What Causes Trucking Accidents?
Trucks are a small part of the vehicles that travel on the roads but they can cause serious injuries or even death. Accidents involving large trucks can occur when drivers are distracted or fail to look in their blind spots.
Driver fatigue can also contribute to trucking accidents. These drivers often work long hours, without breaks, to meet their quotas.
Driver Error
Driver errors are the leading cause of trucking accidents and it is a very serious issue. There are a myriad of factors that contribute to driver errors and it is crucial to know what causes these errors and how to avoid them.
Carelessness, distraction, inattention and drowsiness are among 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.
For instance, truck drivers often work long hours without taking enough time for rest. They are often pressured to get loads to their destinations as fast as they can. This can lead them to not adhere to safety standards.
Another common error made by drivers is driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These drivers can cause serious car accidents and even kill or injure others.
Other driver mistakes include improper maintenance of vehicles and other components and defective parts which could result in a crash. These are all extremely serious issues and must be addressed by trucking companies as quickly as they can.
Additionally to these mistakes in trucking, accidents can be caused by conditions of the weather, such as rain or slick roads. Truck drivers should slow down when they encounter such conditions and be aware of the effects on their vehicles.
Recent research has found that truckers who do not perform these tasks to perform can be at fault for fatal crashes. It is crucial that trucking companies ensure that their employees adhere to these safety standards so that they may protect themselves and their customers from these dangerous accidents.
The study also revealed that certain drivers are more prone to make these errors than others. This could be due to their lack of education or experience.
big truck accident lawyer could help reduce the number of crashes that occur on the road. They could also help trucking companies find ways to increase the safety of drivers. The company can spot drivers who are prone for these types of errors and teach them how to avoid making them in the future.
Mechanical Issues
While driver error is the primary reason for trucking accidents, 10 percent of these incidents also involve mechanical failure. This makes it all the more crucial for truck drivers to be aware of the parts that can malfunction in their vehicles.
State and federal laws require commercial trucking firms to regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their trucks. Without these inspections, drivers and cargos may be at risk of a serious accident that could result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.
Transmission, brakes, and tires systems are all essential to a truck's safety. If they fail an driver could lose control of their vehicle and crash into other vehicles or pedestrians.
Blowouts and other tire problems are also a common cause of trucking accidents, especially in bad weather conditions or when the terrain is uneven. They can lead to jackknifes or turns, which can lead to serious accidents.
Other truck components which can have an impact on driver safety include suspension and steering systems. These systems can fail because of improper maintenance, excessive load or other reasons.
If a truck's components are not serviced or maintained regularly, they may wear out faster than what is expected. If a truck's engine is not inspected and serviced regularly, it could start to fail before the driver even realizes it.
The lighting system in truck's lighting system can also affect the safety of the driver. These lights could fail or be damaged, causing other drivers to have difficulty seeing the truck and its contents.
As the weather begins to get colder it is crucial for truckers and drivers to ensure that their vehicles' lights are working properly. This will help prevent accidents when the road is covered with snow, rain or sleet.
In certain instances the truck's lights may fail due to defective wiring or design defects. These issues can cause a driver to lose visibility and miss hazards on the roadside. These issues can result in fatal accidents, especially when a driver is fatigued or distracted.
Overloading
The overloaded trucks are an extremely serious issue that leads to numerous trucking accidents. It can result in numerous injuries and fatalities for other motorists.
Overloaded trucks are more likely to roll over or be injured by jackknifing. This can lead to devastating injuries for anyone who is on the road. Additionally, cargo that is not secured properly can spill out of the vehicle and block other drivers on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has imposed strict weight restrictions on commercial trucks to prevent accidents that occur during transport. The limits limit a truck's combined weight and gross axle weight.
A truck that is overloaded will have to brake and slow down more often to avoid a collision. A truck driver who is weighing too much might be less able than typical to steer the vehicle and this could lead to an accident.
This kind of trucking accident can be deadly, especially when it happens during a heavy downpour or in conditions of snow. The additional weight puts extra stress on the brakes, and other components of a truck. This results in them wearing out faster.
Tire blowouts could also be an indication of an overloaded vehicle. The added weight puts tires under stress, resulting in a tire blowout and loss of control.
Other indicators that a truck is loaded too much include sudden, jerking movements and bowing or sagging in the trailer. It is important to check the load prior to moving the truck from the dock.
Overloaded trucks are often the result of a variety of reasons, including the desire of business owners to save money through reduction in time required to transport their cargo. Overloaded trucks are also caused by inexperienced or unskilled drivers.
Consult a lawyer if you or someone you love was injured in an accident resulting from an overloaded vehicle. They can help you determine if it is appropriate to make claims. This is a great method to ensure that the responsible parties are accountable for the damage and losses.
Jackknife Accidents
Commercial trucks can be jackknifed and cause catastrophic injuries to victims of accidents. These kinds of trucking accidents occur more often than you may believe, as trucks weigh 80,000 pounds and possess the capability of swinging a trailer with a length of 28 feet at speeds that could destroy the private property of people and vehicles.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent these accidents from occurring. If you reside in Hidalgo county or in the state of Texas, and you have suffered serious injuries as a result of a jackknife crash, you may be able get compensation for your losses by working with an experienced trucking injury lawyer.
Slowing down and giving trucks plenty of space to stop will also ensure that drivers aren't involved in jackknife-related crashes. This is especially important on roads with lots of ice, snow, or when they are wet.
If the brakes of commercial trucks stop working suddenly, the driver might lose control of the vehicle. For instance, a driver can not be aware of a sharp turn and speed up, which causes the brakes to become locked. The truck could jackknife when the trailer is 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 a common cause of a jackknife accident. Professional loaders are careful when placing cargo inside their trailers to ensure that the truck and trailer keep their balance. However, if the load shifts drastically, it can make the trailer shift out of equilibrium and jackknife.
The driver of a trailer that is been jackknifed could lose control of his truck and the cargo. This could cause serious injuries and require an extensive medical treatment, and also a significant loss of wages or other compensation.
Despite the fact that a myriad of factors can cause trucks to jackknife the road, poor road conditions are likely to be responsible. Road sprays, loose materials from a truck's engine and tire kickup are all elements that can make an automobile to lose control.