5 Laws Everyone Working In Trucking Accidents Attorney Should Be Aware Of
What Causes Trucking Accidents?
Trucks comprise a tiny portion of the vehicles that travel on the roads but they can be a source of serious injury or even death. Accidents that involve large vehicles can happen when drivers are distracted or fail to look out for their blind spots.
Driver fatigue is also a factor in trucking accidents. These drivers often work long hours without rest breaks to meet their quotas.
Driver Error
Trucking accidents are caused by driver error which is a significant issue. There are many factors that can contribute to driver error and it is vital to know what causes these errors and how to prevent them from happening.
The most frequent mistakes made by drivers include inattention, carelessness, distraction, and drowsiness. These issues can be extremely risky, especially when they are paired with the huge size and weight of trucks.
Truck drivers, for example are often working long hours and do not get enough rest. They are often under pressure to get loads to their destinations as quick as possible, which can lead them to not adhere to safety standards.
Another frequent driver error is driving while under the impaired by alcohol or drugs. Drivers with these types of issues could cause serious car accidents, and they may even kill or injure other people.
Other driver mistakes can be caused by improper maintenance of vehicles and other components as well as damaged parts which could result in to a crash. All of these are serious problems that trucking companies must address immediately.
Accidents involving trucks are also caused by weather conditions like rain or slippery roads. Truck drivers must slow down when they encounter these conditions and be aware of the consequences on their vehicles.
Recent research has proven that truckers who do not complete these duties can be responsible of fatal crashes. It is vital that trucking companies ensure their employees adhere to these safety standards so they can protect themselves and their customers from these dangerous accidents.
The study also revealed that certain drivers are more likely to make these mistakes than others. This could be due to their lower level of experience or education.
These findings can reduce the number or crashes on the roads as well as aid trucking companies in finding ways to increase the safety of their drivers. Drivers that are susceptible to these types of mistakes can be identified and the company will be more likely to ensure that they are properly trained so that they do not make these mistakes in the near future.
Mechanical Issues
Mechanical failure is a major cause of 10 percent of trucking accidents. This makes it even more vital that truck drivers are familiar with the parts of their vehicles that can fail.
State and federal laws require commercial trucking firms to regularly examine, repair, and maintain their trucks. If these inspections are not conducted, drivers and cargos may be at risk of a serious accident that can lead to catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.
Tires, brakes and transmission systems are all critical to the safety of a truck. If they fail the driver could lose control of their vehicle and collide with other cars or pedestrians.
Blowouts and other tire failures, are also common causes of trucking accidents. This is particularly relevant in weather that is not ideal or on uneven terrain. They can result in accidents involving jackknifes, swerves, or jack result in serious crashes.
Other components of a truck that could have an impact on the safety of drivers include suspension and steering systems. These systems could fail because of poor maintenance, a heavy load or other factors.
If a truck's parts are not serviced or maintained regularly, they can wear out much faster than anticipated. If the engine of a truck is not maintained and inspected regularly, it may begin to fail before the driver even realizes it.
Another issue that could impact driver safety is the lighting system that comes on the truck. The lights could malfunction or become damaged making it difficult for other drivers to see the truck and its cargo.
Truckers should examine their vehicle's lights as the weather starts to cool. This will reduce the risk of accidents on roads covered in rain, snow, or sleet.
Some truck lights may be damaged due to faulty wiring or design defects. These problems can cause a truck driver to lose their vigilance and overlook a roadside hazard. These issues can result in fatal accidents, especially if a driver is tired or distracted.
Overloading
Overloading of trucks is an extremely serious issue that leads to numerous trucking accidents. This can cause serious injuries, and even death for other drivers on the road.
Overloaded trucks run the likelihood of colliding with each other or being jackknifed. This could cause severe injury to any person on the road. Additionally, cargo that's not secured properly can spill out of the vehicle and hinder other drivers on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has set strict weight limits for commercial trucks to help prevent accidents involving trucks. These limits limit the truck's gross axle weight as well as its gross combination weight.
If a truck is overloaded and it is overloaded, it will have to slow down and brake more frequently to avoid a collision with another vehicle. The driver of a truck with a heavy load could also be less competent to steer which could result in a crash.
This type of trucking crash could be fatal, especially if it occurs during an extreme downpour or snowy conditions. The additional weight puts added stress on the brakes and other parts of the truck, causing them to wear faster.
Tire blowouts could also be a sign of an overloaded vehicle. The added weight puts the tires under stress, resulting in a blowout of the tire and loss of control.
Overloaded trucks may also show abrupt, jerky movements or a trailer that is sagging or bending. It is essential to assess the load prior to moving the truck from the dock.
There are a variety of reasons why trucks are overloaded for instance, business owners who want to reduce costs by reducing the amount of time needed to transport cargo. Drivers who aren't experienced or trained can also lead to overloaded trucks.
Consult a lawyer if you or someone you care about is injured as a result of an accident caused by an overloaded vehicle. They can assist you to determine if it is appropriate to file an claim. This is an effective way to ensure that responsible parties are held accountable for your losses and damages.
Jackknife Accidents
Commercial trucks may jackknife the road, causing severe injuries to accident victims. These accidents involving trucks are more common than you think. Trucks can weigh as much as 80 tons, and carry a trailer that spans 28 feet at speeds that could cause damage to private property and passenger vehicles.
There are a lot of things that you can do to prevent these trucking accidents from occurring. If you live in Hidalgo County or in the state of Texas and have suffered a severe injuries in a jackknife incident You may be able to seek compensation for your losses with help from a seasoned trucking accident lawyer.
Slowing down and giving trucks plenty of space to brake will also help drivers avoid jackknife crashes. denver truck accident attorneys is especially important when roads are wet, icy, or have a lot of ice and snow on the roads.
When the brakes of a commercial truck lock up suddenly, the driver might lose control of the vehicle. Drivers can be misinformed about the sharpness of a bend or drive too fast. This could result in the brakes to lock up. The truck may then jackknife when the trailer is moved to one side or other and cause damage to other vehicles in the area.
A shift in the cargo's weight inside the trailer of the truck is a common cause of jackknife accident. Professional loaders are able to load their trailers with cargo so that the truck and its trailer remain balanced. However, if the load shifts drastically it could cause the trailer out of balance and cause jackknife.
The driver of a truck that is jackknifed could lose control of the truck and its entire cargo. This could lead to serious injuries, and the need for intensive medical attention as well as a substantial loss of wages or other compensation.
While a number of factors can cause a vehicle to jackknife itself, the most frequent cause is poor road conditions. Ice, snow, rain, road spray, loose material from the engine of the truck, tire kickup and other environmental factors can reduce the traction on the road and cause a truck to lose control.