The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classifies large trucks as commercial vehicles with a gross weight rating exceeding 10,000 lbs. Every year, approximately 4,600 fatal accidents involve semi-truck drivers, resulting in devastating consequences. These accidents also cause injuries to approximately 182,000 people yearly.

The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks often cause significant injury in accidents. A fully-loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When you compare that to a passenger vehicle that weighs just 3,000 pounds, you can see why drivers in passenger vehicles suffer the most severe injuries.

When the weather is warm in the summer, these accidents can increase. If you plan to hit the road this summer, be aware of commercial trucks and take measures to avoid serious accidents.

Why Do Truck Accidents Increase in Summer?

As temperatures rise and the days grow longer, summer is a time for fun in the sun and family vacations. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when truck accidents are more common. But why do truck accidents occur more frequently during summer, and what can be done to prevent them?

Increased Traffic

One of the main reasons for the increase in truck accidents during the summer is the increase in traffic. As schools let out for summer break and more families hit the road for vacations, the roads become more congested. This can lead to increased frustration and impatience among drivers, causing them to make reckless decisions behind the wheel.

Additionally, summer is the perfect time for road crews to perform construction and maintenance. This work often leads to lane closures, detours, and slower traffic, increasing the risk of truck accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 30% of all fatal work zone crashes involve a large truck.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions cause 21 percent of all vehicle crashes across the United States. Summer in Montana can get hot and dry. Hot weather can cause tires to blow out and engines to overheat, leading to mechanical failures and accidents.

In addition, summer storms in Montana can produce heavy rain, high winds, and flooding, all of which can make driving more dangerous, especially for commercial vehicles. According to the NHTSA, wet pavement accounts for 70 percent of all weather-related crashes. It’s important for truck drivers to be aware of the weather conditions and to adjust their driving accordingly to avoid accidents.

Driver Behavior

Warm weather and longer days encourage many Montana drivers to spend time outdoors attending picnics, graduation parties, summer events, and concerts. This can lead to increased alcohol consumption, drug use, and impaired driving.

Truckers must maneuver their vehicles around this increased traffic. This may pressure them to meet tight deadlines and work long hours, leading to exhaustion and impaired driving. Fatigued driving in the summer can cause horrific trucking accidents.

What Truckers Can Do To Prevent Truck Accidents

What can truck drivers and trucking companies do to prevent accidents in the summer? Trucks drivers can use extra caution when driving in summer traffic. This includes maintaining a safe following distance, checking mirrors frequently, and scanning the road ahead for potential hazards.

Truck drivers and trucking companies must also keep their vehicles in good working order and ensure that tires are properly inflated and in good condition. They must also maintain their brakes to stop quickly in traffic.

Another step truck drivers can take is to monitor the weather closely in the summer. Truckers must use extra caution when driving in bad weather. This means altering how they drive. During heavy rain or high winds, they must slow down and increase the following distance to avoid accidents. In extreme heat, truckers should take breaks frequently and stay hydrated to avoid fatigue and exhaustion.

What Can You Do When a Truck Accident Occurs?

If you get into a Montana truck accident, what you do following the crash can impact your ability to file a claim and collect compensation.

  • Seek Medical Attention: Call for emergency services immediately if you or anyone involved in the accident needs medical attention. It’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being above all else.
  • Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police and report the accident, providing them with all relevant information, including the location, number of vehicles involved, and any injuries.
  • Collect Evidence: Gather as much information as possible about the accident. This includes taking photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries sustained. Additionally, collect contact information from all parties involved and any witnesses.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident and provide them with all relevant details. Your insurance company can guide you through the claims process and help you understand your options.
  • Consider Calling an Attorney: If you suffered significant injuries or extensive damage to your vehicle, you need to contact an attorney with experience handling truck accident cases. Evidence needs to be preserved in a timely manner and certain steps can be immediately taken to do this with the help of an attorney. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys Today

If you’ve been in a truck accident, dealing with insurance claims can be overwhelming, especially with the high medical costs and loss of income. Don’t fall prey to the insurance company’s tactics of offering low settlements. You deserve experienced and compassionate representation to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, our truck accident lawyers are here to help.

We understand your challenges and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to recover from a catastrophic truck accident. To explore your legal options, you can either fill out a contact form on our website, and we’ll contact you, or you can call us at 406-442-7830 to answer your questions immediately. Don’t wait. Contact us today!