Driving is an essential aspect of our lives. Even with the rise of remote work, commuting is still a necessary part of many professions and the day-to-day needs of individuals and families. Even as traffic has decreased across the country over the past year, fatal collisions have increased. Commercial vehicles, like semi-trailers, have been marked as a substantial contributor to these catastrophic accidents. Learn how large commercial vehicles present a sizable hazard to motorists.
Understanding the factors leading to fatal collisions
Numerous factors have led to the overall increase in fatal accidents over the year. The reduced traffic and relaxed police presence encourage speeding and more reckless driving behaviors. Drivers and passengers traveling in a passenger vehicle are more likely to die in a commercial vehicle accident than in other accidents. The huge size discrepancy between commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles means that the mass involved can create a wide range of catastrophic injuries. Here are some of the risks associated with commercial vehicle accidents:
- Commercials vehicles take much longer to stop, given their weight and speed of operation.
- Studies demonstrate that the severity of an accident increases with more commercial vehicles on the road.
- Between 2009 and 2017, national fatal truck accidents showed an increase of 40%.
- The majority of those killed in commercial truck accidents are drivers and occupants of passenger vehicles.
Make sure that loved ones are protected
A loved one’s sudden death is an event that can send a family into turmoil. It’s essential to make sure that when a loved one is killed in a collision, their family is cared for. Families may be eligible for damages and compensation that can account for the lost wages and contributions that a family member provided.