Truck Accident Statistics Around The Holidays

Devastating truck accidents during the holiday season are just among many hazards related to travel during the holidays. According to the most recent statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 32% of truck accident deaths happen in November, December, and January. NHTSA data also demonstrate that:

• 368 people were killed in truck crashes in November
• 382 people were killed in truck crashes in December
• 336 people were killed in truck crashes in January

Likewise, in deadly truck crashes, more than 65% of deaths are vehicle occupants, and only 30% are truck occupants. Increased road traffic and the holidays being the busiest travel times of the year can lead to life-changing or fatal consequences.

Why So Many Truck Accidents Happen Around The Holidays

There are various factors, such as inclement weather, that can cause increased motor vehicle accidents and deaths during the holidays. But there are specific causes relating to truck crashes, including:

• Tight Deadlines and Schedules: Truck drivers are coerced to meet very strict deadlines and tight delivery schedules, which can increase their risk of engaging in reckless driving practices like speed or driving while fatigued or impaired.
• Increased Road Traffic: This can be particularly hazardous when large trucks crowd the roadways because of their immense weight and size.

• Driving While Fatigued: The increased deliveries and tight deadlines during the holiday season can force truck drivers to continue driving even without proper rest.

• Driver Inexperience: Some companies negligently hire inexperienced or young drivers to address the driver shortage during the holidays.

• Improper Maintenance: With the overwhelming demand and necessity for trucks during the holidays, truck companies may cut corners and deliberately place improperly maintained or repaired trucks on the road.

Parties That You Can Hold Liable in a Truck Accident

You can hold one or more parties liable for losses you or a loved one incurred in a truck accident:

• Truck Drivers: Truckers can be held responsible for the crash if they were found to have been driving recklessly or negligently when the crash occurred.

• Trucking Companies: The company that employs the truck driver can likewise be held responsible if they failed to maintain the truck properly, allowed or coerced the driver to drive while fatigued, or hired an inexperienced driver. In most cases, the trucking companies are found liable for accidents more than their truck drivers.
• Parts or Truck Manufacturer: In some instances, crashes may occur due to defective trucks or parts of a truck. In such cases, you can hold the manufacturer liable for the crash.

Talk to an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in CA Now

If you or a family member has been injured in a truck accident in California, please reach out to Bamieh & De Smeth today at 805-643-5555 or online and set up your free initial case review. Our truck accident lawyers in CA are committed to helping people who have been hurt in accidents due to someone else’s negligence. We have the necessary experience and resources to efficiently handle all kinds of truck accident cases to ensure you receive fair compensation.