What are the common causes of truck accidents?

Truck accidents can cause minor to severe injuries and fatalities on Texas roads. But what are the causes of these devastating crashes? As someone who has been involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering what went wrong and who is responsible. In addition, do you know the most common causes of truck accidents?

Understanding the root causes of truck accidents

The Texas Department of Transportation reported that in 2023, there were 38,909 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, which resulted in 620 fatalities and more than 7,000 injuries. Among the common causes of truck accidents are:

• Driver Fatigue: Federal regulations require truck drivers to log their hours of service, but there are drivers who falsify these records or push themselves to drive longer than they should.
• Speeding: Texas law requires truck drivers to obey speed limits. However, there are drivers who ignore these limits, putting themselves and others at risk.
• Distractions: Driver distractions, such as texting or talking on the phone, are a growing concern in truck accidents. With the rise of technology, distractions are becoming more common among drivers.
• Improper Loading: Improper cargo loading can cause trucks to become unstable, which may lead to accidents. Trucking companies and loaders must ensure to properly secure cargo to help reduce the risk of accidents.

Defective equipment is another common cause of truck accidents. Examples are tire blowouts, faulty brakes and malfunctioning suspension systems. Therefore, trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles.

Liability in Truck Accidents

For commercial vehicle accidents, investigators examine evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident photos. They assess whether the driver violated any specific regulations, such as Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which limit driving hours to prevent fatigue.

Drivers must also comply with vehicle maintenance requirements and conduct pre-trip inspections to ensure brakes, lights, and other equipment function properly. If a driver fails to adhere to these regulations, it can be a sign of negligence.

Truckers bear the responsibility of driving as safely as possible in order to prevent accidents. Due to the sheer size and weight of their vehicles, these drivers must adhere to strict regulations and other rules in order to prevent needlessly endangering others on the road. If you are the victim of a truck accident, you could be suffering as the result of the reckless or negligent actions of another person or party.

Tips for Driving Safely Around Commercial Trucks

• Watch for blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots in front, behind, and along the sides—especially the right side. If you can’t see the driver, they likely can’t see you.
• Pass quickly and safely: Don’t linger next to a truck. Pass efficiently while staying within the speed limit and leave plenty of space before merging back.
• Keep a safe distance: Maintain at least a few seconds of following distance to give yourself time to react to sudden stops or unexpected movements.

How Soon Do You Need to File a Claim After a Truck Accident in Texas?

Understanding the leading causes of truck accidents can be crucial in holding responsible parties accountable for the injury you suffered. However, navigating personal injury law can be challenging and overwhelming during this difficult time. With legal counsel, you may go through the complex legal process with confidence and fight for the compensation you deserve.