Truck Accident Causes
On average, there are about 5,000 fatal trucking accidents across the country every year. Additionally, about 118,000 trucking accidents result in non-fatal injuries. Due to the sheer size and weight of big trucks, these injuries are often very serious.
If you’re facing a similar situation, then it’s a good idea to contact a Costa Mesa truck accident lawyer. A good attorney will help you determine what caused the truck accident and whether you can seek out compensation for your losses. Are you currently wondering what caused your truck accident? Learn more about the top six causes of truck accidents below.
1. Reckless Driving
By far, the majority of trucking accidents in Southern California are caused by reckless driving. Sometimes, fault will be on just the truck driver, while at other times it is the car driver that’s driving recklessly. Some of the most common reckless driving behaviors that lead to accidents can be exhibited by either party and include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to adhere to traffic laws or obey red lights
- Weaving between lanes
When reckless driving is a factor in a crash, that driver will likely be held financially responsible for the fallout of the accident.
2. Fatigued Driving
Another common cause of truck accidents is fatigued driving. Since 2020, the country has experienced a major trucker shortage. As a result, truckers who are on duty have been overloaded with plenty of work. With that in mind, many truckers have been pushing themselves past their limits in an attempt to keep up with the demand.
Despite the demand from employers to work more, truckers are obligated by California law to rest for a certain amount of time and at certain times in their shifts. This helps prevent fatigued driving, but it doesn’t eliminate it altogether. When fatigued, drivers are more likely to suffer impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
3. Lenient Hiring Process & Improper Training
Did you learn that the trucker involved in your crash has a history of reckless driving or accidents? Did the trucker’s company hire them despite knowing about their shaky driving history? Did you learn that the trucker was never even trained appropriately?
In these situations, it might be possible to seek out compensation from the trucking company. Trucking companies are required by law to ensure they hire drivers with a good driving record. Additionally, truckers must possess a commercial driver's license in order to operate tractor trailers and other large trucks.
As an added precaution, trucking companies should also provide ongoing training for their drivers and review the traffic laws.
4. Improperly Loaded Cargo
Sometimes, trucking accidents happen when a truck is improperly loaded with cargo. Heavy cargo that isn’t packed correctly will inevitably shift while the trucker is driving along the road, especially when making turns. If that truck driver happens to be going around a curve, then it’s very possible for the truck to tip over completely.
In these situations, the loading company that packed the cargo could be held liable for the accident. There are very specific ways that trucks must get loaded to ensure everyone’s safety.
5. Failure to Perform Regular Maintenance
Some truck accidents are the result of poor maintenance or a failure to maintain the truck. Trucking companies are obligated to ensure that their trucks are getting regular checkups to avoid this type of situation. Despite that, faulty breaks, tire blowouts, and poorly aligned trailers are responsible for causing thousands of truck accidents each year.
If you believe that a truck’s lack of maintenance was a factor in your crash, then an investigation into the most recent maintenance trips will occur. If the trucking company wasn’t keeping up with the truck as required by law, then they’ll likely get held responsible for the accident.
6. Traffic Conditions
Another common cause of trucking accidents is traffic conditions. Due to the size and weight of trucks, it’s a lot harder to stop than a car or motorcycle. So, when unexpected backups happen, trucking accidents are very likely. This is especially the case when traffic jams occur on highways or freeways unexpectedly.
Traffic conditions are often worsened by inclement weather, too. Fog, heavy rain and any other conditions that compromise road friction or make it difficult to see will increase the likelihood of an accident.
How a Costa Mesa Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
If one of the common causes led to your truck accident, then it might be possible to seek out compensation from the other party. After all, you’re likely struggling to cope with significant losses like medical bills, lost income, damage to your vehicle, and more. To ensure you get compensated for every loss you endured, it’s important to speak with a Costa Mesa truck accident lawyer.
Are you currently wondering where to find a quality attorney to represent you in court? Reach out to Mesa Accident Lawyers now to discuss your truck accident situation in more detail with one of our experienced attorneys.