Log Truck Accidents
Many drivers feel intimidated when sharing the road with commercial trucks, and rightfully so. These large, heavy vehicles create an enormous impact in a collision, and can be the cause of catastrophic or even fatal injuries. All commercial trucks have the potential to cause harm, but log trucks are particularly dangerous.
Log truck accidents carry a high risk of injuries or fatalities. Here, truck accident lawyers from Chanfrau & Chanfrau, serving Daytona Beach, FL, Palm Coast, FL, and surrounding areas, discuss the unique dangers faced by individuals involved in a log truck accident.
How Common Are Log Truck Accidents?
The United States has a large logging industry, but in comparison to other commercial trucks, the number of log trucks on the road is relatively low. Despite making up only a small portion of all commercial truck accidents, data shows that log truck accidents, and fatal log truck crashes in particular, are on the rise.
The International Journal of Forest Engineering recently published an analysis of fatal log truck crashes. Based on data obtained from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, or FARS, it was found that log truck crashes in the United States increased by 33 percent during the years 2011 and 2015. In comparison, other trailer truck accidents also increased during this time period, but only by 19 percent.
Causes of Log Truck Accidents
The causes of log truck accidents are varied, and are very similar to those of other large truck crashes. Some of the most common factors to contribute to a log truck accident include:
- Log truck driver errors, especially failing to yield to oncoming traffic and failure to follow road signs
- Inadequate driver training
- Driving while fatigued
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Equipment or vehicle malfunction
- Poor road conditions
Dangers of Log Truck Accidents
There are many factors that make log trucks so hazardous and potentially deadly.
The Size of the Vehicle
In any truck accident one of the biggest dangers that involved drivers face is the size and weight of the commercial truck. Fully loaded cargo trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds. If a collision occurs between an 80,000 pound truck and a passenger vehicle, the passenger vehicle will obviously take the brunt of the impact, which is why injuries and fatalities are such a concern.
Rollover Accident Risk
In addition to these dangers, individuals involved in a log truck accident face the risk of a rollover. Data reported in the previously cited study by the International Journal of Forest Engineering found that, during a fatal crash, log trucks experienced a rollover 21 percent of the time. By comparison, rollovers occurred in only 12 percent of other fatal large truck accidents. This would suggest that either the design and weight distribution of log trucks make rollovers more likely, or log truck drivers do not receive adequate training regarding rollover risks.
Loose Logs and Cargo
Loose cargo is another risk of log truck accidents. Whereas most commercial trucks carry their loads in a contained trailer, logs are secured on an open bed. If logs are not secured properly, or if an accident occurs, logs can become loose and cause further damage to nearby vehicles.
Log Truck Accident Damages
Log truck accidents can cause a wide range of physical, emotional, and financial damages. Daytona Beach drivers who are injured in a log truck accident that is caused by another person or party have the right to pursue compensation for the full extent of accident losses, which may include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of wage earning potential
- Wrongful death damages (may be pursued by surviving family members in the event of a fatal truck accident)
Contact Our Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a log truck accident, the lawyers at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can assist you in holding liable parties accountable for resulting damages. To learn more about the type of financial compensation you may be due, send us a message online or call our law firm at (386) 258-7313.