The Underlying Cause: 4 Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents That Can Lead to Lasting Consequences

The force and weight involved in truck accidents cause extensive injuries. The average car weighs around 4,000lbs, but a truck can often weight in excess of 80,000lbs. This excess weight turns trucks into a destructive force when they collide with other vehicles.

Understanding the reasons why truck accidents occur is essential for bringing the numbers down. For truck drivers, this is particularly essential for keeping yourself and other road users safe. For passengers, it is essential for understanding the nature of truck accidents and how to avoid them.

If you or anyone you know has suffered lasting consequences from a truck accident, it is important to contact truck accident lawyers to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Driver Error

Unfortunately, the leading cause of truck accidents is due to human error. Truck drivers are on the road for long periods of time and can become drowsy or make small mistakes. But when you are driving an 80,000lb vehicle, a small mistake has grave consequences.

However, in most cases, the truck drivers are not to blame. Around 81% of accidents involving trucks, were caused by a mistake from the driver of a passenger vehicle. Other road users should therefore take extra care when driving near large trucks.

Poorly Maintained Vehicles

With trucks racking up vast mileage each year, even one neglected maintenance aspect could snowball into a major problem. Fleet maintenance should be a priority for truckers and those working for trucking companies.

Drivers should check their vehicles at the beginning of every shift and trucking companies should have a rigorous maintenance procedure in place to avoid accidents and mishaps which could cause accidents.

Incorrectly Loaded Cargo

Loading teams have an important role to play in the trucking industry. Each truck bed has its own industry-specific loading regulations, as does industry-specific equipment. If the loading teams are not fully-trained in loading industry-specific trucks and equipment, they could cause a serious accident.

Loads that come loose and fall onto the road poses a threat to other road users and can be costly and time-consuming to clean up, leading to major injuries, lasting conditions and fatalities.

Weather

The final cause of accidents on our list is the weather. Extreme weather conditions do not cause a significant number of accidents, far less than the other elements listed, but nonetheless, have a role in many serious collisions.

It can be difficult to protect against adverse weather conditions, but drivers can still take some measures. In extreme weather like rain, snow, ice, or sleet, truck drivers should drive at an appropriate speed. They also need to leave enough space between them and the vehicle in front to bring the truck to a complete stop, without invoking a skid or aquaplane.

It may offer little comfort, but if you have been involved in a trucking accident, you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are specialised truck accident attorneys, with intricate and extensive knowledge in the industry, waiting to take on your case and fight for your right to financial compensation.