WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TRUCK ACCIDENT CAUSES?
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you know how serious the situation can be. Crashes involving large trucks and passenger cars can be particularly destructive. They can cause property damage, personal injury, and even death.
There are many different causes of truck accidents. So, it is crucial to understand the most common causes of these accidents to avoid them in the future. Common causes include:
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Driving while tired
- Driving while distracted
- Driving on unknown roads or in poor weather conditions
- Failing to yield at intersections or driveways
- Speeding through red lights and stop signs
When you find yourself in a car accident with a semi, it’s essential to have the assistance of attorneys for injured truckers. Professionals from the reputable law firm of Hurt Trucker Attorneys have vital knowledge and experience that could help your case.
WHAT CAUSES TRUCK COLLISIONS?
One of the most common causes of truck collisions is driver fatigue. Truck drivers are especially susceptible to fatigue because they often work long hours, and their jobs involve long stretches of driving. This can lead to a sleep debt that builds up over time. When the tired driver finally gets some sleep, they may experience a “sleep rebound” where they feel more alert and awake than usual. This can make them feel less sleepy while driving, which can lead to an accident.
This is why commercially licensed drivers need to take breaks every two hours and get enough sleep before driving again. Other common causes of trucking accidents include:
- Driver error
- Equipment failure
- Failing to obey traffic laws
- Truck rollovers
- Speeding
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
A truck accident can be caused by external factors such as weather and road conditions. For example, rain or snow can cause slippery surfaces, making it difficult for trucks to stop safely and maneuver their way into parking lots.
WHERE DO MOST TRUCK ACCIDENTS OCCUR?
According to the National Safety Council, a disproportionate number of truck accidents occur in rural areas. Since most truck accidents happen due to reckless driving, poor decision-making, and driver fatigue, the danger these conditions contribute to increases in the less stable environment.
With fewer vehicles on the road, some drivers may feel comfortable driving faster. Possibly loose road surfaces and unexpected cross traffic makes this a bad decision. Tractor-trailers are difficult to maneuver on loose gravel.
Collisions with tractor-trailers regularly result in fatal crashes. Even with less severe injuries, the long-term impacts can be expensive. A skilled attorney may be able to provide the support you need to pursue your claim.
WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RESULTS OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS?
One aspect drivers consider when deciding how to prevent trucking injuries is the likely results of truck accidents, what causes them, and how they can be prevented. Truck accidents are common forms of car crashes. Many factors can cause them and can lead to various injuries.
Some of the most severe injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Head injuries
- Internal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
After a catastrophic accident involving a big truck, victims may need help paying their medical costs. Fighting with insurance companies for fair compensation can be difficult and time-consuming. An experienced attorney from Hurt Trucker can advise you regarding your case.
WHO IS AT FAULT IN A TRUCK ACCIDENT?
Liability for accidents involving a tractor-trailer is not always straightforward. Tractor-trailers are semis and, as such, are subject to federal trucking laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency that regulates and enforces these laws. Three parties may be liable in a trucking accident:
- The driver of the tractor-trailer
- The company it belongs to
- A trucking company that hired the driver to deliver the merchandise
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they have enough space to maneuver their vehicle and that they are not driving too fast for the road conditions. This responsibility also extends to pedestrians who are near the truck. The driver must ensure that they are not driving too close to pedestrians or other cars, which can result in a collision and injury. Therefore, the truck driver is always at fault in a truck accident.
The company that owns and operates the trailer can be held liable for negligence if it fails to ensure safety or doesn’t provide a reasonably safe working environment for the drivers. For truck driver personal injury quick tips and other resources, many clients contact the professionals at the Hurt Trucker law firm. They offer information and advice.
Legal and Regulatory Factors in Truck Accidents
In truck accidents, legal and regulatory factors play a significant role. Non-compliance with these factors can lead to accidents and serious consequences.
Here are the details of some common regulatory factors.
- Hours-of-service regulations and violations: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations to limit the number of hours that commercial truck drivers can be on duty and behind the wheel. These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue, which is a major cause of truck accidents. Violations of these regulations can lead to accidents, putting other road users at risk.
- FMCSA rules: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the governing and regulatory trucking industry in the United States. Its rules cover a wide range of areas, including drivers’ qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and drug and alcohol testing.
- Policies and practices of trucking companies: Trucking companies also have a set of rules designed to ensure the safety of their drivers and vehicles. These policies include proper driver training, regular vehicle inspection, and enforcement of HOS rules.
Failure to comply with these legal and regulatory factors can result in damages that you can’t undo. For a better understanding of your limits and how you can proceed with a truck accident claim, consult with a truck accident lawyer.
For a commercial vehicle driver who has been in an accident with a passenger vehicle and sustained serious injuries because of the negligence of other drivers, it is best to consult with an attorney ASAP.
HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT?
Many people injured in a trucking accident falsely believe the truth will come out and justice will be served. They choose to fight for fair compensation by themselves. However, the more serious the injury, the more likely you need to hire truck driver accident lawyers. To know whether you should hire an attorney or not, here are some factors that you should consider:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether there was a witness to the accident who can testify on your behalf in court
- Whether you were using your phone (or were otherwise distracted) at the time of the accident
- If there was any alcohol or drug use involved
- If there was any property damage
Hiring experienced attorneys from reputable law firms can feel intimidating. If you are the victim of a collision with a big rig, you might benefit from a free case assessment or initial consultation.
DO YOU NEED A TRUCKING ATTORNEY FOR YOUR CLAIM?
Call Hurt Trucker Attorneys if you sustained severe injuries from a collision with a semi-truck. Passenger car drivers in large truck crashes are entitled to compensation for their physical and financial losses. A trucking attorney has focused knowledge and experience dealing with the complex laws and regulations surrounding commercial trucking and can help navigate the claims process and potentially increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
Trucking companies will do what they can to avoid paying the drivers of passenger vehicles for crashes involving large trucks. If you’re looking for information about car accidents, contact the attorneys at Hurt Trucker.