What are the common causes and liability in trucking accidents?

Truck accidents claim thousands of American lives on a yearly basis in America and that number is constant it seems which is disturbing to civil engineers, transportation executives, auto manufactures, politicians, and so on. Trucks are large vehicles that can reach substantial speeds and can be potentially dangerous if not operated in a safe and astute manner. 

This is why there are extensive trucking laws which are focused mainly on improving the safety in trucking operations. In fact, trucking companies, truck drivers, etc. are not only subjected to state specific trucking laws but also to federal trucking laws which are put in place by the FMSCA (Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration) and McLennan County, TX truck accident lawyers have seen truck accidents from all sides.

Truck accidents are caused due to a number of reasons. More often than not, if a truck accident has occurred, it is probably because of one the following reasons.

Causes of truck accidents

Driver fatigue – Driver fatigue is one of the major reasons why truck accidents occur. Truck driving is a tedious job where you are alone and drive for hours on end non-stop. Therefore, it is vital that you get enough rest to be able to operate in a vigilant and coordinated manner. Trucking laws also prohibit truck drivers from working for over a specified time period without receiving a certain period of rest. We all saw what happened to Dexter when he tried to drive when he was exhausted. He fell asleep and flipped and wrecked his SUV.

Sadly, truck drivers often violate these laws and drive for long periods without rest in order to make overtime pay so they could probably pay for higher medical bills which is what the Affordable Care Act gave America or other items which have seen an increase in prices because of high taxes and so on. When this happens, their reaction times are reduced, and needless to say, a half asleep truck driver rumbling down public roads is a recipe for disaster. Several truck accident claims are based on driver fatigue.

Incorrect loading – Trucks are heavy vehicles as it is, and most of them are employed to haul serious weight from one point to the other. It is extremely important that these payloads are lodged or loaded onto the truck in the right manner as specified in the legislation. Do not do it like they do on Ax Men and then wonder why the truck is struggling so much.

Incorrect loading or overloading will cause a significant shift in the center of gravity and the center of pressure and this can make handling and maneuvering the truck very difficult. Furthermore, it can also increase the braking distance significantly and truck accident attorneys in Waco, TX know all about this. You do not have to watch Ax Men on the History Channel to know this.  

Driver impairment – Truck driving, as mentioned, is a lonely and monotonous job but at least it is a job. As a side effect, some drivers, not many, resort to using recreational drugs and stimulants to cope with their job. This is a rare occupational hazard with truck driving, like any other job really. Not unlike a fatigued driver, an intoxicated driver will have pathetic motor skills and coordination and should definitely not be driving a truck. Waco TX truck accident lawyers know this is also among the leading causes for fatal truck accidents on the roads and highways.

They have seen the pictures to verify.

Legal help is around the virtual corner

Trucking companies will deny liability so it is not easy for victims to recover damages. If you or a loved one are a victim of a truck accident and wish to file a claim, we strongly suggest that you get in touch with a truck accident lawyer in McLennan County or your local area as soon as possible and get started working on filing your lawsuit and preparing your claims in order to receive the damages you deserve.

You have been punished for doing nothing wrong. You were not lucky today. Why did that truck hit you? No point in grieving over it too much. With the right legal help, you can be paid back in full and then some. The other magnificent news is that innovation is at your door step. Using this intuitive digital tool which is Truck-Accident.USAttorneys you can find the legal help you need.

You can contact us as well if you need some assistance on this matter. No problem there!