Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents have become more prevalent over the past few years, very unfortunately, increasing by 20% in only two decades! In the big view of things, trucking accidents are only responsible for 3% of accidents suffered on the road; however, there are many injuries and fatalities caused each year by trucks that could have easily been prevented. There are many agencies that regulate truck driving and work to put a rest to truck-related accidents. These include the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These same organizations know and understand the reasons behind truck accidents and the precautions that must be taken to prevent them.

Passenger Vehicle Drivers and Trucking Accidents

You may be surprised to find that, often times, drivers of passenger vehicles are to blame for commercial trucking accidents. Car drivers often forget that trucks have certain limitations, such as those relating to acceleration braking and visibility. Here are some other common mistakes that car drivers make when sharing the roadways with trucks:

• Many times, vehicle drivers do not heed a truck’s “No-zones,” which is the area behind and beside a commercial truck where there is little to no visibility.
• They may change lanes too quickly in front of a truck.
• Often times, drivers do not know how quickly a truck is travelling. They will make a left turn in front of the truck, leading to an accident.
• Unsafe passing, particularly passing with insufficient headway, is a cause of accidents.
• If you pass a truck, you may be blown out of position by air turbulence or crosswind.
• You may be involved in an accident if you drive between large trucks.

Commercial Trucks Causing Accidents

Passenger vehicles aren’t the only ones causing truck accidents! No, sometimes commercial trucks are to blame for these serious accidents, too. For the most part, the people who drive these large trucks are skilled and patient, as they have received proper training for the job. However, accidents still happen stemming from the following things:

• Inadequate training on driving technique and safety concerns
• Systems of compensation that encourage fast vehicle speeds and more hours on the road that may cause fatigue
• Unrealistic schedules and expectations that encourage rushing even though there are safety risks

Who is responsible in trucking accidents?

Here are some of the people who may be held liable in a trucking accident:

• The truck’s driver
• The owner of the truck or trailer
• The person or company that leased the truck
• The truck manufacturer
• The shipper or loader of the truck’s cargo

In many situations, the trucking, hauling, and leasing companies will have arguments over who owes the victim compensation for injuries. This is because many parts may have lead to the accident. If you believe you have a case after you were injured in a trucking accident, give us a call for a consultation review. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, we will handle your case no matter how big or small and make sure you get the compensation you deserve!