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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that there were 4,440 large trucks and buses involved in fatal crashes in 2016 (data revised in May 2018). This was a 2 percent increase from 2015.  Large truck and bus fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by all motor vehicles increased by 1.9 percent.

On August 30, 2018, the New Mexico State Police reported that at least seven people were killed at the scene, and dozens more seriously injured, in a head-on crash between a big-rig truck and a Greyhound bus. Although, at the time of the accident, only preliminary information was available, the New Mexico State Police said that the big-rig truck was traveling eastbound on Interstate 40 about 100 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico when one of its tires blew out. Apparently this caused the driver to lose control, sending the truck careening across the median and into oncoming traffic. More than 33 patients were transported to local area hospitals with injuries, ABC News reported.

What are the 5 most common causes of big-rig crashes?

There are 5 common causes, according to authorities:

1. Driver error – The American Trucking Association (ATA) says that 81 percent of trucking accidents are caused by driver error on the part of passenger vehicle drivers. ATA recommends that drivers be careful when driving around big-rig trucks.
2. Poor vehicle maintenance – Since commercial trucks drive thousands of miles every day, they incur immense wear and tear. Regular maintenance is required. Drivers have a responsibility to check their trucks at the beginning of every shift and to submit vehicle maintenance reports.
3. Equipment failure – Equipment failure can occur not only from poor maintenance, but also from negligence. When there are defective or dangerous components or improperly installed equipment, there may be many who can be held liable. These include, but are not limited to, the parts manufacturer, truck manufacturer, the truck distributor, and the installer/mechanic.
4. Inclement weather – Hydroplaning or jackknifing can occur during inclement weather. It can be difficult for truck drivers to drive in rainy, windy conditions because of their vehicle’s heaviness and slower stopping speeds.
5. Improper cargo loading – There are industry-specific rules for loading cargo. These rules include limits on weight, size, length, width and height of cargo, as well as special methods for securing the cargo. When these rules are not followed, loads may fall onto the road, causing accidents.

“Should you or a loved one be injured in a truck accident, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. We are available to assist you 24/7. There are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you.”

Fort Myers Truck Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.