Truck drivers who engage in bad driving habits, such as drowsy driving or road rage, endanger other motorists.
Summary
- Truck accident statistics recorded 4,119 truck accident fatalities in 2019, with most victims being non-commercial vehicle occupants. Injuries from truck accidents affect about 130,000 people yearly.
- Top dangerous truck driving habits include unsafe lane changes, failing to check blind spots, distracted driving, driving in bad weather, drowsy driving, and ignoring poorly secured cargo.
- Multiple parties can be liable in truck accident claims. Fault may lie with truck drivers, trucking companies, truck manufacturers, or truck loaders, depending on the circumstances.
- To secure compensation in truck accident cases, it’s essential to prove duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
- Key safety practices for Minnesota truck drivers include regular vehicle maintenance, following speed limits, planning routes, taking regular breaks, maintaining safe distances, and eliminating distractions.
Driving a large commercial vehicle takes the utmost concentration. Drivers must operate these vehicles without distraction, aggression, or arrogance. To become a commercial truck driver, you must pass further testing and certification.
This prevents just anyone from becoming a commercial truck driver. This screening helps to weed out any bad drivers who may more easily cause dangerous truck accidents by partaking in bad driving habits while behind the wheel.
However, thousands of people are still injured in collisions caused by reckless truck drivers on an annual basis. At Sand Law LLC, we help them recover fair compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other personal injury damages. Schedule a free consultation with us by calling (651) 362-4173 or submitting an online contact form.
Statistics on Truck Accidents
In 2019 there were 4,119 fatalities due to truck accidents. 67% of those fatalities were passengers or drivers of regular non-commercial vehicles. Another 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Finally, 16% were truck drivers and occupants.
Aside from fatalities, there are approximately 130,000 people who suffer truck accident injuries each year. Typical truck accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, whiplash, neck injuries, and more.
Dangerous Truck Driving Habits
Dangerous truck driving habits not only jeopardize the safety of truck drivers but also pose significant threats to all other road users. Addressing these unsafe practices is crucial in preventing truck accidents and ensuring a safer driving environment for everyone.
Unsafely Changing Lanes
Changing lanes is dangerous no matter what in a large commercial vehicle. Semi-trucks have large blind spots that obscure passenger cars from their view. A truck driver that changes lanes too quickly or without checking its blindspots vigilantly could cause an accident.
Lane hopping is a bad driving habit that involves quickly weaving in and out of lanes to pass through traffic buildup easier. Truck drivers who partake in lane hopping or lane weaving may be more at risk for accidents.
Not Checking Blind Spots
Checking blinds spots multiple times before merging or switching lanes altogether is a good way to ensure that no one gets hurt. Especially in truck accidents, it’s important to make sure you’re not driving in someone’s blind spot. Not checking blind spots can easily lead to a truck accident on the road.
Using Cell Phone While Driving
In any circumstances, using a phone while you’re driving is not a good idea. While it’s hazardous to do while driving a passenger vehicle, imagine how dangerous it could be while operating a large commercial vehicle that weighs 20 to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle.
Using a cell phone for anything is enough of a distraction to cause a Minnesota texting while driving accident. This includes:
- texting
- talking on the phone
- checking email
- checking social media
- looking for directions
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving of any kind, such as texting, talking on the phone, and eating, are terrible habits that many have a hard time kicking. One’s hands should be kept on the steering wheel at all times, while one’s hands should always be on the road. Taking your eyes, ears, or focus off of the road is not only considered bad driving, but it could kill someone.
Driving Through Bad Weather
If you’re living in an area with bad weather such as snow or rain, you should be well equipped to handle the road changes. Whether that be snow tires or just learning how to slow down correctly in the slush, preparing yourself for these conditions can save you from a nasty winter motor vehicle accident.
Truck drivers should be equipped with the training to handle these conditions. If they aren’t, their employer may be liable for not providing proper training.
Drowsy Driving
When drivers are overscheduled and overworked, drowsy driving can be common. Because truck drivers drive for such long periods of time, it can be hard to get the correct amount of sleep between shifts. Overscheduling a driver to the point of fatigue or exhaustion can make an accident the trucking company’s fault.
Poorly Secured Cargo
Cargo must be properly secured to ensure that a driver’s route is as smooth and safe as possible. If a truck is overloaded or loaded incorrectly, a lost-load truck accident can occur at the loading team’s fault.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable for a Truck Accident
When a car accident occurs, liability is pretty cut and dry. In most cases, the other driver is the only party responsible for the accident. This is not the case with commercial truck accidents. With truck accidents, multiple parties can be liable.
Truck Driver
Of course, the truck driver can be liable for the accident if they were practicing bad driving habits at the time of the accident, such as:
- improper lane merging
- texting while driving
- driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Trucking Company
The trucking company could be liable if the accident occurred because of their negligence. Trucking company negligence could include:
- not properly training employees
- overscheduling employees past the legal limits
- not properly maintaining the trucks
Truck Manufacturer
If a truck accident involves a mechanical issue, such as a defective part, the manufacturer of the truck or the part could be liable for the accident. If the truck manufacturer issued a recall of the part before the accident occurred and the trucking company chose to ignore it, the trucking company could still be liable.
Truck Loaders
If the truck is improperly loaded or the cargo isn’t strapped down correctly, the loading team may be liable for any accident that occurs. If there’s a party that’s supposed to check the cargo loader’s work before it leaves for distribution, that party could also be liable.
How to Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Claim
In truck accident cases, establishing negligence is pivotal in securing compensation for victims, and this is particularly crucial in Minnesota. The legal process requires demonstrating that the truck driver’s actions or the actions and/or omissions of other relevant parties were not only careless but directly responsible for the incident and subsequent damages.
Understanding the elements of negligence and how they apply is important, which is why having an experienced Minnesota personal injury attorney is invaluable.
Duty of Care
The first element in proving negligence is demonstrating that the truck driver, owner, manufacturer, or loader owed a duty of care to other road users. This means these parties are expected to operate their vehicle safely and in accordance with traffic laws.
Truck drivers, due to the nature of their vehicles and cargo, have a heightened responsibility to ensure their actions do not endanger others. A Sand Law truck accident lawyer can help clarify how this duty was breached and gather evidence supporting this claim.
Breach of Duty
Once a duty of care is established, it must be shown that the truck driver or one of the other third parties breached this duty through negligence or reckless behavior. On the driver’s part, this could involve acts such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, or driving while fatigued.
A truck accident attorney can assist in collecting crucial evidence, such as traffic camera footage or eyewitness testimonies, to illustrate how the driver’s conduct fell short of their legal obligations.
Causation
Proving causation involves linking the breach of duty directly to the accident. It must be demonstrated that a dangerous truck driving habit or third-party negligence was the direct cause of the crash and the resulting injuries.
This process often requires detailed accident reconstruction and expert testimony to establish a clear connection. A Sand Law MN truck accident lawyer can coordinate these efforts, using their expertise to build a compelling case.
Damages
The final element is proving that the accident caused tangible damages. This can include physical injuries, emotional distress, lost wages, and property damage. A skilled lawyer will work to quantify these damages accurately and present them effectively before the insurance company or in court, ensuring that the compensation sought reflects the true extent of the victim’s losses.
Truck Driver Safety Tips
Ensuring safety on the road is a paramount responsibility for truck drivers, as their actions significantly impact the well-being of all road users. By adopting effective safety practices, drivers can minimize the risk of accidents and contribute to safer highways.
1. Maintain Proper Vehicle Maintenance. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your truck ensures it operates efficiently and reduces the likelihood of mechanical failures. Check brakes, tires, and lights frequently to catch potential issues before they escalate.
2. Adhere to Speed Limits. Observing speed limits is crucial, especially for large commercial trucks that require more time to stop. Abiding by these limits helps maintain control of the vehicle and enhances the safety of both the driver and other road users.
3. Plan Your Route. Planning your route in advance can help avoid unexpected delays, bad weather, or road construction. Utilize GPS systems or traffic updates to stay informed and opt for safer, less congested roads when possible.
4. Take Regular Breaks. Fatigue is a common issue among truck drivers and can lead to impaired decision-making. Schedule regular breaks during long hauls to rest and rejuvenate, ensuring you’re alert and focused on the road.
5. Maintain a Safe Following Distance. Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead allows ample time to react to sudden stops or emergencies. A good rule of thumb is to maintain at least a four-second gap, adjusting for speed and weather conditions.
6. Stay Focused and Eliminate Distractions. Distractions like mobile phones, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert attention from the road. Keep distractions to a minimum and concentrate on driving, as staying alert can help prevent accidents.
Contact Sand Law About Recovering Compensation for Your Truck Accident Injuries
If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident because of someone else’s negligence, contact Sand Law online for a free consultation. You can also call us at 651-291-7263. We’re ready and willing to help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitation for filing a truck accident claim in Minnesota?
The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in Minnesota is typically six years from the date of the accident. It’s important to file within this timeframe to preserve your right to seek compensation.
How can a truck accident lawyer help?
A truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, gather crucial evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights to ensure you receive fair compensation.
How much money can I recover in a truck accident claim?
The amount you can recover depends on various factors, such as the severity of injuries. More serious injuries, like traumatic brain injury cases, tend to produce greater medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress, and therefore larger settlements. A truck accident lawyer can help evaluate your case to maximize potential compensation.