Many truck accidents occur due to truck driver error, but some other factors can contribute to accidents, such as improper loading or defective components. Understanding the underlying cause of the accident can help identify the party or parties responsible for your truck accident and the legal theories that can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Here are the most common causes of truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers work long hours. Their sleep can be disturbed when they try to sleep in their trucks during the day to drive at night when there is less traffic. Some truck drivers have irregular schedules that can further contribute to driver fatigue.
When truck drivers are fatigued, they exhibit signs of impairment, such as delayed reactions, problems with motor skill coordination, and difficulty staying awake. Due to the risks associated with fatigued driving, the federal government imposes limits on how many hours truck drivers can drive each day and week. However, some drivers disregard these limits.
Additionally, some trucking companies contribute to this problem by setting unreasonable work demands or financial incentives to break these rules. These factors contribute to a significant number of large truck crashes.
Speeding
To meet their strict deadlines, truck drivers may speed. However, commercial trucks already require more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. The necessary distance to reach a complete stop after applying the brakes increases even more at higher speeds.
Distracted Driving
Commercial truck drivers can be distracted by various causes, such as:
- Texting while driving
- Using a mobile device
- Inputting GPS navigational information or listening to GPS directions
- Eating
- Drinking
- Communicating with dispatch
Aggressive Driving
Truckers may also drive aggressively to meet their deadlines, sometimes intimidating other drivers out of their way. Dangerous drivers may tailgate, weave between lanes, disregard traffic lights and signs, and make other dangerous maneuvers that pose risks to other drivers.
Impaired Driving
Truck driving can be a difficult job, leading some truck drivers to cope by turning to drugs and alcohol. While these substances are dangerous in combination with driving, they are so much more so when involving the operation of a commercial vehicle. These substances can make commercial truck drivers unpredictable and dangerous, leading to DUI accidents in San Antonio.
Inexperienced Drivers
Trucking companies often have difficulty maintaining adequate numbers of drivers. This can lead them to hire unsafe or inexperienced drivers. It can be difficult to drive a commercial truck. Inexperienced drivers may make recognition, decision, or performance errors that increase the likelihood of a crash. Even small mistakes can have catastrophic consequences. Inexperienced drivers can also fail to recognize hazardous situations or know how to respond to them.
Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers’ negligence, as well as poor screening or supervision.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
If a cargo loading company fails to properly secure cargo, it can shift during transit, causing a serious accident.
Inadequate Maintenance
18-wheelers contain thousands of moving parts. If these vehicles are not properly maintained, mechanical failures can occur. Mechanics or trucking companies can be held responsible for such accidents.
Defective Auto Parts
If auto parts are defective, the manufacturer of the truck or part can be responsible if these defective components contributed to the accident.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers for Legal Assistance
George Salinas Injury Lawyers can help investigate your case, determine how the accident happened, and identify all at-fault parties. Contact us today to get started with a free case review.