Three Important Facts To Know About 18-Wheeler Accidents

Getting into an accident with an 18-wheeler is different from a regular car accident. Learn three major facts about 18-wheeler accidents and what to do if you get into one.

Facts About 18-Wheeler Accidents

Road traffic accidents are often traumatic, but when they involve 18-wheeler trucks, they can have life changing consequences. Due to the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers, accidents tend to be more forceful, resulting in higher levels of damage to vehicles and their occupants.

Here are three important facts to know about 18-wheeler accidents, as released by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT):

Fact #1: 18-Wheeler Accidents Account For One In Eight Road Traffic Accident Fatalities

Of the 500,000 trucking accidents that occur every year in the USA, approximately 5,000 result in fatalities. In fact, 18-wheeler accidents account for one in eight road traffic accident deaths.

Fact #2: 18-Wheeler Accidents Commonly Result From Driver Error

Driver error contributes to the vast majority of 18-wheeler accidents. Impaired drivers, whether affected by sleep deprivation, alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medications, make poor judgments and take unnecessary risks while using the roads.

Fact #3: 18-Wheeler Accidents Typically Occur On Dry Roads in Rural Regions

Approximately 68% of all fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas. Surprisingly, the vast majority of these accidents occur not in bad weather conditions, but on dry, unobstructed roads during daylight hours.

If you have been affected by an 18-wheeler accident, an experienced accident attorney can help you to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. If you wish to take legal action against a truck driver, you must start your case as soon as possible so that your legal team can begin to investigate the accident and preserve any vital evidence.