What Causes Trucking Accidents?
Trucks comprise a small percent of the vehicles on road, but they can be dangerous and cause severe injury or death. Accidents involving large trucks may happen when drivers are distracted or do not pay attention to their blind spots.
Accidents in the trucking industry can also be a result of fatigued drivers. These drivers often work long hours, without breaks, to meet their quotas.
Driver Error
Trucking accidents are the result of driver error which is a major problem. Driver errors can be caused by a variety of factors. It is crucial to understand what causes this kind of error and how to avoid it.
Carelessness, distraction, inattention and drowsiness are some of the most common errors that drivers make. These problems can be very hazardous, particularly when they are combined together with the massive size and weight of trucks.
For instance truck drivers are often working long hours without taking enough time off. They are often under pressure to get their loads to their destinations as quickly as they can, and this can lead them into ignoring safety guidelines.
Another common error made by drivers is driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These drivers could cause serious car crashes and even kill or injure others.
Other driver errors include improper maintenance of the vehicle and other components and defective parts that can result in a crash. These are all very serious problems and should be addressed by trucking companies as quickly as possible.
Trucking accidents can also be caused by weather conditions like rain or slick roads. Truck drivers must slow down when they encounter these conditions and they must be aware of how these conditions will affect their vehicles.
A recent study showed that truckers who do not do these tasks can be the cause of fatal crashes. Therefore, it is crucial for trucking companies to ensure that their employees follow these safety standards in order to protect their customers and themselves from these deadly accidents.
The study also revealed that some drivers are more likely to commit these errors than others. This could be due to their lower level of education or experience.
These findings could help reduce the number of crashes on the road. They could also help trucking companies discover ways to increase the safety of drivers. Drivers who are at risk of these kinds of mistakes can be identified, and the company will be more likely to prepare them correctly so they are able to avoid making mistakes in the future.
philadelphia truck accident lawyer is a factor in 10 percent of trucking accidents. This makes it more vital that truck drivers are aware of the parts of their vehicles that are prone to fail.
Federal and state laws require commercial trucking companies to regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their trucks. Without these inspections drivers and cargos may be at risk of a serious accident that could cause catastrophic injuries, or even death.
Tires, brakes and transmission systems are all critical to the safety of a truck. If they fail the driver may lose control of their vehicle and crash into other vehicles or pedestrians.
Blowouts and other tire problems are also a common reason for trucking accidents, particularly in bad weather or when the terrain is uneven. They can cause jackknifes and turns, which can result in serious accidents.
Other truck components that can have an impact on safety of the driver include steering and suspension systems. These systems may fail as a due to improper maintenance, excessive loading or other factors.
In addition, if a truck is not properly serviced or maintained on a regular basis the components may be damaged more quickly than they should. If the engine of a truck is not inspected and serviced regularly, it could start to malfunction before the driver is aware of it.
The lighting system of trucks can also impact driver safety. These lights could fail or be damaged, which causes other drivers to have difficulty recognizing the truck and its contents.
Truckers should examine their vehicle's lighting as the weather turns cooler. This will reduce the risk of accidents when the roads are covered with snow or rain, or even sleet.
Certain truck lights can fail due to faulty wiring or design defects. These issues can cause truck drivers to lose their vigilance and be unable to see a roadside danger. These issues can cause fatal accidents, especially when a driver is fatigued or distracted.
Overloading
Overloading of trucks is an extremely serious issue that leads to many trucking accidents. It can result in numerous accidents and fatalities for other motorists.
Overloaded trucks are at a greater risk chance of falling over or becoming jackknifed, which can cause catastrophic injury to any person on the road. Additionally, cargo that's not secured properly could be thrown out of the vehicle and hinder other drivers on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has set strict weight limits for commercial trucks to help prevent accidents involving trucks. The limits limit the truck's axle weight and gross combination weight.
If a truck is laden and is unable to handle the load, it must slow down and brake more often to avoid an accident with another vehicle. The driver of an overloaded truck could also be less capable of steering which could lead to an accident.
This type of trucking crash can be fatal, particularly if it occurs during the midst of a torrential downpour or snowy conditions. The extra weight puts additional stress on the brakes and other parts of a truck. This results in them wearing out more quickly.
Tire blowouts could also be an indication of an overloaded vehicle. The extra weight puts the tires under stress, resulting in a tire blowout and loss of control.
Overloaded trucks could also show rapid, jerky movements or a trailer that is sagging or bent. It is important to look over the load prior moving the vehicle off the loading dock.
There are a number of reasons why trucks become overloaded such as business owners who wish to save money by reducing amount of time needed for transporting cargo. Inexperienced or untrained drivers can cause overloaded trucks.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by an overloaded truck, you should consult with a legal professional to determine whether it is appropriate to make an action. This could be a good way to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for the damage and losses.
Jackknife Accidents
Commercial trucks can jackknife in causing devastating injuries to victims of accidents. These types of trucking accidents happen more frequently than you believe, as trucks weigh up to 80,000 lbs and have the capacity to swing an oversized trailer of 28 feet at speeds that can destroy private property and passenger vehicles.
Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to prevent these trucking accidents from happening. First, if your home is in Hidalgo County or in the state of Texas and have suffered a severe injuries in a jackknife crash, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses through assistance from an experienced trucking accident lawyer.
In addition, slowing down and giving trucks ample space to brake can aid drivers in avoiding jackknife accidents. This is especially important on roads with a lot of ice, snow, or if they are wet.
If the brakes on a commercial truck lock up suddenly, the driver can lose control of the vehicle. For instance, a driver could not be aware of a sharp turn and drive too fast and cause the brakes lock up. The truck could jackknife if the trailer is moved to one side. This can cause damage to other vehicles.
A shift in the weight of the cargo inside the trailer of the truck is a frequent cause of a jackknife crash. Professional loaders are able to load their trailers with cargo so that the truck and its trailer are balanced. If the load shifts drastically it could make the trailer out of balance and jackknife.
The driver of a truck that has been jackknifed could lose control of his truck and its cargo. This can lead to serious injuries, the need for extensive medical care and a loss of wages.
Despite the fact that a myriad of factors can cause trucks to jackknife the road, poor road conditions are likely to be at fault. Road sprays, loose material from the truck's engine and tire kickup are all factors that can cause a truck lose control.