Truck accidents often occur due to a variety of reasons and can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to understand why they happen and what you can do to fight for compensation. This blog will provide an overview of the common reasons why truck accidents occur so that you can be better informed and take the right steps to protect your rights.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of truck accidents, and it is becoming increasingly common in today's world of technology. In other terms, distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver's attention away from driving. This includes talking on a cell phone, texting, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or reading a map. Other distracted driving activities talking to other passengers in the vehicle or looking at something outside the vehicle.
Distracted driving is especially dangerous for truck drivers, as the size and weight of their vehicles make them more likely to cause serious accidents. NHTSA statistics show that in 2015, 4067 people were killed and an additional 433,000 were injured in crashes involving large trucks.
Truck drivers are often under intense pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to them engaging in risky behaviors like distracted driving. Drivers may feel tempted to multitask while driving to make up for lost time, but this increases the risk of an accident.
Driver Fatigue
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue, which can be caused by several factors. When a driver is tired, they are not able to react quickly and accurately to changing conditions on the road. This can lead to them taking longer to react to hazards, or not reacting at all. This is especially dangerous in the case of large commercial vehicles, which require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles.
Driver fatigue can be caused by several factors, including long hours of driving without adequate rest, working in shifts, and medical conditions such as sleep apnea. In certain countries, there are laws to limit the number of hours a driver can work in a day and week, to reduce the risk of driver fatigue.
Another factor in driver fatigue is inadequate sleep. When drivers do not get enough sleep, it can affect their ability to stay alert and focused on the road. Drivers should be aware of the amount of sleep they need to stay alert and make sure that they get enough rest before driving.
Overloaded Trucks
One of the most common causes of these accidents is overloaded trucks. When a truck is carrying too much weight, it can become difficult for the driver to navigate the vehicle safely, leading to accidents.
Many truckers overload their vehicles to maximize their profits, as the extra weight allows them to transport more goods on fewer trips. Unfortunately, this practice can be extremely dangerous, as the extra weight can cause the truck to become difficult to maneuver and potentially cause an accident.
In addition, overloaded trucks can cause significant damage to roads and bridges. The extra weight can cause the vehicle to sink into the pavement, creating large potholes and making roads dangerous for other drivers. It can also cause bridges to become unstable and collapse, leading to major disasters.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
When it comes to trucking accidents, it is important to understand the various factors that can contribute to their occurrence. Poor vehicle maintenance is one of the most common reasons why these accidents occur. Neglecting to perform regular maintenance on a truck can lead to a variety of potential issues, some of which can be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly.
One of the most important aspects of truck maintenance is ensuring that the brakes are in good working order. If a truck’s brakes are not regularly inspected and serviced, they can become worn down, making it difficult for the driver to stop or slow down the vehicle quickly. This can lead to serious truck accidents, especially when driving on highways or in bad weather conditions. Additionally, worn brakes can also cause the truck to lose control more easily, leading to jackknifing, rollovers, and other dangerous scenarios.
Another important aspect of truck maintenance is regularly checking the tires to ensure they are in good condition. Worn tires can lead to a variety of issues, including reduced grip on the road and increased stopping distances. This can make it difficult for the truck driver to control their vehicle, especially in wet or icy conditions.
It is also important to ensure that the truck’s engine is regularly serviced and inspected. A malfunctioning engine can cause the truck to lose power while driving, leading to sudden and unexpected stops. This can be especially dangerous on highways and other busy roads, as it can lead to collisions and other accidents. In addition, a malfunctioning engine can also lead to a truck being unable to climb hills, leading to a loss of control.
Finally, it is important to ensure that all of the truck’s lights are working properly. This includes both the headlights and taillights, as well as any warning lights or indicators. Poorly functioning lights can make it difficult for other drivers to see the truck, leading to collisions and other accidents.
Reckless Driving
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is reckless driving. Reckless driving is an act of driving with disregard for the safety of other motorists. The combination of a driver’s disregard for safety and a large vehicle can easily lead to a catastrophic accident.
There are a variety of forms of reckless driving that can lead to truck accidents. Speeding is a common example. The faster a truck travels, the less time a driver has to react to changing conditions, and the greater the potential for an accident. Other forms of reckless driving include weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and failing to obey traffic signals.
The consequences of reckless driving can be severe. In addition to the potential for severe injury or death, it can also lead to costly repairs for the vehicles involved in the accident. Even if a truck driver does not cause an accident, they can be held liable for their reckless driving if it is proven that their negligence was a contributing factor.
Poor Road Conditions
The majority of truck accidents are caused by poor road conditions. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), poor road conditions were a factor in more than 1,000 fatal truck accidents in the U.S. in 2018. Poor road conditions, such as potholes, crumbling pavement, and slick surfaces, can make it difficult for trucks to navigate safely and can result in serious accidents. It’s important for truck drivers to be aware of road conditions and to be prepared to take extra precautions when driving on roads that may be hazardous. Also, local governments need to be aware of road conditions and take steps to ensure that roads are kept in good condition.
Potholes are a major issue on roads and can be especially dangerous for large trucks. When a truck hits a pothole, it can cause the truck to lose control or even flip over. Potholes can also cause damage to the truck’s tires and suspension, which can lead to further problems. Crumbling pavement is another problem that can lead to truck accidents. When the pavement starts to break down and the surface becomes uneven, it can make it difficult for the truck to stay on the road.
Crumbling pavement can also cause damage to the truck’s tires and suspension, which can lead to further problems.
Slick surfaces are another major cause of truck accidents. When the surface of the road is wet or icy, it can make it difficult for the truck to maintain traction. This can lead to the truck skidding or sliding off the road, which can result in serious damage.
Truck drivers need to be aware of road conditions and take extra precautions when driving in hazardous conditions.
Negligence and Driver Error
Negligence is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Negligence refers to the failure of drivers to take reasonable care in the operation of their vehicles. Drivers may fail to maintain their vehicles, pay attention to their surroundings, or obey traffic laws. This lack of care can result in serious accidents that can cause physical injuries, property damage, and even death.
Driver error is another common reason why truck accidents occur. Driver errors can range from failing to obey traffic laws to making poor decisions while driving. Examples of driver errors include speeding, failing to yield, and not signaling when turning. These errors can be caused by inexperience, distraction, or even fatigue.
Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions
One of the most common reasons why truck accidents occur due to adverse weather is the increased risk of hydroplaning. When the roads are wet, the tires of a truck can lose contact with the road, resulting in the truck slipping. This can cause the truck to veer into other lanes or turn over.
When driving in adverse weather conditions, drivers of large trucks need to take extra precautions. This includes reducing speed and increasing the distance between them and other vehicles. Poor visibility can also be a factor in these types of accidents, so drivers should make sure their headlights are on and wipers are working properly.
Drivers of large trucks should also be aware of their surroundings at all times. Ice and snow can make roads slippery, and even the slightest turn can cause a truck to skid or spin out of control. It is important to keep an eye out for icy patches and to make sure that brakes are functioning properly.
Blind Spots
A blind spot accident is when a truck driver fails to check for a car in their blind spot before changing lanes or turning corners. This can lead to devastating consequences, as the truck driver may not be able to react in time to avoid a collision. The blind spots on a truck are much larger than those on a typical car, due to the size of the truck. The blind spots on a truck extend on both sides of the vehicle and extend out to the back.
The blind spots are located directly behind the truck, on the sides of the truck, and even in front of the truck. The blind spots are much larger than those in a car, meaning drivers must be extra cautious when driving around trucks.
Due to the large blind spots on a truck, truck drivers must take extra care when driving, as they may not be able to see a car in their blind spot. Drivers should always use their side mirrors and check for any cars ahead of them before making any sudden lane changes or turns. They should also use the mirrors to check for any cars coming up from behind them, as the blind spots extend out to the back of the truck.
Swinging Turns
A swinging turn occurs when a truck driver attempts to turn a corner without slowing down or stopping. This kind of maneuver is often seen when a truck driver is trying to make a sharp turn in a tight space. The problem is that the trailer portion of the truck is often longer than the cab portion, and as such, requires more space to make the turn.
The problem with swinging turns is that they can lead to several dangerous situations. First, if the driver is not careful, the trailer can swing out into traffic and cause an accident. Additionally, the trailer can also swing into the path of an oncoming vehicle. This could cause the other vehicle to swerve or lose control, leading to a serious accident.
In addition to the danger posed to other motorists, swinging turns can also cause serious damage to the truck itself. Swinging turns can result in the trailer striking the cab, which can cause serious damage. Additionally, if the turn is too sharp, the trailer can become destabilized and cause the truck to roll over.
Falling Debris
Falling debris from truck beds can cause problems for drivers on the road. It can cause objects to be thrown into the paths of other vehicles, leading to potential collisions. It can also create dangerous road conditions, such as slippery roads or objects obscuring visibility.
When a truck is loaded up with cargo the cargo must be securely fastened and tied down. When cargo is not adequately secured, it can easily become dislodged and fall off the truck bed. This can happen due to the driver’s negligence or due to the truck itself being in disrepair.
Inexperienced Drivers
One of the leading causes of these deadly crashes is inexperienced drivers. Inexperienced drivers are those individuals who are new to driving large commercial trucks, such as those used in long-distance hauling. These drivers may lack the knowledge and skills to safely operate these vehicles, leading to an increased risk of an accident. Inexperienced drivers may not be aware of the size and weight of their vehicles, leading them to make mistakes such as failing to adjust their speed and stopping distance accordingly. They may also fail to recognize the potential for rollovers, as large trucks are more prone to them due to their size and center of gravity.
In addition, inexperienced drivers may fail to recognize potential hazards on the road, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. This can lead to dangerous situations, as the truck driver may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Additionally, inexperienced drivers may be unfamiliar with the rules of the road and regulations related to trucking, such as hours of service and cargo weight limits.
Driving at Night
Truck drivers are often expected to complete long-distance trips, meaning they may have to drive through the night. This can be extremely dangerous, as darkness makes it difficult to see the road ahead. Additionally, drivers may be fatigued after a long day of driving, making them more prone to mistakes and errors.
Driving at night presents many hazards due to limited visibility. This means that a truck driver must be extra careful to spot potential dangers in the dark. Drivers should be particularly cautious of wildlife, potholes, and other vehicles that may be difficult to spot in the dark. Additionally, the glare of oncoming headlights can be blinding and make it difficult to see.
Find a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Near Me
If you have suffered an injury caused by a truck accident in California, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you can. An experienced truck accident attorney can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action to take. At Truck Accident Injury Attorney Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing professional legal representation to victims of truck accidents and their families. Contact us today at 888-511-3139.
