5 kinds of negligence that commonly cause semitruck crashes
Understanding the common causes of collisions is essential for victims involved in commercial truck crashes. The aftermath of semitruck crashes is often more complicated than typical car wrecks due to a variety of factors. Being able to accurately assess what has caused a wreck can help to smooth the process of sorting out what comes next.
If you’ve been injured in a semitruck crash, recognizing common potential causes of the kind of harm you’ve suffered is important. This information can provide essential context for any legal claims you might pursue as you move forward.
Driving fatigue
Truckers often face long hours on the road, which can lead to fatigue. Despite regulations limiting driving hours, tiredness remains a common cause of crashes. Fatigued driving can impair reaction time, judgment and overall driving performance in a way that increases the chance of a crash.
Distracted driving
Like any other driver, truckers can become distracted by mobile phones, navigation systems or other activities that take their attention away from the road. Given the size and weight of trucks, even a momentary lapse in concentration can have catastrophic consequences.
Speeding and aggressive driving
Truckers under pressure to meet tight delivery schedules may resort to speeding or aggressive driving behaviors. These actions significantly increase the risk of crashes, particularly because of the difficulty they may have maneuvering a large vehicle and the longer distances semitrucks need to stop safely.
Improper loading
Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to crashes. Overloaded trucks or unbalanced loads can cause the vehicle to be unstable, increasing the risk of rollovers or lost shipments. These can create hazardous conditions for others on the road.
Lack of proper maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for commercial trucks to operate safely. Neglect in this area can lead to equipment failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. These incidents can directly contribute to crashes.
Victims of semitruck crashes often suffer considerable injuries that require extensive medical care. This can lead to significant physical, emotional and financial impacts. Seeking compensation can help them to recover the damages of associated with a wreck. Once causation and fault have been established, a victim’s legal paths forward generally become much clearer.
