Common Causes of Truck Accidents

When a commercial truck crashes, it is important to identify why the accident occurred in order to determine who is responsible. The truck driver may have been distracted and took their eyes off the road for a moment, putting some of the responsibility on their shoulders. In many cases, the air brakes fail to perform at optimal functionality, placing accountability in the hands of the manufacturer or the employer who has failed to properly maintain the vehicle.

The compassionate lawyers at Rourke & Blumenthal have spent years investigating truck accidents. Our team displays a high level of diligence throughout each case to pursue the best possible results. We always fight for our clients when they have been wrongfully injured and believe our successful track record of verdicts and settlements can prove it.

Safety Hazards Are Unavoidable with Commercial Trucks

Due to the sheer size of freight trucks, they are considerably more difficult to handle than the smaller vehicles on today’s roadways.

Dangers that are inherent with the design of such large trucks include:

• Greatly increased stopping distances
• Large blind spots
• Wider turn radiuses
• Susceptibility to rollovers, especially in strong winds

Beyond the actual physical dimensions that make tractor trailers particularly dangerous, human error and auto defects can easily play a part in truck accidents. Truck drivers regularly work long hours—sometimes up to 16 in a day—and may consequently be more susceptible to committing costly mistakes while behind the wheel.

Negligent or careless truckers may increase the chance of a truck accident by:

• Speeding
• Overloading the trailer
• Tailgating
• Failing to signal or check blind spots
• Driving while fatigued
• Cutting sharp corners

INADEQUATE TRAINING

Although there are hundreds of schools throughout the country which offer truck driver training, they all offer the same basic courses along with the same requirements. In most cases, driver trainees spend about one week in the classroom learning about safety practices, mechanical protocols, and logging information.

Afterward, they will learn how to operate a commercial truck and perform inspections. Then, after only a few hours of actual driving time, these future truckers graduate from their respective schools and attempt to obtain their commercial driver's license (CDL). While some employers require drivers who have a couple of years’ experience, or to spend time riding with more experienced truckers, others just hire inexperienced truckers because they don’t have the time and resources to train them further.

Put an Experienced Attorney in Your Corner

Even though it is clear how truck drivers and the 18-wheelers they operate can easily cause catastrophic accidents, you run the risk of being held liable if you go without representation.

Compiling relevant evidence can be complicated, and you are sure to be met with resistance from the opposing parties. By preparing a sturdy case with the knowledgeable professionals at Rourke & Blumenthal, you can hold negligent individuals accountable with confidence.