Truck accident statistics show worrisome increase in fatalities

Missourians are fully aware of the dangers of the road. A major factor in these risks is the presence of large trucks. Delivery trucks move commerce back and forth across the nation, provide jobs and are key factors in the economy. Since Missouri is centrally located, it is a hub for trucks. Unfortunately, along with the benefits come certain risks. Being in a semi-truck crash often leads to terrible consequences for those in smaller vehicles. Understanding the statistics is imperative to seeking methods to reduce these accidents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2017 had the most truck accidents in nearly three decades. Along with this increase in truck crashes, the number of fatalities also rose. In 2017, 4,761 people died in large truck accidents. This was a 9 percent increase from 2016.

The amount of commerce that is carted by truck is growing and, with the higher number of trucks on the road, there is a greater chance of trucking accidents. A common factor in the overall number of fatalities on the road is distracted drivers. This is believed to mitigate safety features that are regularly installed in newer trucks, such as emergency brakes, lane departure signals and rearview cameras.

Sharing the road with large trucks can be intimidating. This is even before one considers the factors that often contribute to a truck accident, including speeding, recklessness, truck driver fatigue, distracted trucking, and driving under the influence. When there is a truck accident, the victims in smaller vehicles can suffer severe injuries that lead to medical expenses, lost wages and more. When there is a death, the family will face the unexpected loss of a loved one. Having legal assistance to investigate the case is crucial to a legal filing. Calling a law firm experienced in truck accidents is the first step.