Truck accidents can be terribly devastating, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. While many potential causes of these kinds of accidents exist, some reasons are more common than others. Today, we will discuss some of the most common causes of trucking accidents. If you are ever involved in a trucking accident, consider contacting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney so that you understand your legal rights and options moving forward.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

These kinds of accidents can be caused by many factors, including:

  • Driver fatigue – Truck drivers may drive for exceedingly long hours and not take enough breaks to rest and recharge. Fatigue can affect a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and respond to changing road conditions, increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents.

  • Distracted driving – Like drivers of cars, truck drivers too can be distracted by their cellphones, GPS devices, or other electronic devices. Distracted driving can take a driver’s attention away from the road, making it more difficult to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.

  • Improper maintenance – Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in safe working condition. Failure to properly maintain a truck can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues that can cause accidents.

  • Overloading – Overloading a truck can make it more difficult to control and stop, increasing the risk of accidents. Like improper maintenance, overloading can result in tire blowouts and mechanical failures in the truck.

  • Reckless driving – Truck drivers may engage in reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and aggressive driving. Reckless driving can increase the risk of accidents and endanger other drivers on the road.

  • Weather conditions – Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or ice can make it more difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles. Drivers may need to slow down or take other precautions to avoid accidents during these conditions.

  • Improper training – Truck drivers require specialized training to operate their vehicles safely. Failure to provide proper training can lead to accidents caused by driver error.

Please remember this is not an exhaustive list of causes of trucking accidents. However, these are some of the most common causes of trucking accidents. By being aware of these common causes, drivers can take steps to reduce the risk of accidents and stay safe on the road.

Contact a Cook County Truck Accident Attorney

If you have been in a trucking accident, contact the esteemed Schaumburg truck accident lawyers with Vito & Dollenmaier Law. Call 224-539-8821 for a free consultation.