Causes of Truck Accidents

If you drive a passenger vehicle, you may already understand the dangers when sharing the roads with large big rigs and delivery trucks. The truth is, accidents can usually always be prevented – no matter what the kind. There are some causes of truck accidents that are more common than others, and gaining a better understanding of this will show you how to take caution when you are in their presence. The truth is, some of these accidents are caused by the truck drivers themselves but some of them are also caused by the passenger vehicle drivers who share the roadways. Now we will present to you various ways in which accidents occur and how they can be avoided, as well as what you can do about it.

Accidents Caused by Passenger Vehicle Drivers 

You may be surprised to find that many of the accidents that happen between large big rigs and small passenger vehicles are to blame on the drivers of the small vehicles. Many of these drivers do not grasp an understanding of a truck’s performance capabilities and how to properly share the roads with them. Here are some of the most common causes of accidents:

• Many small vehicle drivers will forget about “no zones,” or the areas behind and beside a commercial truck where the truck driver has limited or zero visibility.
• They may change lanes abruptly in front of a truck.
• It is not always apparent how quickly a truck is traveling at an intersection, and a driver may make a left turn in front of a truck.
• A truck may be forced to maneuver or brake quickly when a vehicle driver merges improperly into traffic.
• Cars may pass unsafely, even with insufficient headway.
• They may pass a truck and then be blown out of position by air turbulence or cross-wind.
• Some do not understand that you should never drive between large trucks.

Accidents Caused by Commercial Truck Drivers 

Of course, the drivers of passenger vehicles are not always to blame for these horrible accidents. For the most part, those driving commercial trucks are skilled and patient because they have been trained to be to avoid accidents at all costs. However, trucks are also an inherently dangerous size as well as the fact that accidents can happen at any time. An accident with a truck could be worse than expected. Here are some of the common causes of accidents by truck drivers:

• Inadequate training in terms of safety and driving technique
• Companies instilling systems of compensation that encourage faster vehicle speeds and more hours on the road than are advised
• Unrealistic schedules and expectations put out for drivers regardless of safety risks

The Many Laws Governing Trucking Accidents

Fortunately for drivers on both ends, there are many laws that govern trucks sharing the roadways, making the likelihood of trucking accidents decrease from the very start. The laws put in place establish certain standards that trucking companies and drivers must meet and also determine who is responsible when a trucking accident does occur. This will be helpful information to you when you have been involved in an accident.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident and you believe the driver should be liable for your injuries, give us a call today. There are many options that we can look at to help you with your case. At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, we have the experience needed to handle your claim, no matter how big or small.