Only 16 percent of deaths that occur in a big rig trucking accident happen to the driver of the semi-truck. The other 84 percent of people killed in trucking accidents are occupants of smaller vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
Why?
Simple physics. A true David and Goliath scenario without the happy ending. A semi-truck tractor trailer often weighs 20-30 times that of a passenger vehicle. Tractor trailers are taller vehicles, with better ground clearance and the driver is less likely to be crushed inside of the cab due to the impact of a collision.
Passenger vehicles, however, are smaller and less able to absorb the crushing force of a 75,000 pound vehicle. Cars and crossovers are also at greater risk because they are shorter and can be forced into a deadly under-ride scenario, where the vehicle and its occupants literally go under the trailer of a semi-truck.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists don’t stand a chance against a semi-truck. First of all, due to the height of the seated driver in a semi-truck, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists are very difficult to see. If a collision occurs, the pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist has no barrier between them and the 75,000 pounds of steel coming at them. In a full speed collision, death is a near certainty.
Fast Facts for Trucking Accidents
- The number of people killed in large semi-truck involved accidents rose 31% from 2009 to 2018
- The Trucking Industry continues to grow in spite of alternate ways to transport goods. 70% of all products reach their destination via long-haul truck transit.
- Due to the rate of growth of the trucking industry, experts predict that tractor trailer involved collisions will be the 5th leading cause of death in the United States by the year 2030.
- 74% of vehicle crashes that have at least one fatality involve a large truck.
- Faulty tires on big rigs account for the majority of truck accidents.
- Most trucking accidents occur during the day, specifically between the hours of 12 noon and 3pm.
Coming up
The stats are alarming and I’m seeing more accident reports and injured clients from trucking accidents than ever before. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working to get quick safety tips and fast facts on this website to help you stay informed and safe. In Virginia and West Virginia, we have to give special consideration to our driving behaviors because of the big rig travel on Interstates 64 and 81. These trucks are a fact of life that we must contend with. Stay informed by checking my website regularly. I’ll be posting about topics such as these:
- Do I need to hire a lawyer for my tractor trailer accident lawsuit?
- How much is my trucking accident claim worth?
- Should I talk to an insurance adjuster after my big rig trucking accident?
- When should I hire a lawyer after my trucking accident?
Find lawyer in Roanoke, Virginia that can help you with your personal injury lawsuit by calling The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation. Call today and speak to an intake specialist who is ready to evaluate your case. (540) 777-4900
