In today’s bustling world, characterized by sprawling cities, an abundance of services, and the ever-growing demand for quick product delivery, traffic accidents have become unfortunate. These incidents not only threaten our well-being but can tragically cost lives as well.
With the help of technology and the internet, businesses skyrocketed and then surged the e-commerce business that comes with another necessity of delivering the products that consumers purchase online. These massive fleets of commercial trucks driving around the cities can generate tragedies due to their size, usually larger than regular cars or SUVs.
An experienced commercial truck accident lawyer can help you whenever you are involved in a traffic accident with one of these commercial truck drivers so you can be as prepared and backed up as they are.
Commercial Truck Accident Statistics
Commercial drivers work a maximum of 12 hours each day, and if we add to the many shifts and employees out there, we can say that you may find a commercial truck on the roads almost any hour of the day. That possibility increases the chances of accidents involving these vehicles.
Companies with these services have found that commercial truck accidents are a weak point for them economically and may hurt their reputation. That is why there is no wonder those huge companies hire an army of attorneys to take immediate action whenever one of their team members is involved in an accident.
Just in May 2023, there were 73 small commercial vehicles and 621 large commercial vehicles involved in traffic accidents in New York, which is almost 26% of the total vehicles involved in crashes in the month, based on NYPD reports.
Causes of Trucking Accidents
Several factors can cause trucking accidents, and multiple parties can be liable. Let’s talk about some of the leading causes:
Not enough trained drivers
Hiring a guy to drive the truck and leave the boxes in front of the customer’s doors is not enough training for them. Some contractors may not deliver good training to their driver employees, causing them to fail the process and potentially make mistakes that eventually lead to commercial truck accidents in New York.
Inexperienced truck drivers
Operating a truck is different from driving a regular car, as it demands considerable experience to master handling such a vehicle. In some instances, newly licensed truck drivers may be entrusted with responsibilities and tight schedules despite their limited experience. This scenario can lead to reckless conduct in meeting work demands.
Distracted driving
Eating and drinking while driving, texting, and attending calls are dangerous actions that may result in a commercial truck accident. Drivers must avoid this behavior for their safety and for others.
DUI (driving under the influence)
Some people are neglected; they know that driving alcohol is dangerous and not allowed, besides they are working, but they do it anyway; it is not rare.
Poor mechanical maintenance
We ensure that the vehicle used for driving for over 10 hours a day every day of the week is a shared responsibility between the company owner of the commercial trucks and the driver.
Reckless driving
Changing lanes not in a proper way, tailgating behaviors running through red lights are just some examples of reckless driving that are one of the leading causes of car accidents.
Common Companies That Have Accidents
Amazon Truck Accident
Amazon is a multinational technology and e-commerce company known for its wide range of products, services, and innovations. One of the world’s largest online marketplaces, offering a vast selection of products across various categories, including electronics, clothing, home goods, and more.
As of 2019, there were 30,000 Amazon-branded delivery vehicles and 20,000 branded trailers in the U.S. with the increasing demand for products by online buyers, they may have added even more cars to their payroll.
FedEx Truck Accident
FedEx Corporation, commonly known as FedEx, is a global courier delivery services company that provides a range of transportation, e-commerce, and business solutions. It operates 255 days a year and claims to have over 422k motorized vehicles in its entire operations; those enormous numbers give us an idea of all the potential accidents they may be involved in.
As a global company, FedEx provides employment opportunities to a large workforce. It offers career advancement and training programs, emphasizing employee development and safety.
UPS Truck Accident
UPS (United Parcel Service) is a global package delivery and logistics company known for its extensive network and efficient operations. It operates in more than 220 countries and territories, serving millions of customers daily.
Another larger company estimates its fleet with over 126k vehicles to deliver over 19 million packages daily in the United States alone. UPS places a strong emphasis on employee training and safety. Their drivers undergo rigorous training programs to ensure safe driving practices, and the company implements strict safety protocols to minimize accidents and injuries.
Commercial Truck Driver Error
Fatigue
also known as drowsy driving, poses a significant risk on the road, particularly for commercial drivers who often undertake long-distance journeys. These drivers may face demanding schedules that sometimes push them to exceed safe limits, leading to fatigue-related issues.
It is not uncommon for commercial drivers to work up to 12 hours a day, which, over time, can develop into a detrimental habit that affects their sleep patterns and overall well-being.
The consequences of fatigue among commercial drivers can be severe. Sleep disorders can arise from chronic fatigue, further exacerbating the problem and increasing the likelihood of accidents. Exhaustion impairs judgment and reduces alertness, significantly compromising a driver’s ability to react to sudden road hazards or changes in traffic conditions.
This heightened risk on the road puts the driver at risk and endangers the lives of other motorists, pedestrians, and passengers, potentially resulting in catastrophic accidents leading to severe injuries or even wrongful death.
Distraction
Distraction poses a significant risk for commercial drivers on the road for extended periods. The monotony of long distances and hours behind the wheel can result in drivers seeking various forms of entertainment or engagement to break up the boredom.
Many drivers listen to music, converse with other drivers or family members, or even use electronic devices. However, these activities can divert their attention from the road, leading to dangerous situations. Unfortunately, encountering a critical event that can result in a fatal accident may only take a moment of distraction and unfortunate timing.
Engaging in distractions while driving compromises a driver’s ability to entirely focus on the road and react swiftly to changing traffic conditions or unexpected hazards. Even if hands-free, conversations, and interactions can divert cognitive attention away from the task of driving.
Likewise, using electronic devices or manipulating controls for entertainment diverts visual and manual attention from the road. These distractions increase the risk of delayed reaction times, impaired decision-making, and diminished awareness of the surrounding environment, making commercial drivers more susceptible to accidents with severe consequences.
Unhealthy lifestyles
Unhealthy lifestyles can be a significant concern for individuals working in the transportation industry. The nature of the job often entails long hours of sitting behind the steering wheel, which promotes a sedentary lifestyle. Limited opportunities for physical activity and exercise further contribute to this issue. Commercial drivers may find it challenging to incorporate regular exercise into their routines due to time constraints and the demanding nature of their work.
Furthermore, access to healthy food options can be limited while on the road. Fast food and convenience store meals often become the go-to choices for sustenance, leading to a diet high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and processed foods. Poor nutrition and inadequate hydration can negatively impact drivers’ overall health and well-being, potentially leading to weight gain, fatigue, and chronic health conditions.
The repercussions of an unhealthy lifestyle can extend beyond personal well-being and affect a driver’s performance on the road. Physical health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular problems, and fatigue can compromise a driver’s ability to stay alert and react quickly to potential hazards. Reduced concentration, decreased cognitive function, and slower reflexes due to an unhealthy lifestyle increase the risk of commercial truck accidents and impair overall road safety.
Common Injuries from Commercial Trucks
There are two types of commercial trucks. The largest ones that carry products to long distances come from factories or cargo ports, and there are also tiny commercial trucks that deliver small developments to the final consumer. Both of them may be involved in traffic accidents and, depending on other factors, can result in devastating accidents claiming the lives of multiple people.
A person can sustain injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Burns
- Neck injuries
- Whiplash
- Skin lacerations
Types of Compensation for Commercial Truck Accident Settlements
Depending on the severity of their injuries, victims of a commercial truck accident are entitled to compensation. As New York is a no-fault state, victims can receive compensation for medical expenses from their PIP coverage. Later, it was demonstrated that one of the parties involved was negligent and caused the accident, and the victim sustained severe injuries. In that case, they can receive monetary compensation from a personal injury lawsuit.
You must find professional help from an experienced and respected commercial trucking accident lawyer to guide you through the process, and you can receive the fair compensation you deserve.
Contact a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Today
When you or someone you care about experiences a trucking accident in New York, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. That’s why you need the expertise of a skilled commercial trucking accident attorney by your side.
Look no further than The Ward Law Group PL, where you’ll find a team of dedicated professionals with over 25 years of experience in seeking justice for victims of negligent drivers.
Don’t face this challenging situation alone. Take the first step towards a resolution by contacting us now at 855-DOLOR-55. We offer a FREE consultation to discuss your case so that you can make informed decisions about your next steps. Let our experienced team guide you toward the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.