The aftermath of a large truck accident is difficult to forget. The crumpled vehicle, the glass strewn on the highway and the presence of law enforcement securing the scene and directing traffic may remain ingrained in a person’s head for a long, long time.
The causes of large truck accidents are many. An inexperienced truck driver may have made a road maneuver error. A distracted driver failed to see that traffic stopped in front of him, or an improperly loaded cargo shifted, causing the trailer to fall on its side. The outcome, though, is often the same: a horrific collision leading to catastrophic and fatal injuries.
Inexperience, impaired and distracted driving
Here are some of the common factors that play roles in large truck collisions:
- Speeding: With tight deadlines, truck drivers may subscribe to careless and reckless driving. They are, sometimes, in a hurry because of threats from their employers.
- Inexperienced drivers: With a shortage of truck drivers, some carriers quickly hire people and do not provide proper training. This can lead to driver mistakes.
- Fatigue and drowsy driving: Long hours on the road may take a toll on truck drivers, leading them to doze off.
- Impaired driving: Truck drivers may be drunk or have used illicit drugs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2% of large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes were drunk.
- Distracted driving: With the popularity of smartphones, this problem has grown significantly.
- Improperly loaded cargo: A trailer may exceed weight limitations or freight is not properly balanced.
From truck drivers and truck driving companies to packing and shipping firms, the blame for large truck crashes can be spread among any of these players.
Negligence of others
Regardless of the cause of the crash, you – as an accident victim – face a slew of challenges. Recovery from your injuries is at the top of the list. Then there also are the exorbitant medical bills — all of this because of the negligence of another party.