It is no great mystery why truck accidents are often catastrophic affairs. A fully-loaded truck weighs an enormous amount -- much more than the average vehicle -- and the force that is created when that amount of weight is travelling at high speeds is hugely destructive. These accidents often have deadly results, depriving loved ones of an accident victim's life. Because of the enormously destructive power possible in a truck accident, truckers are expected to follow extra rules and guidelines set in place to protect others on the road. Even with these rules and regulations, truck accidents still occur at an unfortunately high rate.
According to recent research, truck accidents account for 4,500 deaths per year in the United States. 11 percent of fatal road crashes are caused by trucks. The study, conducted in Tennessee, examined a sample of 1,134 truck accidents and 1,033 multi-vehicle accidents over five years. Intended to measure the severity of accidents with trucks involved compared to other motor vehicle accidents, the study's result were conclusive.
The severity of accidents when trucks were on the road were found to be much higher than in their absence. Ultimately, the authors of the study hope that by providing this scientific data the number and severity of truck accidents can be reduced.
Reducing these types of accidents in the long run is an admirable goal, but victims and families of victims who have recently been involved in accidents with truck drivers are likely looking for more immediate remedies. In many of these truck accidents, victims are able to pursue compensation for the damages done if the truck driver displayed negligence, allowing victims to possibly receive compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Source: Medical Xpress, "Trucks found to be a significant cause of severe accidents," Dec. 6, 2013