What are the Most Common Ways Truck Drivers Cause Accidents?

What are the Most Common Ways Truck Drivers Cause Accidents?

Commercial truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on the road, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, crashes involving semi-trucks can have catastrophic consequences for those involved.

While various factors contribute to trucking accidents, truck driver negligence is often a primary cause. So, how do these accidents occur, and what can victims do in the aftermath?

If you're involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, do not wait to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney. A lawyer can determine what and who caused the accident, calculate your resulting damages, and protect your rights to ensure you receive the best possible case result.

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Common Causes of Truck Accidents Due to Truck Driver Negligence

Truck drivers must follow strict regulations and exercise the highest level of caution while operating their vehicles. Even so, drivers still often engage in negligent driving behaviors. Below are some of the most common ways truck drivers cause accidents:

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents. Many truck drivers work long hours to meet tight deadlines, often exceeding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) hours-of-service regulations. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time, decision-making, and coordination, making fatigue as dangerous as drunk driving.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Due to the pressures of the trucking industry, many drivers speed to meet delivery deadlines. Speeding makes it more difficult for a truck to stop suddenly and increases the severity of collisions. Reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and aggressive maneuvers further heighten accident risks.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, increasing the temptation to engage in distractions such as texting, using GPS devices, eating, or adjusting the radio. Any activity that takes a driver's attention off the road can result in catastrophic accidents.

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Despite strict federal regulations, some truck drivers consume alcohol or drugs while operating commercial vehicles. Stimulants such as amphetamines or cocaine may be used to stay awake for long shifts, but these substances impair judgment and coordination, leading to serious accidents.

Failure to Check Blind Spots

Large trucks have significant blind spots, also known as "no-zones." If a truck driver fails to check these areas before changing lanes or merging, they may collide with vehicles in their path, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Inadequate Training and Lack of Experience

Proper training is essential for commercial truck drivers. Drivers who lack adequate training in handling large vehicles, responding to road hazards, or understanding safety protocols are more likely to cause accidents.

Ignoring Traffic Laws

Running red lights, failing to yield, improper turns, and failing to use turn signals can all contribute to truck accidents. When a truck driver disregards traffic laws, they put themselves and others at risk.

Can Anyone be Held Liable for a Truck Accident Aside from the Truck Driver?

While the truck driver is often at fault in a commercial trucking collision, other parties may share liability for the accident, including:

• The trucking company: If a trucking company encourages unsafe practices or fails to maintain vehicles properly, it may be held responsible.
• The truck manufacturer: If a defect in the truck caused the accident, the manufacturer can be liable.
• Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit and contribute to rollovers or loss of control.
• Third-party contractors: Maintenance providers or leasing companies may share liability if they failed to ensure the truck was safe to operate.

While investigating the accident and collecting evidence, your truck accident lawyer can determine exactly who was responsible for the collision. When you have an attorney handling your case, you can ensure no responsible party escapes liability.

Evidence Often Used in Truck Accident Cases

In truck accident cases, several types of evidence are commonly used to establish liability and determine damages. The most frequently used evidence includes:

• Black box data: Many commercial trucks have electronic data recorders that capture speed, braking, acceleration, and hours of service, which can be vital in proving negligence.
• Driver logs: Federal regulations require truck drivers to track their hours of service to prevent fatigue. Violations of these limits can indicate driver negligence.
• Truck maintenance records: Poorly maintained trucks can contribute to accidents. Maintenance logs can reveal whether the trucking company failed to keep the vehicle in safe condition.
• Dash cam or surveillance footage: Many commercial trucks and nearby businesses have cameras that may have captured the accident.
• Police reports: These provide an official record of the accident, including initial fault determinations, witness statements, and citations issued.
• Eyewitness testimony: Statements from other drivers, passengers, or bystanders can help establish what happened.
• Toxicology reports: If drug or alcohol impairment is suspected, testing results can be critical in proving negligence.
• Medical records: These document the injuries sustained and help establish the extent of damages.
• Employment records: These can reveal whether the driver had a history of safety violations or lacked proper training.
• GPS data: GPS tracking can provide information about the truck's speed, route, and stop history before the crash.

This and other available evidence can substantially aid in proving critical details necessary to secure compensation. Your truck accident lawyer can begin gathering evidence from day one, using it to build and strengthen your case.

How Trucking Collision Victims Can Pursue Compensation

Victims of truck accidents have legal options to pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Generally, victims may file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the circumstances.

Insurance Claims

Often, the pursuit of financial recovery following a truck accident begins with an insurance claim. Victims can file claims against the liable party's insurer, including the truck driver or trucking company's insurance providers.

Filing an insurance claim might seem straightforward, but it is best to have the representation of a skilled truck accident lawyer. Trucks are often protected by substantial insurance policies, meaning insurance companies will work harder to limit liability and avoid paying out for claims. An attorney understands the tactics insurance companies use and can represent your best interests throughout your claim.

You may have the opportunity to settle your claim for a fair amount, giving you adequate compensation. However, if you're unable to settle your claim, you can have other options.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary if the insurance company refuses to settle for a sufficient amount. If a lawsuit is a viable option, your truck accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your case, from filing the case in court and beyond.

Many personal injury cases settle outside the courtroom. Still, if your case must proceed to trial, you can rely on your attorney to continue representing you before a judge or jury in an effort to get you the most favorable case result.

Compensation Available for Commercial Truck Accident Victims

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for various types of damages based on the specifics of the collision and resulting losses. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost income: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries. Additionally, you can pursue further compensation if your injuries leave you unable to work. 
• Pain and suffering: Damages for emotional distress, trauma, and reduced quality of life.
• Property damage: Costs for repairing or replacing a vehicle and personal belongings.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be assessed. Unlike compensatory damages, which serve to compensate victims for their tangible and intangible losses, punitive damages aim to punish the wrongdoer. Punitive damages may be available in cases where the defendant's actions went beyond mere negligence and were intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent.

Determining the value of your case is necessary, as it ensures you receive proper compensation for your injuries and losses. Your truck accident lawyer will assess specific details of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and the mental and emotional impacts of your accident, to accurately calculate your damages and seek a fair case result.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Assist with the Case

Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney can make a significant difference in your case, including your overall experience and the outcome. Having a lawyer on your side provides numerous benefits, including:

• Investigation of the accident: A lawyer can investigate the key details of the accident, including the factors that caused the crash, and gather pertinent evidence to substantiate claims. 
• Determination of liability: An attorney identifies all responsible parties, ensuring everyone is held accountable and increasing the chances of a higher settlement. 
• Negotiation with insurance companies: Insurers often try to minimize payouts, but a lawyer can put you on the right path to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 
• Handling of legal procedures: An attorney handles all aspects of your legal case, including filing lawsuits, managing paperwork, and representing you in court. 
• Maximized compensation: A lawyer assesses all damages, including present and future losses, to ensure you receive full and fair financial recovery.

On top of representing you throughout your case, your lawyer can provide much-needed care, guidance, and support during a particularly trying time. Few understand the frustration and challenges that arise after a commercial truck accident case better than a seasoned attorney. Your lawyer can give you peace of mind throughout your case as they fiercely protect your rights and interests.

The Importance of Taking Immediate Action Following a Truck Collision

As soon as you're involved in a truck accident, you should not wait to take action. Following a truck crash, time is limited to pursue compensation, and waiting too long can have negative repercussions.

Personal injury cases, like truck accident cases, are governed by a statute of limitations. This law limits the time plaintiffs have to file their legal cases in court. Every state has varying windows of time, with the average being two to four years. The time clock begins to run the minute the accident occurs. The longer you wait to proceed with a claim, the more you risk losing your right to obtain monetary recovery.

Generally, delaying a claim can lead to lost evidence and weakened cases, allow insurance companies to use delay tactics, and ultimately result in missing the statute of limitations. Therefore, as soon as you're able, consult with a truck accident attorney to protect your rights and begin working on your case.

If You're Involved in a Truck Accident, Do Not Hesitate to Seek Legal Representation Right Away 

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a truck accident due to a driver's negligence, do not wait to seek justice. You may be entitled to significant compensation, and an experienced truck accident attorney can help you handle the legal process.

The sooner you take action, the stronger your case can be. Contact a skilled St Louis personal injury lawyer right away to safeguard your rights and secure the compensation you need and deserve.

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