What Causes Trucking Accidents?

The Top Causes of  Big Rig Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including death. In fact, in 2018 alone more than 4,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks. On average that’s more than 10 people a day.

Accidents involving large trucks like 18 wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor trailers,  and other “oversized load” vehicles (even bus crashes) can all cause catastrophic injuries to other drivers and pedestrians.

In addition to death, so-called “Big Rigs” can cause damages such as spinal cord injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, loss of limbs, as well as scarring and disfigurement.

The leading cause of trucking accidents in the U.S. is driver fatigue.

Truck driving is a high stress job, often, trucking companies will require drivers to make deliveries on a very strict time schedule.

This means that drivers are incentivized to travel long distances with few breaks and an insufficient amount of sleep.

The lack of rest results in loss of concentration, coordination, and slow reaction times. There is also the possibility of drivers falling asleep at the wheel.

There are regulations on how long a trucker can drive in one shift and how much rest is required to be taken. However, some companies and some drivers do not follow these regulations. The failure to follow these safety rules can and does have dire consequences.

…

Here at Fisher Stark, we understand how to handle trucking accident cases. We take the time to investigate the accident to achieve the best outcome for you. Let us handle the legal side and fight the insurance companies while you focus on getting better or caring for your injured loved one.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident in Asheville or the surrounding communities, Fisher Stark, P.A. can help with a free consultation. Call us today at 828-505-4300 or contact us online at https://fisherstark.com/contact-us/.

Other Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a problem that most drivers are aware of. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 15% of crashes that resulted in injuries were caused by distracted driving

Any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving can become extremely dangerous. Distracted driving is particularly dangerous when the driver is operating a vehicle, such as a tractor trailer, that is 20 times heavier than the standard vehicles on the road.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A recent study done by Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that 30% of truck drivers admit to taking amphetamines on the job. Trucking is a high stress job that leads to a high rate of alcohol and drug abuse. We all know the dangers involved in driving while impaired.

Truck drivers often face tremendous pressure from their employers or shipping companies, and many turn to amphetamines and other drugs to push the envelope and the shipment where it needs to go. It’s unsafe for us all and endangers everyone on the road.

Speeding
Due to the pressures of delivery deadlines and trucking companies pushing for higher profits, truckers may be tempted to drive faster than is appropriate for a vehicle of such size. Speeding reduces the handling ability of tractor trailers and makes them harder to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Also, the faster a truck is going when a crash happens the more severe the impact may be. Speeding is not limited to travelling faster than the posted speed limits. Often times, the posted speed limit may be too fast for conditions such as snow, fog, ice or rain. By slowing down and staying safe, catastrophic harm may be avoided.

Poor Training and Truck Maintenance
Many hours of training are required to operate a commercial vehicle, yet some drivers get on the road without meeting the requirements. Companies that have folks driving vehicles on their behalf all have a duty to make sure their drivers are properly trained and can operate a vehicle safely. When companies fail to properly train their drivers, folks get hurt.

There are also regulations on how often trucking companies are required to inspect their trucks before they get on the road, but sometimes this does not happen. When routine maintenance falls by the wayside trucking accidents can occur. If a truck hits you because of an equipment failure, you may be able to bring a product liability lawsuit as well as a personal injury case.

What Should You Do If You Or A Loved One Have Been The Victim Of A Truck Accident?

When trucking companies or drivers make poor decisions and violate the safety rules in place to protect us all, they endanger the community and folks can get seriously hurt or killed.

Consequently, we think those responsible should be held accountable. Accountability can change behaviors and make our communities and roads safer.

After a crash, victims or their loved ones are often facing physical and emotional harm, along with significant financial stress. Fisher Stark, P.A., offers a free consultation to victims of crashes. We will review your case and let you know if we think we can help.

The law in North Carolina calls for fair compensation for all of your damages, including but not limited to past and future medical bills, lost wages, disfigurement, permanent injuries, scarring and pain and suffering. In certain situations, you may be also able to recover punitive damages. We’ve handled hundreds of jury trials and have the tools necessary to maximize your recovery.

We invite you to call us today at 828-505-4300 for a free consultation or contact us online at FisherStark.com. We will personally review your case and provide you with an honest opinion of its merit so that you can decide how you want to proceed.