You encounter several large commercial trucks on the road. While most of them have safe drivers, others may have more negligent drivers or companies that can cause harm. Truck accidents can result in some of the most catastrophic injuries because of the large vehicle and high rate of speed, but even more so because of reckless actions.
Realizing what can cause a truck accident can help you pursue the compensation you deserve after a collision and subsequent injury. Here are some of the common causes of truck accidents:
- Fatigue
- Impairment
- Speeding
- Overweight cargo
If you suffer injuries in a truck accident, call our firm today at (318) 625-6262.
Fatigue and Truck Accidents
In the trucking industry, Hours of Service regulations exist to prevent drivers from becoming fatigued while driving. Unfortunately, some drivers work longer than they should, or companies push drivers to go a longer distance at a single time to meet deadlines. This need to meet deadlines can result in a tired driver and cause devastating crashes.
Fatigue can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Getting a few hours less sleep can feel just as impairing as intoxication. A truck driver may experience decision-making impairment, cognitive issues, and other problems when they are too tired.
Impairment and Truck Accidents
Impairment can come in multiple forms, including intoxication or being under the influence of drugs. Unfortunately, it can happen despite the need for safety. Drugs and alcohol can cause significant impairment, including:
- Cognitive disabilities
- Vision impairment
- Reduced reaction time
- Decision-making problems
When some drivers use medication or certain drugs or drink and drive, they put several others at risk. It’s vital for anyone who suffers injuries to pursue compensation for the damages they sustain, and proving that a driver was under the influence can be helpful.
Speeding and Truck Accidents
You may recognize signs posted for speed limits on roads and highways, but there are specific limits for trucks carrying a heavy amount of cargo. Speed is dangerous because truck drivers may have a more difficult time stopping as they approach upcoming traffic. It’s also easier for a truck driver to lose control of their vehicle if they speed.
It’s dangerous for any driver to speed, but truck drivers carry large cargo loads and may cause some of the most catastrophic crashes because of negligence. So if a truck driver speeds, they put all other drivers at risk of harm, and they must slow down.
Overweight Cargo and Truck Accidents
Some employees are responsible for loading cargo into the trailer for a truck’s delivery. Regulations limit the maximum weight of a truck to prevent serious crashes from occurring. When a truck weighs more than it should be based on its axle count, it can experience various types of crashes, including:
- Rollover accidents
- Jackknifing
- Detached trailers
Even if a trailer is within the legal weight limits, workers must evenly distribute the weight of the cargo. An uneven cargo load can create some of the same dangers. In addition, anyone nearby these trucks can suffer significant harm if the driver loses control of their vehicle.
If you experience a truck accident, you can suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and several other damages. In the aftermath, you should seek compensation with the help of a skilled and committed team.
At Parker Alexander, our Monroe truck accident lawyers are tenacious when it comes to holding negligence accountable. We work hard when our clients need us most because it’s vital for our clients to obtain maximum compensation after an injury. Trust that we go the extra mile to hold responsible parties liable, especially those in the trucking industry who have added regulations and violate them.
Call our firm today at (318) 625-6262 for a free consultation to discuss the specifics of your truck accident.