Truck Driver Negligence

When semi trucks crash, the results are often disastrous. When passenger vehicles are involved, the occupants are often seriously injured or even killed.

While drivers of passenger vehicles can be held liable for these accidents, more often than not, the truck driver is the one at fault. Truck drivers have a huge responsibility. They have to navigate a huge truck that weighs many tons on the road with much smaller vehicles. While many truck drivers are well-trained and responsible, many are not. They engage in reckless behaviors that can lead to serious accidents.

The top causes of semi truck accidents are speeding, fatigue, prescription drug and over-the-counter drug use, not stopping before the crash (traffic signal or crosswalk), inadequate surveillance, unfamiliarity with roadway, roadway problems, brake problems and traffic congestion. Most of these involve driver error of some sort, which means that truck drivers can often be held liable for truck crashes.

Distracted driving is always a huge risk, no matter what type of vehicle is involved. It is even seen as more dangerous than drinking and driving. When a truck driver does not have their hands on the wheel or their eyes and mind on the road, they cannot react to hazards in time. This is crucial, since losing just a couple of seconds can be a matter of life or death when driving a semi truck.

In some cases, truck drivers distract themselves with drugs or alcohol. Driving a truck for long periods of time is boring. Truck drivers are prone to fatigue, so to avoid falling asleep, they may drink alcohol or take stimulants to keep them awake. While these substances may provide temporary help, it’s not uncommon for truck drivers to become even more tired after a while. They either become intoxicated and unable to drive properly or they fall asleep at the wheel.

Truck drivers can also cause accidents while taking prescription drugs or recovering from an illness. A driver who is ill is not functioning properly. They may be distracted by their symptoms. They may be tired and achy. A person who takes prescription drugs can become drowsy at any time, resulting in decreased judgment and reaction times. In any case, the effects can be deadly.

When a semi truck hits a smaller vehicle, the damage can be extensive. The smaller vehicle will likely be totaled. In some cases, multiple vehicles may be involved. Fatalities are common. Those who survive often end up with head trauma, broken bones, back and neck injuries, spinal cord damage and other catastrophic injuries.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Driver distraction and other dangerous behaviors are often attributed to car accidents and it’s no different for semi truck crashes. When motorists fail to give their full attention to the roadway, they can cause serious accidents.

Truck accidents can be complex, but the Houston truck accident lawyers at The West Law Office, PLLC can guide you through such a case. We can hold the responsible parties liable for their actions and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation.

Resource:

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief