One out of eight deadly crashes in Ohio results from a collision involving a large truck, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. That same report notes that truck blind spots, fatigued drivers, right turns, lane changes, and stopping distances are leading contributors to crashes between passenger vehicles and large trucks.
Truck accidents are very different than car accidents both in terms of injuries and legal issues. If you or a loved one was in a truck wreck, it is important to promptly seek legal advice from an experienced local attorney. Graham Law represents Ohio truck accident victims with the highest-quality, client-centered legal services.
Ohio at the Center of National Trucking Industry
The majority of freight in the United States is moved by long-haul trucks. Over 40 percent of truck travel miles in the U.S. are on the Interstate system. Ohio, which has the nation’s 4thlargest Interstate highway system, is a major thoroughfare for truck transport.
Guernsey and Muskingum counties see a significant volume of truck traffic on Interstates 70 and 77. Interstate 75, I-80, and I-90 are also heavily-trafficked Ohio trucking routes.
While truck shipments are an important contributor to the state economy, they produce costs to the state in the form of crashes, as well. In 2017, more than 22,000 heavy truck crashes in Ohio were reported. These crashes resulted in 169 fatal injuries, 4,333 non-fatal injuries, and 17,683 property damage cases. Of these crashes, nearly 60 percent were the fault of truck drivers.
Staying Safe Around Large Trucks
A Department of Public Safety report notes that large trucks account for nine percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes, despite accounting for only three percent of all registered vehicles.
Fully-loaded large trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. When a truck collides with a car weighing 3,000 to 5,000 pounds, the results are often catastrophic for occupants of the smaller vehicle.
The Department of Safety offers several trucking safety tips, including:
- Allow space: Large trucks have a stopping distance that is twice as long as passenger vehicles. Give large trucks plenty of space to operate, especially in wet, snowy, or icy weather.
- Understand blind spots: Trucks blind spots, or “No-Zones,” are a major source of crashes. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you. Thirty-five percent of fatal accidents occur in truck blind spots. Stay out of No-Zones to significantly reduce the risk of a deadly accident.
- Provide clear signals: Because trucks have large blind spots and increased stopping distances, announce your intentions by using turn signals, and don’t make any unexpected moves.
- Pay Attention: Long interstate drives can induce drowsiness and make it tempting to use a smartphone or other device. Fatigued and distracted driving are dangerous under all circumstances, but when you’re sharing the road with much-larger 18-wheelers, the stakes are even higher.
Contact a Zanesville Truck Accident Attorney For Legal Help
After a truck accident, it is critical to immediately begin an investigation and preserve evidence. Even if you don’t end up filing a lawsuit, an attorney can provide valuable advice about navigating the claims process.
Graham Law has served Southeastern Ohio injury victims for nearly 100 years. To schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case review, call 740-454-8585 or contact us.
