Each year, over 500,000 trucking accidents occur in the U.S. and roughly 5,000 of these accidents result in at least one fatality. Though crashes involving commercial trucks occur less frequently than that between motor vehicles, the chance of serious injury is much higher when a truck is involved. In Part I of this two part series, we examined three of the most common causes of trucking accidents: 1) driver fatigue; 2) distracted driving; and 3) drug use. This final segment addresses the remaining common causes of tractor trailer accidents.
- Speeding – exceeding the recommended speed limit is dangerous in any vehicle, but can be deadly when you are driving an 80,000 pound tractor trailer. Commercial truckers often speed in order to make tight deadlines and increase profits. Further, after so many hours on the road, many become overconfident and reckless, leading to negligent speeding. A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found speed to be a contributing factor in over 23% of the 967 crashes studied. Trucking companies actually have a way to control their driver’s speed through speed governors. However, they can be costly to purchase and install. Given the expense, many trucking companies fail to utilize them. A reputable truck accident attorney can determine the speed at which the driver was traveling at the time of the accident using the “black box” inside the truck.
- Failure to check blind spots—though tractor trailer drivers are trained to check blind spots and carefully check all sides before making turns or switching lanes, many fail to do so. Over 15% of all trucking accidents are caused by the driver failing to adequately check his or her blind spot. Examining the scene and reconstructing the accident can help your attorney determine whether the truck driver’s negligence in maneuvering caused your accident.
- Exceeding hours of service requirements – all truck drivers must adhere to guidelines set out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules dictate how long a driver can be on the road and how much rest he or she must maintain. Drivers are required to keep a log of their hours. Due to workplace and financial pressures, drivers often exceed the Safety Administration’s mandatory maximum hours. This can lead to driver fatigue, distraction, and drug use. An experienced truck accident attorney will subpoena the truck driver’s log and verify its contents using bills of lading, gas receipts, and trip tickets.
- Poor maintenance – particularly in this still rebounding economy, trucking companies have been forced to make budget cuts, often resulting in less than adequate maintenance of their trucking fleets. The failure to maintain brake pads, check and replace tires, examine axels, supports, and hitches, among other things, can lead to serious accidents. A truck accident attorney can examine the trucking company’s maintenance logs, which are mandated by state and federal law, to determine whether a lack of proper maintenance contributed to or caused the accident.
- Road rage – not only a problem among car drivers, aggressive driving causes nearly 10% of all trucking accidents. Reasons for road rage can vary from fatigue to agitation at traffic congestion and the inability to speed. Aggressive driving frequently causes poor driving decisions and erratic behavior. Witness statements and examination of the accident can help an attorney assess whether road rage was a factor in the accident.
- Poor road conditions – heavy rain, snow, ice, and less than ideal road conditions can all play a factor in a tractor trailer accident. These vehicles are often carrying massive loads, making it more difficult to stop or maneuver through poor road conditions. Your truck accident attorney can look to weather reports and road conditions in determining the driver’s potential negligence.
The truck accident experts at Barrett Law PLLC have fought for the recovery of accident victims since 1936. With an unmatched reputation for legal excellence and zealous advocacy, Barrett Law PLLC will guide your case to success. Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free initial consultation.