Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Accidents involving large trucks are often catastrophic and can leave victims with significant injuries. There are many reasons why these accidents may occur, and it is often hard to determine the exact cause and who is liable without completing an investigation. If you have been injured in a truck accident in Illinois, it’s important that you have an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you determine the cause of the accident and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Here are a few of the most common causes of truck accidents:

Speeding

Trucks are extremely heavy vehicles, especially when they are hauling cargo. This means they take a lot longer to slow down and come to a complete stop than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver is speeding, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision. In addition to causing accidents, speeding can also make the accident more severe.

Distracted Driving

While truck drivers are professional drivers with significant training, they’re still susceptible to distractions like any other driver.  For drivers covering long distances, it may be tempting to call a friend or family member to catch up or fidget with their music. Taking their eyes off the road for even a few seconds can cause a driver to lose control.

Impaired Driving

Unfortunately, drivers sometimes get behind the wheel of large trucks when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This often leads to poor judgment and slower reaction times when operating the vehicle. In addition to operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, another type of impaired driving is driving when fatigued. Many commercial drivers have tight deadlines and long distances to travel. Federal regulations outline the number of hours a truck driver can be on the road and when breaks are required, but often drivers ignore those rules in order to meet deadlines.

Maintenance Failure

The majority of truck accidents are caused by driver error, but that’s not always the case. Depending on who is responsible for providing maintenance to the truck, the trucking company may be responsible if the truck has not undergone proper inspections and maintenance which results in a mechanical issue and a collision. There is also the possibility that the manufacturer could be liable if the truck contained a defective part that led to the collision.

Overloaded Cargo

There are regulations on how much weight trucks can carry, but those rules are not always followed. Trucks that are carrying overweight loads are more likely to experience tire blowouts and have issues stopping. Even if the truck isn’t overweight, there is a chance the cargo wasn’t packed properly, which can cause trucks to swerve or tip.

Contact an Experienced Illinois Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it’s important that you seek out an experienced attorney who can advocate for your rights. At SAM LAW OFFICE LLC, our attorneys have extensive experience representing truck accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you.