What Are the Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Truck Accidents?

The sight of enormous 18-wheelers spilling across highways is prevalent, but these enormous trucks also carry exceedingly grave dangers if ever they do get into an accident. Because they are as heavy and enormous as they are, truck accidents tend to bring about catastrophic injuries, colossal property damage, and even death. If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident, an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer will protect your rights and get you the fair compensation you need.

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

1. Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Despite federal laws stipulating driving time limits, truck drivers are subjected to immense pressure to deliver within stringent deadlines and, therefore, end up tired. Fatigued drivers have a slow response, poor judgment, and a high tendency to doze off at the wheel, resulting in fatal accidents.

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving, as is the case with automobile passenger vehicle drivers, can be conducted by truck drivers as well. Eating, fiddling with GPS settings, taking telephone calls, or simply daydreaming can be any of these distractions. Slipping even for a moment into attention failure can have fatal outcomes driving such a colossal vehicle.

3. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. The heavy weight of an 18-wheeler requires a longer stopping distance. Truck drivers who speed or drive recklessly endanger their lives and the lives of others. A truck accident lawyer can help victims determine if speeding was a factor in their accident and fight for just compensation.

4. Poor Truck Maintenance

Truck drivers and operators must ensure that they keep their trucks in good working conditions. A negligent routine check, however, may result in mechanical failures such as brake failure, tyre explosion, or engine breakdown. The mechanical failures result in driver loss of control over their vehicles, causing fatal crashes.

5. Improperly or Overloaded Cargo

Carelessly loaded or over-loaded cargo will upset a truck's balance, and rollovers or jackknifing is more likely. Cargo should be level and restrained to avoid movement during transport. Trucking companies that do not follow proper loading procedures can be held responsible for accidents caused by cargo failure.

6. Driving Under the Influence

Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous business for anyone driving, but for an impaired truck driver, the dangers grow exponentially. Some other drivers may drive after ingesting some form of stimulant to stay awake during long periods behind the wheel, and these chemicals interfere with judgment and slow reactions, thereby facilitating an accident. The top truck accident attorneys can determine if alcohol or drug use was involved in an accident and pursue action against negligent parties.

7. Adverse Weather Conditions

Harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, fog, or ice make 18-wheel driving even more demanding. Slippery roads lower traction, and poor visibility raises the chances of accidents. Truckers need to slow down their driving according to weather conditions, but not everyone does, resulting in preventable crashes.

8. Blind Spots and Wide Turns

Trucks also have huge blind spots on most sides, where other drivers are not visible. If a truck driver does not check his blind spots when he wants to change lanes or merge, he could end up crashing into other cars on the road. Wide turns, unless undertaken when signalling, can also cause side-impact crashes.

9. Untrained or Inexperienced Drivers

All truck drivers are not well-trained before taking trucks to the road. Lack of training causes poor decision-making, loss of control when confronted with a sudden situation, and little education in federal motor carrier safety rules. If a lack of training leads to an accident, an accident lawyer who is well-versed in truck law can determine fault.

10. Faulty Truck Components

Occasionally, though, the reason for a truck accident is not driver error but mechanical failure of the truck. Sudden breakdowns due to faulty brakes, steering parts, or tyre blowouts can result from this. In these instances, manufacturers or trucking firms may be held liable for damages.

Seeking Legal Help After a Truck Accident

If you or a loved one was in a truck accident, it is necessary to hire an attorney. Seasoned truck accident attorneys are experienced in dealing with complicated truck accident cases and will guide you through them. They will investigate the accident, handle insurance companies, and battle to secure for you the maximum amount of fair compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, and emotional trauma.

Wrapping Up

Truck and 18-wheeler crashes are typically catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries and financial losses for victims. Knowledge of the most frequent causes of trucking crashes can prevent them and assist in legal action. If you are a victim of a trucking crash, the services of a seasoned 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer can be a major factor in your recovery and pursuit of justice. Always put safety on the roads first and, if you require consultation legally, never hesitate to seek professional advice.