Common Causes of Truck Accidents

There are over 415,000 truck accidents every year, and about 20% of these accidents involve injuries. Unfortunately, the number of truck accidents has increased by about 20% over the last two decades. This is a disturbing trend, and one that should not be ignored. Why do these collisions occur? Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:

Driver Fatigue

Many truck drivers are paid by the mile, which means they may push themselves to drive further even when they are feeling tired. Federal regulations limit the number of hours that truck drivers can spend behind the wheel per day, and put rules in place regarding breaks. However, these regulations are not enough to prevent truck accidents caused by the driver’s fatigue.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers spend hours and hours on the road, so at some point they may become restless and start to distract themselves with a cell phone or radio. Truck drivers can also become distracted by adjusting their GPS system, eating, or drinking while behind the wheel. Any type of distraction is dangerous and could lead to an accident with serious injuries.

Driver Error

Anyone can make a mistake-even a truck driver. If a truck driver makes a driver error, he may accidentally collide with another vehicle. For example, truck drivers can cause accidents when they make wide turns, fail to brake in time, or change lanes without checking their blind spots. Some of these errors could be caused by lack of training , but others may simply be a judgment error.

Improper Loading

Cargo must be loaded into the truck in a certain way so the weight is evenly distributed. If the person who loads the cargo fails to do so properly, the truck driver may have trouble controlling the truck. He may swerve back and forth or jack knife as a result of the uneven distribution of weight.

Irregular Maintenance

Trucking companies are required to regularly inspect their trucks to ensure there are no safety issues. If a safety issue is discovered, the truck cannot be sent on the road until it has been repaired. However, some trucking companies do not follow these rules. Instead, they choose to save time and money by sending trucks that have not been inspected out on the road. If a trucking company fails to spot a potential problem, such as worn down tires, an accident could occur as a result.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, a personal injury attorney can help you determine the cause of the accident so you know who is liable for your injuries. Contact personal injury attorney James Rush at Rush Injury Law as soon as possible following a truck accident. You can schedule a free consultation to discuss your case by calling 415-897-4801or filling out the online form on our website www.rushinjurylaw.com .