Semitruck crashes can result from various factors and are often more complex than regular vehicle accidents due to the size and nature of these large commercial vehicles.
Understanding the common causes can help mitigate risks and enhance road safety. It can also help injured motorists determine where liability lies if they plan to pursue a compensation claim against a negligent operator and/or a truck driver’s employer.
Driver error
Driver error is one of the leading causes of semitruck accidents. This can include speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Truckers often face long, grueling hours on the road, which can lead to fatigue, impairing their ability to concentrate, react to hazards and make safe driving decisions.
Trucking company policies
Trucking company policies can indirectly contribute to accidents. If companies impose unrealistic schedules or quotas on drivers, it may encourage speeding or driving for extended periods without adequate rest. Such practices can heighten the risk of driver error and can result in accidents.
Lax maintenance
Proper maintenance of semitrucks is critical for their safe operation. Brake failures, tire blowouts and steering issues due to poor maintenance can lead to serious accidents. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance are essential to ensuring these vehicles remain safe.
Improper load securement
Improperly secured loads can cause serious problems. They can shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, or they can even fall off the truck, creating a road hazard. All loads must be secured correctly and in accordance with applicable regulations to avoid these risks.
Other motorists
Accidents involving semitrucks aren’t always the truck driver’s or company’s fault. Other motorists can contribute to these accidents through unsafe driving practices, such as cutting off a truck, driving in a truck’s blind spots or erratic lane changes. Because of a semitruck’s size and weight, a driver needs more time and space to react to road conditions or actions by other drivers.
Victims of semitruck crashes often suffer serious injuries that require extensive medical care. Seeking compensation from liable parties can help to offset these expenses. Time is limited by state law, so be sure that you act swiftly in the event of a crash.