Posted in: | Dec 30,2018
Truck accidents almost always result in severe injuries or fatalities, typically involving occupants of the smaller vehicle involved in the crash. In Indiana, there were a total of 100 fatal truck accidents in 2016. That was a drop of 106 and 112 fatal truck crashes in 2015 and 2014 receptively, which is good news. But it was also a sharp increase from the low of 82 fatal truck accidents recorded in 2009.
That data comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which tabulated truck accident facility data from 2006 to 2016. Out of the 100 fatal truck accidents in 2016, 17 were single vehicle accidents that also included non motorized vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists. 83 crashes involved multiple vehicles.
The 100 fatal truck and semi rig accidents recorded in 2016 resulted in a total of 107 fatalities. Over the 2006-2016 period, the lowest fatality toll recorded was in 2009 when there were 96 deaths in truck accidents.
Overall nationwide, there were 3864 fatal truck accidents in 2016, resulting in 4,317 fatalities. Collision with a vehicle in transport was the main injury or fatality-causing factor in as many as 73 percent of the accidents, with truck rollover accounting for 5 percent of all fatal truck crashes.
Truck accidents can be caused by a number of factors, mainly driver error, driver fatigue, distracted driving, and other factors. Truck drivers work long hours at the wheel, and may be more prone to fatigue and drowsiness compared to motor vehicle drivers. A truck driver’s medical condition may also cause fatigue or driver error, causing an accident.
Any truck accident investigation after a truck crash can, therefore, involve a complete evaluation of the drivers’ driving record, his medical history and other factors that may have played a role in causing the accident. The maintenance and repair records of the truck may also be investigated in order to determine if a malfunctioning truck part was the cause of the crash.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may qualify for a claim for damages in compensation for medical costs, lost income and other costs incurred as a result of your injury. There may be more than one party liable in your claim. A claim can include not just the truck driver, but also the trucking company, freight carrier, truck manufacturer, repair and maintenance company, and other parties. Talk to an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer at Montross Miller and discuss your claim.
