Trucks are the largest vehicles on the road, which also makes them one of the most dangerous. Their massive size is known to cause many accidents on the road with other passenger vehicles. In 2016 alone, more than 4,300 people died in large truck accidents. Smaller passenger vehicles on the road are more susceptible to these types of accidents because they simply do not size up to large vehicles such as trucks. It is important for drivers to understand how these accidents happen in order to know how to avoid them.
The main causes of large truck accidents are as follows:
Poor Judgement
While all drivers should be careful on the road, they are only human. Therefore, they are subject to human error. Driving errors are the most common cause of large truck accidents. Examples of this may include driving over the speed limit, driving too fast during poor conditions such as ice or snow, improper lane changes, making sharp turns with heavy cargo, and following behind other vehicles too closely.
Distracted Driving
The second leading cause of commercial truck accidents is not paying attention to the road. Due to their massive size, trucks require a greater distance to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Typically, commercial trucks need the length of about two football field to come to a full stop. If a truck driver is not paying attention, they may not be able to respond at the correct time to stop their vehicle.
Impaired Driving
According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), non-performance errors are the third leading cause of truck accidents. There is a higher likelihood for a truck driver to cause a crash in the event that they are drunk or drowsy. This may also happen if they suffer from a health condition such as a heart attack, stroke, or seizure.
Vehicle Malfunction
Another leading cause of truck accidents is the malfunction of a truck or its components. When an accident happens as a result of a defect or malfunction, other parties may be liable for the crash instead of the driver. Parties who may be held liable can include:
- The motor carrier
- The maintenance contractor
- The cargo loading company
- The manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts
Poor Conditions
Unfortunately, roads are not always in the best condition. If road conditions or weather conditions are not ideal, this can result in truck accidents. Some examples of poor conditions may include:
- Broken or crumbling concrete
- Large potholes
- Unmarked curbs
- Soft shoulders
- Oil slicks
- Missing guardrails
- Narrow lanes
- Sharp ramps
- Malfunctioning stoplights
Certain environmental conditions may contribute to accidents as well. This may consist of rain, snow, and heavy fog.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know was injured in a truck accident, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC.today.
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
