Truck Driver Negligence Accident Lawyer

The majority of commercial truck drivers are highly trained and licensed individuals. They work hard to keep our economy rolling. Sadly, the industry is changing. A shortage of truck drivers means companies are desperate to fill seats while sacrificing proper training and safety. As a result, the number of truck accidents caused by driver negligence is rising. Sadly, as accidents increase, so do the injuries.

If you have been injured by a commercial truck driver, call Mike Morse Law Firm today. Our personal injury attorneys are standing by and ready to go to work for you. Our legal team has been in practice for over 25 years now, so we know from experience how to hold trucking companies responsible for the harm they have caused. 

When you work with us, there is no fee until and unless you win compensation. Do not hesitate to give us a call at (855) MIKE-WINS. We are available 24/7 for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Truck Accident Statistics

According to 2019 data from the FMCSA and NHTSA, truck accidents, injuries, and fatalities decreased from the early 2000s to the early 2010s. From 2010 onward, these numbers began to increase, as shown below:

• Between 2009 and 2019: 47 percent increase in fatal truck and bus crashes 
• Between 2009 and 2015: 62 percent increase of truck and bus injury crashes
• Between 2016 and 2019: 13 percent increase in truck and bus injury crashes 

The number of accidents, injuries, and deaths involving large trucks saw its largest increase between 2018 and 2019, with large trucks involved in:

• 2 percent more fatal crashes
• 6 percent more injury collisions, and;
• The same count of property damage accidents, held steady at 414,000

Other truck accident crash statistics include:

• 21 percent of fatal accidents and 14 percent of injury crashes were the result of single-vehicle incidents

• 57 percent of fatal crashes happened in rural regions

• 38 percent of fatal crashes took place on on highways and interstates

• 4 percent of fatal and 2 percent of nonfatal crashes were rollovers

• 6 percent of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for drugs

Common Types of Truck Driver Negligence

In 2019, 33 percent of truck accidents are caused by the negligence of truck drivers. You might consider this number to be far too high for an industry that requires weeks of specialized training and a Class-A license to operate. 

Yet, many commercial drivers are rushed through training programs. This serious mistake results in thousands of injuries every year. Below is a list of common types of truck driver negligence that result in crashes.

Distracted driving

Spending extended hours on the road is not easy. Many drivers are expected to be extremely vigilant in paying attention to what is going on around them for as long as 11 hours each day. 

Only a small amount of distraction is needed to cause a severe accident. These distractions can include changing the radio station, talking on the phone, eating while driving, or more. Taking your eyes off the road even for 2 seconds significantly increases the chance of getting into an accident.

Impaired driving

More commercial drivers are impaired behind the wheel of a big truck than you may realize. Impaired driving includes: drunk driving, drugged driving, and drowsy driving. 

There are many laws in place to prevent these types of accidents, but they still happen frequently. Impaired driving can be caused by loneliness, unrealistic deadlines, and substance abuse.

Speeding

Big trucks need plenty of care and space. When a driver speeds, especially in bad road or weather conditions, bad things happen. The faster a truck goes, the longer it takes for it to slow to a stop. Also, slamming on the brakes or taking a corner too fast can cause a truck to jackknife or roll over. 

Many companies put speed governors on their trucks to prevent them from going over highway speeds. Still, most truck accidents happen on rural roads, not highways.

Lack of training

To become commercial truck drivers, recruits must complete several weeks of training and pass a test to get their Class-A CDL. A massive trucker shortage has resulted in companies offering inadequate training. They do this to get drivers out on the road faster than ever before. 

Companies may also fail to screen recruits and take anyone who inquires. They are so desperate for workers that they offer massive bonuses just to get them in the door.

Violate trucking regulations

Many trucking regulations are meant to keep the roads safe from truck accidents. These regulations might include hours of service, inspections, how to load and unload trucks, and more. New drivers might not be correctly trained on how to regularly meet these regulations. 

A worst-case scenario might be a company that offers incentives for drivers to break the rules. Unrealistic delivery times might force employees to break traffic laws to get a load delivered on time. If they do not comply, they can face consequences. It is unfortunate that so many companies value speed and profits over safety.

Basic traffic violations

Basic traffic violations are a common occurrence. They involve failure to follow traffic signs, traffic signals, or proper yielding procedure. Commercial vehicles are much larger than typical passenger vehicles. Truckers use this size difference to bully their way down the road. 

It is not uncommon for basic traffic violations to be coupled with other forms of trucker negligence. For example, an impaired driver can easily run a red light or roll past a stop sign.

Proving Trucker Negligence

Trucking accidents are among the most difficult cases to litigate, because the majority are not the result of a negligent truck driver. Some 53 percent of these incidents have been recorded as caused by the passenger vehicle motorists. The reality is that the general public does not know how to share the road with large commercial vehicles.

Another factor is that trucking companies have to expect they will be sued at some point by accident victims. They are prepared to strongly defend themselves and rarely admit negligence or liability. With a stable of strong attorneys in their pocket, trucking companies are ready to fight back. They may refuse to accept that their company is responsible for your injuries.

This is where Mike Morse Law Firm can help you. We can do all the research necessary to find whatever evidence we can and fight hard to prove your case. Evidence can include:

• The trucker’s driving record and logs

• Photos and police reports from the crash scene

• Witness statements affirming your side of the story

• Data from electronic onboard recorders

• Accident reconstruction and forensics

• Safety records of the trucking company

• Truck inspection records

If there is proof of negligence by the commercial driver or his company, we will find it. Call us to find out more at 855-MIKE-WINS.

Contact Mike Morse Law Firm Today

After you have been injured in an accident, you may be facing a difficult and uncertain future. Recovery takes time. Every moment you spend away from work is income lost. Medical bills are piling up. Pain, suffering, and mental anguish are taking their toll. 

You do not have to face this alone. Mike Morse Law Firm can be there for you every step of the way.

Trucking companies are tough, but we are tougher. We did not become Michigan’s largest personal injury law firm by being intimidated. Our goal is to represent your right to seek fair compensation from both the insurance company and negligent companies who refuse to pay. That is why we have helped our clients claim over $1.5 billion in money damages.

All you need to do is give us a call today at (855) MIKE-WINS. Our personal injury attorneys are available 24/7 to take your call. Consultations are free.