Accidents involving heavy vehicles are a growing concern globally. Road accident deaths remain high, and recent safety reports indicate that large vehicles continue to play a significant role. In the United States, there were 5,837 fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2022, while several studies show that passenger cars and smaller vehicles are also often responsible for two-vehicle collisions (some studies show cars contributing 56% and trucks 44%). Violations and fines against trucks have also increased in recent years, which impacts public perception. In many of these cases, people involved often seek guidance from an experienced truck accident lawyer to understand liability and compensation.
Why is the truck driver always held responsible in road accidents involving truck-car collisions?
Whenever a truck and a car collide on the road, many of you immediately assume the truck driver is at fault. This emotional instinct is natural. The size and damage of the heavier vehicle are more visible. But the truth is often complex, and there are often legal, technical, and intellectual reasons behind the immediate accusations. In this article, I will explain in simple terms why truck drivers are so quick to blame and what the actual reasons are.
Reason 1: The Visual Impact and Damage of a Heavy Vehicle
The size of a truck on the road and the extensive damage caused by a collision draw attention at first sight. The vehicle’s large size makes the injuries more visible, and this immediately directs the attention and arguments toward the truck. The emotional reaction of the victim’s family and bystanders is often that the larger vehicle caused everything. This is true of human nature and reinforces the tendency to find the culprit immediately.
Reason 2: Legal Strategies Against Drivers and Owners
After an accident, insurance companies and legal parties often attempt to hold the truck and its owner responsible. This is because claims against heavy vehicles are large, and insurance and compensation matters require a quick response. This strategy often shifts the focus of prosecution to the truck, even if the initial cause is different. In other cases, evidence can be gathered to prove that improper parking, overloading, or mechanical defects also contributed.
Reason 3: Pressure of Rules and Time Restrictions
Time constraints play a significant role in the logistics and delivery world. Truck drivers face pressure from long driving hours, overtime, and delivery deadlines. Fatigue, lack of timely rest, and overload can contribute to accidents. This pressure often leads to public and administrative attention being focused on driver negligence. Although this pressure is sometimes exerted by owners and companies, the truck driver is often blamed. Some immigrant truck drivers are also not aware of the proper rules and regulations of another country.
Reason 4: Lack of Technical Evidence and Black Boxes
Modern passenger cars have multiple recording systems and cameras. While improvements are being made to trucks, not every truck has continuous recording. Initial inspections at the accident scene often reveal incomplete or conflicting evidence. Truck drivers are easily suspected based on this indicator because it’s difficult to quickly obtain operating and braking records for large vehicles. Cases can be clarified where cockpit cameras and e-logs are available, but these aren’t available everywhere.
Reason 5: Social and Cultural Prejudice
Social prejudices against truck drivers are often at play. Negative opinions about trucks in urban areas, improper parking at night, or criticism about truck drivers’ punctuality reinforce the belief that the truck driver is at fault. This is an unrealistic generalization, but initial accounts of accidents often rely on these assumptions.
How can you and your society change ingrained prejudices?
First, don’t jump to conclusions based on whatever news you hear. It is wise to wait for accident investigations and technical reports. Second, encourage truck-mounted recording devices and e-logs. Demanding better brake and rest facilities for truck drivers in your city or community is also a practical step. Additionally, from an active citizen perspective, you should critically examine police reports and evidence and avoid emotional judgments. If ever caught in such a situation, remember that an experienced truck accident lawyer can represent your side fairly and ensure the truth is presented.
Finally, remember that road safety issues aren’t solely the fault of one person. The tendency to quickly blame truck drivers stems from numerous psychological, legal, and technical factors. For real safety improvements, you, readers like you, and policymakers will need to work together. Whenever you read news about an accident, try to understand the evidence and trends, rather than relying solely on first impressions. Only then will the roads become safe, and the blame will be placed in the right hands.
