Trucking accidents can lead to lifelong traumatic injuries and death. Seeking the counsel of a skilled personal injury attorney with experience handling cases involving big rigs is essential if you have been injured or have lost a loved one. At Thomas, Conrad & Conrad, we are well-versed in the complicated factors that play a part in these types of accidents and can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more. Knowing some of the common causes of truck accidents can help you understand how to go about filing a successful personal injury claim.
Driver Error
Drowsy, distracted, or reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs often play a major role in the causes of truck accidents. Although there are laws that place limits on the number of hours that truckers can drive, both big and small trucking companies often ignore them to get loads delivered faster.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Big rigs drive thousands of miles every day, which makes them prone to much more wear and tear than other types of vehicles. Worn brake pads, a faulty transmission or even a small crack in the windshield can cause major accidents. Drivers, trucking companies and maintenance crews have a responsibility to regularly maintain and keep their trucks in good condition. Failure to do so can cause serious injuries and fatalities.
Equipment Failure & Malfunction
Equipment failure also is one of the main causes of truck accidents. Parts can malfunction due to defective components, and truck manufacturers may cut corners when assembling a big rig. Depending on the circumstances, the parts manufacturer, truck manufacturer, seller of the truck, and mechanic who made repairs may be liable if someone is injured due to equipment failure. Equipment failure can often be prevented with regular checks and maintenance.
Poor Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can be very dangerous for truckers to properly navigate. If a driver isn’t adequately trained and prepared to drive in conditions such as rain, snow, and ice, it can lead to extremely serious accidents and multiple-car pileups on freeways. Due to their heavy weight, big trucks have significantly slower stopping speeds. Truckers should be trained to drive at an appropriate speed for conditions and learn proper techniques to avoid jackknifing, skidding or hydroplaning.
Improper Cargo Loading
There are specific rules that professional cargo loaders and truckers must follow when loading commercial trucks. The weight, size, length, width, and height limits of a load all play a part when loading a truck, and there are specific methods of securing cargo to prevent shifting and ensure that the weight of the cargo is properly distributed. Errors or carelessness during loading can lead to trucks being too heavy or improperly balanced.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a truck, our experienced personal injury attorneys can help. For more information on the causes of truck accidents or to schedule a free consultation, contact Thomas, Conrad & Conrad today.