Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there were as many as 438,000 trucking accidents in the U.S. in 2014 alone, and this number is believed to be on the rise. There is a wide range of causes for accidents involving large commercial trucks, and many fall under three broad categories: driver error, equipment-failure, and weather conditions.

A truck driver’s own negligence can result in an auto accident in various ways. There is drug/alcohol use, be it legal or illegal, which can impair drivers’ coordination, judgment, and reaction-time, all of which are essential for maintaining control of these trucks. Speeding is often a factor in trucking accidents and can increase the risk of death or serious injury due to their sheer size and velocity. Then, of course, there is the widespread problem of distracted driving and, among professional truckers, a noted problem of fatigue while driving, which can impair coordination and reaction-time in ways similar to drugs and alcohol and result in devastating accidents.

Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict regulations regarding the inspection and maintenance of commercial trucks, some accidents are caused primarily by equipment-failure within these trucks, such as tire problems, shifting cargo, and brake-failure. In these cases, the trucking company, an entity contracted to inspect and maintain the trucks, or the truck’s manufacturer may be held legally liable for an accident if failure to properly maintain the vehicle was a direct cause of the accident.

Liability in commercial trucking accidents can be complex, but it’s also important to remember that not all of these accidents are the fault of the trucking company and/or its driver. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to determine if you have a case and are eligible for compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident due to negligence, contact 844 See Mike, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.