As traffic accidents surge across the U.S., some vehicle types are involved more than others.
Nationwide, log truck accidents are surging
The number of log truck accidents is skyrocketing. Between 2011 and 2015, log truck accidents increased by over 40%, according to researchers. Meanwhile, overall, truck accidents went up by 16%.
Any rise in truck accidents is concerning, but an increase in log truck accidents is particularly problematic due to the severity of these incidents, with fatalities occurring in over 92% of cases.
What causes log truck accidents?
In the Midwest, there are about 0.7 fatal log truck crashes per 100 million feet of wood harvested. What causes these crashes varies but often involves log truck driver error or truck malfunction. In Indiana and across the U.S., here are the most common causes of log truck accidents.
- Driver fatigue. Long hours and demanding schedules can take a toll on log truck drivers, leading to driver fatigue. Fatigued drivers may exhibit reduced reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Impaired or distracted driving. Distractions, such as texting or talking on the phone, can divert a log truck driver's attention from the road, making them more prone to collisions.
- Truck driver error. Careless driving behaviors, including speeding, reckless lane changes, or failing to yield, can result in devastating accidents involving log trucks.
- Improper or defective equipment. Log trucks that are inadequately maintained or equipped with outdated safety features may experience equipment failures, potentially causing accidents.
- Overloaded or improperly secured loads. Overloading log trucks or improperly securing the logs can lead to instability and imbalance, making the truck more susceptible to tipping or jackknifing.
- Inadequate training. Inexperienced log truck drivers without proper training may lack the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate these large vehicles safely.
- Negligent hiring practices. Some log truck accidents occur due to negligent hiring by trucking companies. Hiring drivers without conducting proper background checks or failing to verify their qualifications can lead to inexperienced or unfit drivers operating log trucks, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Claims involving log truck accidents are complex
When it comes to log truck accidents, assigning liability isn't always straightforward. Of course, if a log truck driver acts negligently or carelessly, they can be held responsible. However, depending on the circumstances, the company that owns the log truck may also share liability.
Log truck companies can be held accountable under various circumstances, such as negligent hiring of inexperienced drivers, entrusting log trucks to careless drivers, inadequate supervision of inexperienced drivers, negligent training of log truck drivers, or even maintaining improperly equipped log trucks.
Boughter Sinak, LLC has the experience and resources to get to the bottom of what happened, collect powerful evidence, and build a strong case that demands maximum compensation. If you were injured or a loved one died in an Indiana log truck accident, contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at Boughter Sinak, LLC. We will fight relentlessly and aggressively for the compensation you deserve.