Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Every motorist’s worst nightmare is to be involved in a crash. Something that’s even more frightening is getting hit by a semi truck. This is because the size difference can be deadly. The average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds. A semi truck can weigh 20 times that much.
It can be hard to avoid semi trucks, though. They frequent the highways and interstates, hauling goods to stores and other locations all over the country. Texas sees a high amount of trucks on its roadways, and as such, other motorists have a high risk of getting hit by one.
Truck accidents can happen for many different reasons. Statistics show that in most truck accidents, the driver of the passenger vehicle is at fault. In some cases, though, the truck driver is to blame.
Distracted Driving
Even truck drivers can get distracted while on the road. They are often on the road for at least 10 hours a day. That’s a lot of driving, so you can imagine that a driver can get bored after a while. This is especially true in rural areas, where it may be hard to get a good radio signal. To pass the time, they may make phone calls, text, surf the internet or look for a good radio station. These actions can cause them to lose focus on the task of driving, causing a serious accident.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another issue among truck drivers. They work long hours, with a lot of stress and pressure involved. They must meet deadlines and get goods delivered on time to their destinations. They have to work until the job is doing, and this often means forgoing breaks and rest periods. This can be very tiring, especially if they are not well-nourished. While there are laws regarding maximum hours worked and rest periods, many trucking companies ignore these regulations.
Driver Error
Truck drivers are human and they make mistakes, just like the rest of us. They may speed, travel too close to other vehicles or drive recklessly. They may drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They may keep driving when they are tired. They may not fully focus on the road. A lot of truck drivers also lack proper training, so it’s possible they may not know how to fully control their vehicle when on the road.
Lack of Maintenance
Semi trucks travel hundreds of miles a day. This means parts can wear out at faster rates. Tires need to be changed. Brakes need to be replaced. Trucks should be maintained on a regular basis. When they aren’t, the truck can suffer from equipment failure while out on the road. This can lead to fatal accidents.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
No matter the cause, a truck accident can cause serious injuries and even death. These vehicles are so large that they can cause significant damage.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, make sure you preserve your rights to compensation. Get help from the Houston truck accident lawyers at The West Law Office, PLLC. Call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation today.
Resource:
gtgtechnologygroup.com/five-most-common-causes-of-trucking-accidents/
