The Facts on Single-Vehicle Truck Accidents

According to smartmotorist.com, one of the main causes of single-vehicle crashes resulting in a fatality is driver fatigue. Even when no one but the driver is directly involved in the accident, truck drivers do have a high chance of being killed or seriously injured in a single-vehicle truck accident.

Consider some of the facts on single-truck accidents, compiled by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

• In 2007, 62% of truck-driver deaths occurred in single-vehicle accidents, while 51% of passenger car occupants died in single-vehicle crashes
• That same year, 17% of trucks involved in fatal truck accidents were single-vehicle, compared to 40% of passenger cars
• However, 97% of those killed in two-vehicle crashes between a truck and a passenger car were occupants of the car

Clearly, while passenger car occupants have less protection during truck accidents, truck drivers are at risk as well. Additionally, even after a single-truck accident, cars on the road could be in danger. Many drivers “rubberneck” at most truck accidents, causing a back up and possible fender benders.  An additional danger posed by negligent trucks drivers can include spillage of a truck’s contents during or after a truck accident.

News stations frequently report accidents that occur when trucks roll off the road, spilling their contents everywhere. In one recent story, the driver fell asleep and crashed into a median, causing a hazardous chemical to spill on the roadway and back up traffic for hours during its cleanup. Such stories are unfortunately not that uncommon.  

If you have been involved in an accident caused by a tractor trailer in Virginia, you should consult with a Virginia personal injury attorney that specializes in tractor trailer accidents. It is important that the accident lawyer you choose to represent you has handled cases like yours and understands tractor trailer accidents.