Are large truck collision fatalities on the rise?
It is not uncommon for large truck accidents to be caused by mechanical failure. Tire blowouts or faulty safety equipment can cause a driver to lose control and collide with other vehicles on California’s roads. Unfortunately, due to the discrepancy of size and speed, drivers of smaller passenger vehicles are at risk for serious injury in a collision with an 18-wheeler. Depending on many factors, these accidents can result in driver fatalities.
Many research groups carefully examine motor vehicle accident statistics to uncover various trends. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently released data from 2017 and highlighted numerous statistical trends, including:
- There were 4,102 fatalities in large truck crashes in 2017
- 68 percent of the deaths were occupants of the smaller vehicles
- 14 percent of the deaths were pedestrians
- This represents 30 percent more fatalities than in 2009
- Additionally, there were 52 percent more truck occupant fatalities than in 2009
The year 2009 is used for comparison as it recorded the lowest fatality totals since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. Aside from a small dip in 2016, passenger vehicle fatalities in collisions involving large trucks have been steadily increasing since 2011.
Drivers in all weather conditions, in all types of vehicles, on all types of paved surfaces must be aware of large trucks. Whether they are having difficulty making a turn, having trouble slowing down for stopped traffic, or attempting to overcome a huge blind-spot when changing lanes, a large truck collision can have deadly results. Following a collision, it is crucial that you discuss the accident with a skilled Los Angeles truck accident lawyer.