What Causes Most Semi-Truck Accidents?

Semi-trucks are a common sight on the roads and highways of the United States. Unfortunately, these large vehicles can be involved in serious accidents, resulting in property damage, injury, and even death. It’s important to understand the common causes of semi-truck accidents so that we can do our best to avoid them.

At The Barnes Firm, we understand the emotional and financial toll that a truck accident can have on a victim and their family. We are here to help you get the justice you deserve and to ensure that your rights are protected. If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact us today to learn more about how we can help. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

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Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

There are many factors that can contribute to a truck accident occurring. Our team of trusted truck accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm have found some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

Truck Driver Fatigue

Truckers spend long hours driving extremely long distances because their pay structure generally incentivizes such activity. Even with federal regulations limiting how long truckers can drive in a single day, fatigue still remains a serious issue in the trucker community. Sadly, the consequences of trucker fatigue frequently spill into the lives of everyday people in passenger vehicles.

Improperly-Maintained Vehicle

If a semi-truck is not properly maintained as governed by federal regulations, it could potentially cause the vehicle to lose control and result in a serious accident. There are many parts that could cause such a thing to happen, including a faulty braking system and tires that are excessively worn out. If a poorly-maintained vehicle causes an accident, the trucking company may be held liable for damages sustained by other drivers affected by the accident.

Distracted Driving

From CB radios to smart devices, there are many things inside of a semi-truck that can distract the driver. Additionally, a truck driver may be distracted by something happening on the side of the road, a conversation with their passengers, or any number of other factors.

Inexperienced Truck Driver

In many cases, semi-truck accidents are caused by truck drivers who simply were not ready to hit the road yet. Drivers who are not properly trained, or who don’t get enough low-pressure experience driving a semi-truck on the highway before they are sent on real trips, may be susceptible to causing truck accidents that can severely injure folks who happen to be in the area.

Improper Cargo Loading

Improper cargo loading is perhaps one of the least predictable factors that can cause a semi-truck accident. If the cargo inside of the trailer is not packed properly, it may shift during transport, causing the semi-truck to jack-knife and spin out of control. For this reason, it is crucial for freight companies to ensure that experienced professionals handle all of the loading.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents. When a semi-truck is traveling at a high rate of speed, it takes much longer for the driver to react to any sudden changes in the road. This can make it difficult for the driver to avoid an accident, even if they are paying attention.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense, and it can be particularly dangerous when it comes to semi-trucks. The size and weight of a semi-truck make it difficult to maneuver, even when the driver is sober. When the driver is impaired, it can be nearly impossible to avoid an accident.

Aggressive or Reckless Driving

Aggressive or reckless driving is another common cause of semi-truck accidents. When a truck driver is in a hurry, they may take risks that they would not normally take, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or driving too fast for conditions. All of these behaviors can lead to serious accidents.

How often do Truck Accidents occur?

Truck accidents occur more often than you might think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in recent years there were 4,862 fatal crashes involving large trucks, resulting in 4,951 fatalities. That’s an average of more than 13 fatal crashes involving large trucks every day. Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that there were over 116,000 non-fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2018. These numbers show that semi-truck accidents are a real and serious problem on our roads. If you have been involved in a semi-truck accident, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced truck accident attorney at The Barnes Firm in order to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation.

What Can be Done to Reduce the Risk of Semi-Truck Accidents?

Semi-truck accidents can be devastating and cause serious injury or death. To reduce the risk of these accidents, there are several steps that can be taken.

Truck drivers should be properly trained and certified to drive a semi-truck. This includes understanding the laws and regulations for operating a semi-truck, as well as learning defensive driving techniques.
Truck drivers should be regularly tested for drugs and alcohol. This will help ensure that drivers are not impaired while operating a semi-truck.
Trucking companies should ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and inspected regularly. This includes checking the brakes, tires, and other safety features of the truck.
Truck drivers should be encouraged to take regular breaks and get adequate rest. This will help reduce fatigue, which is a major cause of semi-truck accidents.

By taking these steps, we can reduce the risk of semi-truck accidents and help keep our roads safe.

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Contact Our Team of Truck Accident Lawyers at The Barnes Firm Today

When you have been involved in a semi-truck accident, it is important to have experienced legal representation on your side. The Barnes Firm is a leading truck accident law firm that specializes in helping victims of semi-truck accidents. Our truck accident attorneys have extensive experience in representing clients in truck accident cases, are well-versed in the laws governing truck accidents, and have a proven track record of success. We will work with you to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call (800) 800-0000 for a FREE case evaluation – it could be the best call you make.

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