Understanding the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents
In recent years, there have been over 150,000 injuries in accidents involving large trucks. Given the size disparity between large trucks and much smaller passenger vehicles, the injuries from these accidents are often severe. Tragically, over 4,700 fatalities are caused by truck accidents each year. Most of the victims are drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, the trucking company may owe you significant compensation based on the severity of your injuries. Personal injury claims allow you to seek damages when someone else's negligence caused the accident. In most cases, the trucking company is held liable for the actions of their drivers. To establish this liability, you need evidence and the guidance of an experienced Dallas truck accident lawyer to help build a strong case.
Trucking accident cases can be complicated, and negotiating with insurance companies can be tough. Having an attorney on your side ensures that you are not taken advantage of during the process and helps secure the full compensation you deserve. Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, and understanding these causes of truck accidents is essential when building your case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are several contributing factors to truck accidents, and the most common causes include:
- Driver error or failure to follow traffic laws
- Improper maintenance and vehicle inspections
- Defective truck parts
- Negligence by third parties
Let’s dive deeper into the most common causes of truck accidents and how they lead to dangerous, often fatal, collisions.
Driver-Related Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are responsible for the safe operation of their vehicles. However, their mistakes or intentional violations of safety regulations are a major cause of truck accidents. The size and weight of large trucks mean that even a small error can result in a catastrophic crash. Here are the most common driver-related causes of truck accidents:
Fatigued Driving
Fatigue is a significant risk for truck drivers who spend long hours on the road. While federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle in one shift, some drivers violate these limits to meet delivery deadlines. Driving while fatigued slows reaction time and impairs judgment. Studies from the FMCSA found that fatigue was a factor in about 13 percent of fatal truck accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another major cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers often engage in activities like texting, eating, or adjusting their GPS systems while driving, which takes their focus off the road. Even a brief distraction can lead to a severe accident. According to the FMCSA, distractions contribute to a significant number of truck accidents each year.
Speeding
Speeding is another frequent cause of truck accidents. Large trucks require more time and distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles, and speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden changes. When a truck is traveling at high speed, it becomes more difficult to control, increasing the likelihood of a serious accident. Studies show that 7 percent of fatal truck accidents involve excessive speed.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving involves operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications that impair the driver's ability to focus. Truck drivers who drive while impaired not only endanger themselves but also everyone on the road. The trucking company can be held liable if the driver was under the influence and caused the accident. They are required by law to conduct random drug and alcohol tests to ensure their drivers are sober and capable of driving safely.
Vehicle-Related Causes
Not all truck accidents are caused by driver error. Mechanical failures and poor maintenance can also lead to devastating crashes. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe for the road, but when they fail to properly inspect and maintain their trucks, the consequences can be dire. Here are some common vehicle-related causes of truck accidents:
Brake Failures
Brakes are critical in stopping large trucks, especially at highway speeds. Even a minor brake malfunction can cause a serious accident. Poorly maintained brakes can lead to rear-end collisions or jackknife accidents. Regular brake inspections are essential, but some trucking companies may cut corners to save time and costs, resulting in devastating accidents.
Tire Failures
Tire blowouts are another leading cause of truck accidents. With so many tires on a truck, a single failure can cause the driver to lose control, particularly at high speeds. Many trucking companies delay replacing tires to reduce expenses, but this cost-cutting measure can result in catastrophic crashes.
Environmental Factors
Weather conditions and road hazards can also contribute to truck accidents. Drivers must adjust their driving to account for poor weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice. Failing to slow down or drive cautiously in hazardous conditions can lead to loss of control and serious accidents.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, poor signage, and improperly maintained roads are additional causes of accidents. Government agencies are responsible for ensuring roads are safe for travel. If poor road conditions contribute to a truck accident, the government may share liability.
Construction Zone Accidents
Construction zones present unique dangers to truck drivers. Poorly marked or designed construction zones can create confusion and unsafe conditions. Drivers must reduce speed and exercise extra caution when approaching work zones. However, negligent contractors who leave debris in the road or fail to install adequate signage can also contribute to truck accidents.
Third-Party Errors
Trucking companies often outsource services like vehicle maintenance, repairs, or cargo loading to third-party contractors. If these third parties are negligent and fail to meet safety standards, they can be held liable for truck accidents. For example, a third-party contractor who improperly loads a truck may cause it to roll over, leading to a serious accident.
Defective Truck Parts
Some truck accidents are caused by defective parts, such as brakes, tires, or steering systems. In these cases, the manufacturer or supplier of the defective part may be held liable for the accident. Defective truck parts can lead to product liability claims, which often require expert testimony and thorough investigation.
Your Truck Accident Lawyer Investigates The Cause of Your Crash
To seek financial compensation for your injuries, you must first determine the cause of the truck accident. A skilled attorney will gather evidence to prove liability, including black box data, dashcam footage, and maintenance records. By thoroughly investigating the accident, your attorney can build a strong case on your behalf and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why You Should Never Wait to Consult a Truck Accident Attorney
After a truck accident, time is of the essence. Key evidence may be in the hands of the trucking company, and if you delay, that evidence could be lost or destroyed. Additionally, each state has a statute of limitations that limits how long you have to file a claim. To protect your rights, it's essential to consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney today to ensure your rights are protected and to begin the process of seeking compensation for your injuries.