What are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

A truck accident can cause serious injuries and even death to anyone involved. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. For drivers to stay safe and reduce the risk of injuries, it is important to be familiar with the most common causes of truck accidents.

Driver Error

The number one cause of truck accidents is driver error. Whether the error is made by the truck driver or the driver of another passenger vehicle, a mistake made in the presence of a tractor-trailer can prove catastrophic. Heavy trucks need much more time to stop and have difficulty maneuvering in an emergency situation. Therefore, drivers should avoid making sudden lane changes in front of a truck and be aware of the truck’s large blind spots. Other examples of driver error include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driving while fatigued
• Aggressive driving
• Speeding

Unbalanced Loading

An unbalanced load can lead to the driver losing control of the truck or the load falling off into oncoming traffic. The trucking industry is highly regulated as to how much a truck is allowed to carry and how cargo is loaded and secured. Failure to follow regulations makes the driver liable for any resulting accidents.

Faulty Equipment

Faulty equipment is another common cause of truck accidents. Trucks log thousands of miles of driving and must be properly maintained, according to industry regulations, to ensure the safety of the driver and everyone else on the road. Trucking companies must keep maintenance records for all their vehicles. Sometimes truck parts, such as brakes, can fail due to faulty manufacturing, in which case, the parts manufacturer may be held liable.

Poor Weather Conditions

Trucks are especially susceptible to inclement weather because of their large size and weight. Even in good conditions, a truck has a longer stopping time, but in snow, ice, or rain, a heavy truck will be difficult to bring to a complete stop. A truck without cargo is highly susceptible to wind gusts. Truckers need adequate training for all types of weather conditions to avoid hydroplaning and jackknifing. Trucking companies may cut corners on training and maintenance, or push their drivers to the limit in pursuit of profits, which puts everyone at risk. Staying alert and driving defensively when in the presence of big rigs can help avoid truck accidents.

Edwardsville Truck Accident Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Help Victims Injured in Truck Accidents

If you were injured in a truck accident, the Edwardsville truck accident lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC know your injuries can be life changing. Our skilled team will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve so that you can concentrate on your recovery. Call us at 618-277-3644 to schedule a free consultation or contact us online. From our offices in Swansea, Illinois, we serve clients throughout Belleville, Carbondale, East St. Louis, Granite City, Edwardsville, Chester, Waterloo, St. Louis, Madison County, St. Clair County, Monroe County, and Randolph County.