Bay Area Lawyer on the Danger of Big-Rig Crashes

Over the years, vehicles seem to have grown with SUVs and crossover vehicles making traditional passenger cars seem almost petite.  Still, even not-so-mini-vans look almost like the Matchbook cars when they pull alongside a big-rig truck.  Despite all the advances in technology, the transportation of goods remains essential and big-rig trucks are a major part of that supply chain.  Many commercial drivers are committed to safety, but the sheer size of these vehicles make even a moment of inattention dangerous.  Big-rig accidents can be big-time catastrophes and our San Francisco big-rig crash lawyer is committed to helping the victims recover compensation from any and all parties at fault.

Big-Rig Crashes Litter Highways on Monday and Tuesday

As we write this post, CBS SF Bay Area is reporting on a multi-vehicle accident involving a big-rig truck that snarled traffic during Tuesday morning’s commute on Highway 880 near Brokaw Road in San Jose.  Few details were available in the early report, but the crash followed a rain-soaked Monday morning marked by at least two early morning accidents involving big-rigs.  CBS reported that at 2:19 AM on Monday California Highway Patrol (“CHP”) personnel responded to a call regarding a big-rig accident in the westbound lanes of Highway 580 just east of Greenville Road near Livermore.  CHP officials told reporters that the accident left the big-rig on its side across three lanes of traffic and they eventually shut down all westbound lanes to clean up the debris.  Less than half an hour after the first crash, a report came in about a second accident involving a big-rig on Highway 580, this time in the eastbound lanes.  CHP officials say that crash involved a big-rig colliding with an SUV; CHP also had to close the eastbound lanes for a period to address that incident.  The report does not say whether anyone was injured in either of Monday’s big-rig collisions.

Large Truck Crash Fatality Statistics

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (relying on data from the U.S. Department of Transportation), crashes involving large trucks claimed 3,602 lives nationwide in 2013.  Of these deaths, 16% were truck occupants, 67% were in another vehicle, and 15% were pedestrians, motorcycle riders, or bicycle riders.  While big-rig deaths have generally declined since hitting a high in 1979, the number of deaths has risen fairly steadily since a low in 2009.

Factors in Big-Rig Crashes

What causes big-rig accidents and large truck fatalities?  The IIHS points to the sheer size of trucks and the resulting vulnerability of smaller vehicles.  Trucks can easily weigh 20-30 times the weight of a passenger car and higher ground clearance can result in smaller vehicles under-riding the trucks in a collision.  The size also contributes to reduced braking capacity, another threat the IIHS identifies as a factor in big-rig crashes.  A loaded big-rig can take 20-40% farther to brake completely than a passenger car with the disparity increasing in wet conditions and/or on poorly maintained roadways.  The IIHS also lists truck driver fatigue as a crash factor with current regulations allowing truck drivers to drive stretches of up to 11 hours with up to 77 hours permitted in a seven-day span.  According to the IIHS, drivers frequently violate these regulations and work even longer hours.  Notably, big-rig drivers involved in fatal accidents rarely have elevated blood alcohol levels.

Another important study of large-truck accidents was conducted by the Department of Transportation in 2007 using data from April 2001 through December 2003.  According to the report, the following ten factors were the most commonly reported issues impacting big-rigs and/or their drivers involved in crashes: Brake issues; Problems involving traffic flow (e.g., earlier crashes, congestion); Prescription medication use; Travelling too fast for conditions; Driver unfamiliar with roadway; Problems with the road/environment; An event requiring a stop (e.g., red light) prior to the accident; Over-the-counter medication use; Inadequate surveillance; and Driver fatigue.

Obtaining Compensation for the Victims of Big-Rig Crashes

If you have been injured in a crash with a big-rig truck in Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, or elsewhere in the Bay Area, our experienced Northern California truck crash law firm may be able to help you.  We explore all possible sources of compensation, including the individual driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, service companies, and government bodies responsible for road conditions.  We must hold truckers and all those involved in the trucking industry accountable when their negligence or poor choices lead to injury or death.  Call today to learn more.

See Related Blog Posts:

Back to the Basics – Accidents and Employer Liability

Commercial Truck Accidents and Legal Liability: Who’s Responsible When Trucks Cause Injuries?

(Top image by Mark Holloway; Second image by Clare Bell)