Large trucks weigh upwards of 10,000 pounds and can cause serious damage if anything goes wrong on the road. Thousands of people are either injured or killed every year due to truck accidents, and the numbers have slowly been on the rise since 2009.
However, understanding the common causes of trucking accidents can help keep those numbers from getting any higher.
Manufacturing Defects
Defects at the manufacturing stage can easily be the cause of a major accident, especially when it comes to such large vehicles. These defects include truck design flaws such as the inclusion of faulty parts in the original product.
Truck Driver’s Error
Truck drivers are on the road for hours a day, causing fatigue or carelessness to become an occupational hazard. Furthermore, many drivers choose to operate their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Truck drivers failing to abide by the rules of the road, whether due to fatigue or substance abuse, is the most common reason that truck accidents occur.
Poor Maintenance
Brake malfunctions and tire blowouts are very common causes of truck accidents. These essential parts need to be maintained regularly in order to ensure proper function and safety, and failure to do so can result in a serious accident. Regular maintenance on other vital areas of the truck, such as the engine or transmission, also helps prevent accidents.
Other Automobiles
Drivers who fail to pass large trucks safely, merge into traffic properly or stay away from “no zones” (areas where visibility is difficult for truck drivers) can easily cause an accident. Large trucks require more time than other vehicles to turn, brake and accelerate, and other drivers must account for this while on the road.
Overloading
Large trucks can handle a lot of weight, but if that weight is not safely contained or evenly distributed, it can cause large trucks to react abnormally while on the road. For example, trucks that are overloaded are much more likely to tip around sharp curves.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, contact the personal injury team at Lorenzo & Lorenzo for expert advice and representation. Call today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
