Facts & Statistics

At Cueria Law Firm, we offer personal injury services for individuals in the state of Louisiana as well as within the entire United States. One area we often see injuries take place are accidents involving trucks. The trucking industry is vital to the economy of the U.S., helping to transport goods throughout the nation. It is not uncommon to see the large trucks on the roadways, be in your local town or along the interstate. The trucking industry must be responsible and ensure their transports are completed in a timely manner, but also in the safest way possible. Commercial trucks are often involved in accidents each year with smaller vehicles. Due to their size, the larger trucks can lead to fatal accidents, in many cases. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2018 preliminary statistics reported 4,136 fatalities in truck accidents with 67% of those who died being occupants of other passenger vehicles.

Common Characteristics of a Truck Accident

When an accident occurs involving a large commercial vehicle, there are often common characteristics associated with the incident. In almost 50% of cases involving a large truck and a passenger vehicle, both vehicles were moving straight. In about 10% of cases, the other vehicle was turning when the crash occurred. In another 10%, the truck or another vehicle was driving along a curve when the accident occurred. 

Fatal crashes often occur in rural areas in the daytime during the weekdays. During the weekends, statistics show that most crashes occur during the nighttime hours. In 71% of fatalities involving a large truck crash, the occupant of the other vehicle is the individual who dies as a result of the crash. 

Taking Responsibility

Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are safe on the roadways. Drivers need to be trained and provided with safety regulations so that they adhere to driving protocols. Drivers must stop to sleep and rest in order to be safe while on the roadways. Many accidents could have been avoided if the driver had stopped to rest instead of continuing a route with little to no sleep. 

When an accident takes place with a large truck, the driver or the company that owns the vehicle may be at fault. Trucking companies are not only responsible for the training of drivers, but also the maintenance of the vehicles. When a vehicle is not maintained it can cause an issue that can result in a crash. 

Preventing Trucking Accidents 

The sole purpose of the trucking industry is to get goods from one part of the country to another. The large 18-wheeler trucks used for these hauls can create a lot of damage when involved in a collision with a car. Usually where there is a trucking accident, there is significant injuries to those hit by the semi truck. Getting compensated for injuries you have sustained in a semi collision can be made easier when working with an experienced New Orleans car accident lawyer.

Just like any other industry, the world of trucking has changed significantly in the last decade or so. One of the biggest trends on the horizon for this industry is the self-driving truck. Many wonder what type of impact these self-driving vehicles will have on both productivity and safety. Before these self-driving trucks are able to prevent car accidents in New Orleans, they will have to undergo more real-world testing. The only way for these technologically advanced 18-wheelers to work properly is by testing them on the road with other vehicles. Without real world testing, it will be a gamble when it comes time to put these machines into operation.

Removing Human Error in Trucking Accidents

The biggest benefit of the self-driving semi-truck is its ability to remove human error. Most of the car accidents in New Orleans involving an 18-wheeler are due to human error. Whether it be fatigue or texting while driving, human error can create a lot of damage.

Using proven coding techniques, the engineers who build these machines are able to make them safer by removing human error from the driving equation. Only time will tell whether or not these automated semi-trucks are going to last and be the savior many are touting them to be.

Effects on the Trucking Industry

One of the biggest concerns most people in the trucking industry have regarding these automated machines is what it means for human truck drivers. There are a number of 18-wheelers in the automated market still requiring a human to operate them. These semi-automated vehicles may be the best hope the trucking industry has of keeping a human element in place.

Additionally, when an 18-wheeler is involved in a collision, the owner of the rig will be on the hook for any damages done. Implementing the use of self-driving semis can help to reduce these types of costs substantially. Only time will tell how effective this new technology will be and whether or not trucking companies embrace it.

When involved in an 18-wheeler collision, you will need to find a New Orleans injury attorney with experience. Be sure to contact us to get information regarding how we can help get you the money you are owed for your injuries.