As a major metropolitan area, Atlanta sees millions of passenger vehicles and large trucks pass through each year. On a good day, any collisions between vehicles amount to nothing more than “fender benders.” But, we all know that serious motor vehicle accidents happen far too often. And, some of those collisions involve large trucks. Our readers may be surprised to hear some interesting statistics about trucking accidents in the United States.
According to the National Safety Council, from 2011 to 2020, the number of large trucks that were involved in fatal crashes in our country increased by 33%. The NSC notes that large trucks make up only 4% of the registered vehicles on our nation’s roadways, but that they are involved in 9% of all fatal traffic crashes. In 2020 alone, almost 5,000 people died across the country in collisions that involved large trucks. Sixty-three percent of fatal crashes occurred during daylight hours, while only about 27% occurred on interstate highways.
When it comes to injuries caused by collisions with large trucks, our readers may not be surprised to hear that occupants of other vehicles suffered the injuries in approximately 68% of collisions. The difference in size between large trucks and passenger vehicles means that those in the smaller vehicles are definitely more at risk.
Personal injury options
If you have been injured in a collision with a large truck, you may be able to consider a personal injury lawsuit as an option. Particularly if you believe the crash was caused by the negligence or recklessness of the truck driver or the driver’s employer, such legal action could result in an award of financial compensation that could help you pay your medical expenses and other costs associated with the collision. Each case is different, so you will need to have the facts and law that are applicable to your particular case analyzed thoroughly.