Causes of Truck Accidents
Accidents involving trucks are a distressing and unfortunately frequent event on roads, often leading to severe consequences. These incidents usually arise from a mix of factors, including driver negligence, unfavorable road conditions, and mechanical malfunctions.
Regardless of the specific type of truck, whether it’s a commercial vehicle, semi-truck, tractor-trailer, garbage truck, tow truck, big rig, or 18-wheeler, they are all susceptible to accidents. Thus, below is a list of common causes of truck accidents:
1. Not Following Safety Laws
Truck drivers, whether driving commercial freight carriers or waste disposal vehicles, are legally obligated to adhere to both state and federal safety regulations. This includes obeying speed limits, hours of service rules, and properly securing cargo. Negligence in following these laws often results in accidents.
For example, garbage truck accidents are common in New York. These accidents lead to serious injuries or deaths among pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Furthermore, the sheer size and weight of garbage trucks can make collisions especially dangerous, resulting in catastrophic consequences.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a huge cause of truck accidents, and it is illegal in all 50 states. Truck drivers are susceptible to distracted driving because they often spend long hours on the road. Additionally, drivers may be tempted to engage in activities such as using their smartphones, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving.
However, even a brief moment of distraction can have devastating results when a truck driver is behind the wheel. Due to their heavy weight and size, trucks can cause serious injuries and property damage, even in minor accidents.
According to the analysis of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving was a factor in 14% of all fatal truck accidents in 2021. This means that over 1,000 people were killed in truck accidents caused by distracted driving.
3. Fatigued Driving
Long hours on the road can result in driver fatigue. Truck drivers are mostly under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, which can encourage them to drive for extended periods without adequate rest. Fatigued driving impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and overall performance.
Moreover, the effects of fatigued driving on truck drivers are similar to those of alcohol impairment. Drowsy drivers have difficulty paying attention. They may also experience microsleeps and short periods of sleep that can be devastating when driving at highway speeds.
4. Driving Under the Influence
Just like any other motorist, semi truck drivers can be involved in accidents when driving their vehicles under the influence of alcohol and any drugs. These substances impair a driver’s coordination, decision-making abilities, and reaction times.
The recommended blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial truck drivers is typically lower than that for regular motorists, often set at 0.04% or lower in many jurisdictions. Moreover, the law typically prohibits truck drivers from operating their vehicles within 4 hours of consuming alcohol.
4. Failure to Maintain the Vehicle
Trucking companies are mandated to follow strict maintenance standards for their vehicles to prevent catastrophic accidents on the road. Neglecting repair of truck components like brakes, tires, and lights can jeopardize the safety of other motorists, particularly when it involves large trucks.
Furthermore, inadequate maintenance can often lead to tire blowouts, which not only pose serious injury risks to other road users but also contribute to traffic congestion.
Thus, if you get injured in a truck accident that is poorly maintained, you can hold the trucking company accountable for your damages. However, we recommend you consult a big truck accident lawyer before proceeding with your legal claim.
6. Following Too Closely
Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, reduces a driver’s ability to react at sudden stops or obstacles in the road. Hence, this can result in rear-end collisions, which are common in truck accidents.
Moreover, these trucking accidents can lead to various injuries, including whiplash, spinal injuries, head trauma, and even fatalities to other motorists. Victims often suffer from long-term physical and emotional consequences.
So, if you’ve been a victim of a commercial truck hitting you due to driver negligence, you have the right to take legal action. Get in touch with Uptown Injury Law Firm’s rear end truck accident lawyer today to get a free case review and secure the compensation you deserve.
7. Overloading
When a truck is loaded beyond its designated capacity, its stability becomes compromised, often leading to serious accidents. This is because an overloaded truck becomes much harder to control, especially when navigating challenging road conditions or poor weather.
In New York, the legal weight limit for a standard commercial truck on most state and local roads is 80,000 pounds (approximately 36,287 kilograms). This includes both the truck’s weight and the weight of the cargo it is carrying. However, if a trucking driver or cargo company is found negligent in following the weight regulations, they may be held responsible in a truck accident lawsuit.
8. Improper Surveillance/Blind Spots
Big trucks usually have blind spots, often referred to as “no-zones,” which are areas where the truck driver’s view of other vehicles is blocked. Many truck drivers involved in accidents are often found negligent in monitoring these blind spots or utilizing mirrors correctly when changing lanes or making turns. Hence, causing collisions with other motorists and leaving them with serious injuries and property damage.
9. Inexperienced Drivers
Many times, employers are negligent in hiring properly trained drivers. This is one of the main causes of accidents, especially when operating large commercial vehicles.
Moreover, trucking companies are mandated by regulations and industry standards to carefully vet their drivers and verify their licensing credentials. This process includes confirming that drivers possess the appropriate commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for the type of vehicles they will be operating and that they meet all legal requirements.
At Uptown Injury Truck Accident Law Firm, our lawyers understand how catastrophic these accidents can be. Therefore, if you are involved in a truck accident, reach out to our team to know your legal options. Our trucking accident lawyers will investigate the main cause of your accident, hold the negligent party accountable, and get you the justice you deserve.
