An accident involving a commercial vehicle often makes the local evening news. That’s because these types of accidents often cause delays for commuters, and the aftermath of the accident scene can be devastating due to the sheer weight and destructive power of the trucks.
A crash statistics report put out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) finds that there were 161,544 fatal and non-fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2024. That is a lot of potential destruction.
A collision involving a commercial vehicle is also potentially more complicated than one between two cars. Additional at-fault parties could be involved, such as the trucking company or cargo loading crew. Peterson Law Office can help with these kinds of issues.
We have years of experience helping the victims of car accidents achieve the benefits they’re due.
Of those truck crashes, there is a rise in the number of collisions over the summer months. Here are the top 5 reasons commercial vehicle accidents spike in the summer:
1. Increased Traffic
Summer is the time for vacation road trips. Whether a family is loading up the SUV for a trip to Mammoth Cave National Park or friends are going out for a day trip to Kentucky Lake, there are a lot more vehicles on the highways, byways, and roads. Additionally, increased traffic congestion increases the risk of accidents.
2. Tire Blowouts
The rising summer temperatures cause problems on asphalt highways. When you combine hot roads and rubber tires with worn treads, the threat of a tire blowout goes up. If that happens on a big rig, it can cause the driver to lose control of the truck.
3. Inexperienced Drivers
The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the “100 deadliest days.” That is directly related to the number of inexperienced drivers taking to the road. That mostly applies to new teen drivers who are getting behind the wheel with limited driving hours. A lack of driving experience can cause problems for larger trucks, particularly when encountering fast lane changes or distracted drivers.
4. Potholes
Along with the hot roads causing problems for tires, they can also cause problems for the road itself. Hot weather can cause certain patches of road to soften and expand, creating potholes. If a truck driver is not paying attention to the road ahead, hitting those holes can be dangerous.
5. Overheating
The likelihood of a truck overheating also increases during the summer months. In fact, excessive heat can cause havoc across many of the truck’s mechanics. A breakdown in transit can trigger a chain reaction of accidents involving multiple cars that are forced to come to a sudden stop.
Investigating the Truck Accident
There is nothing that a truck driver can do about hot weather. However, there is a lot they can do to ensure that their rig is in good condition before hitting the road. Several agencies will conduct an investigation when an accident involving a semi-truck occurs. All the factors that contributed to the accident will be thoroughly investigated.
That evidence will also be used by Peterson Law Office in support of our client.
When we take on a client, we utilize all the resources in our office to support their claim. That begins at our free consultation, where you can share what happened, and we’ll be able to explain all the possible challenges you might face and all the potential outcomes.
Call to set up that talk today.
