Trucking accidents are far more dangerous because of their large size and the amount of heavy freight that they carry at times, making injuries after the accidents more severe. Their high centers of gravity also increases the risk of rolling over, especially on ramps. Fifty-one percent of passengers in large trucks that were involved in crashes in 2013 died when their vehicle was rolled over.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute a total of 3,602 people died in large truck crashes in 2013. Although there are laws in place that require drivers to meet certain licensing standards as well as random test, this is still an issue that is effecting the lives of many around the world today.

If you have been injured in an accident seek medical attention and contact a truck accident attorney, you may be entitled to a settlement. Below are a few statistics gathered from the American Trucking Association regarding accidents during the past few years.
• 88% of fatal head-on collisions occurred between trucks and cars when the car crossed the median into the trucks lane

• Trucks accidents that resulted in fatalities decreased by 21% and injuries by 22% between 2003 to 2013

• Drivers fatigue only accounted for 1.6% of fatal crashes, but the ATA believes that the role of fatigue is highly under reported

• Truck drivers younger than 21 and in their 20s have a higher rate of involvement in both fatal and nonfatal crashes than older driver

• Doubles which are tractors that pull two other trailers are 2 to 3 times as likely as other rigs to be in crashes.

• Fifty six percent of the tractor-trailers involved in crashes had brake defects, which are the most common type of defect.

• Trucks have an overall crash rate that is 40% less than other vehicles.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp