August 7, 2024 | Reading Time: 6 min Semi-truck accidents are amongst some of the most dangerous and devastating types of road accidents. Due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, collisions involving semi-trucks can lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities.
Accident claims involving a semi-truck and passenger vehicle are often more complex to navigate than a claim involving two individual passenger vehicles, as there can be multiple parties responsible for the accident. Seven common causes of semi truck accidents include:
1. Driver Fatigue
One of the leading causes of semi-truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often face demanding schedules and long hours on the road, which can result in insufficient sleep and chronic exhaustion. Despite regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) limiting the number of hours a truck driver can be on duty, fatigue remains a significant issue.
Fatigue impairs a driver’s reaction time, decision-making, and overall alertness, which increases the likelihood of accidents. When a fatigued driver is behind the wheel of a multi-ton vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. Common signs of driver fatigue include frequent yawning, difficulty focusing, and drifting in and out of lanes.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a prevalent issue on the roads, and truck drivers are not immune to it. Distractions can take many forms, including using mobile phones, adjusting the radio, eating, or even daydreaming. In the case of truck drivers, distractions are particularly dangerous because of the size and weight of their vehicles, which require more time and distance to stop.
Texting or using a smartphone while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distraction — regardless of what vehicle the offender is using — as it takes the driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to severe accidents.
3. Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding is a common cause of all types of road accidents, including those involving semi-trucks. Given the size and weight of semi-trucks, speeding significantly increases the stopping distance and reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. Speeding also increases the severity of accidents when they do occur.
Reckless driving from drivers on the road, which includes aggressive behaviors like tailgating, frequent lane changes, and failure to signal, can also lead to accidents. Semi-trucks require more time and space to maneuver safely, and aggressive driving around them can compromise this safety margin.
4. Poor Truck Maintenance
Proper vehicle maintenance is crucial for the safe operation of any vehicle, especially for semi-trucks. These vehicles are complex machines with many components that must work correctly to ensure safety. Regular maintenance checks are essential to identify and fix issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems, which can lead to accidents.
Brakes, in particular, are a critical safety feature for semi-trucks. Brake failure or malfunction can prevent a truck from stopping in time, leading to collisions. Tires are another vital component; worn or improperly inflated tires can cause blowouts, especially under the heavy loads that trucks carry.
5. Poor Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, and high winds can significantly increase the risk of semi-truck accidents. These conditions reduce visibility, make roads slippery, and can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Trucks, with their high centers of gravity and large surface areas, are particularly vulnerable to crosswinds and slippery roads.
In poor weather, truck drivers should reduce their speed, increase their following distance, and be prepared for sudden changes in traffic flow. It’s also important for drivers to be aware of their truck’s handling limits in various conditions and adjust their driving accordingly.
6. Driver Inexperience
Operating a semi-truck requires specialized skills and training. Drivers must be knowledgeable about handling large vehicles, managing loads, and understanding the intricacies of long-distance driving. Inadequate training or lack of experience can lead to poor decision-making on the road, especially in challenging driving conditions.
New drivers or those with insufficient training may struggle with vehicle control, properly securing cargo, or responding to emergencies. Ensuring that all drivers receive comprehensive training and ongoing education about best practices and safety regulations is crucial for preventing accidents.
7. Improper Loading
Improper loading of cargo can significantly increase the risk of accidents involving semi-trucks. This issue arises when cargo is not secured correctly, is unevenly distributed, or exceeds weight limits. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced, which may lead to rollovers, jackknifing, or difficulty in handling and braking.
Overloaded trucks, or those with improperly secured cargo, are at greater risk of tire blowouts, mechanical failures, and loss of vehicle control. Uneven weight distribution can also make the truck more susceptible to tipping, especially when navigating curves or making sudden maneuvers. Regulations require that loads are properly secured and that weight limits are not exceeded, but failures in this area are still common.
Do You Need A Truck Accident Lawyer After A Semi-Truck Accident?
Due to the serious injuries that can occur from a collision with a semi-truck and the complexities that often accompany the resulting claims, it may be wise to seek legal counsel after an accident. An experienced truck accident lawyer can provide the following benefits:
- Knowledge of the law: Truck accidents can involve multiple parties, which can complicate a case. Your attorney should understand what laws apply to your case, filing deadlines, and how to protect your rights against commercial entities.
- Investigation: Your attorney will conduct an investigation into your case and collect pertinent evidence that can solidify your claim.
- Negotiations: After an investigation has been completed, your attorney will work on your behalf to secure a fair settlement from the insurance company.
- Representation In Court: If a settlement cannot be agreed upon, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit against the insurance company for a fair amount. Your attorney will act as your representative throughout the process, so choosing an attorney with a proven court track record is important.
Cellino Law Is Here To Help
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a semi truck accident, you may wish to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who is familiar with these types of accidents. As multiple parties can be held responsible for any semi truck accident, it’s important to contact an attorney for legal assistance as soon as possible after the accident.
At Cellino Law, our attorneys have decades of experience in dealing with complex semi truck accident cases. Call us at 888-888-8888 for a free and confidential consultation with a member of our legal team today.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino. As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.