What Causes Trucking Accidents?
Trucks account for a small percentage of vehicles on the road however, they are extremely hazardous and cause serious injury or even death. Accidents involving large trucks may occur when drivers are distracted or do not pay attention to their blind spots.
Driver fatigue is also a factor in trucking accidents. These drivers work all day, without any rest breaks to meet their quotas.
Driver Error
Driver errors are the leading reason behind trucking accidents and it is a very serious issue. Driver errors can be caused by a number of factors. It is crucial to know the causes of this kind of error, and how to avoid it.
Inattention, distraction, carelessness and drowsiness are some of the most frequent mistakes made by drivers. These problems can be very risky, especially when they are paired with the huge size and weight of the truck.
Truck drivers, for example are often working for long hours and don't get enough rest. Truck drivers are often under pressure by their employers to finish loads as quickly as possible. This could lead them to disregard safety standards.
Another frequent error of drivers is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These drivers could cause serious car accidents and even kill or harm others.
Other driver mistakes can include inadequate maintenance of the vehicle and other components as well as defective components that could result in a crash. These are all serious problems and should be addressed by trucking companies as soon as possible.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by weather conditions like rain or slick roads. Truck drivers must slow down when they encounter these conditions and they should be aware of how the conditions could affect their vehicles.
A recent study revealed that truckers who do not do these tasks can be the cause of fatal accidents. It is vital that trucking companies ensure their employees adhere to these safety standards so that they can shield themselves and their customers from dangerous accidents.
The study also found that some drivers are more prone to make these errors than others. This could be due to their lower level of experience or education.
These findings can aid in reducing the number of accidents that happen on the roads, and they can also aid trucking companies discover ways to increase safety for drivers. Drivers that are susceptible to these types of errors are identified, and the business can be more likely to ensure that they are properly trained so they don't make these mistakes again in the future.
Mechanical Issues
While driver error is the main reason for trucking accidents, 10 percent of these incidents also involve mechanical issues. This makes it even more important that truck drivers are familiar with the parts of their vehicles that can fail.
Federal and state laws require commercial trucking companies inspect, repair and maintain their trucks regularly. Without these inspections drivers and cargos may be at risk of a serious accident that could result in catastrophic injuries or even death.
Tires, brakes and transmission systems are all crucial for the safety of trucks. If they malfunction, the driver may lose control of their vehicle and crash into other cars or pedestrians.
Blowouts and other tire failures are also a frequent reason for trucking accidents, especially in bad weather conditions or when the terrain is uneven. They can trigger jackknifes as well as swerves, which can result in serious accidents.
Other components of a truck that could have an impact on the safety of drivers include steering and suspension systems. These systems can fail as a the result of poor maintenance, heavy load or other causes.
In addition when a truck isn't maintained or maintained on a regular basis and its components get worn out faster than they should. If the engine of a truck isn't inspected and maintained regularly, it may begin to malfunction before the driver even notices it.
Another issue that can affect driver safety is the lighting system on the truck. These lights can fail or be damaged, making it difficult for other drivers to see the truck and its cargo.
Truckers should examine their vehicle's lights as the weather turns cooler. This will reduce the risk of accidents when the roads are covered with snow, rain or sleet.
In certain instances, a truck's lights can fail due to faulty wiring or design imperfections. These issues can cause a driver to lose visibility and miss an opportunity on the side of the road. These issues can also cause fatal accidents, particularly when the driver is tired or distracted by other issues.
Overloading
The overloaded trucks are a serious problem that causes numerous trucking accidents. This can result in serious injuries, and even death for other motorists on the road.
Overloaded trucks are more likely to overturn or get jackknifed. This could result in devastating injuries for anyone who is driving. Additionally, cargo that's not secured properly can be thrown out of the vehicle and obstruct other drivers on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has set weight limits on commercial trucks to prevent accidents that occur during transport. The weight limits are set to limit a truck's gross combination weight and gross axle weight.
A truck that is overloaded will need to stop and slow down more frequently to avoid an accident. A truck driver who is overloaded might be less able than typical to steer the vehicle which could lead to an accident.
This type of trucking crash can be deadly, especially when it happens during a heavy downpour or in conditions of snow. The additional weight places additional stress on the brakes and other parts of the truck, causing them to wear faster.
Tire blowouts are yet another common sign of a truck that is overloaded. This is because the extra weight strains the tires to their limit, resulting in a blowout and a loss of control.
Other signs that a truck is loaded too much include sudden, motions that jerk, or bowing or sagging on the trailer. It is crucial to inspect the load prior moving the truck from the dock.
Overloaded trucks can be caused by many reasons, including the desire of business owners to save money by decreasing the time required to move cargo. Untrained or inexperienced drivers can also lead to overloaded trucks.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by an overloaded truck, you must seek out a legal professional to determine if it is appropriate to make an insurance claim. This is a great method to ensure that the responsible parties are held liable for the losses and damages you sustained.
Jackknife Accidents
Commercial trucks have the potential to be jackknifed and cause devastating injuries to victims of accidents. These trucking accidents are more frequent than you think. Trucks can weigh as much as 85,000 pounds and transport a trailer as long as 28 feet at speeds that could cause damage to private property and passenger cars.
There are a myriad of things you can do to avoid these accidents. First, if your home is in Hidalgo County or the state of Texas and have sustained a serious injury in a jackknife accident, you may be eligible to claim compensation for your losses through assistance from a seasoned trucking accident lawyer.
Drivers can also avoid jackknife collisions by taking the time to slow down and allow trucks ample space to stop. This is especially crucial on roads that are wet, icy, or have a lot of ice and snow on them.
semi truck accident attorney can occur when commercial truck's brakes suddenly lock and the driver loses control of the vehicle. The driver could be unintentionally oblivious to a sharp bend or drive too fast. This can cause the brakes lock up. The truck could be jackknifed if the trailer is being pushed to one side. This can cause damage to other vehicles.
A shift in the weight of the cargo within the trailer of the truck is another common cause of a jackknife accident. Professional loaders are careful when placing cargo on their trailers in order to ensure that the trailer and the truck remain in balance. If the load is moved dramatically the trailer could become unstable and jackknife.
The driver of a trailer that has been jackknifed could lose control over the vehicle and its cargo. This could lead to serious injuries and the need for extensive medical treatment, and even the loss of wages.
Despite the fact that a range of factors can cause trucks to jackknife on the road, bad road conditions are likely to be responsible. Ice, snow, rain road spray, loose materials from the truck's engine tire kickup, and other environmental factors can all reduce the traction on the road and cause a truck to lose its control.