Some of the most disastrous accidents that occur are because of commercial trucks. This is mainly because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than the vehicles around them. Fortunately, only 9% of traffic accidents are caused by truck accidents, which means they are rarer than other forms of road-related incidents. Commercial truck and automobile accidents happen for a wide variety of reasons, most of them attributed to driver error. According to Atlanta truck accident lawyer Todd Henningsen, here are some of the most common factors that occur in collisions between commercial trucks and automobiles:
Aggressive Driving
Commercial truck drivers may be aggressive and reckless in their driving practices, making it difficult for other drivers to pass or avoid them on the road. Aggressive driving occurs when a driver is selfish, forceful, and inconsiderate of others on the road. They may cut in front of other drivers, switch lanes without warning, or follow too closely to vehicles ahead of them, aka tailgating.
Distracted Driving
Another culprit that leads to terrible accidents between a commercial truck and automobile drivers is distracted driving. Distracted drivers often engage in practices that take their eyes off the road. They may be eating, grooming, making phone calls, texting, and engaging in other activities that prevent them from driving properly.
Severe Weather
Inclement weather can also be the cause of a bad collision between a commercial truck and an automobile. Slippery conditions on the road caused by heavy rain or snow make it difficult to see the streets and make it harder for vehicles to slow down or stop. Heavy fog, black ice, and other unpredictable weather conditions can create a recipe for disaster.
Defective Equipment
Commercial truck drivers sometimes aren’t the cause of the traffic crash, but rather it is their vehicle manufacturer or company inspector. Bad brakes can be the cause of a truck accident if they fail and prevent the truck from stopping. Other problems can include defective hitches, defective steering wheel columns, faulty engines, and more. Company inspectors should routinely check trucks to make sure they are functioning correctly. In some cases, it is an issue with the manufacturing of the vehicle or its parts that went unnoticed.
Road Construction
Roadways are constantly being updated and maintained to create a safe environment for drivers. Sometimes road construction companies make errors that make it difficult to avoid an accident. They may have left an area unmarked with no warning signs, allowing traffic to go through unevenly paved areas causing commercial trucks and other vehicles to crash.
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Speeding
Commercial truck drivers are required to drive slower than the speed limit to prevent accidents from occurring. However, they often speed from one destination to the next while performing long tri-state trips. Drivers are known to speed and can often surprise truck drivers that are merging into a previously empty lane.
Hours Of Service Violations
Truck drivers are required to take time off from work due to FMCSA regulations. When they don’t take obligatory breaks, this can make them vulnerable to a traffic accident. Drowsiness and fatigue can make truck drivers less attentive on the road and more likely to make an error. Sleepiness prevents truck drivers from thinking properly and can also slow down their reaction time.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
When trucks aren’t loaded correctly or are overloaded, this can put the commercial truck driver’s life in danger as well as any other drivers on the road with them. The truck can become imbalanced when the cargo isn’t loaded correctly. Imbalanced cargo causes trucks to sway, wobble, and sometimes tip over. This can be easily avoided by properly loading truck cargo to prevent trucks from wobbling at high speeds.
Find Out More Information From A Commercial Truck Accident Attorney
Commercial truck accidents are scary and can be a challenge for you to struggle with alone. Your lawyer can help guide you through this trying time by informing you how much you should receive in compensation and obtaining it on your behalf. When your injuries are severe, you can receive the help you need from a lawyer who will take your case on while you recover from your injuries.
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