Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Due to their immense size, a collision between a tractor-trailer and another vehicle can cause severe damage. In some cases, crashes involving only a commercial truck hurt the driver. These accidents can lead to expensive damages for medical bills, loss of income, and property damage. Non-injury accidents can cause damage to the truck and shut down traffic for hours.

Motor vehicle accident liability laws are different in every state. For more information about your large truck accident, talk to a truck accident attorney for legal advice.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

There are many possible reasons why commercial truck crashes occur. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted a study to identify some of the most common causes of large truck crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injuries. Causes of semi-truck accidents included:

• Driver error
• Problems with the vehicle
• Environmental factors

Driver error was the most common cause of big rig accident cases. Driver errors accounted for 87% of severe injuries and fatal crashes. Even experienced truck drivers can make mistakes. These errors are categorized based on:

• Driver non-performance errors (driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or medical emergency)
• Driver recognition errors (inattentive or distracted)
• Driver decision-making errors (driving too fast for the road conditions, misjudging speed, or tailgating)
• Driver performance errors (driver panicking or overcompensating)

Crashes Caused By Passenger Car Drivers

It can be a challenge for the driver of a passenger vehicle to operate safely near commercial trucks. Trucks take longer to brake, change lanes, or otherwise react if a car suddenly gets in its path.

Some truck and car accidents occur when a driver tries to change lanes or move past a truck when it is not safe. For example, drivers often get stuck in a truck’s no-zone, which is the trucker’s blind spots. A driver may also attempt to drive between two trucks in an effort to pass.

Suddenly slowing down or driving carelessly around a truck is dangerous, because it can be hard for the truck driver to react safely. A truck suddenly braking is a truck that’s hard to control.

Commercial Truck Drivers at Fault

It takes training and practice to become a professional commercial truck driver. A lack of proper training can cause accidents, potentially leaving the driver’s employer liable. In addition to knowing the rules of the road and how to operate the truck, there are many federal and state regulations that a driver must follow. For instance, drivers transporting hazardous materials may be subject to hours-of-service regulations to reduce the risk of drowsy driving.

While these federal regulations are in place to protect truck drivers and everyone else on the road, they aren’t always followed. Drivers may go for long hours to try to finish their deliveries as quickly as possible to earn more money. Their employers may also pressure them to stay on the road.

Additionally, dangerous road conditions or weather conditions can also increase the risk of an accident. However, the driver is usually still responsible for driving safely under the conditions.

If a commercial truck driver is at fault for the accident, any injury victims may have a claim against the trucker for damages. If the driver is employed by a trucking company, the trucking employer may also be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence.

Non-Driver Causes of Trucking Accidents

Even though most accidents are caused by driver error, the driver is not always at fault. For example, there could be problems with defective parts, vehicle maintenance, or improper loading. Liability for these types of accidents can include the trucking companies or vehicle parts manufacturers:

• Uneven cargo loading can cause a truck to flip over
• Tire blowouts can cause a driver to lose control or skid
• Defective brakes could cause the truck to jackknife

No matter how skilled the driver is, they are susceptible to getting into an accident if their truck is not in good condition. Federal regulations require motor carriers to either self-inspect or have their vehicles inspected by a qualified inspector.

All important components of a commercial truck, including its tires, brakes, and air braking components, must be routinely inspected. Ventilation and other systems may also need to be inspected from time to time. Trucking companies can face civil penalties in addition to paying damages in a personal injury settlement.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help After a Truck Accident?

If you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian injured in a commercial truck accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you get damages for medical bills, lost wages, and future medical care. An attorney can build a strong claim for damages, represent you in court, and deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery.