Did you know that, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 3,608 fatal accidents in 2011 involved at least one truck? Many drivers have a stigma against trucks, and with good reason. Trucks can pose significant risks on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and sometimes even death. How dangerous are trucks compared to other vehicles, and when should you talk to a truck accident law firm?

Are Trucks Dangerous?

It is common knowledge that trucks have larger blind spots, and most truck drivers work long hours and are often sleep-deprived. Moreover, FMCSA reveals that truck drivers account for wholly 56% of single-vehicle crashes and fatalities. How do trucks compare to standard vehicles?

• The top three leading causes of accidents depend on the vehicle in question. The top three leading causes of accidents, for the average vehicle, include speeding, drunk driving, and distracting driving. For truckers, however, those factors shift somewhat. Speeding remains the top cause for all vehicles. Truck drivers, however, are much more likely to cause accidents from distracted driving than driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• General truck safety, however, is still up for debate. Programs such as the Michigan-based Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) aims to increase awareness and office-involvement in truck-related crashes. According to Fox News, “Officers will be on the lookout for violations by both passenger vehicle and truck drivers such as improper lane use, careless and reckless driving, speeding, following too close and failure to yield the right of way.”

What Should You Do If You Are the Victim of a Truck-Related Crash?

Filing auto accident injury claims is complicated, whether a truck is involved or not. If you are in an accident, stay calm and follow a few easy steps to reach fair car accident settlements. Always file a police report. Keep your own record of the accident, and be specific about it. Write down details, including the time, date, location, vehicles involved, weather conditions, and any other contributing factors. If you are filing a car accident injury claim, make sure to talk to the most relevant lawyers. If a truck was involved, consulting with a truck accident law firm may be especially helpful.

Stay safe on the roads by knowing some of the biggest risks, including driving too close to large trucks. Truck accident law firms may be able to help if you get into a crash with at least one truck involved. Read more.