Top three causes of large truck crashes

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You may find yourself driving around large trucks here in North Jersey, and it would be natural to feel a little apprehensive. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in its landmark Large Truck Crash Causation Study (2007), found that in 44% of crashes involving one truck and one passenger vehicle, it was the trucker who was to blame.

In all, the FMCSA, together with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, analyzed 963 cases over a 33-month period. The study goes on to reveal the top causes of those truck crashes where the trucker was negligent. There are three.

Speeding and bad brakes

Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions, or weather or traffic conditions, was behind 23% of those crashes where the trucker was at fault. Braking problems were by far the most common, though, being a factor or “critical reason” in 29% of crashes. Still, speeding truckers were 670% more likely to be at fault for a crash. Trucks with bad brakes were only 170% more likely to be assigned the critical reason.

Unfamiliarity with roadways

Lastly, 22% of the crashes were due to truckers being unfamiliar with roadways, routes, turns and so on. This failure to plan ahead raised the risk for causing a crash by 100%.

What accident victims can do

When truckers are to blame for truck accidents, then their trucking company may find itself facing a personal injury claim. If you were the victim of such an accident around Rochelle Park and intend to file a claim, you may want to consult an attorney beforehand. He or she may start by evaluating your case in light of the state’s comparative negligence laws. With legal representation, you may be able to achieve a fair settlement out of court.