Statistics involving 18 wheeler accidents are overwhelming. They include the fact that there are over 130,000 every year that result in injury and more than 5,000 end in death. In Texas alone, there were over 15,000 accidents that included commercial trucks. Almost 300 of them resulted in death and over 2,000 that resulted in serious injuries. Furthermore, Texas roads have a fatality rate of 1.29 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. This includes El Paso. If you or a loved one have suffered from an 18 wheeler accident, Lettunich Law Firm can help.

Texas and Truck-Related Accidents

Texas has the highest truck-related fatality rate in the country. In 2012, the state had almost 500 18 wheeler accidents that resulted in death. California was second with just over 200. These numbers should not be surprising, considering that commercial trucks are the largest transporter of goods in the United States. In one year they transport over nine billion tons of freight. This is over two-thirds of all of the freight that was moved within the country. In fact, the trucking industry is also responsible for the movement of 60% of all freight between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Top Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents

Of course, driving a truck is not the cause 18 wheeler accidents. However, it does not help because large trucks have many more blind spots than a regular car or pickup truck. Even with custom mirrors and devices, it is still difficult to manipulate such a large load. There are areas that truck drivers simply cannot see. Sometimes, drivers do not or cannot account for these spots. This can result in accidents.

One of the most referenced causes of 18 wheeler accidents is distraction. This is second only to human error. Drivers can have their attention drawn away by anything from having a bite to eat to their cell phone ringing. Just like everyone else, phones cause drivers to look away from the road. One wrong move in an 18 wheeler is worse than one wrong move in a car.

Drowsy Driving is Dangerous!

Next on the list of 18 wheeler accident causes is tired drivers. A recent study shows that over 40 percent of drivers admit to falling asleep or nodding off while driving. In addition, more than 25 percent of drivers admit that they have driven when they were so sleepy they could barely keep their eyes open. Just like your car, tractor-trailers can have mechanical problems. If this happens while in motion, then it can result in accidents. When 18 wheeler accidents happen, they are usually worse than a typical car accident due to the size of the truck.

Road Debris Can Account for Accidents

Another way that size influences the amount of and the results of 18 wheeler accidents is when there is junk on the road. If you have ever had to swerve to avoid something in the road, you know how difficult it is to do. Imagine doing that in a big truck. These are just some of the many reasons that 18 wheeler accidents. So, if you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer and need help getting what you deserve from the driver, the insurance company, or the driver's employer, and are in the El Paso area,  call attorney the Law Office of Brandon L. Lettunich today.