People in New York may have particular concerns about truck accidents, especially since the occupants of passenger cars and other smaller vehicles are far more likely to be seriously injured in case of a crash. Statistics also show that crashes involving large commercial trucks like dump trucks and concrete delivery vehicles are on an upswing. While insurers have raised insurance premiums for commercial truck companies, this has had little effect on the escalating number of accidents. Various initiatives to reduce the risk of driver fatigue also aim to improve roadway safety.
Still, in 2016, dump truck crashes that required a vehicle to be towed away rose by 9 percent, reaching a total of 8,206, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In addition, the number of these dump truck accidents that caused injuries rose by 2.7 percent to 5,483 in the same year. FMCSA statistics also showed a 9.6 percent increase in ready-mix concrete delivery truck crashes, reaching a total of 838. Injury-causing crashes were also up by 3.8 percent. Fatal concrete truck injuries also rose in 2016 to 38, from 33 the prior year.
In the early 2000s, large commercial truck crashes were significantly reduced as safety technologies improved and federal regulations of driver hours tightened. Various campaigns to boost driver safety also focused on the trucking industry. In the past several years, however, this trend has changed; commercial vehicle accidents involving large trucks are on the rise once more. There are a number of reasons for this change, including the rising prevalence of distracted driving.
Those who have been injured in trucking accidents due to a distracted, negligent or dangerous truck driver may suffer catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities. A personal injury lawyer might help them pursue compensation for their damages, including medical bills and lost wages.