We’ve written before about the enormous differences between car accidents and truck accidents. If you are involved in a truck accident you are at a much higher risk of injury or fatality than if you are involved in an ordinary passenger vehicle accident. Trucks are also typically owned and operated by large corporations, and have nearly unlimited resources to defend claims.
The number of trucks on the road is set to increase in 2022 just as it has in recent years. With more truckers traveling more miles, average drivers are at an increased risk on the highway. From the personal injury attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury, here are some key details on the risk of truck accidents this year, and what you should do in response.
The Risk of Truck Accidents
Feelings of unease while driving in close proximity to semi-trucks are completely rational. Statistics show that trucks are markedly more dangerous than ordinary passenger cars. Across all vehicle accidents that incurred a fatality, 74% involved a large truck.
What is even more troublesome is that, over the years, the number of truck accidents has been steadily rising. The period from 2009-2019 saw accidents involving trucks increase by over 40%, and the number of truck accidents is presently more than double the figure from 2009.
The U.S. has not seen a decline in truck accident injuries year-over-year since 2013, suggesting that the outlook for 2022 is even more foreboding if current trends continue.
Why Are Accidents Increasing?
Despite the continued increase in truck accidents over the last decade, there is little definitive answer as to why. However, the likely explanation is the increased number of trucks on the road.
Truck registrations as well as overall miles driven have increased substantially. This is readily apparent if you have driven on interstate highways recently, which are becoming more congested as a result of increased demand for delivery of goods. Over the past two years, ground freight has seen a major surge in demand as more consumers order items to be shipped to their home rather than shopping in-store. More trucks on the road means more vehicles with enormous blind spots which can cause wrecks. Drivers are also more distracted than ever as technology continues to advance, making for more dangerous roadways.
What To Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one are involved in a truck accident, it is important that your rights are protected. Due to the complexity of these cases, and the nearly unlimited resources of trucking companies and their insurance companies, it is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to navigate the process. An experienced truck accident lawyer will perform an investigation, build your case, and ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries.
Consult the Truck Accident Lawyers at Nelson Personal Injury
The attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury have been helping victims of truck accidents obtain the compensation they deserve for nearly 30 years. We understand that personal injury claims can be difficult – especially in the case of a truck accident – and we fight to ensure you are adequately protected. If you have questions regarding truck accidents, contact the attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury: nelsonpersonalinjury.com.
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