Navigating the risks of the road is a constant concern for truck drivers, with the looming possibility of accidents presenting a real and tangible fear. Indeed, the struggle to deal with the trucking company's insurance provider can cause them exhaustion in the aftermath.
We understand your pain and have created this comprehensive article on the most common causes of truck accidents. This exploration sheds light on the principal causes outlined by traffic laws and offers crucial insights into the circumstances under which accident victims may be entitled to compensation.
9 Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Driver-Related Causes of Truck Accidents
1. Fatigue
Fatigue among truck drivers emerges primarily from the demanding nature of their job, involving long hours and often grueling schedules. This relentless pace is a key reason fatigue ranks as one of the most common causes of truck accidents, contributing to approximately 13% of such incidents according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study.
2. Speeding
Speeding is prevalent in truck accidents, accounting for about 23% of such incidents. The reason behind this high rate is twofold: the pressure to adhere to tight delivery schedules often leads truck drivers to exceed speed limits, and the thrill or habit of driving fast can be hard to resist.
3. Driving While Intoxicated
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a critical factor in truck accidents, contributing to roughly 3% of these incidents. This cause is chiefly attributed to the severe impairment of cognitive and motor functions resulting from alcohol or drug use.
4. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving stands out as a significant contributor to truck accidents, accounting for approximately 6% of such events. This behavior includes a range of actions, from aggressive overtaking to disregarding traffic signals, often stemming from a disregard for safety protocols or a pressing need to meet tight deadlines.
5. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a notable cause of truck accidents, responsible for around 14% of such cases. The root of this issue often lies in the long and monotonous hours spent on the road, leading drivers to engage in activities like eating, using a phone, or adjusting the radio for stimulation or diversion.
6. Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Poor vehicle maintenance is a significant factor in truck accidents, contributing to about 10% of these incidents. This issue typically arises from neglecting regular check-ups and repairs, often due to cost-cutting measures or oversight.
7. Overloading or Improper Loading
Overloading or improper loading of trucks is responsible for about 7% of truck accidents. This issue often stems from attempts to maximize cargo capacity beyond safe limits or from inadequate attention to the proper distribution and securing of the load.
8. Lack of Training
About 5% of truck accidents are caused by inadequate training. This shortfall often stems from inadequate training programs or rushed onboarding processes, which leave drivers unprepared for the challenges of operating large commercial vehicles.
9. Poor Cargo Loading
Poor cargo loading accounts for approximately 4% of truck accidents. This issue typically arises from improperly secured or imbalanced cargo, which can dramatically affect the truck's stability and maneuverability on the road. The responsibility for safe cargo loading often falls on multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and sometimes third-party loaders.
4 Causes of Truck Accidents Not Generally Attributable to the Driver
1. Road Conditions
Road conditions, such as potholes, insufficient signage, or construction zones, contribute significantly to common causes of truck accidents, though they are often beyond the driver's control. In accidents where road conditions are a factor, victims seeking compensation face the challenge of proving that these conditions were the primary cause.
2. Bad Weather
Bad weather, including heavy rain, snow, or fog, plays a significant role in truck accidents, affecting visibility and road traction. In these cases, obtaining compensation often involves demonstrating the extent to which weather conditions were unforeseeable or unavoidable, and how they directly contributed to the accident.
3. Unrealistic Time Constraints
Unrealistic time constraints imposed by trucking companies can lead to accidents by encouraging risky driving behaviors like speeding. In such cases, securing compensation often requires proving the pressure exerted by employers and its impact on the driver's decision-making.
4. Poor Driver Training
Poor driver training is a significant factor in some truck accidents, often reflecting inadequacies in the training programs of trucking companies. In these instances, obtaining compensation involves demonstrating how insufficient or improper training contributed to the accident.
Get Help for Your Truck Accident Case
Top 5 Reasons Why You Need to Hire a Lawyer After a Truck Accident
1. You Have a Professional on Your Side
With a skilled attorney by your side, you are not just acquiring legal representation but also gaining an ally who understands the intricacies of truck accident cases.
They bring expertise in evaluating both short-term needs and long-term impacts, ensuring that any settlement covers the full scope of your damages, from immediate medical expenses to future rehabilitation costs
2. Lawyers Conduct Accident Investigations
Experienced attorneys conduct detailed accident investigations, employing their expertise to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and liaise with accident reconstruction experts.
This overarching approach ensures that every aspect of the accident is meticulously examined, providing a robust foundation for your claim.
3. You Have Legal Representation Throughout Negotiations and Trials
Lawyers bring their negotiation skills and legal knowledge to secure the best possible settlement terms for you.
If the case proceeds to trial, they provide skilled advocacy in court, presenting your case with compelling arguments and evidence.
4. Attorneys Can Increase Compensation
Attorneys are adept at accurately assessing the full extent of your damages, ensuring that all economic and non-economic losses are accounted for in your claim. They use their expertise to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, often securing settlements far exceeding what individuals might obtain on their own.
Therefore, they are equipped to fight for maximum compensation, covering everything from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering.
5. It Helps Keep Things Organized
An attorney helps organize and handle all aspects of your case, from filing documents and meeting deadlines to managing communication with insurance companies and other parties involved.
With their expertise, you can be confident that your case is handled professionally and systematically, keeping your legal journey orderly and stress-free.
Browning Law’s Successful Case Studies
A case study that illustrates the effectiveness of Browning Law is that of a grandmother who was rear-ended by a semi-truck. Despite initially undergoing conservative treatment, she eventually required neck fusion surgery. Browning Law successfully settled her case for $500,000 before it went to trial, enabling her to return to normal life. This outcome demonstrates the firm's commitment to ensuring our clients receive the deserved compensation for their injuries and losses.
Browning Law's track record in handling such intricate and high-stakes cases proves our capability and reliability in the field of personal injury law. For individuals involved in truck accidents, consulting with Browning Law can be a decisive step towards achieving a favorable resolution and obtaining necessary compensation for their ordeal.
Free Consultation with Expert Lawyers at Browning Law
With the understanding of common causes of truck accidents, you now can reduce the risk of being involved in one. However, if you you find yourself in such a situation in Fort Walton Beach area, Florida, don't hesitate to seek professional legal assistance from us. Contact Browning Law for a free consultation with an expert lawyer to understand your rights and explore your options.