Vehicle collisions could do more than leave someone worried about fixing body damage. Collisions with semi-trucks or large buses may leave a car or several vehicles totaled while also leaving victims with catastrophic injuries. Crashes on the vast highways and roads in California might leave people fighting for their lives, and some accidents end tragically.
Frightening accident figures
Figures from 2019 paint a somber picture of collisions with semi-trucks. During that year, there were nearly 14 fatal large truck accidents for every million people in the United States. The figure represents a surprising 29% increase from 2010.
Both large trucks and buses were involved in 5,237 fatal crashes in 2019. Some might find these figures surprising since the divers often have significant training. Regardless, drivers make mistakes. Sometimes, the accidents are not their fault, but the drivers cannot avoid crashes.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published these figures. Such figures come with high accuracy, as federal agencies keep detailed records on such crashes. Keeping detailed records could help with taking steps to curtail the problem.
Causes for collisions
Many different reasons may contribute to bus and semi-truck accidents. Professional drivers must deal with many distractions, which might lead to crashes. Purposeful distractions like talking on the phone while driving could reflect negligence.
Driving while under the influence or when too tired to operate a truck or bus safely could also be negligent behavior. Drivers who cause accidents when drinking on the job or refusing to take mandatory breaks may find themselves liable for any injuries they cause.
Moving violations and aggressive driving could cause horrible accidents. A reckless, tailgating driver may find attempts to force people out of a lane come with disastrous results. Lawsuits and criminal charges might follow.