Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Nobody wants to get hit on the freeway by a semi truck weighing 80,000 pounds, but sadly, these incidents happen quite often. Between 2016 and 2017, the number of trucks involved in injury crashes increased from 102,000 to 107,000.  The number of fatal accidents involving large trucks also increased, from 4,251 to 4,657.

Truck accidents can happen in a variety of ways. As you traverse the various roadways in Miami, it’s important to understand the various ways in which these crashes can occur. While many of these tragic accidents are caused by the truck driver’s negligence, there are some things you can do to prevent them as well. Read on to learn about the common causes of truck accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is an issue for all drivers. This is especially true for truck drivers, who drive long distances and often get bored while on the road. It is not uncommon for drivers to use their phones to pass the time while behind the wheel. However, this practice takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel and their mind off the job of driving. Being distracted for just a second can cause a serious accident.

Fatigue

Fatigue is prevalent in the trucking industry. Many drivers are on the road for many hours every day, and continue on even when they are tired. They are even encouraged to do so by their employers because of tight deadlines. After all, more miles equals more money. Driving while fatigued is a serious issue, though. Drivers cannot stay awake and alert, causing serious crashes. While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has hours of service guidelines in place to prevent this from happening, many trucking companies overlook these laws and favor profits over health and safety.

Substance Use

Alcohol and drug use is also common among truck drivers. They often consume beer and other alcohol at truck stops. Some use illegal and prescription drugs to stay alert. These substances, however, often cause drowsiness, which makes drivers less alert and more likely to get in a wreck.

Speeding

Truck drivers often must abide by slower speed limits than other vehicles because they are larger and often carrying huge amounts of cargo. However, truck drivers are often on tight deadlines and the faster they go, the more money they can make. This causes many drivers to drive at unsafe speeds. This makes it harder for them to slow down, and passenger vehicles can be rear-ended, leading to serious injuries and even death.

Contact a Miami Truck Accident Lawyer Today 

If you have been injured in a truck accident, act quickly. Trucking companies work quickly to hide crucial evidence, so time is of the essence.

The West Palm Beach truck accident attorneys at Pike & Lustig, LLP can preserve evidence of your truck crash so we can hold the parties liable and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation today. Contact our Miami office today by calling 305-985-5281 or filling out our online form.

Resource:

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2017