Trucks are incredibly important to commerce in the United States. They make it possible to bring large amounts of goods to cities and towns across the country. Railroads and rivers don’t have as much reach. Unfortunately, truck accidents have become more common in recent years. This has important negative impacts on Illinois residents.
Understanding the numbers
The number of large truck and bus accidents with fatalities increased by over 40% from 2009 to 2017. In fact, in 2017, accidents involving trucks caused over 10% of the total fatalities on US roads. This is in spite of a prior downward trend and better technology that should help to prevent the issue.
Because trucks are so large and heavy, they pose more risk in a crash than passenger cars do. When they hit objects, there is more force involved. Their weight and size also mean that they require more stopping distance when trying to avoid a collision.
It’s been difficult to identify the reasons behind the spike in truck crashes. One factor may be fatigue. Truckers are always under pressure to deliver their loads on time. This can mean staying behind the wheel even when they should stop for a rest break. Another factor may be the increase in distractions like smartphones. It will be tough to know until Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration conducts more studies.
In the meantime, if you’ve been involved in a collision with a truck, it’s important to protect yourself. One of the best ways to do that is to contact an attorney. An experienced lawyer may know which records to get from the trucking company. They understand how to deal with insurance companies. They may provide you with counsel about the strength of your case and what damages you may be able to collect.