The 5 Most Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents
By: Daniel Berry | Posted: 25th February 2010
There could be any number of reasons why a large truck might be involved in an accident. But, there are five causes for big truck accidents that are the most common.
1. Driver Fatigue: Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Although there are laws that specifically prohibit semi or other large truck drivers from operating equipment more than 11 hours at a time, with regulated hours off in between driving time; fatigue still plays a major part in large truck accidents as drivers try to meet deadlines and log more miles.
2. Substance Abuse: This is another very common cause of large truck accidents. Driving a big rig for many hours, day after day, can make it difficult for a truck driver to maintain concentration, and some turn to drugs to give them a boost of energy and combat fatigue. Trucking companies are supposed to screen all drivers for illegal substances or other drugs pre-hire.
3. Unsafe Driving: Speeding, failing to adhere to safe driving practices, breaking traffic laws….all of these and more are a common cause of big truck accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 25 percent of large truck drivers who were involved in accidents with a fatality had a past record of speeding.
4. Improperly Maintained Trucks: Trucking companies, as well as truck drivers, have a responsibility to see to it that all equipment is well maintained and working properly. They have a legal obligation to do this. This includes such things as pre-trip inspections of the truck and trailer, including tires; and such things as brake lights, etc.
5. Improper Loading: Trucks and trailers must be loaded properly in order to be safely handled by the driver. For example, a trailer that is improperly loaded or overloaded could tip over, causing an accident.
If you have been involved in an accident with a large truck and have sustained injury or property damage, and you believe the other party was at fault, you should talk to a lawyer and get legal advice about a lawsuit.
Personal injury laws can be difficult to navigate without the assistance of a lawyer. Manhattan auto accident attorneys, construction accident attorneys, and slip and fall accident lawyers can help victims receive the compensation they need in order to recover both physically and financially from an accident. This article is free for republishing
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Tags: legal obligation, concentration, highway traffic safety, national highway traffic safety administration, traffic safety administration, national highway traffic, substance abuse, national highway traffic safety, traffic laws, truck drivers, fatality, trucking companies, illegal substances, driving time, big rig, truck accidents