Common Truck Accident Causes

Daily someone is hurt or killed in a truck accident. Actually, a study by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration  states that about every 15 minutes, a person is killed or seriously injured in an accident caused by trucks. Indiana highways such as I-465, I-65, I-70 and I-69 can all be perilous for automobile drivers when facing an accident involving a semi-truck. As an Indianapolis truck accident attorney, we represent our clients rights at 888-228-7800. This sobering statistic demonstrates the importance is for all drivers, truckers and automobile alike, to be cautious, safe and take the necessary steps to protect themselves as well as the other drivers on the road. There are many different factors that are truck accident causes, some of which are described in more detail below.

Trucker Error

Truck accident causes can spring from any number of mistakes on the part of the driver. While, many of these truck accidents are preventable. There are unfortunately, some of the leading truck accident causes are the result of common mistakes such as:

• Driving carelessly
• Driving recklessly
• Driving while fatigued
• Driving while distracted or impaired can all lead to accidents
• Poor judgement
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Truck tire blowout

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There are very specific laws both at the Federal and at the State of Indiana level that dictate how long a trucker is allowed to drive before they must take a break, as well as how many hours between shifts a driver should receive to get adequate rest. If a law is broken and it results in an accident, victims may have a legal case against the trucker or the semi-truck company.

Weather as a Factor

We all know that driving a passenger car in inclement weather can be a challenging to say the least. Now imagine driving a big rig in such poor road conditions. A major cause of truck accidents includes:

• Bad weather
• Heavy rain
• Snow
• Ice

Precipitation is a leading cause of truck accidents and can make visibility difficult, roads slippery, and will generally driving conditions extremely hazardous.

Truck Failure

An 18-wheeler is a sophisticated machine that requires regular upkeep and maintenance. Just like passenger cars, another cause of truck accidents in Central Indiana occurs when trucks sometimes break down or have other mechanical issues. Certain issues such as:

• Brake failure
• Tire blowout
• Broken headlight
• Broken taillight

All are examples of faulty truck equipment that can be the cause of a serious accident, that often result in death.

Alcohol and Drugs are Also Truck Accident Causes

There are several studies that show that roughly 30% of truck drivers admitted to taking amphetamines, both obtained legally and illegally, while on the road. Additionally, the same studies showed u 20% used marijuana and 3% used cocaine. Drugs like amphetamines and cocaine have the result in keeping truck drivers awake unnaturally, but these drugs also compel them to take more risks like faster driving, unsafe lane changes, and using risky maneuvers in bad weather. Once those stimulants begin to wear off, the drivers are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Again, causing major accidents, often fatal.

Trucking Company Negligence

There are some desperate trucking companies who employ drivers that have previously been charged with reckless or drunk driving. Hiring a driver with that past driving history can result in a trucking company as liable for negligence. Trucking companies can also be held negligent for most of the other factors listed. The companies are also negligent particularly if they have encouraged the semi-truck driver to drive faster than normal or even falsify logbooks in order to make on time deliveries.

You Need a Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you need help from an expert Indianapolis truck accident attorney. It is a fact that the trucking industry is highly regulated. This means that knowing who is to blame for an accident is not enough to secure payment of a claim. Large trucking companies generally have a large team of corporate lawyers as their truck accident defense. Additionally, truck drivers, their employers, and their insurance companies will often attempt to deny responsibility for an accident or offer a settlement for much less than a case is worth. Call our office at 888-228-7800 for a free consultation to discuss the merits of your case as soon as possible.