What Are the Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?

With the amount of vehicles on the roadways today, it seems inevitable that accidents will happen. This does not mean that accidents should be commonplace and not taken seriously especially accidents involving semi-trucks. If you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, contact The Sargent Firm Injury Lawyers to find out what legal remedies might be available to you. We can help you assert your legal claims and understand what caused the accident. While there are a variety of causes of semi-truck accidents, there are some causes that are more common than others.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), together with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a study to determine what the reasons behind serious crashes are. The study shows that the biggest errors come from driver error, vehicle malfunctions, and weather and environmental factors.

Driver Error

Truck drivers must pass a variety of tests to qualify to driver for various trucking companies. This does not mean that theses drivers are perfect and will not make mistakes. Driver error is a leading cause of accidents, with 88 percent of accidents being attributed to driver error. One of the leading types of error is drowsy driving. Truck drivers are limited to a certain number of hours on the road and then they must take a break. If the driver ignores these breaks or is still drowsy after their break, they are a danger on the roadways. Other error refer to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, sudden physical impairment, distracted driving, or poor decision skills. Truck drivers are only human and will make mistakes, but if you have been involved in an accident with one make sure to contact an attorney to determine your options.

Vehicle Error

Technology is an ever-changing and growing advancement in today’s world, but nothing is perfect. Equipment can fail or malfunction and cause an accident. With all of the miles that trucks log driving across the county, preventative maintenance is essential in operating a truck. If a truck has not been properly maintained or there is sudden failure of truck equipment, this can cause a serious accident.

Weather

Driving in inclement weather is a challenge for any driver. Combining slippery or wet roadways with a heavy and large semi-truck screams disaster. Weather is also a large cause of truck accidents. Bad weather is not an excuse for getting in an accident, but an encouragement to drive cautiously and smart.  

Here at The Sargent Firm Injury Lawyers, we represent victims of semi-truck accidents with experience and care. We take the time to investigate the accident and determine what your rights are. If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, contact us as soon as possible so that we can better serve you and get you the results that you deserve. We pay attention to every detail in federal and state law to give you the best cause of action that is available.