With millions of trucks on the roads, it is not unusual to be involved in an accident with a big rig. Large trucks are common on our highways since Houston is a cross-country travel hub. When you get into a crash with an 18-wheeler, you may suffer a severe injury. If the accident was due to the negligence of the truck driver or trucking company, you might be owed money for your damages. Damages may include tuition costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
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Factors that Cause or Contribute to Truck Accidents
As with any vehicle accident, some factors may cause or contribute to any particular truck crash. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reviews and evaluates reports of truck crashes from truck crash reports from data sources that analyze the crash and those factors that contributed to the accident. There may be several or more factors for a specific truck accident, including critical events, critical reasons, and associated factors.
They categorize crash causes and contributing factors into several categories, including human error, mechanical, and outside issues. Human errors include driving mistakes such as failure to stop, making an improper turn, losing control of the truck, and speeding, among others. Mechanical issues are those that affect the way a truck operates. The most common mechanical factors are brake problems and tire blowouts. Outside factors are such things as weather conditions and road debris.
Common Reasons for Truck Accidents
Most truck accidents happen due to driver error. Inattention to the road is one of the leading reasons for truck crashes. A driver may become distracted due to using a cell phone or electronic device, fatigue, alcohol or drugs, and other reasons. Inexperience can cause a driver to make mistakes or miscalculations that could cause an accident. Drivers must log their time behind the wheel and take required rest breaks to prevent driver fatigue.
Mechanical failures can create dangerous conditions for trucks on the road. When the brakes fail or a tire blows out, it can make the truck difficult to control. Another problem can be improper load distribution or securement. The load can shift when the driver makes a sudden move, and the shift can cause the vehicle to swerve out of control. When loaded, large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them hard to control. Weather conditions like fog, rain, ice, and snow can make roads slick and drive dangerous. If a driver goes too quickly in hazardous conditions, it can lead to a crash. When the driver or the trucking company was neglectful and their actions, or lack of actions, led to an accident, they could be held responsible for the damages.
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you might have compensation for your injuries. Look for an experienced attorney with a record of success in truck accident lawsuits. Who you choose to represent you does matter, Get the best 18-wheeler accident lawyer for your case. Visit Baumgartner Law Firm to learn more.
