The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported almost 160,000 truck accidents in the US in 2023, resulting in nearly 75,000 injuries and 5000 fatalities. These accidents can occur at any speed, but certain speed ranges make crashes more likely and more severe. While many people assume that high-speed collisions cause the most accidents, data shows that a significant number of truck crashes happen at moderate speeds. Understanding the speed at which most truck accidents occur helps drivers, trucking companies, and policymakers improve road safety and prevent devastating [...]
Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these big rigs. When victims suffer severe injuries, they may be entitled to significant compensation, especially if negligence played a role in the crash. The amount a victim receives depends on the severity of the injury, medical costs, lost income, and long-term effects on quality of life. This is when the knowledge and experience of a qualified truck accident lawyer can be invaluable. Injuries That Pay the Most Some injuries lead to larger [...]
Most of us have heard about increased focus and investment in autonomous vehicles, also referred to as driverless automobiles, in recent years. While it's been hard to miss stories in the media about Tesla, Waymo, and other brands of self-driving cars operating in the U.S., far fewer reports have been published about driverless trucks. That doesn't mean that the technology doesn't exist or that it isn't being tested, though. It is. If you're curious about how many autonomous trucks are currently on the road in the U.S., a [...]
Most motorists know that certain factors, including inclement weather and heavy traffic, increase the risk of accidents occurring. Nighttime driving can be done for a number of different reasons. How many trucking accidents happen at night, though? We address that question below and explain why tractor-trailer crashes occur when it's dark outside. How Often Do Tractor-Trailer Crashes Occur After Dark? Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data suggests that the following types of truck-involved collisions occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily, a time frame considered as [...]
As most of us are aware, almost anyone wishing to operate a semi-truck, bus, or other large automobile must first secure a commercial driver's license (CDL) to do so. Whether you're considering pursuing a career in the trucking industry or you've recently had the misfortune of becoming involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer, these are just two reasons you might want to know what are the CDL requirements in Washington. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), there are several classes of CDLs, each with [...]
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported nearly 160,000 truck crashes in the US in 2023, resulting in nearly 75,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths. Bad weather significantly impacts road safety, particularly for large trucks. These heavy vehicles already require longer stopping distances even under ideal conditions, and bad weather only makes things worse. Understanding the answer to the question, “Does a truck take longer to stop during bad weather conditions?” is imperative to safely share the road with these drivers. So, let’s explore how weather affects truck [...]
Every day, thousands of children are transported to and from school via bus. While these vehicles are some of the safest on the road, accidents can still occur. Many times, these crashes can leave children and other vehicle occupants with serious injuries. Everyone wants to believe their child will not be involved in a crash. However, these accidents do happen, albeit they are rare. So, how many school bus accidents happen per year? We will look at the statistics about these crashes. Statistics on School Bus Accidents The [...]
Trucking plays an essential role in transporting goods across the nation, but the size and weight of these vehicles make them particularly dangerous during accidents. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that almost 6,000 commercial trucks are involved in fatal crashes each year, with another 117,300 truck accidents resulting in injuries. However, advancements in trucking technology are paving the way for safer roads. New innovations are being designed to help reduce truck accidents by addressing key factors like driver error, road hazards, and mechanical failures. Here are some [...]
Negligence is a word that different individuals utilize in different situations. A child forgets to let out the family dog, and they use the bathroom in the house. Or a doctor neglects to ask the right questions to hone on a patient's diagnosis, and a patient ends up receiving the wrong medication and suffers longer than they should. The above scenarios can certainly constitute negligent actions. However, what is considered truck driver negligence? If you've been involved in a tractor-trailer collision, this matters. It may be the deciding [...]
Any type of car accident is unwelcome, but a collision with a semi-rig truck is especially destructive and will always make the local news. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) collects data about truck crashes and finds that large trucks account for 5% of all registered vehicles on the road. In 2022, 4,764 people will be killed in accidents involving trucks. There are many reasons why a truck gets involved in an accident, including the following: Reckless driving Distracted driving Aggressive driving Mechanical malfunctions Speeding Cargo shifting [...]
