The inherent dangers of trucking accidents

Trucks are often seen on North Carolina’s busy roads and highways, and truckers have a great responsibility to drive safely, so that everyone else on the road is safe. Unfortunately, operating such a huge vehicle while trying to navigate through complicated routes and make a deadline sometimes leads to negligent or reckless driving, resulting in devastating accidents.

Trucking tops the list of dangerous industries

Trucking continues to be one of the most dangerous industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are approximately 2 million truck drivers nationwide, and the trucking industry has the second highest number of fatalities on the job, next to the construction industry.

Along with the dangers to truckers themselves, occupants of other vehicles involved in a trucking accident rarely survive the accident with minor injuries. The large size of trucks, compared to the smaller size of most other vehicles, means that those in other vehicles often sustain major injuries, and many truck accidents are deadly.

The impact of fatigued, impaired and distracted driving

The large size of trucks is just one factor contributing to the high number of truck accidents. Truckers are often tired while driving, due to being on the road for long stretches of time. Unexpected events like traffic backups or weather can cause truckers to get behind schedule, and many times they do not take required breaks or rest periods to get back on track.

This leads to fatigued driving, which substantially increases the chances of an accident. Impaired or distracted driving by truckers also causes many truck accidents. The combination of a large vehicle being driven by someone who is tired, impaired or distracted creates a dangerous environment for everyone involved.

Victims of truck accidents have legal rights, which can be exercised through a personal injury claim. Compensation may be available for medical bills, lost wages or pain and suffering.