Truck accidents can be some of the most serious and devastating types of motor vehicle collisions. Unfortunately, due to the sheer size of these commercial vehicles, they can cause devastating consequences to other drivers on the road. Learn some of the more uncommon facts about truck accidents according to a truck accident lawyer from our friends at Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC. Through understanding more about these types of accidents, we can better protect ourselves and our families from them.
Leading Cause
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver negligence. Driver fatigue, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are all examples of negligence that can lead to a truck accident. Driver negligence accounts for more than half of all truck accident fatalities in the United States. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued regulations to address driver fatigue and other forms of negligence, such as requiring drivers to have rest periods and maintaining electronic logbooks. Drivers must also be trained on how to safely operate a large commercial vehicle.
Most Common Place
The most common places for truck accidents are on highways and interstates. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 70% of all truck accidents occur on these roads. This is likely due to the fact that these roads are where most of the truck traffic occurs, and therefore have a higher risk of accidents. In addition, since highways and interstates are often heavily trafficked, there are a higher number of vehicle types (including trucks) sharing the road, which can increase the risk of an accident. Another factor contributing to the higher rate of truck accidents on highways and interstates is that truckers often have to navigate difficult terrain or navigate around tight turns at high speeds.
Type of Accident
One of the most common types of truck accidents on the highway is a rear-end collision. This type of accident occurs when the truck following another vehicle fails to stop in time and strikes the vehicle in front. These accidents can occur due to improper following distances, speeding, tailgating, or distracted driving. Rear-end collisions often result in serious injuries to occupants of the vehicles that were struck, and they are a leading cause of death on the nation’s highways.
Improper Loads
Truck accidents are often caused by the improper loading of cargo, which can make the vehicle unbalanced or cause too much strain on its axles. When a truck is overloaded or its load is distributed unevenly, the vehicle can become harder to control and more prone to tipping over. If a load is not secured properly, it can slide around during transport, potentially resulting in the truck crashing or running off the road. It’s important for truck drivers to always double check their cargo to ensure that it’s loaded correctly and securely, as failing to do so can lead to serious consequences.
Fatigue
Truck drivers can easily become fatigued from driving long hours without proper rest. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents as the driver is less alert and more likely to make mistakes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has put regulations in place that require truck drivers to take regular breaks, but some drivers ignore these rules, leading to potentially dangerous situations on the road.
If you get into an accident, contact a truck accident lawyer near you for help!