Report shows increase in fatalities in large-truck crashes

In May, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released its most recent analysis regarding commercial truck and bus crashes, and motorists in California and other states may want to know more. Upon review of the statistical information, an American Trucking Associations statement noted a positive trend spanning two decades and credited the long-term results to the efforts of the American trucking industry. However, the data indicates that the number of fatal trucking accidents actually rose from 4,074 in 2015 to 4,213 in the following year.

According to FMCSA, 1.46 large trucks were involved in fatal wrecks per 100 million trucking miles collectively traveled in both 2015 and 2016. Although this figure remained constant over the two year period, drivers of smaller vehicles may want to consider the number of trucking-related fatalities that occurred during the same time frame. Trucking accidents caused 4,317 fatalities in 2016, up from 4,094 the previous year. The records show that in 2016, only 722 of the lives that were lost belonged to occupants of the commercial trucks. This number was somewhat lower in 2015.

The FMCSA report offers a wealth of additional information. In 2016, the most frequent driver-related factor among all drivers was "speeding of any kind." Among large-truck operators, 'distraction/inattention" placed second on the list, and 2 percent of the 4,152 truck drivers who were involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08 percent.

Commercial trucking crashes are common on busy California roadways. A resident whose life is adversely impacted by a fatal truck accident may find it beneficial to consult a personal injury attorney for advice. In some situations, the attorney may decide to prepare and file a wrongful death lawsuit on a beneficiary's behalf. If negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement, the attorney might pursue the beneficiary's interests in court.