Truck accidents can result in very serious injuries and fatalities in Massachusetts. It is not a surprise that truck accidents are more likely to cause fatalities due to the large size of the vehicles. However, a new study found trucks are disproportionately involved in accidents in the U.S.
The study found that large trucks are involved in many serious and fatal accidents every year. They also found truck accidents not only endanger many lives, but also impacts productivity, property and personal injury.
Truck accidents cause roughly 4,500 fatalities every year in the U.S., according to the study. The study claims trucks are involved in a high number of fatal crashes compared to the number of trucks traveling on the highway.
According to the study, trucks make up about 8 percent of highway traffic, but are involved in 11 percent of all fatal accidents in the U.S. The study found when there are more trucks on the road, the chances of a fatal accident increased, even if traffic was low.
The researchers said that speed also played a big role in truck accidents. They said when trucks drove faster than 45 miles per hour, the risk of getting into an accident increased by 50 percent.
The finding that trucks are involved in many fatal accidents in the U.S. is troubling as large trucks are commonly seen in Massachusetts and throughout the country. Truck drivers are supposed to be certified and properly trained. However, it appears many accidents involving trucks may be caused by speed and unsafe truck drivers.
Victims of accidents involving trucks should know they can take legal action against the truck driver and truck company after being injured in an accident. Individuals should consult a personal injury attorney to discuss their specific cases.
Source: Counsel & Heal, “Researchers Report Trucks Cause a Lot of Accidents,” Cheri Cheng, Dec. 6, 2013
