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.

Indiana Semi Truck Accident Attorneys 317-636-7497

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.

You Might Also Like:

Truck Accidents
Which Driver is to Blame in a T-Bone Car Accident?
How to Protect Yourself Legally After Being Injured on a Bus

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Semi Truck Accident Lawyers Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

I was recently driving home from out of state on I65 northbound somewhere near Nashville when a giant cement truck entered into my lane running me off the highway and onto the shoulder. I was able to react quickly enough to avoid an accident, but it was a very close call.

After calming down, I realized that few forces on the road can match the powerful impact of a commercial truck…especially a truck loaded with cement. These trucks present a real danger to other vehicles simply because of their massive size. Even a slow-speed crash can have a catastrophic outcome for those traveling in passenger vehicles.

There are several conditions that are common causes of commercial truck collisions. If you were injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, request a free, no obligation consultation and speak to a qualified lawyer at Carl Brizzi Law, LLC about your legal options today.

In my situation, the cause of the “almost” collision was simply driver error. Often, an inexperienced truck driver may make dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. Driving a large truck while hauling a load requires specialized skills and extensive training. These vehicles need more space to come to a stop and it is much more difficult to correct an error in a commercial truck than in a traditional passenger vehicle.

In bad weather, truck drivers should reduce their speed when traveling. If weather conditions become too dangerous, truck drivers may need to get off the road to keep other drivers safe. If a truck driver does not take these steps and continues to operate the truck when weather conditions are too dangerous, his or her actions may be considered negligent and he or she could be held liable if an accident happens.

Fatigue is also a big safety factor in commercial truck driving. Drivers are pushed to deliver loads quickly, so the company can keep things on schedule and not lose money. When a driver is fatigued, he or she may fall asleep at the wheel or have difficulty concentrating on driving.

To combat this danger, the government has strict requirements on the amount of rest drivers need before operating a commercial truck and drivers are required to keep logs of this time.

However, when running on tight deadlines, trucking companies may push their drivers to break these rules and continue driving when they should not. If the rules are broken, the driver and/or trucking company may be held liable for negligence if it results in an accident that causes injuries to someone else.

If f you were injured in a wreck with an 18-wheeler, Carl Brizzi Law, LLC is here to help. We work to hold negligent parties accountable for the damages suffered in truck accidents, and work hard to pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call today for a free consultation.

You May Also Like:

Do I Have a Case?
Why Choose Carl Brizzi LAW For Your Indiana Truck Accident Claim
Do I Need A Personal Injury Attorney?

Carl Brizzi LAW – BLOG/RECENT NEWS

Have Questions? Give us a Call. 317-636-7497

Tag Archives: big truck accidents

What Causes Serious Semi Truck Accidents?