What is the Cause of Most Truck Accidents?

Our highways are continuously busy, making it increasingly dangerous to travel whether you drive a large truck or an automobile. There are constant risks from other drivers, road conditions, and the weather. Truck accidents are very common and pose a significant threat to everyone on the road. So, what is the most common cause of these truck accidents? Keep reading to find out what the culprits usually are and how to proceed if you or someone you know is involved in a truck accident. 

Risks Involved With Driving a Large Truck

Professional truck drivers face constant risks while on the road. Regardless of the location, road conditions, or traffic, there is always a looming risk of accident involvement. One of the most significant and unpredictable risks for large cargo vehicles is the weather. Inclement conditions can create treacherous driving conditions for anyone on the road. In terms of trucks, the heavy weight they haul and the size of the trailer and main part of the truck make it more difficult for them to maneuver and stop. When the elements change quickly or become dangerous, trucks have a high risk of potentially being involved in an accident. 

Ice and Snow

Perhaps the most dangerous conditions for trucks on the road are ice and snow. When heavy snow accumulates, there’s a risk of sliding or having snow pull the tires off the road. When trucks drive through heavy snow and whiteout conditions, they become hard to drive, and it’s much easier to collide with objects on the side of the road or other vehicles that lose control or stop on the side of the road. There are many ways accidents can happen. When there’s the presence of ice and black ice patches, however, the truck can lose traction and begin sliding without a way to steer. These situations can create multiple car pileups with many injuries to the drivers and other passengers of vehicles on the road. Ice and snow are the most prevalent cause of truck accidents during the winter months. This is especially true in areas with significant ice and snow or mountainous areas to navigate. Places that don’t receive frequent snow may have periodic ice storms that also create substantial numbers of accidents and injuries.

Wind and Thunderstorms

Another potential risk to trucks on the road is excessive wind and thunderstorms generating strong gusts. Sometimes areas across the country develop very windy conditions. These winds are very strong in large open spaces and can push large trucks off the road and sometimes cause them to roll over or land on their sides. There doesn’t necessarily need to be a storm, just the right conditions and open space that doesn’t restrict the power of the wind. This type of accident occurs most often in the desert areas and mountainous areas known for having windy conditions regularly due to their proximity to the ocean or areas where the natural flow of the wind is magnificent due to the terrain. Truck drivers must use caution and drive slowly in these areas to avoid a potential accident. It’s worth mentioning that these winds develop with little to no warning. 

Thunderstorms, however, are a constant threat to large vehicles. The majority of the country is prone to developing large damaging thunderstorms during certain times of the year. In fact, certain areas produce these conditions year-round. If the storms are powerful enough, they generate strong gusts of wind known as microbursts or downbursts. Both of these strong weather phenomena are capable of creating a truck accident. These gusts of wind come with no warning and can easily push a large truck off the road or into other vehicles and anything on the side of the road. A less common thread in terms of thunderstorms is tornados. There are several accidents each year associated with thunderstorms that generate tornados. These storms don’t need to have a direct hit to create dangerous conditions or cause an accident. 

Not only does the wind created from thunderstorms pose a danger to trucks, but the sudden rain is also a hazard. Intense thunderstorms can produce torrential downpours that create zero visibility and make it nearly impossible for truck drivers to see the other cars around them. This is a common reason for accidents in pileups on roads. In instances where truck drivers can’t see, they may choose to pull over at a truck stop or off the ramp adjacent to the interstate. Sometimes, cars collide with trucks because the drivers can see them clearly in the downpour. When there is significant rain for a short time, pounding occurs on the roads and creates conditions that promote accidents and make it difficult to drive straight and brake in enough time to avoid collisions. Flash flooding is also another concern for truck drivers who navigate through areas with heavy torrential downpours. Flash floods can sweep cars and trucks off the road with no warning. Covered roadways also hide the true depth of water on the road. Trucks that venture into areas where water covers the road face the risk of becoming trapped or swept off of the road. 

Construction and Road Hazards 

Construction in areas where traffic is heavy is another primary reason for frequent truck accidents. Construction zones make traveling on roadways with a large vehicle more dangerous and susceptible to accidents throughout the country. Truck drivers must pay close attention to lane closures, barriers, and equipment on the side of the road in these zones. Not only must the truck drivers be aware, but the other motorist must also pay attention to avoid a collision. All too often, cars and smaller vehicles drive at higher than posted speeds through these zones, encounter lane closures, and suddenly stop traffic. They might not have time to avoid obstacles such as large trucks when this happens. This is a recipe for collisions and similar incidents. 

Construction obstacles and closed lanes are more of an issue at night where visibility is low, especially areas without overhead lighting or poor signage and reflectors to alert drivers to the construction or changes in driving conditions. Some other problems commonly seen on roadways that lead to truck accidents include eleven lanes, low or no shoulders, narrow lanes, and eroded lane markers. Any sudden change in the integrity of the road elevates the risk of losing control or creating a situation where trucks and cars collide. 

Potholes and washed-out roads are another reason there are many truck accidents in certain areas of the country. Large potholes can damage trucks and tires, making the vehicle lose control. This is dangerous for large trucks and the smaller trucks and cars on the road along the way. Areas that receive heavy rain for extended periods also run the risk of road washouts. Trucks driving down the road may not even realize the road is missing. Mudslides and falling rocks from above are other hazards on the road in mountainous areas receiving heavy rain or melting snow. 

Excessive Speed

One of the most common causes of truck accidents is excessive speed. Most truck drivers obey the rules of the road and maintain a safe speed. However, there are exceptions, and these individuals create hazardous conditions for themselves and other motorists. Trucks traveling at excessive speeds can stop in enough time to prevent collisions when suddenly slowed traffic areas such as construction zones or other accidents create suddenly changing conditions. Speeding trucks can also jackknife and run off the road due to sudden braking. 

Speeding smaller cars and trucks also create the potential for accidents. They may try to speed around slower moving trucks and get back in front of them. If they overlook obstacles in front of them and brake suddenly, the truck can run into them. Speeding is a hazard for everyone on the road and is a primary cause of most accidents not involving weather or intoxication. 

Intoxication 

A primary reason for many truck accidents is intoxication. This can be from either the truck driver or the other vehicle or vehicles involved in the collision. People who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol have an impaired perception of road conditions. They tend to drive recklessly or weave from lane to lane because their vision is impaired. Drunk drivers are especially prone to having poor judgment regarding speed and depth. They tend to make impulsive decisions or overestimate distances. 

They may forget to check for other cars while changing lanes or drive at excessive speeds and fail to slow down or stop in time to avoid other vehicles at intersections or stop signs. Running red lights and stop signs while intoxicated is a major cause of truck accidents. Today, most truck drivers are safe on the roads, but there are occasional exceptions. It’s up to truck drivers to be aware of impaired drivers on the road and avoid them while staying sober while on the job. 

It’s not just alcohol that impairs drivers, however. Prescription drugs are a prime culprit, in addition to illegal drugs. Some drugs cause drivers to pass out at the wheel or experience a medical emergency that causes them to lose control of the vehicle. 

Faulty Mechanics

Faulty mechanics are a common reason for truck accidents. Perhaps the most common of these mechanical failures are related to tires. Tires can blow out and become projectiles that cause other cars to wreck and involve the truck. Blown tires or faulty tires also create a sudden instability for the entire vehicle, which can cause it to swerve into other cars or slide into obstacles along the roadway. Tires are notorious for causing collisions and other accidents on the road. 

Faulty brakes are also another prime cause of truck accidents. The brakes on a large truck must function adequately to ensure the driver’s safety and others on the road. Regular care and maintenance are necessary to prevent unnecessary collisions due to brake failures. Other less common issues can include unsecured cargo falling onto the road and engine problems. 

Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. When people drive tired, or without adequate rest, they can fall asleep at the wheel or momentarily doze off. That is just enough time for cases and accidents. This can occur when the truck driver is exhausted, or another driver is on the road. No matter who is tired, they pose a threat to anyone on the road. There are laws in place that outline the maximum time a professional truck driver can operate their vehicle each day. They must rest for a specific number of hours before driving again for their next shift. This is an effort to cut down on the number of accidents caused by sleepy drivers. However, there is no law for private vehicles, which makes them a particular risk. Even drivers who have enough rest can become drowsy while driving. Periodic rest stops are encouraged to help prevent these types of accidents from occurring. 

Distracted Driving

As technology advances, so does the danger to other drivers on the road. There are plenty of distractions for both truck drivers and private vehicle operators. One prime distraction is phones. When people use their phones or text and drive, they are not paying attention to any changing conditions. They may fail to stop in time to avoid a collision or swerve off the road while attempting to navigate their phone. Another distraction is navigation equipment and radios, whether music radios or communication radios. Avoid operating electronics while on the road and pay close attention to what is happening around you to prevent accidents. Distracted driving is ranked as high as intoxicated driving, treacherous road conditions, and sleeping at the wheel. Some other causes of distraction are looking at accidents while passing by them or paying attention to what other drivers are doing while on the road. 

What to do if There is a Truck Accident

When truck accidents happen on the road, it’s important to get medical attention right away, whether you’re the truck driver or if you’ve been hit by a truck. Not only is this a measure to protect your health and well-being, but it is also an official record of any injuries or symptoms that occur directly from or directly after an accident happens. This documentation and prompt action are critical for getting a settlement in these cases. The process involves carefully combing through documents and the facts related to the accident to determine what, if any, settlement is awarded to any party involved. The severity of injuries can range from minor to a cause of death for someone in one of the vehicles. Some severe accidents lead to lifelong disabilities or prolonged recovery periods. The expense associated with hospitalization, treatment, and recovery can be financially crippling. 

The best course of action is to call an accident or personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident involving a truck. The sooner you find an attorney to handle the case, the better the chances of getting a favorable outcome. These attorneys specialize in these types of cases, so they know how the process works and how to handle each individual case. A process must be followed carefully to ensure all of the paperwork and documentation is dealt with and submitted appropriately and by specific deadlines. 

Errors in paperwork or failure to meet deadlines can mean disaster in some cases. Not only can they competently handle the paperwork, but they also get better results when they deal directly with authorities and insurance companies. Insurance companies are notorious for avoiding accident victims, delaying communications, or sending documentation. They are far more likely to cooperate with an experienced attorney so that the case can proceed according to standard timelines. 

With the help of the right attorney, you can improve your odds of getting the financial help you need to cover expenses for things like repairs to your vehicle, medical bills, recovery aids, and lost income. Now is the time to get started. A qualified and experienced attorney can help you get compensation faster and with few obstacles throughout the process. They can educate you on what to do and what not to do to ensure you don’t make costly mistakes or take inappropriate action during the process of settling the accident case. The first step is finding the top accident and injury attorneys in the area. 

Try asking for word-of-mouth recommendations from those who have had success with their cases. You can also check online to see what the top search results are for accident and injury lawyers and firms serving the area you live in or where the accident occurred. Check out their statistics, and be sure to read the online reviews posted by previous clients to find out if they might be a good match for your needs. When you find a few potential matches, call to schedule a consultation. From there, you can decide which option to choose and get started by taking action and getting the process in motion.