Semi-Truck Accidents

5 Reasons for Semi-Truck Accidents

Trucking companies are often in a hurry, trying to get a load delivered, only caring about profits and deadlines. According to the National Highway of Safety Administration (NHSA), in 2020, there were 4,965 people killed and an estimated 146,930 people injured in crashes involving large trucks. 27% of fatal large truck crashes occurred on interstates. 55% occurred in rural areas, and only 5% occurred in work zones. In Ohio in 2020, there were 1,766 vehicles involved in a fatal crash, of those, 145 involved a large truck. Why does this happen? Here are the top 5 reasons why truck accidents occur. 

1. Truck driver error: Truck drivers are required to drive responsibly, and the law requires that they should never get behind the wheel of a semi-truck for any reason if it would be unsafe to do so. The following are factors that often lead to a truck driver causing an accident: distracted driving, fatigue, reaching for an object, reading, adjusting or monitoring devices, removing or adjusting clothes, using an electronic device like a cell phone, reaching for food or drink, using an electronic dispatching device, external distractions, smoking, eating, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
2. Equipment failure: Trucking companies and motor carriers are responsible for maintaining their semi-trucks and ensuring the truck operates safely on the road. Often issues with brakes, tires, or other mechanical problems arise, leading to accidents. Prior to getting on the road truck drivers are required to do pre-trip inspections of the entire semi-truck and trailer to make sure there are no problems. Failure to do so can result in serious accidents and liability. If faulty equipment could have been prevented, then the trucking company and motor carrier are at fault and should be held responsible.
3. Improper cargo or trailer loading: Failure to properly secure cargo or a load is a violation of the law by both the trucking company or motor carrier and the truck driver. If cargo is not properly loaded, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and uncontrollable. Loads can shift, causing the driver’s view to be obstructed. This can lead to accidents, especially when the truck is traveling at a high rate of speed, trying to slow down abruptly, or even stop.
4. Weather conditions: Extreme caution must be exercised by a semi-truck driver when hazardous weather conditions adversely affect visibility or traction. Drivers are required by law to reduce their speed, adjust their driving habits to account for these conditions, and take extra precautions to avoid accidents. Rain, snow, fog, sun glare, and ice can make roads challenging to navigate, especially for large commercial trucks. If weather conditions become sufficiently dangerous, a truck driver must immediately stop driving until the semi-truck can safely be operated.
5. Inexperienced truck drivers who lack training: Driving a semi-truck takes skill. It’s not as simple as driving your car. The law requires trucking companies to hire qualified and safe drivers. However, with a shortage of drivers, a trucking company will frequently take a risk and send a driver without much experience, skill, or training onto the road. This, without a doubt, causes safety issues that can lead to preventable, tragic accidents. 

These factors are the most common reasons for semi-truck accidents, but many other factors, including company pressure on drivers to meet tight deadlines, negligent hiring practices, and poor supervision, can also contribute to and cause accidents.

Do not allow a trucking company to control your future. Our attorneys can help you investigate the accident, determine why the accident occurred, hold the trucking company responsible, and secure the protection and justice you deserve. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a trucking accident, call us now at 740-454-2545 for a free case evaluation.

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