Top 6 Causes of Truck Accidents and Injuries

Truck collisions are particularly frightening since they are more likely to result in death or serious injury than collisions involving two passenger automobiles.

The driver of a large commercial truck is often seated high in the cab, whereas the driver of a car is much closer to the ground.

These and other elements can have catastrophic consequences in the event of a truck collision.

Truck accidents are frequently the result of driver error, either on your part or on the part of the truck driver. Numerous accidents are avoidable.

The following are the most often occurring causes of truck accidents:

Driving a truck is a demanding and stressful job. Frequently, trucking businesses will need drivers to deliver products to a specific location within a specified time period. This entails driving long miles with few stops and minimal rest.

Occasionally, the mileage required necessitates several days on the road at a time, and the drivers have an insufficient sleep (and even less quality sleep). As a result, individuals lose concentration and coordination and are slower to react to road hazards – not to mention the risk of falling asleep while driving.

There are laws and regulations governing the number of hours a trucker can drive in a single shift, the amount of sleep required, and the frequency of required rest breaks. However, many businesses violate these rules, and driver weariness continues to be a significant issue

Distracted driving is a problem that affects everyone, and it is just as prevalent on local roads as it is on interstate highways. Any activity that diverts attention away from the core goal of driving is considered distracted driving.

Let's face it — long-distance driving may be tedious. In rural places, a vehicle may not have a strong radio signal, which means there is little amusement. Boredom may drive a trucker to take risks such as texting, glancing at their phone for a podcast or playlist, eating, or engaging in other activities to keep themselves occupied. Even if the radio station is good, the simple act of reaching over and fiddling with the dial diverts the driver's attention and concentration away from the road.

Occasionally, a driver will be unable to complete delivery within the time specified by their employer, but they will attempt nonetheless.

Due to the pressure to meet deadlines, a driver may drive faster than is appropriate for a vehicle of that size or even faster than the road conditions permit. If a motorist fears losing their job if items are not delivered on time, they are more likely to hurry to meet the deadline. And that may entail approaching a small passenger car at a high rate of speed.

If you've ever looked in your rearview mirror and noticed an 18-wheeler bearing down on you from behind, you'll do everything it takes to avoid being struck. Often, avoiding a collision requires swerving off the road or into another lane, which results in an accident.

While you may not associate trucking with a high percentage of alcohol and drug problems, it does. Certain truckers take amphetamines and cocaine to keep awake while driving.

There are restrictions and requirements regarding the number of hours of training required for a driver to operate a commercial vehicle. Nonetheless, some drivers are permitted to drive despite not achieving those qualifications.

Wind, rain, and snow are all examples of inclement weather. It requires considerable knowledge and training to successfully drive in inclement weather, much more so when operating a large commercial vehicle. It is critical for a truck driver to go slower than usual (and slower than posted speed restrictions) during inclement weather to avoid skidding, hydroplaning, or jackknifing. If the driver is not properly schooled on how to manage difficult driving circumstances, they endanger themselves and other motorists.

Additionally, the trucking business is expected to inspect each truck prior to putting it on the road, but this is frequently not done. Maintenance is not free, and it takes time – time that businesses recognize may be better spent making deliveries. Thus, routine maintenance may go by the wayside, and a truck may be on the road without being sufficiently safe for the trip.

You may be wondering how the cargo load of a truck affects me.

Each cargo is subject to weight, size, length, breadth, and height restrictions. If the truck is carrying hazardous products, the restrictions for its handling are significantly tougher.

Nonetheless, mistakes do occur, and errors might result in a load making a vehicle overly heavy or prone to tipping over. When a weight falls into the road, it has the potential to result in a catastrophic accident. Similarly, toxic materials may catch fire or result in other hazardous circumstances.

Regrettably, vehicle accidents claim thousands of lives each year. If you or a loved one has been killed in a truck accident, you may wish to consider filing a wrongful death case. While no amount of money can bring a loved one back, a wrongful death lawsuit is designed to recompense survivors of someone who died prematurely as a result of another person's wrongdoing.

You may still owe money for medical expenditures incurred as a result of the crash, burial expenses, or other damages, including your own pain and suffering. A truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining what damages you may be entitled to.

If you've been involved in a truck accident, your first priority should be to seek medical treatment. However, bills will begin to arrive, and you'll need a strategy for paying them. That is why contacting a truck accident lawyer in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, is the next best course of action. Contact us today.