Opinion: Are Autonomous Trucks The Future?

Be Ready as Trucking Drives Toward a New Road

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Technology has advanced so far in the recent years that more and more companies are investing in developing self-driving trucks. The ultimate goal is automated shipping, where a driverless truck can easily pick up and deliver shipments without any assistance from a human driver. More than 3.5 million truck drivers are currently working in the United States, meaning that the concept of driverless trucks directly threatens their jobs, which are often union positions.

We don’t know yet whether autonomous trucks will make the roads safer or more dangerous, but for now, consulting an accident attorney may be the wisest decision you can make if you’ve been involved in a truck accident, autonomous or not. Even in the future, when autonomous trucks may rule the road, an attorney may still be your best bet for recovering compensation for your injuries.

Short and Long-Term Effects of Autonomous Trucks

Truck drivers have nothing to worry about for now. With the online shopping industry boosting deliveries in recent years, shipping needs will continue to grow considerably. In fact, as stated by the American Trucking Associations (ATA), there’s currently a shortage of 51,000 truck drivers for jobs in the United States.

Autonomous trucks are now in the development stage, and while companies such as Tesla, Uber, or Waymo are trying to perfect their driverless technology, logistics companies will be the ones gathering all the benefits. However, experts agree that self-driving trucks may eliminate most of the truck driver jobs in the country in time. This won’t happen all in one day, but rather over a period of time when automated trucks replace their human-operated counterparts.

As we’ve seen with cars, the first wave of autonomous trucks will still require a driver in the truck’s cab to take over the truck if technology fails for various reasons. What happens next will depend largely on the safety record of autonomous trucks and laws that are passed.

 The Benefits of Autonomous Trucks

Autonomous trucks can bring many benefits to the trucking industry and we consumers, including:

• Better safety (lowering the chances of a truck accident caused by drowsy or distracted drivers)
• Fewer emissions from more efficient running
• Less traffic (reducing congestion on roads as autonomous trucks can nearly run 24/7)
• Increased trade
• Faster long-haul service
• More trailers, fewer tractors
• Improved revenue for companies that operate truck fleets

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck driving requires extra attention to the road and drivers must obey all traffic regulations and laws. Moreover, truck drivers must make reasonable decisions at all times to avoid putting other drivers’ lives in danger. The most common causes of truck accidents consist of:

• Distracted driving
• Driving in severe weather conditions
• Driving while under the influence of prescription medication
• Aggressive driving
• Speeding
• Brake issues or other truck malfunctions
• Inexperienced drivers

Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney if Involved in an Accident?

Truck accidents can result in severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, back and neck injuries, cuts, lacerations, broken bones, internal damage or even death. Generally, truck accidents are complex cases due to the severity of the injuries. If you have been injured in a truck accident, speak to a truck accident attorney specialist right away.

When you file a truck accident claim, you’ll be up against large trucking companies and their legal teams, so you will need legal representation immediately. An investigation run by a truck accident attorney may show the accident was caused by the truck driver’s negligence, the team that loaded the cargo, the truck manufacturer or malfunctioning software or hardware in an autonomous truck. Your attorney will determine who is responsible for paying for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.