Being involved in any sort of vehicle collision is scary. After the initial trauma, you’re left to deal with pain, paperwork, and potentially lost income. Truck accidents often come with a whole new layer of complexity. Since trucks are usually commercial vehicles, multiple liable parties may be involved, and trucking companies are known for their aggressive tactics.
Injuries also tend to be more severe, and then there are federal regulations to consider. Whether you ask a Denver truck accident lawyer or an attorney at the opposite end of the country, they will tell you the same thing: most truck accidents link back to a few predictable causes. It’s vital to understand why they happen, how to avoid them, and what steps to take if you’re caught up in one.
- Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the biggest culprits. Long hours, tight delivery schedules, and overnight driving lead to tired drivers with slow reactions. Even a split second of poor judgment can have serious consequences when a vehicle weighs several tons.
- Speeding
Speeding is another major factor. Trucks need more distance to stop, so when they’re traveling too fast, the risk of being unable to avoid hazards increases dramatically.
- Distractions
Distracted driving is also a common cause of truck accidents. Everything from GPS devices to radios, phones, paperwork, and food can cause a crash if it takes the driver’s attention away from the road.
- Improper Loading
If a truck’s cargo is too heavy, uneven, or loosely secured, the load can shift. This can easily happen when the vehicle turns around corners, comes to a halt, or goes over bumpy sections of road. It makes the truck harder to control and increases the chance of it rolling over.
- Mechanical Failures
Trucks need regular inspections and maintenance. If these are not done properly, accidents can happen quickly. For example, brakes wear down, tires become damaged, and other parts may fail.
- Weather
Adverse weather conditions are often involved in truck accidents. Rain, ice, fog, snow, and strong winds make trucks harder to handle. They also reduce visibility, sometimes to near zero, and increase stopping distances.
Steps to Protect Your Rights
After a truck crash, the most critical thing to do is to follow the correct procedures. Always get medical care as soon as possible, no matter how insignificant your injuries may seem. If you can gather evidence like photos, videos, license plates, and witness names, this will help later. Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies before you understand your rights. Adjusters try to settle cases quickly, and something you say may be used against you.
Evidence may not last long, especially electronic data that can be lost or overwritten, like logbooks, call logs, GPS data, maintenance reports, and dash cam footage. Speak to an attorney as soon as you can, as they can gather information on your behalf. They also know exactly what to ask for, how, and of whom.
Endnote
In the aftermath of a truck accident, you may feel unsure of what to do next. Understanding what caused the crash is a solid first step. When you’re familiar with the reasons behind these incidents, you can make better decisions about how to protect your rights. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is to get legal support early on, so you don’t need to face the process alone.
