All automobile accidents can be scary and frightening, but few can be as damaging and terrifying as an accident involving a large semi-truck. Truck accidents are far more common than we’d like to think, and finding yourself in one can have serious consequences.
The first step to preventing these types of accidents is to understand how and why they occur. There are many reasons why trucking accidents unfold, but there are a few reasons that are more common than others.
What are they, and what should you look out for on the open road? Read on and we’ll walk you through the details.
1. Reckless or Distracted Driving
One of the main causes of a trucking accident is the same reason that many accidents occur: the driver is simply not careful.
Truck drivers are people just like the rest of us, and especially after many hours on the road, they might drive in a way that doesn’t live up to their expected duty of care.
After all, truck drivers are kept on strict schedules and work rigorous hours – all things that can contribute to less than safe driving on the road.
If a truck driver were to swerve lanes, run a stop light, or text while driving, an accident could be the outcome.
2. Vehicle Maintenance Needed
Another reason why trucking accidents occur? Because the truck in question is not being properly cared for. Commercial trucks drive hundreds of miles, after all, and the threat of wear and tear on this kind of vehicle is quite high.
Worn tires, for example, can lead to poor handling on the road, or even worse – complete blowouts.
In this instance, serious accidents can occur and the damage to other vehicles and people can be immense. This is why it’s important for trucking companies to take proper care of their vehicles – or else they may be found liable for the damages that occur.
3. Overloading Cargo
Even if a truck is properly taken care of, it can’t be pushed past its limit. One of the common causes of truck accidents is overloaded cargo.
If a distributor is trying to push more products than they should during transit, it can create unsafe conditions. If a truck is carrying more weight and volume than it should, it can be harder to control and manage.
The truck may even at one point collapse under the weight of what it is carrying. In this instance, a truck accident lawyer would need to seek who was to blame when it came to the decision to overload the vehicle.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
No one wants to experience a trucking incident, but the risk of these wrecks is more common than we’d prefer to think. Understanding the common reasons for truck accidents, like those above, can help to prevent the likelihood of them occurring.
Been involved in a trucking accident? Need help from a truck accident attorney? Give us a call anytime for assistance.