Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-truck wrecks are not uncommon in various parts of the United States. Many semi-truck accidents are catastrophic, so they cause severe injuries or even deaths among most victims. Semi-truck rollovers, jackknife collisions, blind-spot, rear-end, and head-on collisions are common types of semi-truck accidents.

Before you file a semi-truck injury claim, be clear on what caused the accident to prove negligence and recover fair compensation. Discover what can cause many semi-truck accidents today.



Inadequate Driver Training and Experience

Because of the increased demand for drivers in the trucking industry, many companies fail to properly train their truck drivers. Instead, many new truck drivers hit the road immediately after they finish their courses. Because of inadequate training and experience, many new drivers handle trucks they aren't familiar with, causing fatal accidents.

All trucking companies should have minimum requirements and training-hour-threshold that new truck drivers should meet before they get behind the wheel. Although inexperienced drivers are less costly than experienced ones, trucking companies should aim to prevent possible truck wrecks rather than save money.

Speeding

The pressure put on truck drivers to meet particular time deadlines can cause speeding. Also, the desire for some truck drivers to make quick deliveries and earn extra cash causes speeding. Because of speeding, truck drivers tend to overtake, forcing oncoming vehicles to swerve off the road, resulting in deadly crashes.

Semi-trucks and trucks don't react quickly to speed changes, so accidents happen when drivers lose control of their vehicles while speeding.

Distracted Driving

Many truck drivers get bored when on long-distance travel, especially after many driving hours. As a result, many may find themselves fiddling with GPS systems or radio, reading, daydreaming, texting, eating, or drinking. Such distractors take a semi-truck driver's hands, thoughts, concentration, and vision off the vehicle and road, resulting in accidents.

Vehicle Failure

Every semi-truck owner should properly and regularly maintain their vehicle per federal guidelines. Worn-out tires, damaged coupling, malfunctioned engines, and faulty brakes are common mechanical problems that cause semi-truck accidents.

If a semi-truck wreck happens because of the vehicle's failure, the trucking company should be liable for damages caused. Also, the vehicle's manufacturers can carry the liability burden for design flaws in brakes, tires, and other parts that could have caused the accident.

Driver Fatigue

Different federal regulations guide hours of service in the trucking industry. But, trucking company policies, schedules, and incentives like compensation based on the distance covered make many semi-truck drivers ignore the set regulations. The fact that many drivers in the trucking industry don't have enough time to rest or sleep also contributes to fatigue issues.

Fatigue or drowsiness among semi-truck drivers can cause them to overlook safe driving. Also, many fatigued drivers lose concentration when behind the wheel, causing semi-truck accidents.

Wrong Cargo Loading

Improperly packed and unsecured loads cause uneven weight distribution across semi-trucks. As a result, the semi-truck can easily cause an accident when it tries to stop or take a corner.

Besides an improperly packed load shifting while in transit, it can also fly onto the road from the truck and cause possible accidents. Trucking companies should hire professional packers to deal with loading from start to finish.

Drunk Driving

Alcohol and drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and opiate painkillers interfere with semi-truck drivers' reflexes. Impaired reflexes, like coordination, make it difficult for semi-truck drivers to maneuver their vehicles safely, endangering their lives and those of others.

For the success of your truck accident claim and recovery of maximum compensation, hire the right personal injury attorney. A professional injury lawyer will speed up the entire legal process, handle your insurance company, and support you emotionally during recovery.

At Wegner & Associates, we aim to help you recover fair compensation if you're a victim of a semi-truck accident due to a negligent driver.