Our roadways are filled with large semi-trucks. These large vehicles propose great dangers to smaller vehicles on the roads and are the cause of many accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, over 433,000 large trucks were reported to be involved in accidents in 2015. We must use caution to keep ourselves, our passengers, and other drivers safe. Unfortunately, no matter how much caution we use, other factors can cause an accident to occur such as; weather and road conditions, negligent behavior from the truck driver, mechanical errors, or careless truck companies. The following is a list of the common types of truck accidents that occur on our roads today.
- Severe Weather
- Extreme weather conditions make it extremely hard for truck drivers to drive safely. The driver can easily lose control in these conditions leading to multi-car pileups.
- Poor Road Conditions or Construction
- Roads that are covered in potholes present a lot of issues for truck drivers. Also, drivers attempting to maneuver around construction zones make driving even more hazardous.
- Overloaded Cargo
- Cargo can cause a lot of danger in many different ways. A large load of cargo can cause tire blowouts, jackknife accidents, or rollovers due to too much weight on the vehicle. If the cargo is not loaded properly, it can produce flying debris, causing even more dangers.
- Mechanical Malfunction/Poor Maintenence
- It is important that trucking companies maintain large trucks. If a truck driver is driving on worn tires or with faulty breaks, this can amplify their chance of getting into an accident.
- Driver Fatigue
- Many truck drivers are driving for long hours, leading to sleep deprivation and driver fatigue. If a driver is falling asleep behind the wheel, they are imposing a huge danger onto other drivers.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving
- When a truck driver is speeding or failing to follow traffic laws, they are putting other drivers at a huge risk. If you see a truck that is driving recklessly, keep your distance and call the company’s number usually located on the back of the truck.
- Inadequate Training
- Driving a semi is a huge responsibility. If a truck driver has not had the proper training, they will not have the skills to drive defensively, imposing a hazard to other drivers.
- Blind Spot
- You should never follow a semi-truck closely, as they require more room to maneuver and have large blind spots. Driving in a truck’s blind spot causes many accidents, and you should always make sure that you can see the mirrors of the truck to avoid an accident.
As you can see, semi-truck accidents occur due to a variety of reasons, and avoiding an accident is not always possible. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, you need the guidance of an experienced attorney to provide you with appropriate legal guidance. The trucking accident attorneys at Spiros Law P.C. are dedicated to fighting for the rights of innocent victims and will get you the compensation that you deserve. Our team handles a variety of trucking accident cases, such as:
- Drunk Driving
- Mechanical Defects and Malfunctions
- Employer Negligence and Liability
- Truck Driver Error
- No-zone Accidents
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a semi-truck, contact the Danville attorneys at Spiros Law P.C. at (217) 443-4343 to schedule an initial consultation.
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