11.22.2020

Commercial Truck Accident Facts

Written by: Virginia Beach Injury Law

If driving near large commercial trucks gives you some anxiety, you are not alone. Driving alongside these massive vehicles shouldn’t be taken lightly because should you be hit by one, you are at increased risk for significant catastrophic injuries and death. There are some tips that can help when it comes to safely navigate around a commercial truck such as:

  • Don’t abruptly cut a large 18-wheeler off. Always ensure you have ample space before you cross lanes in front of a truck so the driver can see you. A truck driver will need at least 20 feet of space to be able to view your vehicle. 
  • Keep plenty of room between you and a truck so if the truck must decelerate to avoid hitting you, there would be enough distance to do so safely.
  • Don’t slam on the breaks in front of a truck if possible.
  • Don’t drive in a commercial truck’s blindspot which is directly in front of the cab, driving less than 20 feet in front of the cab, and driving under the cab’s window specifically on the right side of the truck.

Because commercial trucks are so important to the economy and vital to the transportation and delivery of many different types of cargo across the country, it is likely that most times you hit the road you will be sharing it with at least one large truck. The trucking industry is plagued with issues that result in truck accidents including driver fatigue, speeding, inebriated driving, distracted driving, poor training, and inexperience. If you have been in a Virginia Beach commercial truck accident, contact Virginia Beach Injury Law for help with your Virginia Beach personal injury claim.

Learn More About the Trucking Industry

Commercial Truck Accident Facts

Driving a truck is something that takes specialized training and skills because it is much more complex than operating your average passenger vehicle. Given the demands of the trucking industry, truck drivers must adhere to specific guidelines set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration with regard to their rest and work schedules as well as how a trailer can be properly and safely loaded. These guidelines are necessary because the trucking industry makes up a large portion of the American economy. 

  • There are almost 9 million people who work in the trucking industry in the U.S.
  • Approximately 3.5 million people are professional truck drivers.
  • There are about 15.5 million trucks on the road and three million are tractors.
  • The trucking industry moves the majority of freight in the country, over 70%.
  • Deadly commercial truck accidents are increasing.
  • There is a rise in the number of large trucks registered in the U.S.
  • Most truck accidents take place in the state of California.
  • An injury or deadly large truck accident takes place every 16 minutes.
  • Approximately 2.4% of all traffic accidents involve large trucks.

Speak to an Experienced Virginia Beach Personal Injury Attorney Today

Norfolk large truck accidents can be very intricate to unravel and to assign fault. When you work with the Norfolk catastrophic injury attorneys at Virginia Beach Injury Law you can rest assured that your case will be handled properly. You can also expect to be treated with the highest level of dedication because our legal team will ensure victims of Virginia Beach commercial vehicle collisions receive the best legal counsel fighting on their behalf. Call Virginia Beach Injury Law today to schedule your free consultation with one of our talented and experienced Hampton Roads personal injury attorneys today at (757) 802-4662.

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