Common Reasons Why Truck Accidents Occur

Trucking Accident Lawyer

Unfortunately, truck accidents are a daily occurence in the United States. Because commercial trucks are such large and heavy vehicles, the injuries that result from the injuries are usually life-threatening. While some truck accidents are caused by unforeseen conditions, the majority result from carelessness. If you were injured in a truck accident caused by negligence, you may be eligible for compensation.

Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers have to spend some long hours on the road. Although federal regulations prohibit these drivers from driving too many hours in a row, not all of them follow these rules. They may feel pressure to deliver all their goods by a certain deadline and drive longer than they are supposed to. Truck drivers who are running on little sleep can’t focus that well on the road and are more likely to cause accidents.

Speeding

Truck drivers are under constant pressure to deliver their goods by certain deadlines. If they are running behind, they may be tempted to drive above the speed limit to get to their destinations on time. Unfortunately, speeding can lower a truck driver’s reactions times and make the truck spin out of control. Truck drivers who don’t follow the speed limits put everyone on the road in danger.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Commercial trucks are driven thousands of miles a day. That can cause excessive wear and tear on these vehicles, increasing the risk of equipment failure. Worn brake pads or tires, for example, can cause a major accident. That’s why it’s important for trucking companies to regularly maintain all of their trucks and get them repaired immediately if there is a problem.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers have to spend hours on the road, so it’s easy to see why they would get bored from time to time. They may try to entertain themselves while they’re behind the wheel to kill some of that boredom. However, this is dangerous behavior. Whether truck drivers send text messages on their smartphones or change the radio stations, they take their eyes off the road. Taking the focus off the road for even a few seconds can lead to an accident.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Driving a truck can be a tough job at times, and some truck drivers may use alcohol or drugs to unwind. This can impair their driving and put everyone on the road at risk. When truck drivers are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will have slower reactions times and have trouble focusing on the road ahead.

If you were injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent truck driver, you should speak to a Canoga Park truck accident attorney as soon as possible. He or she can review your case for free and determine if you have enough evidence to file a claim. You deserve to be compensated for everything you have been through.

 

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Thank you to our friends and contributors at Barry P. Goldberg for their insight into trucking accidents and personal injury.