Elmhurst Accident Showcases the Harsh Realities of Commercial Trucking

 Posted on March 22,2018 in Truck Accidents

On March 1, a fiery collision between a Kenworth semi, a 2004 Chrysler, and a Peterbilt semi, reminded us of the dangers of commercial trucking. The collision, which occurred on Interstate 290, ultimately resulted in one fatality, and both truck drivers were rushed to the hospital.

Since 2012, an average of 600 commercial truck drivers have suffered fatal injuries each year. Commercial trucking ranks as one of the most dangerous occupations in America, and is only consistently topped by the construction industry with regard to on the job fatalities. That said, what makes commercial trucking even more dangerous is the fact that others on the road can be injured as well.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), passenger vehicle fatalities far out number fatalities of the truck driver when collisions with large trucks occur. If you or a member of your family are injured in a collision involving a commercial truck, contact our experienced team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys today.

Truck Driver Fatalities

In 2016 alone, 660 commercial truck drivers suffered fatal injuries while operating their vehicles. The 2016 fatality count marked a 10 percent increase in comparison to 2015. Commercial truck drivers are often compensated based on speed of delivery, and in many cases drivers will work as long as 11 hours at a time. Nighttime driving, long hours, and inclement weather are just a few of the dangers commercial truck drivers face while on the job. Additionally, the IIHS states that commercial trucks can take an average of 30 percent more distance to brake in comparison to standard passenger vehicles. The already limited braking capabilities of commercial trucks are further hindered when facing adverse road conditions.

Road Occupant Fatalities

Throughout 2016, 3,986 people suffered fatal injuries as a result of collisions involving commercial trucks. In all, only 17 percent of those killed in 2016 were truck drivers, while an upwards of 2,500 passenger vehicle occupants suffered fatal injuries. The IIHS states that commercial trucks can weigh as much as 30 times that of a standard passenger vehicle, and the raised nature of commercial trucks leads to a high number of passenger vehicles that are completely over-ridden.

We Can Help

At Salvi & Maher L.L.C., we have been helping those injured in commercial trucking accidents for decades. From truck drivers who suffered injuries after an accident, to passenger vehicle occupants injured in a collision with a commercial truck, our experienced team can help you and your family on the road to recovery. If you or a loved one are injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, contact a knowledgeable and compassionate Waukegan personal injury attorney today.

Sources:

http://www.fox32chicago.com/news/local/multiple-people-reportedly-dead-in-crash-involving-semi-trucks-cars-on-i-290

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/large-trucks/fatalityfacts/large-trucks