A Look Why These Crashes Happen and How They Impact Victims

1. A Look Why These Crashes Happen
and How They Impact Victims
LARGE TRUCK ACCIDENTS

2. Big Rigs = Big Impact
Large trucks are infamous for their
potential to cause damage on our
roads. However, these trucks are
essential to commerce and transport
in the United States. We rely on
tractor-trailers to ship goods, and we
trust those driving them to do so in the
safest manner possible. But what
happens when things don’t go
according to plan...

3. Fast Facts on Large Truck Crashes
 Every year, more than 100,000 people are injured in crashes
involving large trucks in the United States.
 Nearly three-fourths of victims in large truck crashes are the
occupants of the smaller vehicle.
 Approximately 4,000 people are killed in crashes involving
large trucks every year in the United States.
 On average in Maryland, approximately 8 people a year lose
their lives in crashes involving large trucks.

4. Why Large Truck Accidents are Often Serious
The heft and size of a large truck means
they carry the potential to cause an
incredible amount damage in a crash.
Tractor-trailers are also more difficult to
drive, requiring greater distances to come
to a complete stop and being more
cumbersome when changing lanes or
making turns. These factors are part of the
reason why crashes involving large trucks
are often more severe than crashes
involving other vehicle types.

5. How Large Truck Accidents Happen
While every crash has its own set of contributing
factors, it’s true that most crashes are due to human
error. People are prone to making mistakes. When
we’re behind the wheel, particularly of a large truck,
those mistakes are especially costly. Let’s look at a
few common causes of large truck accidents…

6. Distracted Driving
Driver distraction has always been
a problem for motorists, but its
prevalence has grown with the
emergence of mobile devices,
navigation systems and other
gadgets commonly found in
vehicles. Taking our minds, hands
or eyes off the road for just a
couple of seconds can have
disastrous consequences.

7. Drowsy Driving
Driver fatigue is a major concern in
the trucking industry. Driving a truck is
a very demanding job. Drivers are
constantly required to drive long
distances, for long periods of time, to
meet those demands and to make
ends meet. These factors, along with
the prevalence of sleep disorders like
sleep apnea, make drivers
susceptible to fatigue.

8. Speeding
While many trucks are equipped with speed
limiters (electronic devices that cap the speed
of a vehicle), speeding is still a major
contributor to crashes involving large trucks.
Speed limiters don’t curb speeding when
posted limits are lower than the maximum
speed a limiter allows. For example, if a truck is
equipped with a 63-miles-per-hour governor,
the truck can still exceed a 35-miles-per-hour
limit. Speed limiters also fail to address driving
too fast for conditions, such as bad weather
and heavy traffic congestion.

9. Other Forms of Reckless Driving
Drivers of all kinds can have bad
habits behind the wheel. Examples of
reckless driving practices include:
 Veering in and out of lanes
 Failing to signal before changing
lanes
 Following another vehicle too
closely
 Failing to adhere to traffic signs
and signals.

10. Examples of Serious Injuries in Heavy Truck Accidents
Truck crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries for those
involved. Injuries might include:
 Traumatic brain injuries
 Back or spinal injuries
 Complex bone fractures, such as hip, wrist, knee or ankle
fractures
 Amputations/loss of limbs
 Burns
 Internal organ damage.

11. Legal Options for Crash Victims
When someone is injured by a negligent
truck driver, they can file a personal injury
claim to get the compensation they
deserve. These cases are more complex
than those involving only passenger
vehicles because there are so many rules
specific to commercial vehicles, which
vary from one state to another. It’s best for
someone interested in filing a claim to
search for an experienced truck accident
attorney who practices law in their state.

12. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Maryland, contact Steven H. Heisler to schedule
a free consultation. Our firm has years of experience helping clients get the compensation
they deserve. Fill out our online form or call us at 410-625-4878 today to get started.
Contact Steve Heisler to Learn More About Your Options