Accidents involving large commercial trucks are the most dangerous and tragic accidents on the road. The sheer size and power of a truck when colliding with another vehicle can often lead to fatal injuries. Most truck accidents are entirely preventable and occur for a number of different reasons.
Distracted Driving
Like other drivers on the road, truck drivers are prone to distracted driving. Long hours on the road can mean boredom, and the impulse to check a cell phone. Without the driver’s eyes on the road, a truck can become a deadly instrument. A driver may miss hazards on the roadway and be unable to stop a truck in time to avoid a collision. Truck drivers have an obligation to avoid distractions at all times and focus on driving safely.
Trucker Fatigue
A common cause of truck accidents is the fatigue of overworked drivers. While there are federal regulations regarding the number of hours a trucker can be on the road, these regulations are often ignored, and trucking companies put pressure on drivers to drive longer. Truck drivers have a great deal of pressure to make deliveries within deadlines, and this can result in not enough sleep and the inability to drive safely. A driver that is fatigued has a slower reaction time to surrounding hazards. They may even find themselves falling asleep at the wheel.
Alcohol and Drug Use
Many truck drivers have been found to be driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol when they have been involved in an accident. Impaired driving by anyone easily leads to accidents. While many drivers may be subject to drug tests, this isn’t always the case. Some drivers may take drugs to keep them awake on the road or to ease the stress of long hours. Impaired truck drivers can be deadly.
Poor Truck Maintenance
Truck owners and trucking companies are obligated by law to ensure that their trucks are in good condition before allowing them on the road. This can involve extensive inspections and maintenance of a vehicle. If a truck is poorly maintained, this can lead to dangerous situations such as worn tires, braking problems, or malfunctioning brake lights and headlights. These dangerous conditions can lead to tragic accidents on the road.
Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you should contact an experienced truck accident attorney. For over 25 years, Gregg Goldfarb has been helping accident victims pursue compensation for their injuries. Contact us online or call us at 305-374-7000 to schedule a free consultation.