Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Each year, tractors-trailers, commercial trucks, semis, and 18-wheelers are responsible for thousands of accidents on American roadways. In fact, according to a recent study performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5,000 individuals each year die in truck accidents throughout the United States.
The size and weight of these large trucks makes it difficult for them to suddenly stop, swerve, or change direction.
Unfortunately, because of the significant difference in size and weight between passenger vehicles and semis, occupants of passenger vehicles have little chance of walking away from an accident unscathed.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
- Truck driver error: Fatigue; impaired driving through prescription drug, alcohol, or illegal drug use; distractions; and aggressive driving maneuvers like speeding can cause an accident or make a trucker unable to avoid one. When a driver is negligent in one or more of these ways, the company may also liable.
- Equipment failure: Brake failure or tire blowouts are a common cause of truck accidents. Depending on the circumstances, the truck company may be liable for failing to maintain the truck, and/or the truck manufacturer may be liable for manufacturing a defective part.
- Overloaded cargo: Cargo that is not secured or that was loaded unevenly can cause a truck driver to lose control, especially around turns. The company or employee responsible for loading the truck could be held liable for the accident.
- Hazardous conditions: Roads that are poorly designed or left unmaintained can be especially hazardous to truck drivers, especially in bad weather. The government entity or private company responsible for taking care of the roads may be liable, depending on the situation.
- Other drivers: Other motorists often don’t realize how difficult it is for semi-truck to stop or maneuver. Also, other motorists don’t realize the significant blind spots truck drivers have or how the wide turns drivers must take. A motorist who fails to realize these facts, may be more at fault than the truck driver if an accident occurs.
If you or a loved one was involved in a semi-truck accident, call an experienced truck accident lawyer in St.Louis at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC for a FREE CONSULTATION at 618.641.9189 | 314.312.2930 | info@www.hm-attorneys.com. Most times, one of our lawyers or office personnel will be available to come to the scene of the accident to protect your rights and begin building against the semi-truck driver immediately. One of our attorneys can be reached after hours at either 618.604.5952 or 618.406.3165.
Other Related Articles
- Failure to Maintain a Truck Lawyer
- Truck Driver Negligence Accident
- Driver Fatigue
- Overloaded Truck
- Semi-Truck Accidents
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