Trucks play a huge role in the transport industry. Truck accidents have been a problem in the US for a long time now. The problem is getting worse due to the increased number of trucks.
Trucks contribute a lot to the total number of fatal accidents in the US. Usually, the other driver will be the one who gets hurt the most. This is because trucks are much larger than other vehicles. With enough force, trucks can completely crush cars.
Truck accident victims will suffer many types of losses, which they can recover with the help of truck accident lawyers at Fuicelli & Lee. It is important to hire lawyers from good law firms since truck accident cases are complicated.
Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents happen for many reasons. In most cases, it is the fault of truck drivers. However, there could be other reasons too. The following are some of the common causes of truck accidents:
- Truck driver’s negligence
- Truck company’s negligence
- Cargo loading company’s negligence
- Truck manufacturer’s negligence
- Truck mechanic’s negligence
Let’s see how truck drivers’ negligence causes truck accidents.
Distracted Driving
As said, trucks are huge vehicles that are very hard to control. You cannot drive it like a sedan.
When driving a truck, the driver’s complete focus should be on driving. Even a minor distraction can result in serious accidents.
Using the GPS system, replying to texts, and checking the mail are some ways truck drivers are distracted from driving.
Distracted driving is of three types:
- Manual distraction: Taking hands off the steering wheel
- Visual distraction: Taking eyes off the road
- Cognitive distraction: Taking mind off driving
All three types of distractions are serious and result in accidents.
Sleep-Deprived Driving
Driving when tired is another common way that can lead to accidents. When a driver is tired, there will be little to no control over the vehicle.
Even closing one’s eyes for a second can result in catastrophic accidents.
Driving for a long time without taking a rest is the primary reason for fatigued driving. It is important to stop once in a while and rest. Just following the hours of service rules is enough to stay vigilant on the job.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Driving under the influence of drugs has been a problem for a long time in the US. Despite the efforts of the government, people are still driving under the influence.
Drivers who are on drugs will have a slow reaction time. They may not react to traffic movements promptly. Quick reaction time is important when driving a truck, as the stopping distance is high for trucks.
Violation of Traffic Rules
Running a red light, making a left turn, speeding, etc., are some of the common forms of traffic violations that lead to accidents.
Violating traffic rules can result in accidents, even if you are driving a sedan.
Following all the traffic regulations is the best way to avoid accidents.
Violation of Hours of Service Rules
Hours of Service is a set of regulations that sets a limit on driving time for truck drivers.
These rules are formulated to avoid sleep-deprived driving. Drivers may violate these rules to obtain incentives.
You can partly blame the trucking company for setting unrealistic goals and offering incentives for achieving targets in a short time.
Truck drivers should never violate hours of service rules, no matter what.
Final Thoughts
The worst part about truck accidents is that they are completely avoidable. There will be zero accidents if everyone respects the duty of care they owe to others. This is not something we can expect in the modern world.
So take safety measures to avoid accidents. If you have been hurt in a truck accident despite your efforts to stay safe, contact a truck accident lawyer immediately. They can help you get your life back on track.
