What Are the Common Causes of Big Truck Accidents?

Big truck accidents can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. And you’re not the only one who suffers… your loved ones are also left to deal with the aftermath of the devastation, especially if the accident results in death or serious injury.

Naturally, when truck accidents happen, they are more likely to have serious consequences for everyone involved. A big rig tractor-trailer can weigh over 30,000 pounds. That amount of metal barreling towards you can leave your vehicle in ruins and leave you with tons of medical expenses. 

When truck accidents happen, it is the truck’s driver who is usually at fault. In most cases, these accidents are completely avoidable.

Here are some of the most common reasons why truck accidents occur:

Driver Fatigue

As you can imagine, truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road. Day in and day out, they are moving from one destination to the next to deliver goods on time. It’s a high-pressure job, and drivers usually have to travel for long distances with few breaks and little rest. 

It’s no surprise, then, that driver fatigue can be a major issue. Tired drivers have trouble focusing and tend to react more slowly to hazards on the road. There’s a possibility that they may even fall asleep at the wheel. 

Distracted Driving

When you’ve been driving on the road for long stretches at a time, it can get pretty boring. Drivers sometimes take their eyes off the road to fiddle with the radio, eat, or even mess with their phones. Distracted driving is extremely risky behavior. 

Poor Training and Maintenance

There are certain criteria that commercial vehicle operators must meet in order for their vehicles to be prepared to be on the road for long hauls. The trucking company is responsible for performing regular inspections and maintenance on their vehicles, although this does not always happen. This can create dangerous situations for the driver and others on the road. 

Reckless Driving

The pressure to meet tight deadlines can cause some truck drives to drive faster than they should for that vehicle type or the current road conditions. 

Were you recently in a big truck accident? The experts at Shrader Law specialize in these cases and can give you the legal representation that you need to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today to discuss the facts of your case and get one step closer to getting the justice you deserve!