Semi-truck accidents are almost always serious. They are larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road, so they can do much more damage. For this reason, commercial truck drivers take on a huge responsibility every time they get behind the steering wheel of their truck, which is why it requires special training and certification. Operating a 40 ton vehicle is not easy, and should be done with the utmost care and focus. But no matter how much training and experience a truck driver has under their belt, accidents do happen. Sometimes they are driver-error, and other times they are not.
Continue reading to learn the common causes of serious large truck accidents, and how you might recover compensation after being injured by a negligent truck driver or trucking company in Indiana.
Semi-Truck and Semi-Trailer Accidents
There are many reasons why semi truck and trailer accidents take place, and why commercial truck drivers are often to blame.
Distracted Driving
Probably the most common cause for truck accidents, or any motor vehicle accident for that matter, is distracted driving. Especially now that most drivers are equipped with certain technologies, like cell phones and flat screen navigation systems, distracted driving is more common than ever before. As for truck drivers, distractions can take on many forms, including smoking, eating, reading, texting, tuning the radio, and more.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is another top cause for large truck accidents, and it is among the most dangerous as well. For this reason, federal regulations now limit the number of hours a truck driver can stay on the road at one time before stopping to rest. Unfortunately, these regulations are not enough to stop truck drivers from driving while fatigued. Many trucking companies still pay by the mile, so truckers will exhaust themselves beyond the point of safe driving in order to make more money.
Negligent Truck Maintenance
Sometimes, semi-truck accidents are not all driver-error. In some cases, semi-truck manufacturers can produce a defective product, while other times, the trucking company itself may neglect their fleets by not providing proper routine truck maintenance. Fluid changes, inspections, tire service, brake service, and more are all important to ensure a truck performs safely and efficiently on the road.
Improper Loading
Improper loading of cargo is a frequent cause of serious semi-truck and commercial truck accidents. It is vital for freights to be loaded and secured properly in order to prevent accidents and injuries. Improper loading can lead to shifting, uneven weight distribution, and more, all of which are common contributing factors of truck accidents.
Lack of Experience
Another common cause for truck accidents is simply inexperience. Experience makes a huge difference in the trucking industry. Truckers who have been driving for decades have “learned the ropes” through years of hands-on experience. Drivers new to the industry are still novices, and naïve to the true nature of the road when behind the wheel of a semi-truck.
How to Recover Compensation After Being Injured By a Large Truck in Indiana
If you were wrongly injured by a semi-truck or commercial truck, whether you were in a car or on foot, it is strongly encouraged to learn your rights to pursing legal action against the negligent party, which may be the truck driver themselves, the company they work for, or even the truck manufacturer.
Are you ready to get started on your commercial truck accident claim? Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to speak with an Indianapolis Indiana truck accident lawyer about your case, today. Our attorneys and associate teams work around the clock to obtain the maximum settlement or verdict for our clients’ damages.
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