Trucking Accident

Despite the training that big rig drivers get, accidents can still happen. Passenger vehicles do not have a chance against a tractor-trailer. Trucks are much bigger and accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death. It is crucial that when a truck is responsible for an accident that he or she is held accountable. What you may be wondering is how trucking accidents can still happen, despite the training.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common errors that any person can make behind the wheel. Seasoned truckers feel good behind the wheel. While confidence and comfortability with a vehicle are crucial to safe driving, it can also lead to distracted driving. Some truckers may be so comfortable that they think that they can easily take part in other activities while driving. For instance, they may text, eat, or talk on the phone instead of paying complete attention to the road.

Manufacturing Errors

Sometimes it isn’t the trucker’s fault, but the manufacturing company or the maintenance company. For instance, a manufacturer may supply the truck with faulty brakes. He or she may believe that the truck is in good condition, only to fail to stop when necessary and cause an accident. These are flaws that may be beyond the driver’s control but should have been caught by the trucking company.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is a major problem with truckers. Truckers work long hours and are under a lot of stress to arrive at their destination. While there are federal regulations in place to try to keep drowsy truckers off the road, it may not completely eradicate drowsy driving. A person who drives while drowsy has the same reaction time as a person driving drunk.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can create dangers on the roadways. Heavy fog, rain, or snow can make it difficult to see. Truckers are no different than any other driver on the road. If he or she loses visibility, then he or she can lose control of the truck easily. Tractor-trailers are more difficult to control in general, so when there is dangerous weather, the impact is more severe.

If you were in an accident with a trucker, then the consequences can be devastating. It may add insult to injury when you know that negligence was involved or that the trucker was at fault. To find out more about filing a claim against a trucking company, set up a consultation with a truck accident lawyer.

Thanks to MartinWren, P.C. for their insight into some of the top reasons truckers get into accidents.