Truck accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes. A big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds with cargo and can be more difficult to control than a typical passenger vehicle. There are various factors that may cause accidents with 18-wheelers to happen.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when the driver takes his or her eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off of driving. Some common activities that may be considered distracted driving include eating or drinking, reading, or texting. Texting while driving is against the law, however, it still happens with some frequency. Reading or responding to a text only takes a few seconds, but that is all it may take to get into a crash.
- Inexperience
Driving a truck takes quite a bit of training and experience. Big-rig truck drivers generally must have a special license called a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Truck drivers experience a great variety of circumstances that require expertise. A driver without sufficient experience may get into an accident more easily than a seasoned driver. With a shortage of truck drivers, companies may hire those who have less experience in an effort to fill vacant positions.
Learn what causes truck accidents from Managing Member Matt Arnold as he delves into the details of semi-trucks. Watch now!
- Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers can get tired while behind the wheel. This can happen more easily when the driver is making a long-distance trip. There are laws in place that are supposed to limit the length of time a driver can be on the road without a break. However, sometimes a driver may break the rule, especially when they are getting paid by the trip. Long hours on the road can be monotonous and may lead to fatigue.
- Improper Load Management
Large commercial trucks carry big loads of goods. The cargo must be properly loaded and secured to ensure that it will not shift during transport. If it is not loaded correctly a quick turn, stop, or lane change might cause the load to move around. This, in turn, could cause the truck to become unstable and the driver may lose control. The truck could overturn, jackknife, or slam into other vehicles on the road. Shifting cargo can be avoided by securing it adequately and by not overloading the vehicle.
- Speeding
Trucks often travel on highways and they often need to get to their destination as soon as possible. A truck may go at a fast pace, sometimes at or above the posted speed limit. Driving too quickly can make the big rig hard to stop, particularly in poor weather conditions. A speeding truck may not be able to stop fast enough when approaching stopped vehicles ahead. The result can be a devastating rear-end collision.
- Poor Truck Maintenance
Large trucks require regular maintenance, just like passenger vehicles. The trucks require inspections and must show that they have been properly maintained. The driver should always perform a basic inspection before they begin a trip. The owner must ensure that they regularly care for the major parts of the truck so they are road-worthy. Poor brakes or tires can quickly cause a problem that results in a serious crash on the road.
Truck accidents can result in severe injuries. If you suffered a serious injury due to a truck accident, you may be owed money for your damages. Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a free initial consultation.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding
https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_20/gs_20-137.4a.html
Image Credit:
https://www.freeimages.com/photo/truck-accident-1450067
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