Truck collisions are a common occurrence on our roads and highways, and they can result in devastating consequences for those involved. Due to the size and weight of trucks, collisions with them can cause significant damage to property and can result in serious injuries or fatalities. In this article, we will discuss the duty of care owed by truck drivers and trucking companies to other road users, and what you need to know if you are involved in a truck collision.

Truck collisions are unfortunately a frequent occurrence on our roads and highways. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 450,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in the United States. These crashes resulted in 4,119 fatalities and 107,000 injuries. This means that there were approximately 1.23 fatalities and 294 injuries per day due to large truck collisions.

The frequency of truck collisions is due to several factors. One of the main factors is the sheer number of trucks on our roads. Trucks are an essential part of our economy, transporting goods across the country. As a result, there are millions of trucks on our roads every day, and this sheer volume increases the likelihood of collisions.

Another factor is the size and weight of trucks. Trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means that they can cause more damage in a collision. This can lead to serious injuries and fatalities for those involved in a collision with a truck.

Additionally, truck drivers often have demanding schedules and are under pressure to deliver goods on time. This can lead to drivers being fatigued or taking risks on the road, such as speeding or driving for too many hours without rest breaks. This can increase the likelihood of a collision.

Finally, some trucking companies may prioritize profits over safety, leading to inadequate training or maintenance of their vehicles. This can lead to equipment failures or other issues that increase the likelihood of a collision.

Despite efforts by the FMCSA and other organizations to improve safety on our roads, truck collisions continue to occur at an alarming rate. It is important for all drivers to be aware of the risks associated with sharing the road with trucks and to take steps to minimize those risks, such as avoiding blind spots, leaving plenty of space when passing, and avoiding distractions while driving.

Trucking companies and drivers also have a responsibility to prioritize safety and take steps to prevent collisions. This includes properly maintaining their vehicles, providing adequate training to drivers, and monitoring driver behavior to ensure compliance with traffic laws and company policies.

The frequency of truck collisions is a serious issue that has significant consequences for those involved. It is important for all drivers to be aware of the risks associated with sharing the road with trucks and to take steps to minimize those risks. Trucking companies and drivers also have a responsibility to prioritize safety and take steps to prevent collisions. By working together, we can reduce the number of truck collisions on our roads and highways and improve safety for all road users.

Duty of Care

Truck drivers and trucking companies owe a duty of care to other road users. This means that they have a legal obligation to take reasonable care to prevent harm to others. In the case of truck collisions, this duty of care includes things like:

1. Properly maintaining the truck: Trucking companies must ensure that their vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that they are in good working order. This includes things like checking brakes, tires, and lights.
2. Hiring competent drivers: Trucking companies must ensure that their drivers are properly trained, licensed, and qualified to operate their vehicles. They must also ensure that their drivers have a good driving record and are free from drug or alcohol abuse.
3. Monitoring driver behavior: Trucking companies must monitor the behavior of their drivers to ensure that they are complying with traffic laws and company policies. This includes things like ensuring that drivers are not driving for too many hours without rest breaks and that they are not speeding or driving recklessly.
4. Properly securing cargo: Trucking companies must ensure that their cargo is properly secured and distributed to prevent it from shifting during transport. This helps to prevent accidents caused by unbalanced or shifting loads.

What to do if you are involved in a truck collision

If you are involved in a truck collision, there are several things that you should do to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to:

1. Seek medical attention: If you or anyone else involved in the collision is injured, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Contact the police: Contact the police and report the collision. They will investigate the incident and create a report that can be used as evidence in any legal proceedings.
3. Collect evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene of the collision. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the location of the collision, and any injuries sustained. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.
4. Contact an attorney: Contact an experienced attorney who specializes in truck collision cases. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Conclusion

Truck collisions can have devastating consequences for those involved, and it is important that truck drivers and trucking companies take their duty of care seriously. If you are involved in a truck collision, seek medical attention, contact the police, collect evidence, and contact an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. By taking these steps, you can protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.