A large truck crashes into two passenger vehicles, leading to a fatality and four people sustaining severe injuries. Who or what is to blame for such a collision when all arrows point to the large truck?
In such a scenario, the responsibility for a large truck accident can be attributed to a number of players, and negligence may be involved. The blame could lie with the distracted truck driver or the trucking carrier for not providing training to an inexperienced driver.
Georgia had fourth most fatalities in 2020
Large trucks contribute to numerous fatalities and injuries in the U.S. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, nearly 5,000 people died on American roads and nearly 147,000 sustained injuries in large truck accidents in 2020.
Of all states, Georgia ranked fourth in having the most fatalities with 234. The top three states with the most truck fatalities that year were Texas (643); California (398); and Florida (344).
Drivers, carriers and manufacturers
You never forget the destruction caused by a large truck crash, and blame for such incidents may lay with:
- Truck drivers: Many driver-attributed crashes are due to prescription drug use, driving too fast for conditions, over-the-counter drug use, fatigue, work-related pressures, making an illegal maneuver, or inattentive and distracted driving.
- Truck carriers: With a shortage of truck drivers, some companies may hire and inadequately train drivers who just may not be prepared to get behind the wheel of these colossal vehicles.
- Truck manufacturers: Some large trucks on the market have defective parts. Brake failure is among the most common causes of truck-attributed crashes.
- Maintenance companies: Truck carriers rely on some companies to properly repair and maintain their vehicles. Mistakes made by the mechanics of these firms could prove deadly.
- Cargo-loading companies: An improperly loaded truck sometimes leads to unbalanced loads and shifting cargo. Drivers have difficulty maneuvering the vehicle which may overturn.
Any of these players may have contributed to the collision that led to life-changing injuries.
Seek compensation
Many large truck accidents are preventable. If you sustain injuries attributed to negligence in such a crash, you should seek legal advice.