18-wheeler trucks are some of the largest vehicles on the road in the United States. They are necessary to make deliveries and transport large cargo. However, because of their size, they can be a serious detriment. Trucking accidents are caused by a variety of factors on the road and can result in totaled cars, serious injury, and sometimes even death. Contact a Middlesex County truck accident attorney to find out your rights and options after a trucking accident.
How Are Trucking Accidents Caused?
Trucking accidents can have a multitude of causes. Like any motor vehicle, trucks must abide by the rules of the road to stay safe. Whether it is the fault of the truck driver, the driver of another vehicle, or factors out of either party’s control, trucking accidents happen nearly every day in the U.S. Some leading causes can include the following.
- Weather
- Truck drivers have lower visibility in general because of their limited mirror view. Rain, fog, and snow can cause even more extensively impaired vision as well as slippery roads.
- Poor cargo loading
- An imbalanced truck can pose a serious danger to the driver and surrounding cars. If cargo is not loaded correctly it can shift during transportation causing tipping or even resulting in cargo spilling out onto the road.
- Fatigue
- Truck drivers have deadlines to meet and have been known to sleep very little and at odd times of the day. Fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel can cause irreparable damage.
- Lack of training
- Inadequate driver training on the part of the company could be a major issue if the driver is not equipped with the required knowledge to safely operate the vehicle.
- Reckless driving
- Reckless driving by a truck driver or a passenger vehicle driver can cause serious accidents. Speeding, cutting off other vehicles, distracted driving, and sudden braking are dangerous especially when dealing with such a large truck.
- Intoxication
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can be detrimental when operating any vehicle. When driving an 18-wheeler truck, any intoxication can cause a deadly accident. Concentration and reaction times need to be as sharp as possible.
Are Fatalities Common?
Unfortunately, when a truck accident occurs fatalities are a relatively common result. Because of the massive size and weight of an 18-wheeler, damage exceeds what it would be in a smaller, passenger vehicle. According to studies, nearly 6,000 people died in 2021 in large truck collisions, a 47% increase over the previous decade. The majority of fatalities related to trucking accidents are from people in other vehicles involved in the crash.
Should I Hire a Lawyer After My Trucking Accident?
Whether you are a truck driver or a passenger vehicle driver, if you were involved in a trucking accident you should acquire the services of an attorney. They can help evaluate your case and determine the best defense option for you, as well as fight to get you any compensation you rightfully deserve.
