The National Safety Council reports that 5,375 large truck-related fatal crashes occurred in 2023. Further analysis reveals that it is an 8.4% decrease from 2022 but a 43% increase in the last 10 years.
Truck accidents are some of the nastiest road incidents ever, leaving victims with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and unforeseen financial burdens. The size and weight of trucks mean they can inflict terrible injuries in seconds.
Let us look at the most common causes of truck accidents and how you can make those responsible liable.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
When you start thinking about truck accidents, you will soon realize how many other factors are involved in them. An equipment failure can stem from negligence in maintenance or mechanical problems.
Another factor to account for during truck accidents is the existing weather conditions. Incorrect loading of cargo may cause an imbalance, most often leading toward accidents.
Distracted drivers pose risks because some truckers might just be too engrossed in conversing on the phone or participating in distracting activities while driving.
Since trucks are bigger and heavier in form, they usually need a longer stopping distance, and the damage caused in crashes is severe.
According to vehicular crimes lawyer Ryan McPhie, you must keep your attention on the road when driving. See to it that you follow applicable traffic laws and act in ways that would not endanger the well-being of others. Failures to uphold this standard can come with harsh consequences
The Role of Driver Fatigue
When driving a truck, one should keep in mind that a sleepless night may be one of the factors affecting your ability to drive safely. Fatigue slows reflexes and decreases alertness, and the person in question may not be able to react immediately to some sudden change on the road.
When you are too tired from work as a truck driver, you might be struggling to keep those eyes open and proceed to drift off, endangering yourself and others. It is very important to stop and rest. You also need to become familiar with every law concerning driving hours.
If you are involved in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, you have several options available in seeking compensation for your injuries.
Importance of Proper Maintenance
Checks and maintenance make the vehicle safe and reliable on the highways. Setbacks resulting from heavy traffic crashes frequently stem from little attention paid to truck condition. Assessment of brakes, tires, and lights should always be done.
If routinely inspected, the vehicle faces a slight chance of mechanical failure, which may affect performance or fuel consumption. Maintain the vehicle always. If you fail in this, you are putting yourself at risk for costly repairs and even death.
Always keep a maintenance log, and remember to mark service dates and immediate fixes for any arising problems. Regular upkeep diminishes the possibility of an accident from happening and prevents truck drivers from facing legal problems.
Impact of Weather Conditions
Avoid driving a truck when there is hazardous weather. Rain, sleet, fog, or ice on the road affects truck driving.
Stopping distances for trucks in wet or icy road conditions increase. It is important for any driver to maintain that extra safe distance in front of another vehicle. It makes it quite challenging for a truck driver to spot another vehicle while heavy snow or rain falls. This constraint can sometimes cause accidents.
With dangerous weather, truck driving presents many problems. For example, it is highly likely for trucks to skid or overturn because of snow. During heavy rains, give much attention to your surroundings. Whenever you see sudden changes in weather, it is always better to take it easy by reducing speed.
Always keep a good distance while sharing the road with big truck vehicles, as collisions can easily occur.
Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Victim
Do you know what your set of rights might be if you were involved in a truck crash?
Truck accident victims suffer damages, including medical and hospital expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to name a few. Evidence has to be collected, including investigatory police reports, statements from witnesses, etc.
Your claims could be filed against the truck driver, the company’s employer, or a manufacturer in case a faulty piece of equipment is proven to be the cause of the accident.
Never forget the statute of limitations. This legal deadline gives you a time limit when filing a claim so you need to take legal action immediately. An experienced attorney would help address legal challenges and fight for the collection of the compensation you deserve.
