Truck accidents happen across the United States every day. Because of more dangerous roads and highways, some states have more accidents than others. The National Safety Council states there are over approximately 4,500 fatal truck accidents per year. Catastrophic injuries and deaths can occur in these accidents because of the truck’s large size.
The states with the most truck accidents include Texas, California, and Florida. These states consistently lead. They also lead the nation when it comes to fatalities from accidents, including large trucks.
States With the Most Fatalities Involving Truck Accidents
While Texas, Florida, and California lead with the most truck accidents, they also lead in the most fatalities involving large trucks. The National Safety Council states that these states had the following number of fatalities from truck accidents in 2020:
- Texas: 643 fatalities
- California: 398 fatalities
- Florida: 344 fatalities
Other dangerous states include Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
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States With the Least Truck Accidents
People driving in some states have safer highways that involve fewer truck accidents. Hawaii, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire have the lowest number of truck accidents. Since Hawaii isn’t a part of the continental United States, there are fewer trucks on those highways. As a result, there are fewer truck accidents.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in these states happen for various reasons. Finding out how the accident occurred can help investigators determine the liable party. Identifying the liable party can help anyone injured hold them accountable. If you or a loved one sustained an injury from a truck accident, you could file a claim to receive compensation. A truck accident attorney could help you through that process.
Truck accident attorneys can also investigate the cause of the accident so that you know who caused it. They can use their investigative tools so that you know who to file a claim against to recover compensation for your injuries.
Common Causes of truck accidents include the following:
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers drive for long hours on the road. As a result, they get bored and look for ways to distract themselves. Common distractions include:
- Texting: When a truck driver texts, it can take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off the wheel. Within a split second, an accident can occur. If the truck driver doesn’t have their full attention on the road, they could veer into the wrong lane, causing an accident.
- Eating or drinking: When a truck driver eats, they must take at least one hand off the wheel. Depending on what they eat, it can also take their eyes off the road. If their food or drinks spill, that can cause a whole other set of distractions.
Any distraction can cause a catastrophic accident. Therefore, truck drivers must drive cautiously and stay alert while driving.
Driving While Tired
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created regulations for how long drivers can drive before taking a required rest. The FMCSA put these regulations in place so that truck drivers avoid driving while tired. Although the FMCSA put these regulations in place, unfortunately, this issue still occurs.
Truck drivers driving while tired can cause the same impairments as driving while intoxicated. Fatigued driving can cause the truck driver to experience the following issues:
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Inability to focus on the road
- Slower reaction times
- Nodding off
- Drifting from their lane
- Forgetting the last few miles they drove
If a truck driver causes an accident because they drove while fatigued, liability for the accident could fall on them.
Reckless Driving
Truck drivers often have a deadline to get their shipment from point A to point B. If they run late, this could cause them to engage in reckless driving. Reckless driving could include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of lanes
Any of these actions can cause an accident to occur. If the truck driver causes the accident by driving recklessly, liability could fall on them.
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Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help Victims Recover Compensation
While several states have the most truck accidents, it’s still important to drive cautiously around large trucks. Within an instant, a truck can lose control and cause a catastrophic accident. At Badar Scott Injury Lawyers, we represent those injured in truck accidents. We can help you determine how much compensation you could receive. Also, we can send a demand letter and negotiate for you to receive a fair settlement.
With our team by your side, you can have the legal support you need to get through your case. Benefits of our personal injury firm include free consultations and contingency fees. This means you don’t have to pay us upfront; we only charge for our legal services if you reach a successful outcome in your case. Contact us today to speak to an attorney from our firm.
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