Before you can file a lawsuit following a truck accident, it is important to identify the cause of the accident and determine who should be held liable for the accident. There are many common causes of truck accidents including:
- Truck driver negligence (e.g. speeding, drowsy driving, distracted driving)
- Trucking company negligence (e.g. improper training of drivers, improper hiring of drivers, failing to schedule regular vehicle inspections)
- Mechanical issues caused by lack of maintenance or faulty truck parts
- Failure to properly load cargo
Car accidents vs. truck accidents
Truck accidents are generally more complex than the standard passenger vehicle accident, as they often involve multiple parties and more serious injuries and damages.
The causes of truck accidents also tend to differ from car accidents in various ways.
- The size and weight of the truck and its cargo can play a major role in causing truck accidents, as truck drivers can have a difficult time stopping, making turns, or otherwise maneuvering their commercial vehicles due to the trucks’ size.
- While both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks can experience mechanical failure on the roadways, trucks generally require more maintenance due to their weight and the amount of time spent on the road.
- Due to pressure from their employers to make their deliveries on time, truck drivers often spend long hours on the roadways, making them more susceptible to driver fatigue. Federal regulations, implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, restrict the number of continuous hours truck drivers can spend behind the wheel. Drivers who fail to follow these regulations could end up causing an accident.
While there are some common causes for truck accidents, every accident is different. A personal injury lawyer experienced in dealing with truck accident lawsuits will review the specific facts of your case and determine how to best proceed with your claim.
