Truck accidents still happen despite the numerous measures in place to prevent them. These accidents are so concerning because they are much more likely to result in fatalities than other vehicle accidents. Victims injured in truck accidents or those whose loved ones die in such accidents have a right to sue to get compensated for their loss or damages and hold the negligent party responsible. You can search for a truck accident lawyer near me to find a lawyer who will help you get the process started.
As you explore your legal options, it is also a good idea to know the different causes of truck accidents, so you know how to frame your case and make it stronger.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving entails any action that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. There are three main categories of distracted driving, including manual, visual, and cognitive distraction. Manual distracted driving includes all distractions that cause a truck driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. Such actions include smoking, drinking, eating, using a phone, or using the navigation system.
Visual distraction includes actions that take a driver’s eyes off the road. A driver might do this to check the temperature controls or what is playing on the infotainment system.
Lastly, cognitive distracted driving takes concentration and focus away from driving. Cognitive distracted driving is a huge umbrella and can include everything from talking to a passenger in the cab to driving under the influence.
By taking a driver’s focus and concentration away from driving, distracted driving makes it harder for them to concentrate on what is happening on the road and to react to it. It can also cause drivers to not pay attention to other road drivers leading to a truck accident.
If you are involved in a truck accident involving a truck, you should contact an automobile accident lawyer who specializes in truck accidents. They will help you know what to do next and start the process of filing a lawsuit so you can receive compensation.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigued driving is classified under cognitive distracted driving, but it still warrants an explanation because of how serious it is. Many truck drivers drive long distances and spend numerous hours on the road despite regulations meant to stop them from doing this.
There are many reasons for this. One that stands out in the modern age is ecommerce. Many customers expect their products to ship as fast as possible, and more businesses are pushing their drivers to complete runs as quickly as possible.
Drivers are then forced to drive long distances with little rest to make time and their quotas. In addition to inadequate sleep, such drivers are less likely to get quality sleep because of the worry and stress associated with making it to their destination on time.
All the above results in tired drivers on the road. Fatigue can cause impaired decision-making, an inability to judge distance and speed, impaired coordination, and slower reaction times. All these are significant factors that increase the risk of truck accidents.
Impaired Driving
Continuing from above, some drivers turn to alcohol and substance abuse to stay alert on the road and to minimize the effects of getting too little sleep. In recent studies, up to 30% of truck drivers said they have used or regularly use alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, and marijuana to deal with tight schedules and spending long hours on the roads. Some said they use alcohol and different substances to deal with the loneliness associated with being in a truck alone for numerous hours.
Regardless of the reasons, the results are the same; impaired drivers cause many more accidents than sober drivers. Alcohol and substance abuse might produce euphoria and increased energy at first, but it also has mental and physical effects on drivers. Drivers are more likely to speed, ignore traffic rules, drive aggressively, or be distracted when under the influence.
Additionally, they inevitably crash after using these substances, which is very dangerous if other road users are around. A truck accident lawyer will help you follow the right procedures to ensure an impaired driver is held accountable for their actions and that you get compensated if you are involved in an accident with such a driver.
Speeding
The issue of tight deadlines and customers expecting fast deliveries can also lead to drivers speeding to make up for lost time. The driver might ignore the speed limit on the road they are using, the appropriate speed for the vehicle’s weight, and prevailing road conditions.
A driver who sees an 80,000-pound truck speeding behind them might swerve to avoid it. Depending on the car’s speed, there is a significant chance that it will either end up in a ditch somewhere or hit other cars and cause additional damage.
Untangling such a mess can be challenging, especially if the accident involved multiple vehicles. Let a vehicle accident lawyer help you prove who was at fault so that you do not become liable for the accident.
Poor Cargo Loading Practices
In most cases, the truck driver does not load the vehicle. They trust that the loaders who do this do it properly. Proper loading is crucial for several reasons. First of all, it determines weight distribution and the truck’s center of gravity. Both are crucial for the truck’s stability, making them crucial factors in trucking accidents.
Second of all, items might fall off the truck and cause an accident behind them. And lastly, proper loading is crucial for hazardous materials. Trucks and loaders must adhere to strict regulations to ensure these materials do not spill because they can cause short- and long-term injuries while costing businesses a lot of money to clean up.
Truck accidents are an unfortunate reality of our world, and they cause untold devastation and long-term effects. There are many causes of these types of accidents, ranging from those caused by the driver and trucking business to those caused by loaders. Knowing these causes as a road user will also make it easier to put together a case if you are ever involved in a trucking accident.
If you have been injured in such an accident, you can talk to us at Karns & Karns Truck Accident Attorneys to discuss your case. You can visit our offices in California, Texas, and Nevada to initiate a conversation with our lawyers.
