It is not surprising that semi-truck crashes occur.Tractor trailers, in apparently ever-increasing numbers, carry produce and merchandise across the country to satisfy our needs.Utah is a major hub for both north-south and west-east interstate travel.Interstate travel in Utah occurs west-east along I-80 and I-70 and north-south along I-15 and I-84.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted large truck crash studies. In 2008, 380,000 large trucks (gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds) were involved in traffic crashes in the United States; 4,066 were involved in fatal crashes. A total of 4,229 people died (11% of all the traffic fatalities reported in 2008) and an additional 90,000 were injured in those crashes.One out of nine traffic fatalities in 2008 resulted from a collision involving a large truck.

Of the fatalities that resulted from crashes involving large trucks, 74 percent were occupants of another vehicle, 10 percent were non-occupants, and 16 percent were occupants of a large truck.Of the people injured in crashes involving large trucks, 71 percent were occupants of another vehicle, 3 percent were non-occupants, and 26 percent were occupants of a large truck.

Large trucks were much more likely to be involved in a fatal multiple-vehicle crash – as opposed to a fatal single-vehicle crash – than were passenger vehicles (82% of all large trucks involved in fatal crashes, compared with 58% of all passenger vehicles).In 30 percent of the two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a large truck and another type of vehicle, both vehicles were impacted in the front. The truck was struck in the rear 3.2 times as often as the other vehicle (19% and 6%, respectively).

In half (50%) of the two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a large truck and another type of vehicle, both vehicles were proceeding straight at the time of the crash. In 9 percent of the crashes, the other vehicle was turning. In 9 percent, either the truck or the other vehicle was negotiating a curve. In 8 percent, either the truck or the other vehicle was stopped or parked in a traffic lane (6% and 2%, respectively).

Most of the fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred in rural areas (64%), during the daytime (67%), and on weekdays (80%). During the week, 74 percent of the crashes occurred during the daytime (6 a.m. to5:59 p.m.). On weekends, 63 percent occurred at night (6 p.m. to 5:59 a.m.).

Nearly one-fourth (24%) of all large-truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 had at least one prior speeding conviction, compared to 18 percent of passenger car drivers involved in fatal crashes.

In 2008 in Utah there was a total of 350 vehicles involved in fatal crashes.Of these 32 involved large trucks.

If you need help in your semi-truck accident case we are ready to provide you the assistance you need.Remember – there is never any fee until we get money for you.Call George Tait Law for a free consultation at 801-487-6454 or toll free at 800-953-4811.You can also fill out the e-mail form and we will contact you as soon as possible.