Semi-trucks and other broad-load vehicles dominate today’s rural and urban highways as they transport bulky goods from point A to B. These transportation machines significantly contribute to the economy, and over time, their numbers have increased. Unfortunately, these big rigs also have a share of their dangers, especially regarding involvement in injury-causing and fatal accidents. It’s wise to understand what causes these accidents, information that is skimpily available from many sources. This article details four significant causes of semi-truck accidents to help you better grasp who might be liable and for what reasons in a motor vehicle accident with a big rig.
1. Carelessness among Big Rig Drivers
Many semi-truck accidents today result from careless driving. Sadly, these drivers’ carelessness isn’t only a risk to them only, but also to other road users. Several big rig handlers have understood the need to consider how to defend themselves when they find themselves in cases implicating their behavior as the leading accident cause, because lawsuits come in quickly when a collision causes injuries.
Driving under the influence, speeding, fatigue, improper passes, and distracted driving fall under the significant categories of driver carelessness. And while not apples to apples, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports show that driver errors contribute to about 88% of semi-truck-related road accidents and incidences. When it’s the truck’s driver that makes an error that end up harming you or your family, it’s time to lawyer up. Colorado, with their steep mountain passes, have lawyers like https://www.helpincolorado.com/ to help motorists that were adversely affected by brake failures, common in the Rockies.
2. The Road’s Condition
The road also contributes to big rig accidents, whether in good or poor condition. Poorly made and maintained roads can contribute to carrier vehicle accidents because they may have potholes, damage, debris, or rocks that can lead the vehicle into a ditch or crash with other cars. Additionally, these roads might have dangerous corners and bends, which semi-truck drivers have difficulty negotiating. Good road conditions conversely have their own set of problems, but more surrounding poor decision making like improper brake usage, speeding, passing at bad times or where not allowed, and more.
3. Poorly Maintained Trucks
Regular vehicle maintenance is a crucial consideration, regardless of its size. Sadly, many big rig owners and drivers ignore this fact and get behind the wheel as long as their trucks can move from one point to another. The law is evident in its stipulations and requirements for trucking firms to maintain their machines to guarantee safety. Maintaining a semi-truck is time-consuming and carries an expense. This is why many truckers don’t consider this undertaking. Nevertheless, failure to regularly check, repair, and maintain different truck parts, especially the brakes, can lead to severe accidents. Statistics reveal that about 29% of big rig accidents result from brake failures.
4. Inadequately Trained Drivers
The number of trucking companies has ballooned, increasing the demand for drivers. This increased demand means that many firms don’t adequately train their drivers or scrutinize their skills behind the wheel. Semi-trucks are enormous and heavy, meaning they require professional and experienced operators. Most employers look at the applicants’ driving licenses and truck handling permits, but more qualifications are needed, and it may be recommended to have an experienced driver ride with a newer one to ensure they know how to properly respond to various challenges of big rig trucking.
The consequences of road accidents are horrible, regardless of their magnitude. The government has enacted different regulations and laws to minimize these occurrences, but are nonetheless sometimes inevitable. Semi-truck accidents happen for different reasons, only some of which are avoidable.
