The trucking industry is subjected to all kinds of rules of regulations aimed at keeping other motorists safe. Yet, it only takes one minor error and a split-second for things to go sideways, causing a big rig to initiate a catastrophic accident. But how, exactly, do these wrecks occur?
It’s a good question, and it has many answers. Let’s look at some of them here so that you know what to be aware of as you drive near semi-trucks and so that you know where to look to build a personal injury claim in the even that you’re hurt in a truck accident.
There isn’t just one cause of semi-truck wrecks. There are many situations can contribute to or create a truck accident, including each of the following:
- Trucker fatigue: Truckers are tasked with driving long hours on tight deadlines to satisfy their employers. Although federal regulations seek to limit the number of hours that truckers can drive so that they can be better rested and alert when they’re out on the road, all too often truckers violate these regulations, causing them to be tired and fatigued when behind the wheel. This can increase their reaction time, reduce their alertness, and negatively impact their ability to multitask while driving.
- Poor truck maintenance: Semi-trucks have to be subjected to routine inspections, including those that occur after each trip. When safety issues are identified, the truck should be removed from service until it can be properly repaired. To save time and money, though, truck companies often skimp on these inspections and on repairs that are necessary to keep drivers like you safe. This can create a dangerous situation.
- Bad training: Driving a big rig isn’t easy. That’s why truckers need proper education and training to ensure that they can maneuver their rig safely out on the road. But with staffing shortages plaguing the industry, many truck companies cut corners when it comes to training their truckers and getting them out on the road. This can put you in close proximity to someone who doesn’t know how to avoid catastrophic collisions, even under normal circumstances.
- Distraction: Truckers are no different from other drivers in that they can be easily distracted. Billboards, cellphones, navigation devices, eating, grooming, and even watching something on a portable DVD player can all rip their eyes off the road. When this happens, they can miss that traffic has slowed in front of them, that a traffic signal has turned red, or that the road is curving. Any of these situations can result in a devastating crash that leaves you and your loved ones seriously injured.
- Substance use: Although it can be hard to believe, some truckers engage in drug and alcohol abuse, rendering them incapable of driving in a safe fashion. This exponentially increases the risk of causing a serious truck accident.
What should you do if you’ve been injured in a truck accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, then you need to seek accountability. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit may be the only way to effectively do so while positioning yourself to recover the compensation that you need. But to succeed on one of these claims you’ll need compelling evidence and strong legal arguments.
