How Negligent Truckers Cause Crashes

Category: Truck Accidents

Article by Tuley Law staff

Trucking Company and Truck Driver Negligence in Crash Cases

The second question people typically ask after a severe car accident—after “Are you okay?”—is “How did it happen?” If the accident involved a semi-truck, the answer is never straightforward. You’re not just dealing with a collision between two small vehicles; your case involves you, a commercial operator, an 80,000-pound vehicle, and the operator’s employer.

Let’s explore how negligence in the trucking industry and truck driver errors can trigger truck accidents.

How Truckers Cause Crashes

Truck drivers are responsible for navigating the roads in massive vehicles. Semis weigh 30,000 pounds when empty and nearly three times as much when fully loaded, so any negligence on their part can have dire consequences. The size and weight differential means occupants in smaller cars are more susceptible to severe injuries and fatalities when semi-truck accidents occur.

Common causes of truck accidents involving driver negligence include:

• Distracted driving. Truck drivers work long hours and may engage in activities that distract them from the road, such as texting, eating, or adjusting media players. Large trucks require a significant stopping distance, so even minuscule distractions can lead to an accident.
• Fatigue. The trucking industry is notorious for its demanding schedules. Drivers may feel pressured to meet deadlines, leading them to drive while fatigued. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and decision-making, making it a critical factor in many truck-related accidents.
• Speeding. Many truck drivers may exceed the speed limit to make up for lost time or due to pressure from their employers. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time to sudden changes in traffic conditions and increases the impact of any potential collision.

Trucking Company Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Trucking companies are legally and morally obligated to conduct their operations safely. Unfortunately, some commercial carriers place profits above human lives, cutting corners that put their drivers and other road users at risk.

There are many ways company negligence can cause serious car accidents, including:

• Inadequate training. Hands-on training is crucial for truck drivers, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate large vehicles safely. Companies that fail to provide adequate training could be liable for Indiana truck accidents caused by inexperienced drivers.
• Poor vehicle maintenance. Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining all active vehicles in their fleets to ensure they operate safely. Failing to conduct regular inspections and maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, such as sudden brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
• Improper loading. How cargo is loaded is critical to a truck’s stability and safe operation. Improper loading can lead to shifts in weight distribution, causing the truck to tip over or become difficult to control—especially in sharp turns or during sudden stops.
• Exceeding federal hours. Companies that pressure drivers to deliver cargo quickly may inadvertently encourage breaking hours of service laws. An attorney can help gather evidence that a trucker ignored rest breaks or spent too many hours behind the wheel.

The Importance of Holding Negligent Trucking Companies Liable for a Crash

The most important reason for investigating trucking company negligence is to get victims fair compensation after a crash. Truck accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even death—all of which could have been prevented. The strain on victims and their families from medical treatment, lost wages, and psychological trauma can be immense.

If your accident highlights negligence within the trucking industry, your case may help lead to improvements such as:

• Stricter enforcement. Increased negligence cases may spur state and local governments to crack down on violations regarding driver hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and training requirements.
• Shifting company culture. Trucking companies are more likely to change their ways if negligence stops paying off. Innovative carriers may institute programs to incentivize safe driving or provide ongoing training for new and seasoned drivers to prevent fatigued driving accidents before they happen.
• Encouraging safety investments. Advancements in technology, such as GPS tracking, vehicle performance monitors, and collision avoidance systems, can enhance road safety and potentially reduce the risk of accidents.

Find Out If Negligence Was a Factor in Your Truck Crash

The injury lawyers at Tuley Law Office can investigate whether truck driver errors or company negligence played a role in your car accident. While you take the time you need to heal, we fight for your right to compensation—and you won’t owe us any fees unless we secure a recovery for you. 

Contact our team today for a free consultation.

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