What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Injury Claims?

Truck accidents are often catastrophic and cause serious injuries and complicated battles over liability. So what causes these accidents, and if you’ve been in one, how can a Baton Rouge, LA truck accident lawyer help you?

Driver-Related Causes

Many truck accidents are the result of poor choices by the driver, and when a driver is to blame, the driver or their company (and possibly both) may be on the hook for everyone’s losses. One major factor is driver fatigue. When truck drivers work too long, their reaction times slow down, and they can even begin driving much like someone under the influence of alcohol. Federal rules cap driving time and require breaks, but sadly it’s common for these rules to be ignored. Sometimes drivers violate these rules voluntarily, and sometimes they are pushed to do so by trucking companies looking to maximize profits.

Distracted driving ranks high among the causes of these accidents, too. For truckers, even a brief glance away can lead to disaster given the size and weight of their vehicles. Speeding is another common issue. Trucks need more distance to stop than a passenger car does, so going too fast makes the speeding risks much worse with a truck. And finally, impaired driving is an issue. While this is less common than fatigue with truck drivers, alcohol or drugs impair judgment and coordination, and sometimes drivers foolishly take to the road while under the influence.

Vehicle-Related Causes

Problems with a truck itself often cause accidents, and these may primarily be the fault of the trucking company and their failure to take responsibility for maintenance. Brake failures are a top issue: in fact, brake defects have been found in over half of all big-rig accidents.

Tire problems are next. Blowouts or tread separation can easily happen when tires are underinflated, overloaded, or too old, and these events can cause loss of control. Cargo issues can also be to blame, as improper loading can allow the weight to shift during turns or stops. When that happens, a truck can roll over or jackknife.

Environmental and Roadway Causes

Not all accidents come just from the driver or vehicle. Rain, fog, or ice all reduce traction, and trucks in particular are poorly designed for good handling in these situations. Overall, bad weather is to blame for about 13% of truck crashes. Truck drivers must adjust their speed and following distance when the weather is bad, but some drivers don’t, and some drivers aren’t properly trained to do so.

Road design or maintenance issues, such as potholes, narrow lanes, or missing signs, can also contribute to accidents and are issues in about 16% of all truck accidents. In these situations, a government entity may be at least partially liable for an accident, even if the driver or trucking company is also to blame.

Talk to a Baton Rouge, LA Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’re dealing with a truck accident injury, contact Doran & Cawthorne for a free consultation today and let us help you sort out who is to blame and get you the compensation you deserve. We also have offices in Opelousas and Lafayette as well as Houston, TX.

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