4 Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The trucking industry is a large part of the U.S. economy, and it’s also one of the most dangerous places to work in America. In fact, according to the National Safety Council (NSC), 5,005 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash in 2019, a 2% increase from 2018 and a 43% increase since 2010. 

This increase in fatalities is largely attributed to the growing number of large trucks on American roads. In fact, the most recent data from Trucking.org shows that there are 36.9 million trucks registered and used for business purposes in 2018, representing 24.2% of all trucks registered.

When a truck is involved in an accident, Common Oilfield Injuries and Accidents: What You Need to Know is that there is a very high likelihood of injury or death. Since trucks are so much larger than passenger vehicles, the dangers they present are more serious and far-reaching than a typical car accident. Unfortunately, many dangers on the road are caused by driver negligence or recklessness.

Texas’ leading personal injury law office, Dobbs Law Firm, has put together a list of four of the most common causes of truck accidents in America.

Fatigued Driving

One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Although all states have laws prohibiting driving while fatigued, these laws are difficult to enforce and often go unenforced unless the accident results in injury or death. Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or allow themselves to become drowsy can easily lose control of their vehicle, causing a serious accident.

Driver fatigue can be caused by many factors, including sleep deprivation, long hours on the road without breaks, and poor diet (not eating enough before driving). Drivers who work more than 20-hour shifts or drive for more than 11 consecutive hours are also at a particularly high risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.

Overspeeding

Another very common cause of truck accidents is overspeeding. Truck drivers often use their bigger rigs to “show off” and attempt to reach speeds well over the posted speed limit, creating a dangerous situation for all other vehicles on the road around them. Speeding is very dangerous for two reasons: first, the force of impact increases exponentially as speeds increase; second, drivers are less likely to react quickly enough when driving at high speeds.

In addition, drivers are less likely to notice other changes in the environment around them at high speeds, making it more difficult for them to avoid an accident. This is especially true in bad weather when roads are wet or icy. When drivers speed on these types of road conditions, they face an increased risk of hydroplaning and losing control of their vehicle.

Driving Under the Influence

Getting behind the wheel while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol can have deadly consequences not only for yourself but also for all other drivers on the road with you. Drunk or drugged driving is extremely dangerous because it lowers your reaction time, making it more difficult for you to react appropriately when other vehicles are around you.

Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are also more likely to drive with little or no regard for safety, and they may not notice hazards in their path that might otherwise be easy to spot.

Tailgating

Another common cause of serious accidents on U.S. roads is tailgating. This occurs when one driver gets too close to another, making it difficult for the other vehicle’s driver to see. When this happens on a busy road where there are lots of cars and trucks around, serious accidents can result if someone is not paying attention or swerves without noticing that they’re in danger of impacting another car or truck.

Drivers who tailgate others do so for a variety of reasons, including distraction (e.g., texting), impatience and anger, or simply because they’re in too much of a hurry to notice the dangers around them.

What to Do in the Event of a Truck Accident?

If you’re in an accident with a truck, do not attempt to move your vehicle or get out of it until the police arrive. If possible, stay inside and wait for help. Do not go near the truck or its driver, even if you think they’re hurt. Truck drivers are trained to help accident victims after their own safety has been addressed.

If there are other vehicles involved in the accident, make sure to keep your doors locked and do not leave your vehicle until you’re certain it is safe to do so. If someone tries to get into your car or truck through a window or door, call out that you have Informed the police and then resist any attempts to pull you out of your vehicle.

If you are able, take down the other driver’s license plate number so that the police can track them down if necessary. If they leave the scene before help arrives, or refuse to cooperate with authorities at all, it will be easier to hold them accountable for their actions.

Finally, if you are involved in an accident with a truck, seek medical help immediately and make sure to contact a trusted personal injury attorney as soon as you possibly can. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to cover up truck accidents, and that’s where a lawyer can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Are You a Victim of a Truck Accident in Odessa, TX?

If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident involving a truck, you may be entitled to compensation for all of the damages you’ve suffered. Dobbs Law Firm is a top-rated law firm in Odessa, TX that provides legal counsel to victims of truck accidents all over the state. 

They will handle all of the leg work and paperwork for you, allowing you to focus on getting better. Their team of expert and compassionate attorneys will hold the negligent parties accountable and make sure you get everything you need to move on with your life. Dobbs Law Firm has handled all kinds of accident cases, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and more. They understand the challenges involved in these cases, so they will do whatever it takes to help you achieve a successful outcome.

Contact Dobbs Law Firm today at (432) 580-0808 to schedule a free consultation with one of their experienced personal injury attorneys in Odessa, TX.

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