Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Commercial Trucks: The Heavyweights of the Road

Commercial trucks, from vans to massive 18-wheelers, are the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. Yet, their sheer size and presence on the roads can lead to catastrophic accidents. But what are some of the common causes of truck accidents we can pinpoint and address? Let's find out.

The Leading Culprits: Unpacking the Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents aren't just random events. They often stem from a handful of recurring issues. By understanding these, we can better address the root causes and make our roads safer for everyone.

Driver Fatigue

"Ever tried driving after pulling an all-nighter?" This is a common question posed by Trucking Accident Attorneys. The answer is often a weary nod. Commercial drivers, under pressure to meet tight deadlines, often push themselves to the brink of exhaustion. This fatigue can severely impair judgment and reaction times.

There are federally mandated standards for how long drivers must rest, but sometimes the drivers or the carriers try to push past those mandated standards. This is where having a Board Certified Truck Accident Attorney from Metier Law Firm is helpful.

We know all the questions to ask, all the intricacies of the rules, and can help get you the justice and compensation you deserve when these rules are ignored.

The prevalence of driver fatigue in causing large trucks crashes, involving commercial trucks and tractor trailers, often puts not just the truck driver at risk but also passenger vehicles sharing the road, especially in areas with large blind spots. Trucking companies must enforce rest regulations strictly to reduce the chances of these devastating accidents.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol always poses a significant risk on the road, but when commercial truck drivers engage in this perilous behavior, the potential for catastrophe multiplies exponentially. These vehicles, often weighing 20-30 times more than passenger cars, require heightened skills and reaction times to maneuver safely. Introducing drugs or alcohol into the equation gravely impairs a driver's ability to judge distances, respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions, and maintain focus.

Given their massive size and weight, trucks can cause extensive damage, leading to multi-vehicle pile-ups, severe injuries, and fatalities. Moreover, beyond the immediate physical dangers, commercial truck drivers driving under the influence tarnish the reputation of their profession and may face legal repercussions, job loss, and significant civil liabilities. It's crucial for road safety that these drivers uphold the strictest standards of sobriety and responsibility.

Driving under the influence is a significant factor among the causes of semi-truck accidents, as it impairs a driver's ability to adhere to speed limits and react appropriately in critical situations. Crashes involving large trucks can have devastating consequences, not only due to the size and weight of these vehicles but also because the impaired judgment and slowed reactions increase the likelihood of accidents involving other road users. Ensuring that commercial drivers maintain sobriety on the roads is crucial in mitigating these risks and preventing tragic outcomes.

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident and you feel the driver may have been under the influence, contact our experienced truck attorneys at Metier Law Firm.

Distracted Driving

In today's digital age, the temptation to glance at a notification or quickly reply to a message is high. But when you're behind the wheel of a multi-ton vehicle, that split-second distraction can be deadly. Just taking their eyes off the road for just under 5 seconds at 55 miles per hour, is the equivalent of that truck driving the length of a football field…BLINDFOLDED.

The amount of devastation that is caused at that speed with the weight of these immense vehicles behind them is all too often catastrophic. Finding out if distracted driving is a circumstance in an accident is something our experienced truck accident attorneys at Metier Law Firm will dig in on, among all the other potential factors.

Distracted driving not only increases the risk of personal injury but also compromises the driver's ability to respond to changing road conditions, escalating the danger for everyone on the road.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

It's not always the driver's fault. Sometimes, the vehicle itself is the ticking time bomb. Regular maintenance checks can fall by the wayside, leading to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures.

There are federal standards that must be met for the maintenance on commercial vehicles and the logs for that maintenance must be kept on those vehicles. Carriers are responsible for making sure those maintenance standards are kept to the highest standards.

Inadequate Training

Driving a large truck isn't like driving a regular car. It requires specialized training and skills that take a significant amount of time to learn. Unfortunately, some carrier companies take shortcuts, which means not all drivers receive the comprehensive training they need, leading to avoidable mistakes on the road.

Our trucking accident attorneys at Metier Law Firm know how to find out if any steps were skipped over or if there was any training that was not adequately provided to the drivers.

Choosing The Right Attorney

When accidents happen, the legal ramifications can be complex. Each state has their own sets of laws and regulations governing commercial vehicle operations. But whatever the state laws may be, commercial vehicle operators must adhere to both state AND federal regulations. Any deviation can lead to legal consequences.

In the aftermath of trucking accidents, choosing a truck accident lawyer with a deep understanding of personal injury law is crucial. These specialized attorneys possess the expertise to navigate the complex web of regulations governing commercial trucking, ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve.

With their knowledge and experience, they can effectively advocate on your behalf, addressing the intricacies of your case and fighting for your rights against powerful trucking companies and their insurers. This strategic legal support is indispensable in securing a favorable outcome for those affected by such devastating incidents.

A Trucking Accident Attorney such as one of our Board Certified Truck Accident Attorneys* know the importance of understanding these laws, not just for drivers but for the companies that employ them, as they often deal with cases where both driver negligence and company oversight play a role.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Commercial truck accidents are a pressing concern, but they're not inevitable and in many cases could have been preventable. But the only way to truly know is to have an experienced and highly knowledgeable Board Certified Truck Attorney* on your team.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a trucking accident, contact us today to get our compassionate, experienced and Board Certified Truck Accident Attorneys* on your team. For more legal information on truck accident cases, visit our YouTube channel.

*Board Certified Truck Accident Attorneys are certified by The National Board of Trial Advocacy

**Note: This article provides general information on commercial vehicle accidents in the U.S. For specific legal advice or insights, please consult with a Trucking Accident Attorney from Metier Law Firm.**