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According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s annual crash report, trucking accidents numbered almost 14,500 in 2020. Compared to standard car crashes, trucking accidents tend to be far more dangerous, often resulting in catastrophic injury due to the vehicle's sheer size. While car and trucking accidents can share many similar causes, it is essential to consider the more prevalent factors involved with “big-rigs.”
Distracted Driving
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a trucking accident when texting and driving. In addition to using a mobile device, distracted driving also refers to eating-and-driving according to the FMCSA. If a truck driver is caught driving while distracted, they could face up to $2,750 in fines and be put out of service for up to 120 days.
Excessive Speed
A common cause for both car and trucking accidents is excessive speed. However, speeding is prevalent in many 18-wheeler crashes due to drivers wanting to meet deadlines or hit specific performance metrics. Excessive speed coupled with the magnitude of the truck spells a recipe for disaster should the driver need to slam on their brakes.
Driver Fatigue
One of the more trucker-specific causes of accidents is fatigue. The FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study reported 13% of trucking accidents resulted from truck drivers operating their vehicles while drowsy. Under intense pressure or stress, truckers may feel obligated to violate their Hours of Service regulations and drive for longer than permitted without adequate rest.
Your Wilmington Trucking Accident Attorneys
With over 35 years of combined experience, the attorneys at Daniel, Holoman & Associates LLP have assisted their clients who have been injured in trucking accidents. The Wilmington-based trucking accident attorneys are committed to handling your trucking accident claim should you be involved in one resulting in catastrophic injury or wrongful death.
If you have sustained injuries due to a trucking accident, feel free to call our office today at (866) 380-2281 or fill out this form online for a free consultation.