CAUSES OF TRUCKING ACCIDENTS

Fatality rates are extremely high in semi truck accidents. Size disparity causes severe injuries and death. If you have been involved in a truck accident speak to a truck accident attorney about the details of your case.

It can be frightening to drive on a highway with a great number of semi trucks (a.k.a., tractor trailers, 18 wheelers) roaring past you, causing your car to sway in the wake of their air turbulence. The question tends to creep into your mind, “What would happen if …?” Unfortunately, semi truck accidents can and do occur at an alarming rate and are often deadly, more so for car passengers than truck drivers.

What Causes Semi Truck Accidents?
Semi trucks are more likely to cause accidents than passenger vehicles. In fact, semi trucks are involved in more fatal accidents annually and therefore have a higher fatality crash rate than their smaller passenger vehicle counterparts. This is primarily due to the size disparity and vulnerability of people in smaller vehicles as compared to truck drivers.

Below are some of the most common causes of semi truck accidents:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver error
• Driver alcohol or drug abuse
• Brake failure or other defective equipment
• Inadequate training for driving and maneuvering
• Unfair or unrealistic schedules or expectations which encourage speed rather than safety Unsafe driving practices of passenger car operators (e.g., pulling out in front of a truck, driving in the truck’s low or no vision zone, passing on the right while truck is turning right, etc.)

What Types of Accidents Are Caused by Semi Trucks?
While some of the typical accident scenarios do occur between semi trucks and other vehicles – such as “fender benders” or other minor traffic-related accidents not exclusive to semi-trucks – as a class, semi trucks tend to be involved in unique accidents due to the nature of their structure.

Below are some of the types of accidents caused by semi trucks:

• Jackknifing – due to the separate structure of the cab and its trailer, under certain conditions, accidents will cause the semi truck cab to jackknife towards its trailer
• Turning – due to the length of a semi truck, the extra wide right turns or tight left turns will encroach on the right of way of other vehicles or property
• Weight and volume – due to its size and capacity (up to 80,000 lbs.), a semi truck cannot stop as quickly as a passenger car, and the volume of its load also provides a much higher crushing danger
• Freight – the contents being hauled by a semi truck may also contribute to increased injury, destruction, and death, particularly if the contents are toxic, hazardous, or flammable

Do You Have a Case?
If you or a loved one has been injured, or you have lost someone in a semi truck collision, be sure to contact a truck accident attorney to determine your course of action.  Complete our short questionnaire and get connected to truck accident lawyers in your area who can explain your legal rights and options.

In this critical time you need a legal team that will fight for the compensation you deserve!