Commercial truck accidents are often severe and the consequences are far-reaching. Due to the size of commercial trucks, these vehicles have the capacity to cause an exponential degree of harm to other road users and this is why commercial truck drivers are held to a much higher standard.
In more cases than not, truck accidents often lead to life-altering injuries and in some other cases, death. However, “some of these accidents can be prevented,” an experienced injury attorney in Chicago says.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident case, it is recommended that you should seek out the services of an expert to handle the claims process to improve your chances of getting the full worth of the case in compensation.
To better understand truck accidents, below are some of the preventable causes of truck accidents.
– Fatigue
One of the leading causes of truck accidents is truck driver fatigue. In the rules and regulations guiding commercial truck drivers, there are certain specified hours for work and others for rest. This has been set up and designed to ensure that each operator of a commercial truck is awake and fully functional every time they are behind the wheel. However, in some cases, truck drivers may continue their journey even far into their rest hours, thus, compromising their ability to make sound judgments while behind the wheel.
When truck drivers follow the rules and regulations of their profession strictly, they will take rest hours serious and this will reduce the chances of fatigue and also heighten their senses and ability to make safe decisions to avoid accidents on the road.
– Driving Under the Influence
Commercial truck drivers are held to a higher standard compared to private or other vehicle operators. Given the capability of the trucks to wreak havoc, commercial truck drivers are advised to stay away from the use of intoxicating drugs or consumption of alcohol when operating heavy machinery. To further confirm this, the Blood Alcohol Concentration level allowed for commercial truck drivers is about half of the state level for other drivers.
However, if a commercial truck driver is inebriated or under the influence of drugs, whether legal or illegal, such a driver may make questionable choices which will put the lives of other road users at risk. It is recommended that truck drivers steer clear of alcohol and other intoxicating substances when they are operating heavy machinery.
– Mechanical Failures
One of the leading causes of trucking accidents is mechanical failures. Mechanical failures may arise from a number of reasons ranging from a failed braking system to failure of the gears to engage and others. In most cases, such mechanical failures are above the control of the driver and may be linked back to the company who possesses ownership of the truck, the mechanic that had serviced the truck or even the manufacturer of the replacement parts that had been used in the truck.
In such cases of mechanical failure, establishing the at-fault party may be harder than it appears and in some cases, may lead to naming one or more persons as responsible parties. It is recommended that commercial trucking companies pay attention to the health of their vehicles while also ensuring that such vehicles are only loaded with the right amount of load that has been specified by the Original Equipment Manufacturer.
– Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the roads in modern times. Distractions may arise from a number of activities ranging from being lost in thought to operating a phone. In most cases, trucking accidents may have attributed to making phone calls or texting while driving. Truck drivers may also become involved in an accident when they become distracted as a result of their attempt to operate the radio or pick up items that had fallen.
As part of the standards that truck drivers are held to, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has put in place regulations that ban a truck driver from the use of handheld devices while behind the wheel.
– Poor Tires
Tires play a major role in the balance and roadworthiness of a vehicle. In the case of a truck, the tires are essential to ensure a smooth drive. Accidents may, however, occur as a result of tire failure, especially when the truck driver is at full speed. To prevent this, it is recommended that truck drivers and trucking companies take adequate steps to ensure that the tires are in great condition before embarking on the road.
– Reckless driving
Truck drivers are made to undergo several levels of training before they are licensed to operate such heavy vehicles. However, in some cases, some truck drivers may neglect their training and instead drive recklessly on the road. Reckless driving may be as a result of a number of factors (including drunk driving and fatigue) and may lead the driver to change lanes incessantly, swerve uncontrollably or become erratic. In such cases as this, the truck driver puts the lives of other road users in danger and this may culminate in an accident.
As an experienced injury attorney in Chicago says, when you have been involved in a truck accident, it is recommended that you seek out the expertise of experienced truck accident and personal injury attorneys to boost your chances of recovering the full worth of your injury case.
