The Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents and How to Prevent Them

 Large commercial trucks make up about 5% of all registered vehicles nationwide. Given their weight and size compared to passenger vehicles, a truck crash can be devastating and result in serious injuries or even death. According to the National Security Council, national truck accidents accounted for about 9% of all fatal crashes in 2021.

Unfortunately, serious truck accidents appear to be on the rise. In 2021, fatal truck crashes were up 7% from the previous year and about 22% over the past 10 years. The numbers regarding injury crashes are equally as unfavorable. In 2021, more than 117,000 trucks were involved in injury accidents, a 12% increase from the prior year.

Most injury accidents involving trucks occur in non-highway settings and during the daytime hours. The injuries sustained in a crash can cause a major disruption to your life. Some common truck accident injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Head trauma and brain injuries
• Internal organ injuries
• neck and spinal cord trauma
• Soft tissue injuries

The recovery time from a truck crash can be significant. Given the relative severity of injuries, it may be many weeks or months before victims begin regaining their life after an accident. With high medical bills and painful injuries, the weeks and months after a truck crash can be very stressful for victims.

There are a few common reasons why truck accidents occur. Let’s take a closer look.

Truck Driver Negligence 

Driver negligence is by far the major cause of most accidents, including those involving trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as many as 94% of all vehicle crashes occur due to driver error. This includes careless and reckless motorists. Some regular examples of negligent behavior include:

• Traveling faster than the speed limit
• Distraction and texting while driving
• Driving too fast for the road or weather conditions
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Drowsy driving
• Failing to see or yield to other drivers

Even a split second of negligent driving in a commercial vehicle can result in catastrophic consequences. While truck drivers are trained to be as safe and cautious as possible, they are still human and make human mistakes. When a truck driver’s negligence has caused injuries to you or a family member, you should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.

Our national truck accident attorneys at Burg Simpson can help if you were victimized by the negligence of a commercial truck driver. We will fight for your legal rights and the compensation that you need to get back on your feet.

Poor Weather

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, up to 24% of national truck crashes happen due to inclement weather. Poor weather conditions can be defined simply by clouds or fog but also rain, snow, sleet, hail, or wind. Certain areas of the country are notorious for poor weather. For example, truck drivers traveling in the northeastern states during the winter months will naturally face treacherous winter weather conditions. Similarly, truckers in the Midwest can encounter strong winds, thunderstorms, and even tornadoes.

Truck drivers should always be mindful of the weather conditions in which they will be driving. For long-haul truck drivers, their normal route may take them across a handful of states during the course of a single day. Drivers should check the weather conditions for each area where they will be traveling and should ensure that they are prepared for the possibility of inclement weather.

Improper Truck Maintenance

Under federal law, commercial trucks traveling on interstate highways are required to undergo routine and scheduled maintenance. The law requires all operational parts of the truck to be inspected, including the engine, brakes, transmission, drivetrain, tires, axles, and other structural components. These inspections must take place in a specified manner and at schedules set out by laws and regulations.

While most truckers and trucking companies will properly adhere to the regulations, some will try to cut corners. Whether it is due to a desire to save money or simply an oversight, failing to follow maintenance guidelines can be a deadly mistake. According to studies, maintenance issues may be a factor in up to 40% of all commercial vehicle accidents. The most common maintenance-related issue is failed brakes, followed by tire problems and improper loading.

It is important for trucking companies to establish systems that help to ensure compliance with all federal regulatory standards. At best, failure to follow the law can result in a fine for non-compliance. At worst, the consequences could be deadly.

When you or a family member have been injured in a truck accident in the United States, the cause of the crash must be carefully investigated. Whether negligence, weather conditions, or poor maintenance was the main culprit, your legal rights are the same.

At Burg Simpson, we know that truck crashes can and often do result in life-altering injuries. We will hold the trucking company fully accountable for its actions that led to the crash. Give us a call to see how we can help.

National Truck Accident Lawyers

The stakes are high following a commercial vehicle accident. You may be experiencing physical pain, high medical bills, loss of income, and emotional trauma. These experiences are, unfortunately, quite common and normal for truck accident victims. Under the law, you could be entitled to compensation.

Each state has its own set of laws governing truck accidents. Your case may also fall under federal law. With a complex web of legal requirements, it is essential to have the help of a national truck accident lawyer. Attempting to handle the case on your own or with an inexperienced lawyer is not a good idea and can result in lost value for your case.

We are standing by to speak with you at any time. At Burg Simpson, our lawyers will fight for your legal rights every step of the way. We offer free consultations and case evaluations for all potential and prospective clients.

Your time to act may be limited. To speak with one of our attorneys, please contact us using our online intake form or give us a call at (866) 695-2010.