federal weight limit for a fully loaded 18-wheeler is 80,000 pounds or 40 tons. This limit covers the truck, trailer, and cargo.
A properly registered commercial vehicle up to this weight can travel on interstate highways without any additional permits. Texas allows vehicles over this weight to travel if the carrier obtains an overweight or oversized permit.
The crash energy from a car accident depends on the weight and speed of the vehicles. Even when a truck hits you at low speed, the sheer weight gives it a massive amount of energy, which can have disastrous results.
Texas trucks can weigh 20 to 40 times more than smaller vehicles, like cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs. This explains why the occupants of the vehicle hit by a truck suffer 70% of the deaths and 73% of the injuries in truck accidents. By contrast, truck drivers account for about 19% of deaths and 26% of injuries.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
The agency responsible for regulating interstate trucking, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has studied the causes of large truck crashes. In collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles, the cause of the crash was attributed to the truck or its driver over 55% of the time.
The following causes were identified as significant factors in truck collisions:
Driver Fatigue
Driver error was the leading cause of large truck crashes. About 87% of collisions involving large trucks resulted from truck driver errors.
According to the FMCSA study, 13% of large truck crashes result from driver fatigue. Government regulations limit the hours a truck driver can work without taking a break. They also limit the number of hours the driver can work in a day and week.
The FMCSA enforces these rules using electronic logbooks. However, the study still attributed 18,000 crashes per year to fatigue. As technology improves, driver fatigue should cause fewer crashes.
Mechanical Failures
The FMCSA study blames 10% of collisions on mechanical failures. Some common equipment faults that lead to crashes include:
- Faulty brakes
- Worn tires
- Damaged wheels
- Defective trailer hitch systems
Of these, brakes caused the most crashes. According to the study, 29%, or roughly 41000 crashes per year, involved brake malfunctions.
Improper Loading
Careless and improper loading of a truck can cause two primary problems. First, an unbalanced load can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, particularly while navigating turns, curves, and elevation changes.
Second, an unsecured load can shift in transit. A shifting load can affect a trailer’s handling and can even dump onto the road or cause a trailer to roll over. The FMCSA study identified shifting loads as one of the top reasons for truck crashes. These loads were blamed for 6,000 crashes per year, or roughly 4% of the nation’s truck accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions
Trucks are often more sensitive to weather conditions. High winds can cause rollover accidents, while slick roads can cause trucks to slip or even jackknife on roads. The FMCSA study identified roadway problems as a factor in 29,000 crashes per year, or roughly 20%.
Types of Injuries Often Sustained in 18 Wheeler Accidents
Truck collisions can cause catastrophic injuries due to the massive crash energy involved. Some common truck crash injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Major lacerations
Using data from the National Safety Council, you can calculate that roughly 3.4% of passenger vehicle occupants injured in crashes will die from their wounds.
The Role of an Experienced Attorney
An experienced truck accident attorney in Houston understands the difficulties a truck accident victim faces. Trucking companies and their insurers have nearly unlimited resources and can fight aggressively against injury claims.
When you get hit by a truck due to a problem with the driver, truck, or load, a Houston truck accident lawyer listens to your story and gathers evidence to support your claim. The attorney can file a claim with the trucking company’s insurers and sureties and negotiate to settle it.
If your lawyer cannot settle, they can file a lawsuit against the trucking company.
FAQ
Why Are Trucks More Dangerous Than Cars?
The weight and height of a semitruck makes a truck crash much more dangerous than a car crash. Crash energy depends largely on weight, and 18-wheelers can weigh up to 40 times more than your vehicle. The height of a trailer can cause underrun crashes, where your vehicle slides under the trailer.
What Is the Most Common Cause of Truck Accidents?
According to the FMCSA, the top cause of truck accidents is malfunctioning brakes. The top driver-related reason is speeding.
Do I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer for My Crash?
Interstate trucking companies must have at least $750,000 in insurance policies and surety bonds. The insurers and sureties will require you to prove your injuries resulted from the trucking company’s negligence. A lawyer can present evidence and legal arguments to persuade them to pay your claim.
Contact Our Skilled Truck Accident Lawyers Today
A collision with an 18-wheeler can cause disabling, long-term injuries. At Ramsey Law Group, we have over 25 years of experience successfully advocating for victims and their families in Texas. Contact us to find out how we can help you with your case today.