The Most Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents

The Factors that Most Often Lead to Deadly Truck Wrecks

In any type of accident involving or caused by a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, big rig or tractor-trailer, the risk of a fatal injury is substantial. According to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), you are four times more likely to die in a truck accident than in any other type of motor vehicle accident. What are the common causes of fatal truck accidents?

Many Potential Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents

Because there’s the potential for a fatality with any truck accident, almost any type of mishap can be deadly. According to an article in Forbes Magazine, here are the most common causes of fatal truck accidents:

• Weather conditions are the most frequent cause of fatal truck accidents—The NHTSA says that about 13% of all commercial truck accidents happen when there’s snow, ice, sleet and rain on the roads
• Distracted driving is the second-most common cause of deadly truck wrecks—Many drivers lose focus on the road because they are eating behind the wheel, using a handheld device or adjusting the radio.
• Impaired driving—Nearly 7% of all truck accidents involve driving while drunk or impaired because of drugs
• Excessive speed—A similar percentage—about 7%–of large truck drivers fail to obey posted speed limits

Do You Need Experienced Legal Counsel after an Accident Involving a Commercial Truck?

At the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we have considerable experience helping people who have suffered needless injury in a motor vehicle accident of any kind, including any type of commercial truck accident. We assist clients nationwide and throughout Texas, including clients from South Padre Island, Galveston and Houston areas. Arrange a free consultation today to evaluate your potential case.