From 2020 to 2024, truck accident injuries and deaths have increased. There were 4,965 fatalities in truck-related accidents in 2020. This number steadily increased each year and was 5,467 in 2024, a 10% increase in four years. Similarly, injuries from truck accidents also increased each year, from 146,930 injuries in 2020 to 160,000 in 2024, an 8.1% increase over that time.
Common causes of semi-truck accidents
Semi-truck accidents are not always due to negligence. Still, a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study found that 87% were due to driver error and 10% were due to vehicle malfunction. The primary causes of truck accidents in Connecticut were:
- Driver fatigue: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets rules for how long truck drivers can be on the road. However, some drivers or their employers ignore these rules. When drivers are tired, their reaction times and decision-making abilities suffer, leading to accidents.
- Distracted driving: Distractions like using a cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can distract a driver from the road. For an 80,000-pound semi-truck, even a brief distraction can have devastating results.
- Speeding: Semi-trucks are already difficult to control and stop. Driving at high speeds gives drivers less time to react to sudden changes in traffic, and it also makes accidents more severe when they happen.
- Improperly secured cargo: If the cargo on a semi-truck isn’t adequately secured, it can shift during transit, making the truck unbalanced and leading to rollovers or other types of accidents.
- Mechanical failures: Problems like brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can cause a driver to lose control of the truck. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent these accidents.
Poorly maintained or designed roads with unmarked obstacles or construction zones can also lead to crashes despite the driver’s best efforts. Understanding these common causes can help drivers in private vehicles be more aware and cautious.
Accountability for semi-truck accidents
When a semi-truck accident happens, several parties can be held responsible. The truck driver might be liable if their negligence, like distracted driving or speeding, caused the accident. The trucking company can also be accountable if they fail to properly train drivers, maintain their vehicles, or pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines. If a mechanical failure caused the accident, the manufacturer of the faulty part could be liable. In some cases, the local government might be held accountable for poor road maintenance that contributed to the accident.
The role of a truck accident attorney
A truck accident attorney can be invaluable for those severely injured in a semi-truck accident or for the surviving family members of victims. An experienced attorney can navigate the complex legal process, gather evidence and build a strong case to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve. This can include money for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.
