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If you've been injured in a trucking accident, you may wonder what caused it. Every vehicular accident is unique, but there are some common causes of trucking accidents. Drivers must take preventative steps to ensure their safety because truck-related accidents happen more often than we think. The leading causes of large truck-related accidents are human errors such as distracted driving, hazardous road conditions, and driver fatigue. Researching and understanding the causes of these types of accidents can prevent them from happening again.
Drivers should be educated on the potential hazards they may encounter while operating a large truck and proactively prevent them when possible. Knowing the basic causes behind most truck accidents can help drivers remain safe on the road by allowing them to anticipate, react, and respond appropriately when an accident is likely to occur. By doing so, drivers will be better equipped to prevent a large truck-related accident from taking place in the first place or lessen its impact if it does occur.
Some of the most common reasons large truck accidents occur include:
Driver Fatigue and Distraction
Driver fatigue and distraction are two big causes of trucking accidents. Truck drivers work long hours and sometimes drive for days on end without proper rest or breaks. This can lead to exhaustion or falling asleep at the wheel, which can cause devastating accidents. The same goes for distracted driving—anything from texting to eating while driving can take a driver's attention away from the road and cause an accident. It's important for truckers to follow their company's rules regarding hours worked, as well as obey laws regarding distracted driving.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Another common cause of trucking accidents is poor vehicle maintenance. When large trucks are not properly maintained, they are more likely to experience mechanical failures that can lead to serious accidents. Not only should truck drivers make sure their vehicles are inspected regularly, but they should also pay close attention to any warning signs that could indicate a problem with the vehicle (such as strange noises or vibrations). Any issues should be brought up with a mechanic immediately so they can be addressed before an accident occurs.
Weather Conditions
Lastly, weather conditions such as snow, ice, rain, and fog can also increase the risk of truck-related accidents. Even experienced drivers can have difficulty navigating through inclement weather because roads become slippery or visibility is limited. Drivers need to take extra precautions when driving in these conditions by slowing down and increasing the distance between themselves and other vehicles on the road.
If you've been involved in a truck-related accident, it's important that you speak with an experienced attorney who can help you gain a better understanding of your rights and options under the law. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like more information.
We Are Here to Help
No one should ever go through the impact a truck-related accident can have on their life alone. If you, or a family member, have been involved in such an accident and are seeking help from one of our experienced attorneys here at Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman. We are here to offer the expertise and resources you need. At our firm, we understand what you are going through and work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the most favorable results possible. Our skilled attorneys can assist with any aspect of the legal process for your truck-related accident, so don't hesitate to call us today for quality and trustworthy representation. We promise to fight relentlessly on your behalf.
Contact us today at (816) 542-5999 or visit our website to fill out a contact form and get started with your free case evaluation.