What Is the Most Accident-Prone Type of Truck?
There are millions of trucks of all shapes and sizes on the road, and those trucks outweigh the majority of the cars they share the road with. Unfortunately, one miscalculation or broken traffic rule can trigger a collision between those trucks and other vehicles. That is why you need to be extra alert and cautious when approaching any commercial truck. Of all of those vehicles, what is the most accident-prone type of truck?
Types of Commercial Trucks
Because of their size and weight, all commercial trucks are at risk of triggering a collision. The National Safety Council finds that in 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash. That represents a 1.8% increase from 2021 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years.
Locally, according to information gathered by Trucking Info, there were 1,005 accidents involving trucks in West Virginia. Of that number, 27 were fatal accidents. Commercial trucks are a crucial part of our country’s supply chain. Here are the many different types of commercial trucks you might encounter on your road trips:
Semi-Trucks
Semi-trucks are also known as big rigs or 18-wheelers. These are the biggest trucks on the road, crisscrossing the state, picking up and dropping off all kinds of goods. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Compared to the average SUV, which weighs around 4,000 pounds, it is clear why semi-trucks dominate in a collision.
Delivery Trucks
Delivery trucks are smaller trucks used for short-range deliveries. These are the types of trucks used by Amazon, UPS, and other businesses to make quick deliveries of goods and shipments that are picked up from local distribution.
Garbage Trucks
Garbage trucks will come through your neighborhood at least once a week. In between your trash pickup, those trucks pick up rubbish from homes, construction sites, and businesses. They are also prone to accidents because of their weight. This recent crash involving a garbage truck was caused by another motorist, but it points out the potential dangers of these large trucks.
Tanker Trucks
A tanker truck transports liquids such as water, fuel, and chemicals. Many of these liquids are considered hazardous. The U.S. Department of Transportation has strict training requirements and regulations that truck drivers and companies must adhere to.
Flatbed Trucks
Flatbed trucks are designed to transport oversized cargo, such as larger vehicles or machinery. In West Virginia, you’ll see a lot of flatbed trucks carrying logs for processing.
Dump Trucks
Dump trucks transport a lot of loose debris, such as sand, gravel, and construction waste. That cargo is meant to be covered, but often, it can shift around, and loose debris flies off the back. That can cause accidents that the dump truck driver isn’t aware of.
What To Do in the Aftermath of a Truck Collision
Getting into a collision with any type of commercial vehicle will be a shock to the system. It is essential that you know what to do in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident. This is information every driver in your home should know.
Clear Traffic if Possible
If you are able to clear your car out of traffic, you should put on your hazard signals and do so. Just be sure to take as many photos as possible of the impact point before you “disturb” the scene.
Call Emergency Services
The most important thing to do after an accident with a truck is to call 911 for emergency services. Even if there are no serious injuries, you should still call the police and EMT to respond to the scene and check everyone out.
Limit Conversation With the Truck Driver
You should only ask the truck driver if they are okay. Beyond that, you should limit your conversation. The only person you should give an account of the accident to is the police. If there is a witness, you can ask them what they saw and video their answer to lock down their version. You should never apologize, accuse, or admit wrongdoing on your part.
Collect Evidence
While you’re waiting for the authorities and things to get sorted out, you should collect evidence. That evidence will be used in your future claim, and it should include the following:
- Photos of the scene, road conditions, weather, etc.
- Videos of the same as above
- Truck driver’s contact and insurance information
- Trucking company contact
- Witness contact information and statements
Contact Your Insurance Carrier
You will want to contact your insurance carrier to report the accident. Depending on your carrier, you might be required to report the accident within a certain timeframe. Remember, reporting an accident is not the same as filing a claim. That can happen later, depending on the circumstances.
Visit Your Doctor
You should schedule a visit with your doctor even if you aren’t experiencing any pain. It is important to get a record of any possible injuries or complications from the accident.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer
One of the most important calls to make after a truck accident is to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer. The team at Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, has years of experience helping clients resolve their insurance claims after a trucking accident. Often, these claims involve third parties, and we know when to add them to the claim. Call to set up a consultation to discuss your accident today.
