Truck Accidents and Driver Error

One in eight traffic accident deaths in the United States involves a trucking collision.  In fact, more than 500,000 serious accidents involving trucks happen each year in this country.  As commercial vehicle operators, truck drivers and the companies they work are held to strict safety rules and vehicle standards.  However, even the most vigilant truck driver can make an error, and sometimes unforeseen mechanical errors can have dire consequences.

Causes of Trucking Accidents

It is important for all motorists to familiarize themselves with the most common causes of trucking accidents.  When you are sharing the road with a truck, be sure to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the truck at all times; remember, you can see the truck much more easily than the driver of the truck can see you.  The following are some of the most common causes of truck accidents on our roads:

• Driver fatigue
• Unlicensed driver: especially common with rented trucks
• DUI
• Break failure
• Defective truck parts
• Failed vehicle inspection
• Unsecure loads
• Load shifting
• Tire blowout
• Faulty maintenance

Most drivers of large and commercial trucks have been well-trained in the safest way to operate and load their vehicles.  Unfortunately, not every truck driver holds safety as a top priority and not every truck is inspected as regularly as it should be. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck and you feel that you were not at fault, it is important that you seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in defending victims of trucking accidents.  Trucking companies pay hefty insurance policies and work with aggressive attorneys, so victims need highly qualified defense to ensure that they recover just compensation for their damages. Likewise, if you are a truck driver who was injured in an accident and you feel your employer's negligence or other factors contributed to the accident, you should work with a trucking accident lawyer to protect your interests.