Wisconsin Semi-Truck Accidents: How Many Accidents Are Caused By Them?

In more recent NHTSA statistics for Wisconsin, the agency says 73 fatalities in Wisconsin in 2018 were caused by an accident involving a large truck. From 2014 through 2018, there was an average of 68.4 truck accident fatalities a year in Wisconsin, or one about every five days.

In a count of truck accident fatalities among Wisconsin’s 72 counties, Milwaukee County is among the lower third for the rate of truck fatalities per 100,000 population in 2018 (less than 2.19 per 100,000), according to NHTSA. Neighboring Racine County is in the middle third (2.19-6.15 fatalities per 100,000), with a rate of 2.54 per 100,000 population.

Among the most dangerous Wisconsin counties, according to the rate of truck accident fatalities per 100,000 population, are:

• Jackson County (Black River Falls) with 24.42 fatalities per 100,000 population.
• Florence County (Florence) with 23.14 fatalities per 100,000 population.
• Iron County (Hurley) with 17.62 fatalities per 100,000 population.
• Juneau County (Mauston) with 11.27 fatalities per 100,000 population.

Demographic data is often stated as “per 100,000 population” because multiplying the actual number by 100,000 allows a comparison of counties with large differences in populations.

Recent Semi-Trailer Accidents in Milwaukee

If you live in the Milwaukee area, you probably have heard about some recent truck accidents:

• A tow truck and the semi-trailer it was pulling rolled over near Interstate 43 in New Berlin on October 3. The crash, which occurred at the north roundabout near Moorland Road and I-43/Beloit Road, resulted in minor injuries and hours of clean-up work, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• A semi headed southbound through the Mitchell Interchange struck a tow truck on the scene of a separate crash on August 26. The tow truck driver was hospitalized with serious injuries, according to Fox 6 news.
• A semi rounding a curve on I-43 near North Avenue collided with a car, struck a light pole and burst into flames about 9 p.m. on July 14. A tire on the truck had blown out, a Fox 6 news report says. The semi driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Most motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver error. That includes truck drivers who cause accidents through their negligence or recklessness. The attorneys at Gruber Law investigate truck accidents on behalf of accident victims. The causes of truck accidents that we frequently find include:

• Distracted driving. In addition to illegal use of cell phones or other electronics while behind the wheel of a semi-truck, truck drivers may be inattentive, bored from many hours of driving and daydreaming of somewhere else he or she would rather be.
• Fatigued driving. Truck driving often requires long trips. Truckers who ignore requirements for rest breaks required by federal Hours of Service rules can become dangerously fatigued, which slows reaction times. A driver may fall asleep at the wheel. Sometimes trucking companies put pressure on drivers to keep the wheels rolling to make delivery deadlines, leading to fatigued driving accidents.
• Speeding and other aggressive driving. Truckers hurrying to make a delivery or get ahead of bad weather or rush hour traffic may speed, tailgate, or drive too fast for traffic conditions.
• Failure to look. Tractor trailers have large blind spots, making it easier for a truck driver to overlook a vehicle in an adjacent lane. This can lead to accidents involving improper lane changes. It is not excusable to make a move in traffic while driving a big rig without diligently looking to ensure it is safe.
• Cargo shifts. If the cargo in a semi truck’s trailer is not properly secured, it can shift suddenly and change the truck’s center of gravity enough for the driver to lose control of the big rig. A cargo shift can cause a rollover accident. Tanker trucks that are not full are susceptible to tipping or rolling over due to shifting or sloshing cargo, if a driver rounds a curve too quickly.
• Faulty maintenance. Many truck accidents happen because a truck’s brakes, tires, steering, trailer couplings or other parts or systems fail. Typically, this happens because the trucking company has cut corners to save money by putting off routine maintenance. Truck drivers are responsible for checking the condition of a tractor trailer before a trip.