With the ever-increasing number of products being shipped across the US every day, it’s no surprise that there are more trucks on the road today than ever before. Most of the time, it’s safe to drive around trucks, but accidents can happen, and when they do, the results can be devastating. It is important for drivers to know the hidden causes of many major truck accidents so they can keep an eye out and stay safe around trucks on the road.
Truck Parts Failing on the Road
Truck parts are designed with the road in mind, but that doesn’t mean they’re infallible. A tire can blow out, a part may come loose on the truck, or the truck could break down on the side of the road. When parts break down while the driver is driving the truck, it can lead to an accident. It’s important for anyone involved in an accident caused by a truck part failure to talk to a lawyer about their situation, as they may be owed compensation from the at-fault party.
Driver Fatigue
Today, there are federal and state laws about how long a truck driver can be on the road before they’re required to take a break. This resulted from accidents caused by truck drivers who fell asleep at the wheel when pressured to keep driving to deliver their load faster. Despite the laws, though, driver fatigue continues to be a common cause of truck accidents. Even if the driver follows federal regulations, they can still be too tired to drive, and may end up falling asleep and causing an accident.
Improper Loading
The load of a truck can be incredibly heavy, so it is important to make sure it is placed on the truck appropriately. If one side is heavier than the other, for example, it can lead to an accident if the truck leans too far in that direction or the products being carried by the truck fall off. Accidents caused by improper loading can lead to serious injuries for any victims, and it can take days to clean up the mess. While other drivers often can’t spot an improper road while following a truck, if a truck looks like it’s leaning even a little bit, it’s a good idea to stay far back just in case.
Driver Distraction
Another common cause of truck accidents today is a driver who is distracted. They may be on their phone, talking to someone, getting information about their next drive, eating while driving, or doing anything else that takes their attention off the road. If this happens, an accident can follow because the trick driver may veer off the road or end up not being able to stop in time when traffic is stopped in front of them. This can end up leading to severe injuries for the victims.
Being aware of potential causes of truck accidents can help drivers prevent accidents, but accidents can still happen. When they do, the victim of the accident may be owed compensation for their injuries, especially if the accident was caused by the truck driver, the company they work for, or someone else involved with the truck. Talk to a lawyer today to learn more about your case and to see if you may be owed compensation.