Several factors can lead to a trucking accident. Sometimes, an accident may be solely due to truck driver error. Other times, mechanical issues can result in an accident. Whatever the reason, it’s important to demand accountability from negligent parties. Doing so can help you get the compensation you need to begin moving forward with your life. The following are three common causes of truck accidents.
1. Driver fatigue
Federal regulations limit the amount of time drivers can spend behind the wheel. However, drivers have deadlines to meet and may push the limits to ensure that they arrive on time. Few things are more dangerous than a tired driver, regardless of the type of vehicle. But when that vehicle is heavier than most and traveling at a high rate of speed, the potential for disaster is high.
2. Distracted driving
Because drivers have tights deadline to meet, the temptation to multitask is ever-present. Talking on the phone, eating behind the wheel, and double-checking a GPS device means a driver is not giving the road their full attention. It only takes a split-second of not paying attention for a catastrophe to occur.
3. Equipment failures
Defective or faulty equipment and negligent maintenance of a truck can lead to serious accidents. Blown tires, poorly secured loads, and straps that fail can pose serious hazards to other vehicles. It’s important to get to the bottom of whether an equipment failure caused or contributed to an accident.
Remember, parties other than the driver may share in the liability for a truck accident. The trucking company, the company’s mechanic, or the manufacturer of a defective piece of equipment may also be at least partly to blame. By holding all negligent parties accountable, you can help send a message that safety on our roadways is not something to be taken lightly.