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Do you know some of the common causes of truck accidents?

On Behalf of | Feb 23, 2018 | Truck Accidents |

Getting into an accident with a big rig can have devastating consequences for unlucky motorists because of the truck’s large size and weight. But have you ever considered what are the causes of these accidents?

Sometimes, it’s as simple as an equipment failure, e.g., brakes, that can lead to catastrophes on the highways. If the truck driver or the one responsible for maintenance of the fleet fails to perform routine maintenance on the truck and its components, they could face liability for any deaths or injuries that result.

Then, too, truck drivers are only human. As such, they are prone to making mistakes. Factors like failing to secure a load, driver fatigue, ignoring safety guidelines and driver impairment could all fall under this category.

Sometimes the drivers themselves were never properly trained in the safe operation of semitrucks. They may misjudge how to handle a mechanical emergency and jeopardize the safety of everyone sharing the road with them.

It may not always be the truck drivers who are at fault, at least not primarily. Economic pressure from trucking companies to deliver goods faster can place drivers under intense pressure to flout safety rules and regulations, such as the number Hours of Service (HOS) they may work without taking a rest break.

When trucking company policies impose unrealistic schedules on their drivers, they may cut safety corners just to remain employed. If you get injured in an accident with a large commercial truck, you may want to ask your attorney to look into the matter and see if any safety violations caused or contributed to the wreck that injured you.

Source: UnSafeTrucks.org, “Common Causes of Truck Accidents,” accessed Feb. 23, 2018