Commercial truck accidents are extremely dangerous for drivers and passengers of other vehicles. Almost three-fourths of the deaths caused by commercial truck accidents in 2016 were occupants of other vehicles. Because large trucks pose a high risk of injury and death when they are involved in an accident, great care must be taken when operating these vehicles.
The causes of a commercial truck accident vary. The cause of the crash often determines who is liable for the damages caused by the crash. A Texas commercial truck accident attorney can help you determine why the accident occurred and who is liable for your damages.
Common Causes Of Commercial Truck Accidents
The FMCSA lists drinking alcohol, fatigue, and speeding as major factors in motor vehicle accidents. While these factors do not always cause a crash, they can increase the risk of a commercial truck crash. However, other factors may also play a role in causing a truck accident. Some of the common causes of large truck accidents include:
- Distracted Driving
- Reckless Driving or Speeding
- Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
- Drugged or Drunk Driving
- Following Too Closely
- Failing to Yield the Right of Way
- Failure to Check Blind Spots
- Weather and Road Conditions
However, there are other little-known causes of commercial truck accidents that can be overlooked. Overlooking factors that contributed to the cause of a truck accident may result in a reduction in the amount of compensation you may receive for your injury claim. By identifying all the factors that contributed to the cause of the crash, you can name additional parties who may be liable for your damages thereby increasing the chance of recovering full compensation for injuries.
Little Known Factors That Can Contribute To The Cause Of A Commercial Truck Accident
Other factors that may contribute to the cause of a truck accident include:
- Driver Inexperience or Lack of Training — Driver error is a common cause of truck accidents. However, inexperience and lack of training are two of the areas that are not as commonly investigated as other areas such as impaired driving and distracted driving.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo — If cargo shifts during transit, the weight of the cargo can cause the driver to lose control of the truck thereby causing a collision. A shipper could be held responsible if it does not load and secure the cargo correctly.
- Defective Truck Parts — Commercial trucks are much more complex than your average vehicle. A small defect in one part could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. Defective brakes and steering systems are two of the common reasons why a truck may crash.
- Medical or Health Issues — A medical emergency, such as heart attack or seizure, could be the cause of a commercial truck accident. Drivers should have routine check-ups and follow their treatment plans to reduce the risk of a health-related event causing a crash.
- Defective Road Designs — In some cases, the way a road is designed could be a factor in a truck crash. Roadways that are not safe for commercial trucks should have signs warning trucks to take an alternate route.
Contact A Texas Commercial Truck Accident Attorney For Help Filing A Claim
Victims of commercial truck accidents often sustain traumatic injuries and incur substantial financial damages. Contact our Texas personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Our Texas commercial truck accident attorneys can investigate the cause of the crash and help you file a claim seeking compensation for all your damages, losses, and injuries.