The most common causes of truck accidents include driver error, truck company negligence, and mechanical failure, though this list is not exhaustive. Finding the cause and the negligent party in your truck crash is a necessity when pursuing a personal injury claim. A Louisville truck accident lawyer from Grossman Green has the knowledge and skill to get those answers and bring your claim to the most favorable conclusion possible.
How often are negligent drivers the cause of truck accidents?
Truck driver negligence ranks high among the common causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers must practice safe driving behaviors. Though there are serious penalties for driving under the influence, some operators still drink alcohol or use other substances while driving or too close to a shift.
Distracted driving also leads to accidents. Truckers may take their focus off the road to consult navigation systems. They might text while driving or otherwise engage with electronic devices, or get lulled into their own thoughts after long hours alone. According to the Kentucky 2023 Collision Facts, “driver inattention” has the highest incidence as a contributing accident factor.
Due to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, drivers’ hours on duty are limited. Still, driver fatigue remains a cause of accidents. Fatigued driving carries the same risks as impaired driving. Drowsy drivers have slower response times and a reduced ability to make sound judgments.
Can a trucking company’s negligence cause a truck accident?
Federal regulations govern all elements of the trucking industry. Any party involved in the vehicle’s operation must comply with these rules. For example, companies must make sure to provide adequate training and monitor their drivers, removing unsafe operators from behind the wheel. They cannot pressure drivers to stay on duty beyond what regulations permit.
A semi truck, like all commercial trucks, comprises complicated systems. Trucking companies must ensure compliance with inspection and maintenance schedules to avoid mechanical failure. Per the Kentucky Collision Facts, tire failure is another common high-ranking cause of accidents.
Parties responsible for securing loads must also comply with FMCSA regulations. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during travel, causing the truck to become off balance and potentially leading to a rollover or jackknife accident. On open-bed trucks, improper securement can lead to materials flying off trucks and crashing into vehicles traveling close by.
What are other causes of truck accidents?
Factors outside the truck operator’s or the company’s control can also cause accidents. Weather conditions, such as heavy rain, can reduce visibility. Muddy or flooded roads increase the risk of accidents. Even so, drivers must adjust to these conditions. They may need to reduce speed or get off the road until travel conditions improve.
Poor road conditions also make commercial vehicle travel more dangerous. Hitting a pothole can cause a tire to blow out. Uncleared debris or obstacles can cause skidding. These hazards can force drivers to swerve unexpectedly to avoid a collision, only to sideswipe a car in the next lane over or go off-road and out of control.
The government entities in charge of road maintenance may be liable in a truck crash under these circumstances. They may also be culpable if inoperative traffic or street lights contribute to the crash.
We can help you hold negligent parties accountable
At Grossman Green, we help clients across Kentucky take the right steps from day one, including identifying who was at fault and ensuring deadlines are met. Most personal injury claims must be filed within one year, so acting quickly is important.
We handle complex cases involving large trucks, commercial vehicles, and catastrophic injuries. Your attorney will be accessible throughout your case, and we’ll work hard to pursue the results you deserve. Call us at (502) 657-7100 or contact us online for a free consultation.