Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck Accident Causes

Truck accidents occur every day in the United States. Because commercial trucks are so large and heavy, accidents involving them often lead to life-threatening injuries. If you were recently injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Here are the most common causes of truck accidents.

Speeding

Truck drivers are required to deliver goods to certain destinations within a certain timeframe. However, some factors, like poor weather conditions or road construction, can slow truck drivers down. That’s why some truck drivers speed to get to their destinations on time. Unfortunately, driving above the speed limit is especially dangerous for truck drivers. Speeding can lower their reaction times and not give them enough time to stop if a vehicle pulls out in front of them.

Fatigue

Many truck accidents are due to fatigued drivers. Although federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from driving too many consecutive hours in a row, not all of them follow this rule. Many truck drivers have to drive to many destinations in a short time period. This can cause some of them to drive longer than they should. Because of this, they may skimp on sleep. Fatigue can cause truck drivers to lose concentration coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.

Inexperienced Drivers

Driving a commercial truck is much different than operating a standard vehicle. That’s why truck drivers are required to go through extensive training before they can get behind the wheel. However, some trucking companies may let their drivers slide past some of the training and get on the road. Inexperienced drivers might not know how to properly control a commercial truck and increase the risk of accidents.

Distracted Drivers

Distraction is another big problem for many truck drivers. Being on the road for multiple hours a day can get tedious, so some truck drivers look for things to keep them occupied. Some may send text messages while others might flip the stations on the radio station. Unfortunately, taking their eyes off the road for even a few seconds could cause an accident.

Alcohol or Drug Use

Truck driving can be quite a stressful job for some truck drivers. This can cause some to use alcohol or drugs to deal with their stress. If they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel, they can lower their reaction times and lose focus, putting everyone on the road in danger.

If you were injured in a truck accident, you should consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer. A lawyer, can help you file a lawsuit against the truck driver who caused the accident and get you the justice you deserve.