Drivers in West Virginia may particularly fear accidents involving large trucks. The very size and force of the vehicles can threaten serious personal injuries for others on the road when something goes wrong. And while most truck drivers are very safe, there are approximately 475,000 large trucks involved in accidents each year in the United States.

These accidents lead to over 5,000 deaths and 140,000 injuries every year, and the number of fatal accidents continues to increase. The same dangerous factors that apply to all forms of driving are relevant to truck accidents as well, including distractions, impairment, and sleep deprivation. However, in 70 percent of accidents involving a large truck, automobile drivers were ultimately at fault.

Thursdays are the most dangerous day on the road for truckers driving a Monday to Friday schedule, and Fridays come in second. There seems to be a connection to physical and mental exhaustion near the end of the work week. In addition, most fatal accidents happen in the busiest daytime hours, perhaps because of more crowding on the road or reckless driving.

In addition, while freeways and interstates may seem to have the highest volume of truck traffic, the majority of fatalities in 2015 took place on major roads that were smaller than these highways. Some factors include excessive speed as well as fewer passing lanes or room to negotiate traffic jams.

People injured in trucking accidents through no fault of their own should consult a personal injury lawyer. Whether an accident was caused by a negligent truck driver, defective parts or inadequate truck maintenance, a lawyer can often help victims receive appropriate compensation for their losses.