Tractor-trailers transport billions of dollars worth of products and raw materials across the country every year. Unfortunately, many truck accidents happen daily, and some are serious or fatal. Truck accidents occur for many reasons, and sometimes the weather plays a role. Truck drivers are supposed to drive with a higher level of care than other drivers, so poor weather isn’t an excuse for the trucker to lose control of their rig and cause an accident.
Speak to a Billings truck accident attorney in your city if you think a truck driver’s negligence caused your accident injuries. You may be entitled to compensation.
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Commercial truck accidents continue to wreak havoc on American roads. In a recent year, the United States recorded 168,320 significant truck accidents, resulting in 4,766 fatalities and 54,667 injuries. Fatal crashes involving large trucks increased by 1.8 percent over the last four years and 49 percent over the past decade.
Of the 5,936 deaths in a recent year, 70 percent were occupants of passenger vehicles, 19 percent were truck occupants, and 11 percent were pedestrians or cyclists. Approximately 161,000 injuries occurred, with 73 percent affecting passenger vehicle occupants. Texas led with the highest number of accidents, followed by California and Florida. About 32 percent of crashes involved speeding, while driver fatigue, inattention, and mechanical failures were significant contributors.
Most accidents (61 percent) occurred in rural areas, 47 percent during daylight, and 49 percent on major non-interstate roads. Tractor-trailers were involved in 73 percent of fatal crashes, while single-unit trucks accounted for 28 percent. Large trucks, defined as vehicles over 10,000 pounds, accounted for 5 percent of registered vehicles but 10 percent of miles traveled. Despite safety advancements, the number of fatal crashes rose 52 percent over a recent decade.
Always call a truck accident lawyer when a big rig hits and injures you. Your injuries may be severe, and your truck accident attorney will obtain more compensation than you can on your own.
Tractor-trailer accidents involving large commercial trucks are a significant concern on roadways due to their potential for severe damage and fatalities. These accidents stem from a variety of factors, including human error, environmental conditions, and mechanical issues. Your truck accident lawyer will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault. In many cases, the truck driver and employer may be liable for the crash and your injuries.
The leading cause of tractor-trailer accidents is driver error, often linked to fatigue. Truck drivers typically work long hours under tight delivery schedules, which can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, or even fall asleep at the wheel.
According to studies, fatigue is a factor in approximately 13 percent of large truck crashes. Distraction, such as using mobile devices, eating, or adjusting in-cab systems, also contributes significantly. Inexperienced drivers may struggle to handle the size and weight of tractor-trailers, especially in challenging conditions, which further increases the risk of accidents.
Speeding is another major contributor to tractor-trailer accidents. Large trucks require longer distances to stop, and excessive speed reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes, such as traffic slowdowns or obstacles. Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive lane changes, tailgating, or disregarding traffic signals, exacerbate the problem. Federal data indicates that speeding was a factor in about 7 percent of fatal truck crashes. When combined with the massive weight of tractor-trailers, often exceeding 80,000 pounds, high speeds can lead to catastrophic collisions with smaller vehicles.
Mechanical failures, particularly brake and tire issues, are significant causes of tractor-trailer accidents. Faulty brakes can prevent a truck from stopping in time, while tire blowouts can cause loss of control. Poor maintenance, such as neglecting regular inspections or failing to replace worn parts, increases the likelihood of these failures.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that vehicle defects contribute to roughly 10 percent of truck accidents. Overloading trucks beyond their weight capacity also strains systems, leading to brake failures or rollovers, especially on curves or uneven roads.
Adverse weather conditions and poor road surfaces play a significant role in tractor-trailer accidents. Rain, snow, ice, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, making it challenging for heavy vehicles to handle. Trucks are particularly susceptible to hydroplaning or skidding on wet surfaces. Uneven or poorly maintained roads, construction zones, or sharp curves further complicate safe navigation. While drivers are trained to adapt to such conditions, failure to reduce speed or exercise caution often leads to accidents. Weather-related factors are cited in approximately 5 percent of truck crashes, though their impact varies by region and season.
Weather plays a significant role in truck accidents, as it can drastically alter driving conditions and increase the risks large commercial vehicles face. Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, ice, or high winds, reduce visibility, compromise vehicle control, and affect road surfaces, all of which can contribute to collisions.
Due to their size, weight, and longer stopping distances, trucks are particularly vulnerable to these conditions, making weather a critical factor in accident causation. Understanding how various weather elements affect trucking can shed light on why such incidents occur and how they might be prevented.
Rain is one of the most common weather-related factors in truck accidents. Wet roads reduce tire traction, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning or skidding, especially for trucks carrying heavy loads. The spray from truck tires can also obscure visibility for surrounding vehicles, heightening the risk of rear-end or side collisions. According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 22 percent of all vehicle crashes are weather-related, with rain being a leading contributor. For truck drivers, maintaining a safe speed and increasing following distances are vital in wet conditions; however, time-sensitive delivery schedules can pressure drivers to take risks, thereby exacerbating the danger.
Snow and ice present even greater challenges. Icy roads drastically reduce traction, making it difficult for trucks to stop or maneuver. Black ice, in particular, is a hidden hazard that can cause sudden loss of control. Snowstorms often reduce visibility to near zero, and accumulated snow on roads can cause trucks to get stuck or jackknife. Truck accidents tend to spike during snow events in regions with frequent winter weather, such as the Midwest and Northeast. Truck drivers must be trained to recognize these risks and equipped with proper tires and chains, though not all companies prioritize such preparations.
Fog is another major contributor to truck accidents, as it severely limits visibility. Dense fog can make it impossible to see other vehicles, road signs, or obstacles until it’s too late to react. Trucks require more time to stop than passenger vehicles, so sudden slowdowns in foggy conditions can lead to chain-reaction crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that fog-related crashes often involve multiple vehicles, with trucks frequently engaged due to their size and momentum. Slowing down and using fog lights are essential, but drivers may underestimate the severity of fog, especially on unfamiliar routes.
High winds also pose a unique threat to trucks, particularly those with high profiles like tractor-trailers. Strong gusts can push trucks off course or, in extreme cases, cause them to overturn. Empty trailers are especially susceptible to wind, as they lack the stabilizing weight of a load. Rural highways, where crosswinds are common, see a disproportionate number of wind-related truck accidents. Drivers must adjust their speed and grip the wheel firmly, but fatigue or inexperience can hinder their ability to respond effectively.
Weather conditions significantly increase the risk of truck accidents by creating hazardous driving conditions that challenge even the most skilled drivers. Rain, snow, fog, ice, and wind each introduce unique dangers that require caution, preparation, and adherence to safety protocols. Truck drivers are required to drive with a higher level of care than other drivers, so bad weather doesn’t excuse causing a serious truck accident.
Your truck accident lawyer will investigate the weather conditions at the time of the crash. The weather conditions may be a factor that makes the truck driver liable for the accident.
Determining the worth of a truck accident claim is a complex process that depends on several factors unique to your case. Each accident has distinct circumstances, and no two claims are identical, so an accurate valuation requires a detailed assessment of your losses.
Generally, truck accident claims tend to have higher settlement values than standard car accident claims due to the severe injuries and extensive damages often caused by large commercial vehicles. Settlements typically account for economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages, with amounts varying based on the severity of the injury, liability, and insurance coverage.
Economic damages, covering quantifiable financial losses, form the foundation of most truck accident claims. These include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care for long-term injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage.
Lost income is another key component, compensating for income lost due to missed work or diminished earning capacity if injuries prevent you from returning to your job. Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle, is also included. For example, if medical bills total $50,000, lost income amounts to $20,000, and vehicle repairs cost $10,000, your economic damages would be at least $80,000. Accurate documentation, such as receipts and pay stubs, is critical to maximizing this portion of your claim.
Non-economic damages address intangible losses, primarily pain and suffering, which encompass physical discomfort, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. These are harder to quantify, so insurance companies often use a multiplier method, where economic damages are multiplied by a factor (typically 1.5 to 5) based on the severity of the injury. For instance, severe injuries, such as permanent disability, might warrant a higher multiplier (4 or 5), while minor injuries might use a lower one (1.5 or 2). Another approach, the per diem method, assigns a daily rate, often tied to your daily earnings, for the duration of your suffering. If you experience pain for 180 days at $200 per day, this can add $36,000 to your claim. The subjective nature of these damages makes an experienced attorney essential to argue for a fair amount.
A truck accident lawyer can significantly enhance your ability to secure fair compensation after a collision with a commercial vehicle. These cases are complex due to the severe injuries, multiple liable parties, and intricate regulations governing the trucking industry. An experienced truck accident attorney provides critical support by navigating legal challenges and advocating for your rights.
First, your lawyer thoroughly investigates the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, driver logs, dashcam footage, and electronic logging device data to establish liability. Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as drivers, trucking companies, or manufacturers, so identifying all responsible entities is key to maximizing your claim.
They also assess damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering, ensuring all losses are accounted for. For example, if your medical expenses are $30,000 and you’ve lost $10,000 in income, a lawyer ensures these are fully documented and pursued.
Second, they handle negotiations with insurance companies, which often employ tactics to minimize payouts. Trucking companies typically have substantial insurance policies, but adjusters may offer low settlements. A skilled attorney counters these strategies, leveraging evidence to demand fair compensation. They’re prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court if negotiations fail.
Additionally, truck accident lawyers are familiar with federal and state trucking regulations, including those enforced by the FMCSA. Violations like driver fatigue or improper maintenance can strengthen your case. They also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront—fees are only collected if you win.
Ultimately, a truck accident lawyer levels the playing field, protecting you from being overwhelmed by legal complexities or pressured into accepting inadequate settlements. Their skill ensures you receive the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on recovery.
A serious truck accident can leave you with devastating injuries. You need a skilled truck accident lawyer to negotiate with the insurance company to maximize your compensation. Speak to an experienced Billings personal injury lawyer today in your area for a free consultation.
At Colton Holm Law Firm, we look forward to learning how we can help you resolve your legal concern.Call us today: (406) 259-9986