The trucking industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy. It is one of the major players that ensures you get the goods you need in your home or workplace. However, the number of truck accidents is rising. If it continues on this track, it would be the fifth-largest cause of death in the United States by 2030.
A closer look at the statistics
There has been a 52% increase in the number of truck accidents from 2009 to date. About 130,000 people who operate trucks suffer from severe injuries like spinal cord damage, internal bleeding, head trauma, back and neck injuries, broken bones and whiplash injuries.
It is even more dangerous to be hit by a truck carrying hazardous cargo like flammable liquids and solids, oxidizing substances, and explosive and combustible liquids. Approximately 4% of these trucks get into accidents every year. A slight collision could cause an explosion that can instantly kill the people involved.
What’s even more shocking is that 97% of all deaths in truck accidents are drivers or passengers in other vehicles like SUVs, vans and cars, not the truck driver. This is why it is very important to drive safely and to be actively pay attention when driving near a semi-truck.
What can you do after an accident?
Being involved in an accident is very scary, but you and others need to stay calm, call 911 immediately to request police and also ask for an ambulance if someone is injured. While you wait for the police to arrive, you can take pictures and videos of the scene and exchange information with the other driver if you are physically capable. Take down their insurance company and policy number, driver’s license number, phone number and name. Any information about the trucking company could be helpful too.
The aftermath of a crash with a commercial vehicle can be very complex. Besides the serious injury risks we’ve discussed above, there may be additional factors to consider:
- Was the truck driver following the rules?
- Was the vehicle up to code?
- Were there defective parts?
There is a statute of limitations for these cases, so it important to act quickly to make sure you file a claim, so you can get the compensation necessary for your recovery and all crash-related damages.