Truck accidents are on the rise. Are you safe on the road?

According to experts, truck-involved fatalities are on the rise. In fact, according to a recent report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the incidence of truck-involved accidents and fatalities increased 4 percent from 2014 to 2015. Due to this recent trend, many drivers are questioning whether they can truly feel safe on the road.

Traffic accident fatalities up in 2015

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a 7.7 percent rise in overall traffic accident deaths in 2015. In the report, the NHTSA estimates that more than 35,000 people died on the roadways of the United States in 2015. By comparison, an estimated 32,600 people died from traffic accidents in 2014.

According to these estimates, 2015 was the deadliest year for motorists in the U.S. since 2008, when 37,423 individuals died. The NHTSA believes that the 3.5 percent rise in vehicle miles traveled is related to the rise in traffic accident deaths in 2015.

Types of truck accidents

There are a number of factors that can cause a truck accident such as:

• Jackknife - If a truck driver slams on the breaks, it is possible that the truck will jackknife, causing the trailer to skid outward.
• Rollovers - Should the truck driver lose control, the vehicle can slide and roll onto its side.
• Tire blowout - If a truck experiences a blowout, the driver may lose control of it.
• Wide turn - When a driver swings a truck left to make a right turn, the truck can run into cars to the right.

Serious and fatal injuries

Some trucks weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Passenger vehicles, motorcycles, bikes and pedestrians stand little chance in an accident with a truck. Truck accidents can easily cause serious injuries or death. A few of the serious injuries commonly suffered by individuals involved in a truck accident include:

• Paralysis - Truck accident injuries affecting the spinal cord can be devastating. In some cases, the injury can cause permanent paralysis.
• Amputation - Truck accidents can cause irreparable and significant damage to limbs. Doctors may have no choice but to amputate.
• Brain injuries - The force of the impact may damage the brain, even if the person does not hit their head.

Accidents involving a truck are also more likely to result in death than accidents that only involve cars.

Since trucks are far heavier and bigger than other vehicles, the damage and destruction can be extensive when they crash. Accident victims will need considerable compensation. Don't fight the trucking company alone; speak to a lawyer.