5 Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

A truck accident is much more dangerous than your typical car crash, due to the immense size and weight of these vehicles at such high speeds. While your average car weighs an average of 4,000 pounds, an 18-wheeler can weigh up to whopping 80,000 pounds. Injuries from truck accidents can range from severe whiplash and back injuries to broken bones, brain injuries and even death. Yes, it’s easy to assume that drivers are always at fault for trucking accidents, but there are several things that can cause a crash. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:

1. Driver Error: Despite an increased responsibility to drive safely, truck drivers make mistakes. They may drive drowsy, drunk or under the influence of drugs, distracted or reckless. However, studies show the majority of trucking accidents are caused by passenger vehicle drivers (81%) and not truckers (22%).
2. Poor Vehicle Maintenance: To keep up with the immense wear and tear commercial trucks take, companies, drivers, and third parties must regularly maintain these vehicles. Equipment failure such as worn-out brake pads can cause a major traffic accident.
3. Equipment Failure: Poor truck maintenance isn’t the only thing that can cause a truck’s equipment to fail on the road. Equipment manufacturers may be guilty of negligence during production, resulting in a defective or dangerous truck part. Liable parties may include the parts manufacturer, truck manufacturer, trucking company or mechanic.
4. Poor Weather: Rain, snow and ice can be especially tricky for truckers to drive on, due to the heavy weight and slower stopping speeds of the vehicle. Truckers must travel at an appropriate speed for all conditions and learn proper braking techniques to avoid hydroplaning or jackknifing.
5. Improper Cargo Loading: Companies must abide by federal rules when it comes to loading the trailer of a commercial truck. Mistakes or negligence during loading procedures for weight, size, length, width, and height limits can result in a load falling off into the road and causing a catastrophic accident.

If you believe you or a loved one was injured in a trucking accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, please contact our Montgomery County truck accident lawyers at Morris Wilson, P.C. today. We can help you recover damages for past and future medical care, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Call (610) 825-0500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.