Experiencing an accident can be traumatic and have lasting repercussions. Understanding the main causes of truck accidents helps you stay alert to potential dangers on the road. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, there could be a long recovery ahead of you, which could mean serious bills. If you’ve been in an accident, our truck accident lawyers at Shamieh Law will work quickly to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accidents Caused by Drivers
According to studies by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most large truck accidents involve multiple contributing factors. In many cases, the truck driver’s actions play a significant role. For example, common driver-related causes include fatigue, speeding, impairment from drugs or alcohol, and distracted driving.
If the truck driver is at fault, some of these accidents can be caused by:
- Driving while tired
- Driving under the influence
- Committing traffic violations
- Driving recklessly or aggressively
- Driving distractedly
- Driving with health conditions
- Driving over the speed limit
Truck Accidents Caused by Technical Flaws
Events impacting your accident might come into play far before the crash, such as a lack of training, road conditions, or just before, like a blown tire or sudden weather. The driver losing control, a vehicle not being maintained, or other factors can cause truck accidents. Some other factors may be:
- Mechanical failures
- Vehicle malfunction, like brake failures, tire blowouts
- Missing system parts
- Unbalanced or shifting cargo
- Defective equipment
- Poor maintenance
- Transmission failure
Truck Accidents Caused by Other Factors
Other factors that can play a role in causing accidents include governments that don’t repair poor road conditions or animals in the roadway. Circumstances outside of you or the driver’s control can also cause truck accidents, such as:
- Hitting a deer
- Poor road conditions
- Traffic flow disruptions
- Bad weather
- Poor lighting
- Other negligent drivers
Each state has specific trucking requirements and regulations that the employer and driver must meet to encourage safety.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Truck Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, more than one party may be liable. For commercial drivers, several entities participate in loading and transporting cargo to and from its final destination.
The crash could have been caused by multiple drivers, a mechanical failure, or other factors.
The liable parties could be:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers or distributors
- Other drivers
- Cargo loaders
- Repair shops or maintenance crews
Studies show that more people travel longer distances by car, but dangers on the road are still present. Everyone should be aware of what could go wrong while on the highway and their options.
Our truck accident attorneys have secured millions in client settlements over the past 15 years. We’ll do everything possible to support and protect our clients and provide efficient representation.
Preventing Common Causes of Truck Accidents
To keep yourself safe on the roadway, always be sure to wear a seatbelt. Don’t drink and drive, or drive if you haven’t had enough sleep or are too tired.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has tried to improve safety measures, with state and community grants for seat belt programs, alcohol programs, more highway safety research opportunities and infrastructure safety through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
These accidents can be devastating, and everyone should do their best to prevent them. One of the biggest factors in fatal crashes was driving over the speed limit.
There are some tips to follow to keep you and others on the highway. These include:
- Don’t speed: Follow the speed limit and pay attention to road conditions.
- Be Alert: Keep your phone down and focus on the road ahead.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep the length of a car between you and the vehicle ahead. Driving too closely can make an accident much worse.
- Proper Maintenance: If you operate a commercial truck or vehicle, it’s vital to inspect your equipment regularly, keep up with regular maintenance, and not overload the trailer.
If you’re a commercial truck driver, familiarize yourself with the vehicle you drive. Knowing the best way to turn and operate the truck can prevent accidents, like rollovers, and keep others on the roadway safer, too. Also, be mindful of blind spots and where other vehicles on the road are. Operating large trucks can make this difficult, but paying extra attention can save you and other drivers from an accident.
Employers of commercial drivers are meant to develop safety measures, like fatigue management, regular training, driving records, and health physicals for workers who regularly drive. While the individual driver may be responsible for their own driving, their driving or shift schedules may not be up to them.
If you operate a commercial vehicle, you and your employers must follow alcohol and drug testing regulations. The driver must follow all rules and regulations. Employers have a duty to conduct drug and alcohol testing to maintain a substance-free and alcohol-free workplace. Drug and alcohol testing could impact commercial drivers, interstate motor carriers, government entities, civic and faith-based organizations.
Trust Shamieh Law as Your Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accidents can range from minor collisions to life-altering events—but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Shamieh Law, our experienced truck accident attorneys use cutting-edge technology and proven legal strategies to pursue the best possible outcome for every client. We’re committed to treating you like family and fighting for the results you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Texas, contact us today or call 469-813-7332.