Truck accidents are catastrophic, to say the least! If you have ever been in or know someone who has been involved in a truck accident, then you know the turmoil the victim and their families go through. As per some of the latest reports, these accidents are rising for various reasons. It has been estimated that about 5,000 people in America die in truck accidents yearly.
What is causing these accidents? Why have we seen an increase in truck accidents? Several factors contribute to these accidents, and stated below are some of the top reasons.
- Fatigue – Fact: sleep deprivation in truck drivers causes 100,000 truck crashes yearly. It is common to see tired truck drivers behind the wheel as most of them work incredibly long hours to meet the most stringent timelines. As per the law, truck drivers are meant to give themselves a certain amount of rest hours, but this isn’t always possible and accidents happen as a result of the ensuing fatigue.
- Incompetent driving skills – driving a large commercial truck transporting goods and materials across the country requires specialized skills and training. Many truck drivers on the road lack the minimum necessary skills to operate a big vehicle. Some are often seen being reckless on the road by speeding, ignoring traffic signals, tailgating etc., which puts them and other drivers at risk.
- Unreasonable deadlines – this is one of the biggest reasons that drivers must work long hours. It has been noticed that some trucking companies have inflexible schedules to move material, primarily in order to maximize their profits. Drivers driving under such pressure often go fast, leading to accidents, especially on busy road networks. In case of these accidents, the liability on the trucking company is also significant.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – another common cause of these accidents is poor vehicle maintenance. For instance, worn-out breaks and malfunctioning parts can cause severe casualties on the road. It is imperative to service trucks at regular intervals, and drivers must inspect the vehicle before getting into it to ensure it meets the standards of a safe car.
- Road conditions – bad weather is a huge concern while driving on highways. Heavy rains and snowfall are the biggest concerns for truck drivers as they can adversely affect visibility.
Clark McGehee is a trial attorney specializing in all aspects of personal injury/wrongful death civil litigation. With his decades of experience, he can provide services on various subjects such as automotive/trucking, aviation, railroad, product liability, medical/professional negligence, highway design, architectural/engineering negligence, and related Plaintiffs’ tort litigation.
He has been selected for inclusion in “Georgia Super Lawyers” since 2004 and was chosen by the National Trial Lawyers Organization for inclusion in “The Top 100 Trial Lawyers” in 2011. In addition, he has earned the distinct privilege of remaining in the top 1% of America’s Most Honored Lawyers for many years, including 2022.
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