One of the most complicating factors involved in truck accidents is that these accidents can occur for many reasons. Various parties can be responsible for them, too. The experienced legal team at Salango Law, PLLC, can investigate your case and determine the factors that contributed to the accident. In our experience, some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Speeding
Drivers are under immense pressure to make many deliveries as quickly as possible. This compels many of them to speed or drive too fast for road or weather conditions. When drivers speed, they are more likely to lose control of their vehicles, and they will have less time to stop after they recognize a hazard.
Reckless Driving
Truck drivers may engage in reckless driving, which could include unsafe driving practices such as:
- Speeding
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Turning without signaling
- Intimidating other motorists off the roadway
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Failing to obey traffic laws or signs
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Some drivers turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the demands of their jobs. However, this is highly dangerous when operating a motor vehicle that weighs upwards of 80,000 pounds and possibly contains dangerous cargo. Impaired drivers have dulled senses, blurry vision, fatigue, and lowered inhibitions, all factors that can increase the likelihood of a serious crash.
Hours of Service Violations
Hours-of-service regulations exist to prevent drowsy driving accidents. They establish upward limits on how many hours a truck driver can drive in a given day and week and require mandatory breaks. However, many truck drivers and companies blatantly disregard these rules, putting profits over safety.
Negligent Hiring
Because there is a significant shortage of qualified drivers in the industry, some trucking companies hire unqualified drivers who do not have the proper licenses, endorsements, or safe driving histories.
Inadequate Training
Trucking companies can help enhance driver safety by providing in-house training. However, many do not, placing other motorists at risk.
FMCSA Regulation Violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes many rules that truck drivers, companies, and other involved parties must adhere to. Many of these rules are designed to prevent accidents. Among these are:
- Hours of service rules that require periodic breaks and set an upward limit on how many hours drivers can work during a shift
- Inspection rules that require drivers to inspect loads and the vehicle at the beginning, end, and middle of their shifts
- Maintenance requirements to ensure all the vehicle’s parts are in good working order
- Cargo loading rules that require goods to be properly secured onto the truck to avoid cargo shifts or drops during transit
Negligent Truck Maintenance
Some trucking companies fail to properly maintain their vehicles, leading to accidents caused by:
- Tire blowouts
- Brake failures
- Defective truck parts
- Misaligned suspension systems
- Broken windshield wipers
- Broken taillights
- Missing guards
Lost Cargo
Truck drivers and cargo loading companies must safely load and secure cargo onto a truck so that it does not become loose during transit. If it does, it can fall off the truck into the pathway of unsuspecting motorists, leading to serious accidents and injuries.
Call Today for a Free Consultation
If you would like the experienced legal team at Salango Law, PLLC to investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your damages, call us today for a free case review at (304) 342-0512.