Every job has its risks, but those who drive large trucks for a living face unique hazards that can often result in devastating truck accidents, severe injuries, and fatalities.
The problem is not getting better. According to a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 885 large truck occupants died in 2018—the highest rate of trucker deaths in 30 years! This is the most number of deaths since 1988 when 911 large truck occupants died.
Causes of Truck Driver Fatalities
Additional data from a Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries report found that there were 843 injuries among truckers in 2019, a slight improvement from the prior year. The report found that nearly three out of four trucker deaths were transportation-related. The remaining causes included the following:
- Contact with objects and equipment (7%)
- Violence and other injuries by persons or animals (5%)
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments (4.5%)
- Falls, slips, and trips (4%)
- Fires and explosions (1%)
What the Future May Hold
Reports for the 2020 trucker fatalities have yet to be analyzed and released. However, there is expected to be an increased number of reported trucking accidents and subsequent fatalities due to COVID-19 relief exemptions for truck drivers initiated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
We will continue to monitor any progress with federal trucking accident reports and post any updates as they come out. If you are injured in a truck accident that was caused by another driver, person, or party, the Dream Team at Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys is standing by ready to hit back against the insurance company so you obtain maximum compensation for your losses.
Questions? Think you have a case? Contact our Dream Team at (912) 809-5335 to speak with us for free!