5 Laws Anybody Working In Trucking Accidents Attorney Should Know
What Causes Trucking Accidents?
Trucks make up a small portion of the vehicles that travel on the roads but they can result in serious injuries or death. Accidents involving large trucks can result when drivers are distracted or do not pay attention to their blind areas.
Accidents in the trucking industry can also be a result of fatigued drivers. These drivers work all day long, with no breaks in order to meet their quotas.
Driver Error
Driver error is the number one reason for trucking accidents, and it is a very serious problem. There are a myriad of factors that can contribute to driver errors and it is crucial to know the cause of these errors and how to avoid them.
The most frequent driver mistakes are carelessness, inattention distractedness and sleepiness. These issues can be extremely risky, especially when they are paired together with the massive size and weight of the truck.
For example truck drivers are often working long hours, but do not take enough time for rest. They are often under pressure to get their loads to their destinations as fast as possible, which can lead them to not adhere to the safety rules.
Another frequent error of drivers is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers with these types of problems can cause serious accidents in the car, and may even kill or injure other people.
Other driver mistakes include poor maintenance of the vehicle and other components as well as malfunctioning parts that could lead to an accident. These are all very serious issues that must be addressed by trucking companies as soon as they can.
Trucking accidents are also triggered by weather conditions, such as rain or slippery roads. Truck drivers are required to slow down when they encounter these conditions, and they should be aware of how these conditions could affect their vehicles.
Recent research has found that truckers who fail these duties can be the cause of fatal crashes. It is vital that trucking companies make sure that their employees adhere to these safety standards in order that they can shield themselves and their customers from deadly accidents.
The study also showed that some drivers are more likely to make these errors than others. This could be due to their lack of experience or education.
These findings could reduce the number of accidents on the road and also help trucking companies find ways to increase the safety of drivers. The company can identify drivers who are susceptible to these kinds of errors and teach them how to avoid them in the future.
Mechanical Problems
Mechanical failure is a major cause of 10% of trucking accidents. This makes it even important that truckers are familiar with the parts of their vehicles that could fail.
Federal and state laws compel commercial truck accident lawyer trucking companies to check, repair and maintain their vehicles regularly. These inspections are essential to prevent serious accidents that can cause catastrophic injuries or even death.
Tires, brakes and transmission systems are all vital to the safety of a truck. If they malfunction the driver could lose control of their vehicle and crash into vehicles or pedestrians.
Blowouts, as well as other tire failures are also a frequent cause of trucking accident lawyer accidents especially in weather conditions that are harsh or when the terrain is uneven. They can result in jackknifes and swerves, which can lead to serious accidents.
Other components of a truck which can have an effect on the safety of drivers are steering and suspension systems. They can malfunction due to improper maintenance, a heavy load or other reasons.
If a truck's parts are not serviced or maintained regularly, they could wear out much faster than anticipated. If the engine of a truck is not inspected and serviced frequently, it could begin to fail before the driver even notices it.
The lighting system of a truck can also affect the safety of drivers. These lights can fail or be damaged making it difficult for other drivers to see the truck and its cargo.
As the weather starts to cool down it is vital for truckers Attorney to check that their vehicle's lights are in working order. This will help to prevent accidents on roads covered by rain, snow or sleet.
In some cases trucks' lights could be damaged due to wiring issues or design flaws. These problems can cause truck drivers to lose their vigilance and overlook a roadside hazard. These issues can also result in fatal accidents, especially if drivers are tired or distracted by other things.
Overloading
The overloaded trucks are a serious problem that causes many trucking accidents. It can result in a wide range of accidents and fatalities for other motorists.
Overloaded trucks are more likely to overturn or be in a jackknife. This could result in catastrophic injuries for anyone who is driving. Additionally, cargo that's not properly secured can spill out of the vehicle, causing obstruction to other drivers on the road.
To prevent truck accidents to reduce the risk of accidents on the road, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration imposed strict weight limitations on commercial trucks. The limits limit a truck's combined weight and gross axle weight.
A truck that is overloaded will need to stop and slow down more frequently in order to avoid an accident. The driver of a vehicle that is overloaded might also be less capable of steering which could result in a crash.
This kind of trucking accident could be fatal for anyone driving and is especially dangerous in a heavy rainstorm or in snowy conditions. The added weight adds stress to the brakes and other components of the truck, causing them to wear out faster.
Tire blowouts are yet another common indication of an overloaded truck. This is because the added weight puts the tires at their limit, leading to an explosion and a loss of control.
Other indicators that a vehicle is overloaded include sudden movement that jerks, and sagging or bowing in the trailer. It is essential to assess the load prior to removing the truck from the dock.
Overloaded trucks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as the desire of business owners to save money by reduction in time required to move cargo. Overloaded trucks are also caused by inexperienced or untrained drivers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that was caused by an overloaded truck, you should consult with a lawyer to determine if it is appropriate to file an insurance claim. This is a great method to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for your losses and damage.
Jackknife Accidents
Commercial trucks are prone to be jackknifed and cause devastating injuries to the victims of accidents. These accidents involving trucks are more common than you think. Trucks can weigh up to an 80,000-pound weight, and swing a trailer of 28 feet at speeds that could destroy private property and passenger vehicles.
There are a myriad of ways to prevent these truck accidents. If you live in Hidalgo county or the state of Texas and you've suffered serious injuries as a result of the event of a jackknife collision, you could be able to claim compensation for your injuries by working with an experienced trucking injury lawyer.
In addition, slowing down and giving trucks plenty of space to stop will also assist drivers in avoiding jackknife collisions. This is particularly important on roads that are wet, icy, or have a lot of ice and snow on the roads.
Accidents that involve a Jackknife happen when commercial trucks' brakes suddenly lock and the driver loses control of the vehicle. For instance, a driver can misjudge a sharp curve and drive too fast, which causes the brakes to become locked. The truck may then jackknife as the trailer swerves either way or the other and cause damage to other vehicles in the area.
Another reason for jackknife accidents is a shift in the weight of the cargo inside the truck's trailer. Professional loaders are careful when placing cargo inside their trailers to ensure that the trailer and semi truck accident lawyer near me remain in balance. However, if the load shifts significantly, it can make the trailer shift out of balance and cause it to jackknife.
The driver of a trailer that has jackknifed may lose control of his vehicle and cargo. This could result in serious injuries, the need for extensive medical care and a loss of earnings.
While a number of factors can cause a truck to jackknife but the most frequent cause is the result of 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 road's traction and cause a truck to lose its control.