Millions of commercial trucks are traveling on our roads at any given moment. Unfortunately, these colossal vehicles present serious risks to other motorists.
Collisions between large trucks and passenger cars are typically devastating for the occupants of smaller vehicles. Many truck crashes result in extensive damage, life-threatening injuries, or even fatalities.
If you were injured in a Mississippi truck accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. Contact the experienced truck accident attorneys of Derek L. Hall, PC to learn more in a free consultation.
Commercial Truck Accident Statistics Show a High Incidence of Fatalities
Accidents involving large commercial trucks are more likely to result in fatalities or serious injuries.
According to data published by the National Safety Council (NSC), for the most recent year reported:
- Large trucks accounted for just 4 percent of all registered vehicles in the U.S. but 10 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes nationwide.
- There were 5,005 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, a 2 percent increase over the previous year and a 43 percent increase in the last decade.
- More than 5,000 people died in large truck accidents, 36 percent more than ten years ago.
- There was a 5 percent increase in the rate of fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled by large trucks. The rate has increased 37 percent over the last ten years.
- The majority of the fatalities that result from large truck accidents are non-truck vehicle occupants (71 percent). Truck occupants account for 18 percent of truck accident fatalities. Non-vehicle occupants account for 11 percent.
- There were also 118,000 large trucks involved in crashes that resulted in injuries, a 5 percent increase over the previous year.
- Large truck crashes were responsible for 160,000 injuries, a 7 percent increase over the prior year.
- The majority of the injuries that result from large truck accidents affect non-truck vehicle occupants (69 percent). Truck occupants account for 29 percent of truck accident injuries. Non-vehicle occupants account for 2 percent.
What Are the Top Causes of Truck Accidents?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) releases annual tractor-trailer accident statistics detailing the causes and effects of large truck accidents.
According to its most recent report, the top causes of fatal truck accidents were:
- Speeding (6.8 percent)
- Distractions (5.3 percent)
- Failure to yield the right of way (4.6 percent)
- A loss of control of the large truck (4.2 percent)
- Another vehicle encroaching into a large truck’s lane (36.6 percent)
- A vehicle-related factor such as problems with the truck’s tires or braking systems (5.8 percent)
- Drug impairment (6.4 percent)
- Alcohol impairment (4.6 percent)
- Careless driving behaviors (4 percent)
Here, in Mississippi, the most common causes of truck accidents according to the ALDOT are:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Tailgating
- Lane drifting
- Improper maneuvers by the truck driver
- Negligent hiring
- Improper truck maintenance
- Equipment failure
- Defective parts
- Cargo shifting
Where and When Crashes Happen Most in Mississippi
Large truck accidents are also a serious problem here in Mississippi. For the most recent year reported:
- There were 108 large truck crash fatalities in Mississippi, an increase of more than 96 percent from ten years ago
- There were 31.14 fatal truck crashes for every one million people in Mississippi, the third-highest incidence in the U.S.
So, where and when do these crashes happen most frequently? Based on the most recent U.S. truck accident statistics:
- 56.65 percent of fatal large truck crashes occur in rural areas, and 43.35 percent occur in urban areas.
- 25.09 percent of fatal large truck crashes occur on interstate roadways, and 74.91 percent occur on non-interstate roadways.
- 64.12 percent of fatal large truck crashes occur during the daytime, while 35.88 percent occur at night.
- 83 percent of fatal truck crashes and 88 percent of non-fatal truck crashes occurred on weekdays (Monday through Friday).
- 5.54 percent of fatal large truck crashes occur within work zones
- September is the peak month for fatal truck crashes, accounting for more than 10 percent of annual fatal truck crashes. February is the month with the fewest fatal truck crashes at just 6.6 percent.
How Truck Accident Injuries and Compensation Are Calculated
The amount of compensation you could recover from a Mississippi truck accident injury claim depends on the nature of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the costs of any treatment or financial support you need.
Many truck accident injury settlements include compensation for:
- The costs of any past, ongoing, or future medical care needed to treat your accident-related injuries
- Out-of-pocket expenses you incur for incidental costs such as the costs of travel to and from medical appointments
- The repair or replacement costs for any damage to your vehicle or property
- Your lost wages and used benefits, if you are forced to miss time at work while you recover
- Any losses in your long-term earning potential, if you are severely disabled after the accident and unable to return to your usual job
- The subjective value of the pain, suffering, and psychological suffering you endure as a result of the accident and your injuries
Contact Our Jackson Truck Accident Lawyers Today
When you’re dealing with painful injuries and overwhelming expenses after a truck accident, you need a caring attorney who will listen to your concerns and clearly explain your rights. Derek L. Hall, PC is here for you during your time of need. Derek Hall has been practicing law for more than 25 years and has developed a reputation as a fierce advocate for accident victims. When you hire us, you can expect direct attention from your attorney, a prompt response, and aggressive advocacy, inside and outside the courtroom. To speak to a knowledgeable Jackson truck accident lawyer about your situation, contact us for a free initial case review.
