Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are a major cause of personal injury cases in Atlanta, Georgia. Unfortunately, they can often result in serious and sometimes even fatal injuries due to the negligence of truck drivers.
“Using NHTSA data from 2016 to 2020, 13.8 percent of roadway deaths in Georgia involved a commercial truck.”
Knowing the common causes of truck accidents can help you decide if you can file a personal injury case against the truck driver, the motor carrier, the company that loaded the truck, and the trucking company’s insurer. If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, then they may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses from the at-fault driver. In this article, we’re diving in to explore some of the most common causes of truck accidents.
Most Common Reasons For Truck Accidents
1. Driver Error
Driver error is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Trucking accidents may be caused by a multitude of factors, including distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, reckless driving, and driving under the influence. When these errors occur, the repercussions might be severe or even deadly.
● Distracted driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle while engaged in another activity, such as talking on the phone, checking text messages, or participating in other activities.
● Extended hours combined with extensive journeys may result in tiredness and reduced reaction times, which raises the risk of fatigue for truck drivers.
● Speeding is another key contributing factor. To reach their destination more quickly or to avoid traffic or other delays, truckers may be tempted to exceed the speed limit. An additional risk linked with truck operating is reckless driving, such as contempt for traffic laws.
● Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may cause a tragic accident.
2. Poor Truck Maintenance
When it comes to traveling safely, truck maintenance is a crucial element. Many truck accidents are caused by improper maintenance, and many of these incidents might have been prevented if regular maintenance had been performed before hitting the road. Brake failure, tire blowouts, faulty lights, damaged mirrors, and faulty steering are examples of common truck maintenance faults that may lead to accidents.
When it comes to brake failure, forgetting to periodically inspect your brakes or changing components when required might lead to road difficulties. Tire blowouts are another danger that may occur if tires are ignored and not inspected for deterioration or if the correct air pressure is not maintained. Broken mirrors may impede the driver’s view, creating a potentially dangerous scenario. Likewise, malfunctioning lights pose a danger to both the truck driver and other drivers on the road. Finally, poor steering may make it difficult for drivers to manage their cars and navigate during emergency circumstances.
3. Weather Conditions
Weather conditions that cause truck accidents include rain, sleet, snow, foggy conditions, high winds, ice on the road, and poor visibility.
When it comes to rain, wet roads can be especially treacherous for large, heavy trucks. The accumulation of water on the road can reduce traction resulting in the truck skidding out of control. Sleet, snow, and ice on the road create more obstacles for the driver. Additionally, snowdrifts can also create extremely difficult driving conditions for drivers.
Fog is another weather condition that can create a hazardous driving environment. When visibility is impaired due to heavy fog or mist, drivers must be aware of their surroundings, reduce their speed and use their lights in order to be sure they have a wide view of the road ahead.
4. Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks
Vehicles that are overloaded or improperly loaded are often key factors in truck accidents. When a truck is overloaded, it may be very difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle or even to stop it when necessary. Also, a truck that is overloaded may significantly strain its brakes, tires, and engine, raising the possibility of failure or malfunction.
Even if the vehicle is carrying a very big cargo, it’s crucial that the weight be spread equally. Any irregularly distributed loads might increase the likelihood that the truck will topple over when turning or moving up or down slopes. In every catastrophic trucking wreck, we are looking at who loaded the truck and how was it loaded.
If you have been a victim of a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence, it is essential for you to seek legal assistance. You may be legally entitled to compensation for the damage caused, and that is why you need to hire an experienced Atlanta truck accident attorney. A lawyer will ensure you receive the just compensation you deserve from the responsible party and bring an end to your suffering and stress.
Your attorney will represent you in court and make arguments and use the evidence to prove that the other party was at fault. With the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer, you can receive monetary compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damage.
If you are looking for an experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta, then look no further than Paisley Law LLC. With years of experience, we’re dedicated to providing excellent customer service and working diligently to get the best outcome possible for each and every client. Our commitment has earned us a perfect 5-star rating across multiple platforms and a 100% satisfaction rate from our past clients.
Don’t let your car accident legal case become overwhelming and stressful — trust our experienced team of attorneys to help you receive the support and legal advocacy you need. Paisley Law LLC is an experienced attorney with the knowledge and initiative to truly make a difference in your legal case. We’re here to provide the attention, understanding, and care you deserve, no matter how complex the issue may be.
Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is not intended as legal advice specific to anyone’s case. Consult us to know more about truck accidents.
