Most Common Causes of Large Truck and Big Rig Auto Accidents

Drivers of large trucks are ten times more likely to be at fault in a crash that involves a large truck. Due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle, a majority of large truck accidents that result in a fatality are accidents involving a passenger vehicle. Many of the circumstances that lead up to an accident are preventable; however a number of the causes of large truck accidents are inevitable.

Driver fatigue

Federal regulations govern the number of hours a commercial truck driver is allowed to drive each day as well as how many hours a driver is expected to sleep each night. Drivers are supposed to log hours on the road, miles driven, start and stop times, and hours of sleep for inspection by their employers. Unfortunately, these logs can be faked resulting in some very tired truck drivers on our roadways.

Improperly secure load

If the load on a commercial truck is improperly secured or is too great, the load may shift during driving or heavy braking causing the risk of rollover of the truck. In addition loose tarps over loads may shower debris on the road or on vehicles behind the truck creating another hazard.

Poor maintenance

Truckers should perform a complete pre-trip inspection of their vehicle before heading out. However, as with all vehicles, mechanical failures are a risk and maintenance sometimes gets put off in an attempt to save money and time.

Excessive Speed

In an effort to deliver their loads quickly so they can turn around and collect another load, truck drivers are notorious for speeding. Although they know is safer to obey posed speed limits, speeding by truck drives frequently is the cause of a major accident.

Unsafe driving

Other factors that contribute to large truck accidents include driving outside designated truck lanes, failure to respect weather conditions, driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, aggressive driving, and failure to yield the right of way.

Protect Yourself

To minimize your chances of experiencing a large truck accident be aware of these factors and respect a trucker’s blind spot, do not brake suddenly, be cautious of lane changes, don’t engage in aggressive driving techniques, and avoid tailgating near trucks.

If you are involved in a truck accident and have suffered a serious injury, it is important to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney with trucking accident experience. Schedule a consultation with a trucking accident lawyer today. Many personal injury attorneys will offer a free consultation and take your case on a contingency fee basis – meaning you will have no need for out-of-pocket expenses for your trial.